The newly opened Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an ultra luxurious resort with beautiful villas, world-class dining venues, extraordinary experiences and unequalled views of the Indian Ocean.
As Hilton celebrates its 100th anniversary, the company is set to open a record number of hotel properties this year. Their latest offering is the bewitching Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a 30-minute yacht journey away from Malé International Airport. Maldives already has many amazing resorts and so Hilton knew their new hotel had to be extraordinary to stand out among all the rest. The resulting Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic property, an exclusive sanctuary spread across three interconnected islands. It is an all-villa resort with even an independent private island that can be accessed only via a yacht.
There are 121 villas on the resort and each one of them is luxuriously appointed and allows for expansive views of the ocean. The beach, reef and overwater villas either open on to white sandy beaches or a large deck with a private infinity pool that ends where the Indian ocean begins. Two Stella Maris Ocean Villas, accessible only via a boat, feature direct access to the ocean. The villas feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unparalleled views of the ocean and the Maldivian sky.
Etienne Dalancon, the General Manager of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, says these villas are perfect for a private viewing of the stars. “One thing I’d love to do if I were a guest, is to turn off all the lights in the villa at night, go to the upper floor terrace and look up at the stars. The experience is incredibly intimate and personal, made possible because of the exquisite exclusivity of each villa which allows guests to completely disconnect from the outside world.”
Then there is the entirely exclusive 32,000 square metre Ithaafushi Private Island, which is accessible only by yacht. Serviced by a dedicated chef and an entire concierge team, this private sanctuary is home to a four-bedroom residence, a three-bedroom beach villa and a two-bedroom overwater villa. The island has its own overwater spa and gym, five swimming pools, an entertainment centre and an entirely private, pristine beach.
Guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can dine at 11 world-class speciality dining venues, from private bamboo pods at Terra to Glow, an interactive, garden-to-table restaurant set in a greenhouse-like structure. They can savour authentic Middle Eastern flatbreads and dishes at Yasmeen, Peking duck inspired by Shanghainese noble residences at Li Long or barbeques at The Ledge, which interestingly is a product of the partnership of the resort with world-renowned Chef Dave Pynt, the talent behind Singapore’s Michelin-starred Burnt Ends.
Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton, shared, “Asia Pacific is enjoying a golden age of travel, and the launch of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is part of the growing momentum of Hilton’s Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio throughout the region. This is especially significant as the Maldives becomes an increasingly popular destination for global travelers. As the first international hotel brand to have opened in the Maldives over 21 years ago, it is especially fitting that this opening takes place as we celebrate Hilton’s 100th year milestone as a leader in global hospitality.”
For more information on Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi please visit waldorfastoriamaldives.com.