The elegant Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort opens on 01 July 2019, and it’s bound to get as much attention as every other one of the hotels and resorts owned by this luxury hospitality brand. Baroque Travel finds out all the details
Escape to the Maldives this summer and book a stay at the brand new Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort, which is taking bookings from 01 July 2019. This exquisite resort is set over three private islands, just half an hour from Male International Airport by yacht. It offers every superlative facility including a choice of restaurants, a world-class lifestyle Spa and every possible sports and adventure activity imaginable. Of course, in true Waldorf Astoria style, everything is personalized to guests’ wishes to ensure an exclusive luxury experience.
Guests can stay in a choice of accommodation that includes 122 one, 2 and 3-bedroom beach, reef and overwater villas set in different locations on the islands. Families are welcome, and the resort features the Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park, a water recreation area that caters to children with a variety of enriching activities. You can even get married at this new Maldives resort – there’s a romantic pavilion built especially for such an occasion.
Each villa is a secluded, private enclave with an infinity pool on an outdoor terrace and stunning ocean views, not to mention 65-inch HDTVs and sound systems. All villas offer a sumptuous bedroom with walk-in wardrobe leading into a master bathroom with tub as well as generous indoor/outdoor spaces to relax in. There’s a pavilion for al fresco dining, a hammock or overwater net to laze in and an outdoor shower. Some also offer expansive living rooms.
The 2 sumptuous Waldorf Residences at the resort are only accessible by boat. These 2-level overwater villas offer panoramic sea views and a versatile living area with grill, plus the services of an in-villa private chef. There are 5 bedrooms over the 2 villas, offering the ultimate in style and privacy for up to 10 guests.
Facilities at the resort offer endless opportunities for fun in the sun, from exploring its own private reef while snorkelling to scuba diving, fishing, sailing, wind surfing – you name it. And let’s not forget the Spa, an oasis of serenity and privacy offering treatment villas, some overwater, and a selection of crafted treatments and wellness programs to pamper the most discerning guest.
Dining at this new resort is one of the highlights of a visit here, with numerous options including a unique experience dining in a bamboo cocoon at the treetop restaurant, Terra. Guests enjoy myriad global flavors including Middle Eastern delights at Yasmeen and authentic Chinese dishes at Li Long. Gourmet breakfasts are the order of the day at the Tasting Table, and lunch at Tangled is sure to be popular; it offers delectable Asian dishes. Then there’s The Rock, with a unique setting amongst the boulders, that specializes in pairing food and wine; The Ledge, a poolside venue with a leisurely grilled lunch or dinner; Glow, a farm to table establishment specializing in healthy and holistic cuisine and Peacock Alley, a serene lounge with live music and stunning ocean views.
Of course, there’s more… the resort’s signature bar, Amber, is ideal for chilled champagne, gourmet canapés and a cocktail shisha, and Nava is a pool and beach club featuring all sorts of entertainment, including live music and a DJ that guests can enjoy with a light meal and a handcrafted cocktail.