Canapés and champagne flow freely as you’re whisked on a private yacht across glittering waters towards the resort. Even before arrival, the tone is set against this idyllic backdrop for an indulgent barefoot hideaway where attention to detail is second to none. Elegance is the buzzword here as guests live out their star-studded dreams.
Awash in the space and seclusion that both families and couples covet — with some villas spanning not one, but three private islands — play under the sun or kick back and relax surrounded by the bliss of the bluest sky without impacting on the far-flung feel of this slice of paradise.
Two Bedroom Reef Villa
Three Bedroom Beach Villa
Nava Restaurant
Yasmeen Restaurant
Lilong Restaurant
Three Bedroom Overwater Villa
King Grand Overwater Villa
Lagoon Pool
Grand Beach Villa
Glow Restaurant
Overwater Villa Jacuzzi
The airport and bustling capital are under an hour’s sail away, but you’d never know it. Every inch of the resort begs relaxation and quality time, and although expansive by Maldivian standards, Ithaafushi has an air of intimacy about it.
Frequented by all ages of the discerning crowd, grown-ups often tuck themselves away in the cocktail bars or their private pools, looked after by butlers seeming gifted with foresight. Those with younger ones in tow, however, are usually found out and about, gearing up to take to the water whether on a paddleboard, in a kayak, or to discover the marine life during a spot of snorkelling.
Home to 11 exclusive dining settings, Waldorf Astoria not only caters for its own guests, but often sees those from surrounding resorts venturing to Ithaafushi to sample its cuisine. Pinch-me culinary moments come at Terra with its romantic hand-crafted bamboo dining pods set in the treetops. And at poolside spot The Ledge, Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt serves up Australian inspired wood-fire barbecued meats. Like all of Waldorf Astoria’s properties, this Indian Ocean outpost also has a Peacock Alley tapas and saxophone lounge — a charming nod to their debut hotel in NYC.
Surrender yourself to the Ithaafushi’s pioneering Wellness Concierge — the first in the Maldives — offering an innovative consultation process before you choose from a menu of serene spa treatments (inspired by the natural elements of earth, water, fire and metal), or from an array of invigorating yoga and fitness classes.
At Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, the adventures aren’t just for grown-ups. A jam-packed timetable at their Stars Club for children embraces everything from snorkelling to cookery classes. The outdoor area is wonderfully shaded so kids can make the most of the trampoline, monkey bars and other playthings all day. And the excellent staff who entertain your little ones during the day could even be looking after them in the evenings if you avail yourselves of the resort’s excellent babysitting service.
Rounding up the relatives is also made blissfully easy here. A hop, skip and a jump away from the main resort lies Ithaafushi The Private Island , the largest exclusive-use island in the region. And it just so happens to be in the Waldorf family.
One for the foodies this island may be, but culinary daydreams aren’t confined to its pearly sands. Dubai is often overlooked as simply a stop en route, but book-ending a Maldivian escape with this pioneering city showcases delicacies hard to find anywhere else. Alternatively, a spot of island-hopping tickles the tastebuds on neighbouring atolls. If you’re looking for a place to end on a high though, we’d recommend that Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi be the cherry on top.
For all its calm waters and emphasis on relaxation, some may be surprised to learn that the Maldives loves a party. If there is one time to experience its electric atmosphere, make it the 2024 festive period. Where the resorts burst into a world of colourful celebrations and delectable dinners, and the sand banks become Santa’s grotto.
Flying over this islet, it looks like any other Maldivian paradise; but from the daily adventures to what happens beneath the villa gables, this is island living on your own terms.
On secluded Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll, there’s a well-being wonderland masquerading as an island, where what some thought impossible has been built – a hotel concept the Maldives hasn’t seen before.
Classic luxury entwines with modern escapism at arguably the Maldives’ premier address – this is a glamorous island hideout for ritzy-glitzy beach goers.
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