Experience the sensational Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi!

Where is the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi located?

As the name indicates, the Ithaafushi is located in the Maldives, right at the heart of the exotic archipelago. The unique thing about the Ithaafushi, is that this Waldorf Astoria property embraces its close location to the capital of Malé.

Situated on the South Malé Atoll, the resort’s care for a flawless customer experience begins even before the guests arrive at the hotel. As soon as they land at the Velana International Airport in Male, guests are quickly whisked away to the hotel’s private yacht. It’s just a short 45-minute trip (complete with canapés and drinks) or a short 15-minute seaplane flight to the resort, which feels cut off from the rest of the world despite its proximity to the capital.

The Ithaafushi’s Design, and Atmosphere

Opened in 2019, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers each guest their very own slice of tropical paradise in the Maldives. With a conservative 122 villas spread across three islets or 3.5 kilometers of pristine greenery and white sand beaches, the Ithaafushi is the epitome of island luxury in the Maldives. The resort also offers a unique experience, which is a 32,000-square-foot Private Island on the northern tip of the atoll.

Featuring a horizontal architecture that allows each guest to relish the gorgeous natural environs, the property was designed by Highness Engineering Consultants. The aim of the firm was to create a harmonious design that blurs the line between the stunning exteriors of the island setting with the interiors. The designers achieved this by incorporating as many natural materials as possible into the design of the resort, such as solid wood, thatched roofs, and a color palette that echoes the setting.

Meanwhile, the firm Stickman Tribe from Dubai was in charge of the interior design. The result is an interior that echoes the culture of the Maldives while also displaying the international influences of the Waldorf Astoria. For instance, each one of the 11 restaurants and bars of the hotel features a unique design that echoes their cuisine.

The overall experience is a resort sojourn that is the epitome of self-sufficiency. While the Robinson Crusoe-like experience might be used to describe the laid-back atmosphere and absolute privacy of the resort, the sojourn itself is exciting and immersive. With details such as each guest getting their own bike to wander freely around the island, or the many different spots and outlets available, the resort wants their guests to feel completely free and at ease, and it’s safe to say that they succeed!

Villas of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The 122 villas of the hotel are available in 3 options: beach, reef, and overwater. Rather self-explanatory, each type of villa offers a unique way of enjoying the Ithaafushi, but at the same level of comfort and luxury.

Indeed, designed by Highness, each villa features an open-plan setting, spacious, and open to the elements of the Maldives. With those large floor-to-ceiling windows (which often open onto oversized terraces with private pools) guests are able to enjoy plenty of light and fresh sea breeze. A setting perfect for summer vacations!

The interiors feature a modern and rather minimalist design with contemporary furniture, a luxurious bathroom with a stone freestanding bathtub, and Salvatore Ferragamo amenities. One of the things that caught our attention was the presence of hammocks out on the wooden decks, perfect for a lazy afternoon. For the beach villas, guests have their own little patch of private beach to enjoy as they wish!

The two Stella Maris Ocean Villas at 536 square-meters are the pride of the resort. Offering an intimate living area surrounded by the ocean, the villa comes with a chef’s service, a BBQ station, a hot tub, and is accessible only by boat.

Dining experiences at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

The culinary offering of the Ithaafushi is where the hotel truly demarcates itself from every other luxury address in the Maldives. With 11 restaurants, all featuring a unique cuisine style coupled with a gorgeous interior design, the Ithaafushi offers its guests the ultimate dining journey. Overseen by Executive Chef Ivan Alvarez, the Director of Culinary at the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, the F&B operation of the resort has the monumental task of not only giving a taste of various cuisines to the guests but also delivering the absolute best.

Terra, Yasmeen, Glow, Nava, Peacock Alley, Amber, The Rock, and Tasting Table, offer everything from an international 7-course menu in a treetop setting; an Arabian cuisine of Chef Karim, served within a gorgeous One Thousand and One Nights-esque setting; a garden-to-table gastronomy experience that combines wellness and taste in a uniquely crafted menu, to the perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking sunset while munching on Maldivian delicacies and sipping champagne.

Meanwhile, The Ledge by Dave Pynt, and Li Long offer two vastly singular experiences. Guests can choose between relishing the Australian barbeque dishes of Dave Pynt (Chef and owner of the Michelin-starred Burnt Ends in Singapore) or an authentic Shanghainese menu with views over the turquoise lagoon.

One of the most exciting restaurants at Ithaafushi is the new address unveiled by Zuma: Zuma Maldives. The globally-acclaimed Japanese brand brought its expertise and style to the Indian Ocean.

Casting a warm, golden glow upon the soothing waves of the lagoon, Zuma Maldives invites guests to partake in an authentic yet modern Izakaya dining experience.

Within a beautiful setting of bamboo, brass, and stone, relish the signature dishes of the restaurant such as the Miso-marinated Black cod wrapped in Hoba leaf; the spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chili and sweet soy; the grilled Chilean sea bass with green chili and ginger dressing; or the roasted lobster basted withshiso ponzu butter.

Wellness, Facilities, and Activities

The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi completes its offering with an impressive 107,000-square-foot spa facility. Taking inspiration from the elements, the Waldorf Astoria Spa dispenses its impressive array of massages and treatments in 10 treatment villas, including an overwater spa villa. Guests can embark on holistic, therapeutic journeys and enjoy signature treatments such as the Woods from the Surrounding or the Salt of the Earth.

Guests also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, an aqua wellness center as well as two communal pools (including an adult-only pool), a yoga pavilion, and, of course, a multitude of activities available. Enjoy various water activities such as windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and kayaking, among others. The resort also offers access to a private Tennis court and a Padel Tennis court

What we love about it:

• The warm and flawless staff, which manages to stay professional while also putting guests at ease very quickly.
• The 11 restaurants offer one of the most complete and surreal dining experiences of any resort, especially given how each one features a unique setting that transports the guests along with the cuisine.
• The sheer privacy is unbeatable.