Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

We spent 5 nights at this magnificent resort, a year after our first stay, and decided to return to celebrate a round birthday. This time, we were lucky enough to stay in a Grand Reef Villa (number 311) and a Grand Overwater Villa (number 139). We even experienced the amazing Stella Maris villa. We checked in very early after a totally private yacht ride. As Diamond members, the resort was kind enough to ask whether we’d like to have breakfast before getting some well needed sleep, and of course we said yes. Our first villa was a magnificent Grand Reef one, which differs from the “basic” Reef Villa by an extra living room. All the great features of the room were still there – 2 TV’s, a dining table, an incredible bath tub, a shower, an outdoor shower, Aesop toiletries and a private pool. The villa was very central and within a short bike/buggy ride to reception and the breakfast place. Our second villa was at the other end of the resort – a wonderful identical villa, but an overwater one. Everything was the same other than the outdoor shower, which was on a deck and not in the outdoor garden. As always, breakfast at the Tasting Table was SUPERB. We had a nice dinner at Yasmeen, the Arabic restaurant, a rather too-noisy-for-us dinner at Zuma and 3 wonderful dinners at The Tasting Table. We never skipped the afternoon happy hour at Peacock Alley, which was lovely. Ocean Day was celebrated at the resort during our stay and featured extra food during happy hour, an interesting marine biologist lecture and participating in an actual planning of choral, which was fantastic. The pools (all family and adult only) were wonderful, as were the beaches. We found the best snorkeling experience to be over the reef opposite villa 311 and villas 137 and 139. The entire staff and managers at the resort were beyond amazing and made sure this birthday is never forgotten (fruit, cakes, band dedicating a song, cards and most importantly – a genuine smile). Thank you, it was AMAZING. Bottom line – this is, without a doubt, the very best property on the Waldorf Astoria portfolio, we were sad to leave, but we’re returning next year for a third visit. If you ever plan to visit the Maldives just once, this is BY FAR your best choice. Highly recommended!

Perfect place to enjoy your vacation. Our villa was super big and always very clean. The food was always delicious and the cuisine options were varied so every day we could enjoy our meals at different restaurant. Stuff was always friendly and helpful especially our personal concierge Zach who took an excellent care of us!! Our private dinner on the beach was prepared with every little detail. Lots of different sports activities and spa treatments. One of the most unforgettable trips we had in our lives.