10 of the most luxurious villas in the Indian Ocean

We’ve handpicked 10 of the most incredible villas in the Indian Ocean that define holiday perfection. We're talking over-the-top luxury, innovative designs and more space than you'll know what to do with, all wrapped up in breathtaking scenery.

Whether it’s a romantic retreat, family getaway or a bucket-list honeymoon, these villas will leave you speechless.

Beach Residence, Milaidhoo Maldives

Located in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (a prime spot for whale watching), Milaidhoo’s Beach Residences take barefoot luxury off the scale. With 490 m² to yourself, it’s a private haven perfect for uninterrupted laps in your infinity pool or lounging on the expansive deck. Rinse off in the open-air shower, then have your butler shake up a batch of frozen margaritas as the sun melts into the horizon.

Inclusions: Dedicated chef and butler, bottle of Champagne on arrival, wine chiller, personalised gifts, bespoke cruise, private outdoor cinema night

Exclusive Suite Pool Villa, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius

At Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, it’s all about first-class pampering. Each villa has its own heated pool – just the spot to unwind while taking in the stunning views of Tamarin Bay. Inside, it's all about laid-back luxury, with rich wood accents, elegant Mauritian art and a deep tub made for rose petal soaks. And island adventures get a stylish upgrade here – think chauffeured sightseeing in a Rolls Royce Phantom, complete with a decadent beach picnic.

Inclusions: Butler service, heated pool, home cinema sound system, stocked minibar, Bvlgari amenities

Presidential Villa, Constance Lemuria Seychelles

Set in the most exclusive spot within the resort, the Presidential Villa at Constance Lemuria Seychelles is the holiday home of dreams – ideal for a big blowout family celebration. As a Leading Hotel of the World, it offers all the indulgences you'd expect, plus a few celeb-approved must-haves: multiple swimming pools, a private beach and a personal massage pavilion, along with your own staff and security. And for the final flourish, a private chef can whip up gourmet meals for intimate family gatherings.

Inclusions: Personal massage pavilion, private beach, three swimming pools, a dedicated villa master, sauna and steam bath

Ocean Pool Villa, Kandolhu Maldives

Kandolhu Maldives is all about boutique luxury, and the Ocean Pool Villas deliver just that. These overwater villas have a seamless connection to the ocean, with steps leading straight into the lagoon and a glass-walled bathroom where you can watch the sunset from the jetted bathtub. Inside, soft, natural tones that bring the outside in. And for underwater explorers, the complimentary GoPro ensures you capture every coral and sea turtle sighting.

Inclusions: Direct ocean access, private plunge pool, in-villa wine chiller stocked with over 30 wines (ultimate inclusions only), GoPro for underwater shots

Contemporary Villa, Haritha Villas + Spa, Sri Lanka

Cocooned by swaying palms and tropical flora and fauna, Haritha Villas + Spa could easily grace the pages of Architectural Digest. The sleek, contemporary villas – with their grass-topped roofs and stylish minimalist design – slip into the jungle like they’ve always belonged. Wake to the sound of birdsong, cool off in your private pool then venture out to spot macaques in the rainforest or master the waves at Hikkaduwa. After a day of discovery, return to your little oasis for farm-to-table feasts and Ayurvedic treatments that’ll have you floating on air.

Inclusions: Private pool, butler service, treetop views, pillow menu

Two Bedroom Pool Villa, Heritage The Villas, Mauritius

Wonderful for families or groups, the two, three and four-bedroom villas at Heritage The Villas are set among groomed gardens on the historic Bel Ombre estate. You’ll have all the comforts of home, five-star perks like two luxury resorts and a championship golf course close by as well as endless activities to keep everyone happy. Fire up the grill for a poolside BBQ or jump in your private golf buggy and cruise over to the resort’s top restaurants – our picks are Zafarani for bold Indian flavours and Gin’ja for sensational sushi.

Inclusions: Unlimited green fees, access to Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort and Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, kids’ and teens clubs

Panoramic Pool Villa, Raffles Seychelles

One of Praslin’s hottest addresses, Raffles Seychelles is all about the views, and the Panoramic Pool Villas give you a front-row seat. Perched high above lush forests and a caster-sugar-sand beach, these villas have a roomy terrace for afternoon siestas and a private pool where you can gaze at the shimmering seascapes. With in-villa dining and massages on call, you might never want to leave – but it’s worth a wander into the resort hub for creative Creole cuisine and takamaka rum cocktails.

Inclusions: Non-motorised watersports, private pool, daily treats, yoga mat, art easel

Sunset Crusoe Residence, Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

If Robinson Crusoe hit the jackpot, this is where he’d live. The Sunset Crusoe Residences are the ultimate overwater hideaway, completely secluded and only reachable by boat. Crafted from sustainably sourced timber, these ultra-private villas attract the rich and famous for their exclusivity and personalised service. We love the secret roof terrace, where you can sleep under the stars on a four-poster bed and you have your very Mr or Mrs Friday to make your stay smooth sailing from start to finish.

Inclusions: Private butler (Mr/Ms. Friday), overwater hammock, private boat, bamboo bicycles

Beachfront One Bedroom Villa, Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa

The phrase ‘Heaven on Earth’ comes to mind at Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas. These adorable beachfront boltholes sit on vast garden plots, split between two buildings and framed by a curved private pool and powdery sands. Bask in the African sun on the rooftop terrace, sway in a hammock strung between palm trees and cap off the day with a luxurious bath under the stars. And when you’re feeling adventurous, try kite surfing, snorkel in vibrant reefs or stroll through the maze-like streets of Stone Town.

Inclusions: Butler service, welcome gifts, snorkelling gear, complimentary activities, use of sauna, hot tub and steam room

Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villa, Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Niyama is a twin-island playground where grown-up luxury meets imaginative fun. Kids have endless ways to stay entertained, from honing their culinary skills in a Junior Master Chef class and snorkelling with marine life to going wild at the Explorers kids' club (one of the biggest in the Maldives). After a day of adventures, head back ‘home’ to your Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villa, complete with a private pool for inflatable antics and an in-villa popcorn machine for cosied-up family movie nights.

Inclusions: Private pool, direct beach access, in-villa popcorn machine

This feature was created on 3rd October 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. Feature by Heather Flanagan.