Waldorf Astoria Is Opening Their First Property in the Maldives
The Maldives are already known for tropical luxury, but Waldorf Astoria is kicking it up a notch.
A stay at the new Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, opening July 1, starts will an airport transfer via the resort’s fleet of private yachts — and that’s just the beginning.
The property stretches across three private islands, with 122 villas boasting a beach, reef or overwater location. The overwater villas each have an infinity pool, dining gazebo, and outdoor deck with swinging daybed.
![Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OUv5J8WJmgG2KLEXK7fVxA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/tardis/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-image.travelandleisure.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F1557419003%2Fwaldorf-astoria-maldives-overwater-villa-WAMAL0519.jpg&w=1000&f=jpg&q=80)
Guests looking for extra privacy (and luxury) can reserve an entire island with two villas, five swimming pools, an overwater spa, and cinema, as well as a dedicated team of chefs.
![Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XYwyWilKrUypKaskf8eFgQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/tardis/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-image.travelandleisure.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F1557419003%2Fwaldorf-astoria-maldives-ithaafushi-nava-kids-club-WAMAL0519.jpg&w=1000&f=jpg&q=80)
![Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Rb9ZhqGm6fQYvOAQW1Si5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/tardis/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-image.travelandleisure.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F1557419003%2Fwaldorf-astoria-maldives-ithaafushi-bedroom-WAMAL0519.jpg&w=1000&f=jpg&q=80)
![Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DYQ5DlPmxKIOteA85am0Fg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/tardis/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-image.travelandleisure.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F1557419003%2Fwaldorf-astoria-maldives-stella-maris-living-WAMAL0519.jpg&w=1000&f=jpg&q=80)
In addition to next-level lodging, the brand’s first Maldives hotel boasts 11 unique dining experiences. Guests can dine in a private treetop bamboo pod, or opt for communal dining in a cave and wine cellar.
![Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ehcEjF4tdjqXypjRnyMiVA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/tardis/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-image.travelandleisure.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F1557419003%2Fwaldorf-astoria-maldives-terra-WAMAL0519.jpg&w=1000&f=jpg&q=80)
When it comes to pampering, a spa comprising of 10 treatment villas welcomes guests who can book signature treatments like the Starlight Ocean Massage, which is only available at 9 p.m., and a 24-carat gold facial. When it comes time to play, the property’s water park, PADI dive center, and 40-meter mirror pool are the place to be.
![Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wsiq9AjTaXJC4R4Js9bxXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/tardis/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-image.travelandleisure.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F1557419003%2Fwaldorf-astoria-maldives-private-beach-WAMAL0519.jpg&w=1000&f=jpg&q=80)
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi opens on July 1. Nightly rates start at $1,700. Flights to the nearest airport, Malé International Airport, can be found on Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. The property is then a 30-minute yacht ride from the airport, with transportation available 24 hours a day.