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If you're looking for the ultimate in luxurious holiday accommodation why bother staying in a conventional hotel? One of the most dramatic and indulgent ways of enjoying a stay by the ocean is staying in a water villa. These individual cabins of luxury on stilts, usually attached to the shore by a wooden walkway, are perfect for a romantic break where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping gently beneath you and wake up with the clear blue water beneath.
The Maldives comprises around 1,900 small, low-lying islands and atolls in the Indian Ocean, about 500 miles off the south coast of India. Just over two hundred of these land masses are inhabited and some of them are home to the most exclusive private hotel resorts in the world.
With all year round sunshine (this is the equator) and a gentle sea breeze, there's a general temperate climate of 29 - 32°C. This combined with the laid-back and friendly welcome from the locals means it's the perfect location for a relaxed and completely chilled out holiday. Plus, the ocean is so clean and warm, it's perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving.
Here's a guide to some of the finest water villas the Maldives has to offer. All prices are here are for a couple, full board for one week, not including transfers to the islands from the airport.
 This is an exclusive and immaculately presented island resort in a clear, blue, shallow lagoon. Just a few steps from the beach you'll find your water villa. With a private sunbathing deck of scrubbed timber and its own steps leading into the sea, this accommodation is exclusivity itself. There's a four poster bed, silk-finished furnishings and sumptuous bathroom poised over the lagoon – even a bath which overlooks the sea. The villas come complete with air-conditioning (of course), and your own private bar and espresso machine.
Baros caters in style, with half a dozen gourmet restaurants on the site. But you can also put in a request to dine anywhere on the island: barbeque on the beach for two, a Thai feast on the boardwalk, a picnic on a sandbank or a candle-lit banquet in a palm grove? The dedicated Baros team of chef and stewards takes care of it all.
A holiday at Bandos Maldives costs approx. £5,800 per week for two people in May.
 Two islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean are joined together by a vibrant coral reef and a lagoon. In this idllyic setting, you'll find a Hilton beach resort like no other!
In addition to the 50 luxurious water villas, there are also 21 'spa villas', which come complete with their own private treatment rooms. In addition to the spas, there are extensive facilities for enjoying sporting life above and below the surface of the water.
Winner of 'Best Resort in the World' award by the Sunday Times in 2005, this resort is popular with weddings and honeymooners. Why not add an unusual activity to your itinerary, like night fishing, a deserted island picnic, or a meal in the undersea restaurant?
A holiday staying in the Hilton Maldives Spa Water Villas costs approx. £5,300 per week for two people in May.
 While just as luxurious as the other water villas, the Kuredu Island Resort goes for sheer beauty and simplicity – miles of unspoiled beaches, clear blue water, exotic thatched bungalows and, of course, stunning accommodation over the water.
This secluded island is proud of its abundant local marine life and spectacular sunset views from the water cabins. The fully furnished villas include a variety of spaces to relax and enjoy the surroundings. From the veranda, the sundeck and the steps down into the lagoon you'll be able to spot baby reef-sharks learning to hunt and small rays resting in the quiet lagoon.
Either take a boat trip out to sea or, from the Sangu suite, at the very end of the island, you'll be treated to a 360 degree ocean view!
A holiday staying in the Kuredu Sangu Water Villa costs approx. £3,200 per week for two people in May (excluding food).
Ocean Haven Villa at the W Retreat and Spa
 This dynamic and modern water village seeks to be the ultimate in adaptable entertaining spaces. Whether you want to relax in luxurious privacy of the lavishly decorated accommodation or invite other guests to your quarters to enjoy the surroundings, the cocktails, the jacuzzi jets and the atmosphere: the choice is yours.
The distinction fades between interior and exterior in these villas, with floor to ceiling windows that slide away to reveal the scenic views, an indoor/outdoor lounge area and glass-panelled floors that reveal lagoon fauna below. It's exquisite, modern and stylish. Their motto is chill in style. And that's exactly what you get.
A holiday staying at the Ocean Haven Villa at the W Retreat and Spa costs approx. £8,100 per week for two people in May.
Soneva Gili
 Soneva Gili sits in one of the largest natural lagoons in the Maldives. Six Senses, a company famed the world over for pampering its guests within an inch of their lives, has a resort here, comprising private water villas linked together by jetties. But the best stand completely on their own in the water (rooted to the ocean bed, obviously). All guests can dine in their own villa if they like.
Guests staying here can enjoy the floating sun decks: sunbathe in style and privacy, while floating on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. But it isn't all isolation. There are nine places to eat out serving traditional Maldivian food and high-quality international cuisine.
If all that sunshine and sea view is too much, there's also plenty to occupy you from watersports, tai chi, yoga and a day spa. Or meet up with friends at the weekly beach cocktail party.
A holiday staying at the Soneva Gili costs approx. £5,900 per week for two people in May.
Taj Exotica
 This hotel prides itself on being one of the most romantic places to stay in the world. The large serene lagoon, pristine sandy beach, lush tropical surroundings and contemporary luxuries make this an ideal place to relax and recharge. Experience the ultimate in pampering by taking advantage of the authentic Indian Jiva Grand spa, a blend of ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary therapies.
Outside of the resort, take a sea-based trip exploring islands or a sunset cruise. Visit the Maldivian village fishing experience or tackle the open seas for big game fishing and casting.
A holiday staying at the Taj Exotica costs approx. £4,300 per week for two people in May.
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