I got a comfortable sleep in one of the two queen beds, and waking up to the sunrise was gorgeous.”. Cons: Food and extras are extremely expensive on top of already high room rates. They actually dug out a section of the beach to create a special dinner table surrounded by candles, which was so romantic. See 290 traveler reviews, 696 candid photos, and great deals for Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, ranked #2 of 52 hotels in South Male Atoll and rated 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. I also saw whales one day and helped save a sea turtle named Olive Ripley — I really got into the marine life this visit. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. So, I booked an inbound flight which arrived in Male around 6 a.m. on the first day of my trip and then departed Male at around 10 p.m. on the last day. But just a 15-minute boat ride away, there was a small chain of islands where the diving was fantastic. This seems like the perfect place to spend at least part of my first Maldives trip, so I’m excited to visit when the time’s right. A post shared by Waldorf Astoria Maldives (@waldorfastoriamaldives) And of course, there’s plenty of adventure to be had on the island as well. The Maldives is all about relaxing. There are two separate Stella Maris Villas, each set out in the middle of the sea between the private island and the overwater villas. Advertiser Disclosure. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. I also chartered a boat one day to go swim with nurse sharks which was amazing (but also not cheap at $2,800 [about £2,163] for four hours). After the boat ride, which was great, albeit slightly rainy, I arrived to a team of staff members waiting for me. Unfortunately, four nights just wasn’t enough — I could have stayed a full week. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi -- The Private Island is the destination's newest hyper-exclusive retreat for you and 23 favorite people in your life. Here’s what he had to say: “My reef villa was stunning! The Stella Maris was a once-in-a-lifetime stay — and an extra-special one because he said yes. My take on this private island concept Bottom line The Private Island at Waldorf Astoria Maldives The Waldorf Astoria Maldives opened in mid-2019, and is one of the most luxurious points properties in the island nation. I imagine the demand for redeeming points here will be huge, so … Concierge unpacking was offered, which I happily took advantage of. I also saw whales one day and helped save a sea turtle named Olive Ripley — I really got into the marine life this visit. The Stella Maris Villa at the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi was a stay I’ll never forget. Arrival via private yacht gave me the flexibility to organize my transfers at the times I wanted them. If Hilton’s still-new, uber-luxurious Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi wasn’t quite exclusive enough for you, your wish for something with even more panache has been granted. Discover life beneath the waves with water activities at our dive center and water sports center. One morning, I did sunrise yoga on the rooftop of the villa with a private instructor, an incredible way to start my day. The Waldorf Astoria has just opened a private island in the Maldives. In my opinion, the only other points property that can compete with this new Waldorf is The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which is now a few years old. Overall, the food was great, but it was just so expensive. The privacy of the villa was really special. Enter the Stella Maris Ocean Villa, one of two exclusive villas on the property that were going for 2.2 million Honors points per night. Now $1,946 (Was $̶2̶,̶4̶8̶0̶) on Tripadvisor: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, South Male Atoll. And, of course, this is all assuming the hotel even opens on time. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Pros: Convenient 24-hour yacht transfer allows you to maximize time at resort instead of airport, incredible diving and wildlife excursions nearby and a solid points redemption considering the astronomical room rates. One morning, I did sunrise yoga on the rooftop of the villa with a private instructor, an incredible way to start my day. Sunrise yoga with resident fitness guru @ilove2move ???????? The bathroom was enormous, with a chic metal and marble design scheme and double sinks. With more people coming on the trip, it was decided that I’d check out the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Nicky Kelvin of TPG UK would stay at the JW Marriott. we never went to the breakfast restaurant — or left the villa for lunch either. There was also a roof deck where I did yoga one day. I could see the other Stella Maris Villa from the rooftop, and other parts of the resort from some areas of the villa, but couldn’t reach anywhere else on the resort without a boat, so it felt very secluded. I thought this might bug me, but the tranquillity was amazing. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Now £1,434 on Tripadvisor: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, South Male Atoll. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). I’ll give it a pass. Evening: 7PM-9PM (3x a week) An underwater world. The Maldives is all about relaxing. There are two separate Stella Maris Villas, each set out in the middle of the sea between the private island and the overwater villas. But I was amazed when they shut down the beach just for us and created a special Maldivian sandbank dinner, which is something special they do to celebrate important events in the local culture. The bathroom was huge, and I loved how the bathtub was positioned right by the window. 2 hours ago. One day, I came back to the villa and they had run a bath with rose petals in the huge soaking tub, which looked out through a huge window to the ocean and resort. But, given the extra-special nature of my trip, I wanted an extra-special room — which I found in the form of the Stella Maris Ocean Villa, located on its own island within the resort. The sleek design scheme, heavy in marble and glass, inspired comfort and relaxation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). 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