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A perennial favorite amongst celebrities, politicians, royalty, and elite travelers, this iconic hotel brand has long been an industry leader in high-end stays. Now under the umbrella of Hilton Worldwide, their opulent accommodations and amenities in jaw-dropping locations, combined with unparalleled service, spas, dining, and activities, continues to carry the Waldorf Astoria legacy into their third century of operation!
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives, located on the private island of Ithaafushi, certainly lives up to the brand reputation. While it comes with a hefty price tag, it is well worth the cost for anyone really looking to spoil themselves with the ultimate, perhaps even once-in-a-lifetime hotel experience in one of the world's most naturally stunning destinations.
Pure Bliss: What To Expect At The Waldorf Astoria Maldives
For those unfamiliar with the Maldives, its collection of islands and atolls comprise one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring locations in the world. It is also one of the most aquatic, with 99% of the Maldives covered by the ocean! There are over 5000 live coral reefs and, as one would imagine, an abundance of unique sea life, all easily visible through the crystal-clear waters. It is a true tropical paradise.
Located on the private island of Ithaafushi, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives resort offers unparalleled exclusiveness and luxury. In the short time since its opening in July 2019, it has already won dozens of awards and accolades from respected industry publications such as Forbes and Travel+Leisure.
The Villa Collection: Rooms, Amenities, And Rates
Regardless of the specific villa option, guests will be in heaven on earth. The spaces are stunning, and the scenery too; all villas enjoy panoramic topical views, and each one has its own private pool. Each villa also comes with a complimentary one-hour photography session to capture the memories in paradise. Expect a one-bedroom villa to average around 3000 square feet of living space, with two-bedroom and three-bedroom options more than double and triple this size.
The standard amenities featured across all of these 5-star accommodations include extra touches such as bathrobes and slippers, blackout drapes, deep-soaking bathtubs, and complimentary toiletries. There is even a pillow menu with eight premium Tempur-brand pillows to choose from. Daily housekeeping and a nightly turndown service are also provided.
Below is an overview of the breathtaking villa options on offer and how much it will cost to stay at Waldorf Astoria Maldives.
Reef Villas
Each one of the Reef Villas offers an incredible over-water terrace complete with a dining gazebo, hammock, and infinity pool. They are all equipped with ladders that allow guests to go directly from their deck down into the turquoise sea below! The other side of the villa is surrounded by lush green gardens.
- Room types/floor plans: five different options to choose from that sleep between 4 - 6 guests.
- One-bedroom villas: starting from $3380 USD/night
- Two-bedroom villas: starting from $7600 USD/night
Overwater Villas
As the name implies, these villas boast 360-degree ocean views, as they are fully surrounded by (and on top of) the water. There are even portions of glass flooring incorporated into the room construction, so guests can see the coral and sea life under the water that's just beneath their feet!
- Room types/floor plans: six different options to choose from that sleep between 4 - 9 guests
- One-bedroom villas: starting from $2300 USD/night
- Two-bedroom villas: starting from $8100 USD/night
- Three-bedroom villas: starting from approximately $19,500 USD/night
Beach Villas
Located just steps away from the sand, the beach villas are equally magnificent while featuring easy ocean access (and ocean views). These villas are an ideal option for anyone traveling with children, as there is less of a safety risk. The lush vegetation provides natural privacy, and the infinity pools are surrounded by huge decks equipped with gazebos, dining areas, daybeds, and more.
- Room types/floor plans: seven different options to choose from that sleep between 4 - 9 guests
- One-bedroom villas: starting from $2675 USD/night
- Two-bedroom villas: starting from $8400 USD/night
- Three-bedroom villas: starting from $26,500 USD/night
Stella Maris Ocean Villa
The ultimate in elegance and luxury, this ultra-exclusive retreat can only be accessed by boat. Words simply cannot do justice in describing this intimate escape.
- Room types/floor plans: two villas available that each sleep up to 3 guests
- Rates: starting from $6200 USD/night
All listed 'starting from' room rates are based off of an average of mid-week prices during various months.
Activities In And Around The Resort
While one could easily never leave the comfort of their glorious villa, the resort has so much more to take advantage of. Whether it's shopping, sports, or self-care, guests will have no problem finding the perfect way to pass the days (and nights).
Wine and Dine
There are 11 specialty restaurants within the resort offering a diverse range of cuisine and ambiance. Enjoy relaxed sophistication to formal elegance with everything from alfresco oceanfront dining, a floating sushi bar, and treetop bamboo pods to sleek cocktail lounges and even an exclusive open-by-request-only option, just to name a few. All restaurants provide a world-class culinary experience with innovative menus curated by master chefs.
Health and Wellness
Whether your idea of self-care is going hard in the gym or being pampered in the spa, the resort has got it covered. With the Waldorf Astoria Spa named the best spa in the Maldives, it is an absolute must-try.
- Spa services and hours: massages, facial and body treatments, manicure/pedicure, make-up application, and full-service hair salon offering cut/color/styling. Open daily from 9 AM - 9 PM.
Waldorf Astoria's Aqua Wellness Centre is the Maldives' first, offering a hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain, steam room, and sauna. There is also a fully-equipped 24-hour gym and fitness center with personal trainers, as well as yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes. Tennis enthusiasts of all levels can hit the courts; the resident tennis pro was ranked among the top 100 in the world.
Fun in the Sun
Obviously, there is no shortage of aquatic activities to partake in, all of which can be arranged through the resort.
- Non-motorized ocean sports: sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, paddle boating, windsurfing.
- Surfing: seasoned surfers will love the island's outer reef breaks, while novices can take a lesson with one of the resort's experienced instructors.
- Diving: as one of the world's premier scuba destinations, there are tons of nearby dive sites catering to every skill level.
- Snorkeling: even those who prefer to stick a bit closer to surface level will be mesmerized by what can be seen through a snorkel mask in the Maldives.
Getting To Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Now that everyone is ready to run away to paradise, it's time to talk logistics of how to get to Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Guests will fly into Velana International Airport (VIA), located on Hulhulé Island. This is often referred to as Male International Airport due to its proximity to the capital city of Male, so just be aware that it is, in fact, the same airport. It is the main transit hub for all Maldives tourism, with ample flights and connections to/from many destinations worldwide.
From the airport, the island of Ithaafushi is a 40-minute yacht journey away. If there are other guests arriving within the same hour, the transfer in the resort's yacht will be shared. Private yacht transfers are also available on request. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by their personal concierge, ready to ensure that no need goes unmet.
While a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives resort may put a significant dent in the wallet, every aspect of the experience makes for a truly unforgettable vacation-of-a-lifetime.