Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a resort of excess. The largest villas, the largest private island, 11 restaurants and bars, and just 20 minutes from the airport. If you want "everything at once"—Waldorf Astoria delivers.
Scale
Ithaafushi spans three islands totaling 54 hectares. This is the largest private island resort in the Maldives. For comparison, typical resorts cover 5-10 hectares.
Opened in 2019 as Hilton's Maldives flagship. 122 villas—each minimum 280 sqm. No "standard" rooms.
Airport Proximity
Ithaafushi's main advantage: 20-minute yacht ride from airport. No seaplanes. Arrive any time of day. Perfect for business travelers.
Villas
Beach Villa with Pool—from $2,000/night. 390 sqm. Yes, this is entry-level. 12m pool, jacuzzi, outdoor shower.
Reef Villa with Pool—from $2,500/night. 472 sqm, direct house reef access.
Overwater Villa with Pool—from $3,000/night. 335 sqm, infinity pool over ocean, glass floor.
Grand Beach Villa—from $5,500/night. 780 sqm, two bedrooms, two pools.
Stella Maris Ocean Villa—from $8,000/night. 900 sqm, three bedrooms over water. Named after original New York Waldorf Astoria.
Ithaafushi Private Island—$35,000+/night. An entire island: 32,000 sqm, up to 24 guests, 6 bedrooms, private spa, 2 pools. For those who find villas insufficient.
11 Restaurants
Waldorf Astoria doesn't joke about gastronomy:
Terra—signature restaurant. Tasting menu from $250.
Tasting Table—main restaurant. Breakfast and dinner.
Yasmeen—Arabic cuisine. Terrace restaurant with sunset views.
Li Long—Chinese cuisine. Dim sum, Peking duck.
The Ledge by Dave Pynt—collaboration with Singapore's Burnt Ends (1 Michelin star). BBQ and open fire.
Amber—Japanese cuisine. Omakase, sake bar.
Tangled—Italian trattoria. Pasta, pizza, gelato.
Peacock Alley—iconic Waldorf bar. Afternoon tea tradition.
Rock—poolside bar. Burgers, salads.
Plus private dining options on beach and in-villa.
Spa
Waldorf Astoria Spa occupies its own island—2,000 sqm. Overwater and garden pavilions. Signature treatments, hammam, hydrotherapy. Prices from $200.
Activities
Diving—PADI center. South Malé Atoll nearby.
Snorkeling—excellent house reef, especially at Reef Villas.
Yachting—own yacht club. Sunset cruise, fishing, island hopping.
Fitness—two gyms, tennis, padel, boxing.
Kids Club—ages 4-12. Outdoor adventures, water activities.
Who It's For
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is ideal for:
— Business travelers (close to airport)
— Foodies (11 restaurants!)
— Large families and groups (3-6 bedroom villas)
— Those wanting "the ultimate"
— Celebrations: weddings, anniversaries
Not for:
— Barefoot casual style seekers (more formal here)
— Those wanting remote atoll experience
— Budget travelers
2025 Prices
— Beach Villa with Pool: from $2,000/night
— Overwater Villa with Pool: from $3,000/night
— Stella Maris Ocean Villa: from $8,000/night
— Ithaafushi Private Island: from $35,000/night
Prices include breakfast. Half-board and full-board available.
Tips
— Try The Ledge—unique experience
— Reef Villa offers best villa snorkeling
— Book sunset yacht cruise
— Afternoon tea at Peacock Alley is tradition
— Ithaafushi Island can be booked for single dinner
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is a resort without compromise. Everything is big, everything is included, and everything is top-tier. If budget is unlimited—you're home.
