Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives

Raised on stilts above the lagoon, this 71-square-metre overwater villa pairs natural-wood interiors with a private sun deck, where loungers and a ladder give direct entry to the water below. The king bedroom opens to panoramic Indian Ocean views, and the en-suite carries a double vanity, rain shower and a bathtub framing the horizon. Sleeps two.

Set on stilts above Emboodhu Finolhu's broad lagoon, this overwater villa offers an enhanced, contemporary interior with a king bed and a comfortable lounge area. A private sundeck furnished with loungers and an outdoor dining setting frames open lagoon views, while a ladder leads straight from the deck into the turquoise water. Accommodates up to three guests.

Raised on stilts above Taj Exotica's expansive lagoon, this overwater villa opens to a private deck with a freshwater plunge pool and a shaded day-bed, with steps descending straight into turquoise water. Inside, a king bedroom and a double-vanity bathroom with rain shower and bathtub frame uninterrupted lagoon views — an intimate retreat for two.

Raised on stilts above one of the Maldives' largest lagoons, this 71 sqm palm-thatched overwater villa faces the sunrise. A private sundeck with loungers steps straight into the turquoise water by ladder, while inside a king bed and a twin-vanity bathroom with rain shower and lagoon-view tub anchor a calm retreat for two.

Island-edge villa with a private pool, private sundeck, and garden retreat with dawn views across the lagoon.

Expansive beachfront suite for families or groups with two bedrooms, a large private infinity pool, and sweeping ocean views.

Taj Exotica's most exclusive address is a two-bedroom overwater residence set above the lagoon, with a master suite, separate guest bedroom and his-and-hers bathrooms across 500 square metres. Expansive living and dining salas open to a private freshwater pool and a sun deck where a hammock is suspended over the water, framed by panoramic Indian Ocean views.