Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi Maldives is one of the newest properties in the Maldives opened in late 2019. Approximately 40 mins by speedboat from the Male International Airport, this beautiful island resort is situated off the edge of South Male Atoll. Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is definitely one of the longest Island resorts I’ve ever been to, spamming over 3.8 km from one end to the other. Most island resorts in the Maldives only have one main pool on the island, however, with so much space here at Waldorf Astoria, there are 2 main pools, one for families and one long enough for swimming laps!
Accommodations
There are 119 villas across 3 islands here at Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi ranging from 1 - 3 bedroom beach, reef, and overwater villas, and all with a private pool, swing beds and direct access to the beautiful lagoon! What I love most about the villas here at Waldorf is that they are all very spacious, even the smallest villas are very roomy and comfortable. The island is very lush, there are lots of plantations everywhere, even on the path leading towards all the water villas.
There are two stand alone villas called Stella Maris Ocean Villa with Pool that is only accessible by boat, guests won’t need to leave their villa as there’s even a kitchen where they can have a chef come and prepare their meals.
Every villa is assigned to its individual butler, so guests can contact their butler for any questions that they have including restaurants reservations, spa treatment, excursions, and buggy rides around the island.
Activities + Spa
Here at Waldorf Astoria Maldives, there are a wide range of fitness classes and water sports activities for guests to choose from. Guests from all ages can find activities that are suitable and of their interests. I highly recommend going out on a snorkeling excursions as some of the nearby reefs are really beautiful! And not far away from the resort there are also private sandbanks, ship wreck snorkel site, etc…
For guests who are staying at reef and overwater villas, they can also reserve a beach side cabana, there are four lagoon cabanas thats located all around the lagoon pool and mirror pool, offering privacy for a day in the sun.
Wellness and Spa is also one of the highlights and must try here at Waldorf Astoria, its got one of Maldives’ first ever wellness concierge service, delivering customized care and personalized approach tailor to each guests, focusing to deliver the 3 goals: relaxing, rebalancing, and results.
Restaurants and Bars
Having visited many island resorts in Maldives, I have to say Waldorf Astoria offers some of best culinary experiences in the Indian Ocean. With over 12 dining options in one resort, guests can enjoy cuisine from all around the world.
Terra, a tree top restaurant, one of the seven treetop bamboo nests, only opens for dinner, featuring the world’s finest ingredients, such as Miyazake Wagyu Beef, and Alba White Truffle, complemented by an extensive collection of premium wines. Everything on the menu is carefully curated and beautifully presented, I’d say guests are in for a gastronomical dining experience.
Yasmeen, serves Levant cuisine in a heritage Arabian village. There are a lot of small bites and dishes that allows guests to try out many dishes, savor pipping hot Saj bread baked in a traditional oven, mezzes and different charcoal grilled meat and seafood.
Li Long, Chinese cuisine inspired by Shanghainese noble residences, it is the only Chinese restaurant in Maldives that offers signature Peking duck roasted in Maldive’s first classic wood-fired oven. Paired with speciality Chinese tea from the finest tea collection, and lots of authentic dishes!
Tasting Table, an open theater kitchen, opens for breakfast and dinner. Offers international menu.
The Rock, extensive wine cellar of the finest New World favorites and Old World classics. There’s a 200 year old Jarrah wood dining table in a cave-like dining room built from Jordanian limestone. Offers exclusive wine and dine experience for 12 guests.
The Ledge by Dave Pynt, also one of our favorites, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore, brings a modern touch of Australian barbecue style to the Maldives.
Glow, a garden to table concept in the greenhouse ambience, many of the ingredients are grown locally on the island. Well-being cuisine made with fresh ingredients and complemented by a range of organic, biodynamic, sustainable and natural wines, as well as healthy, detoxifying drinks.
Peacock Alley, live music and bar that serves hand-crafted, signature barrel-aged cocktails, wines and tapas.
Amber, perfect spot to watch sunset, relaxing Champagne bar.
Nava, the perfect lunch spot by the main beach, serves fresh seafood, and small bites, pasta, pizza, and all types of small bites. There’s also live DJ, pool tables and lounge area for guests to enjoy and relax.
Shimizu, a Japanese restaurant that focuses on serving locally sourced lobster and fish. Chef Andrei Palm was the former Chef at Nobu in South Africa, he brought his signature touches such as Jalapeno Miso Sauce with Rock Shrimp, etc… Shimizu also has an extensive premium sake selection to choose from, or many Japanese Whiskeys!
