The overwater villas at Angsana Velavaru sit right out in the middle of the coral reef, which means you actually have to take a boat to get there. It runs roughly once an hour from the island, so not really a problem, but the idea still felt rather remote to us. So when we found out, we wrote off the option of staying out there, simply because it felt too isolated.
BUT… I can promise you that changed.
When we were a little over halfway through our holiday, we booked a table for dinner at the restaurant out by the overwater villas.
We took the boat across, and the crossing took no more than 5 minutes, a lovely little trip. And when we stepped “ashore” onto the jetty, oh wow… We were completely blown away. It was SO beautiful, even in the dark.
The villas are large and handsome, beautifully lit by lamps along the jetty, and so is the water all the way around it, giving you a direct view of the corals and the colourful life beneath the surface.
The villas are well spaced out, so there is plenty of air around you, and you feel in no way “hemmed in” or isolated.
Halfway through dinner (it couldn’t happen fast enough ;-)), we messaged our contact to say we would love to try an overwater villa if at all possible, and luckily it was.
We booked a 2-bedroom overwater villa. Once again we had to dig a little deeper into our pockets (the overwater villas cost more than the beach villas), but it turned out to be the very best decision of the whole holiday.
We spent our last 3 nights in an overwater villa, and I have truly never experienced anything like it.
Living right out on the water, cut off from the island, with the surroundings, the sea, all of it: it was fantastic from start to finish.
The villas have rooftop terraces, high ceilings, huge windows and the most beautiful light. They are big and spacious, and simply so beautifully furnished.
The outdoor area is every bit as wonderful: a private pool, a large terrace and, as mentioned, a rooftop terrace too.
We didn’t miss going over to the island at all in the 4 days we were there. The days were spent in the sea, in the pool and simply sitting and enjoying the ocean and the view.
Being in the middle of a coral reef, the marine life was incredible. We saw so many sharks, beautiful colourful fish, different kinds of rays, turtles and octopuses. There was always something to look at.
On top of that, we enjoyed all our meals at the restaurant out there: a superb à la carte menu, with food and drinks included in the All Dine package, and once again the absolute loveliest staff.
We had a dedicated waiter assigned to us, and he was simply wonderful.
So what would we choose next time? Well, we are dreaming a little of a future trip including some island hopping, so 6 days at Angsana and 6 days on another island.
And we would 100% go for an overwater villa for all 6 days, or failing that, 2 days on the beach and 4 days on the water. It really was beyond words out there.
