Waldorf Astoria announces opening of Ithaafushi island resort
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a 122-key all-villa resort spanning three interconnected islands, including an independent private island.
The resort boasts 11 specialty dining venues including grill restaurant The Ledge overseen by chef Dave Pynt – which features his signature, custom-built, four-ton, dual-cavity oven – along with Terra, where guests are served in private dining pods crafted from natural bamboo; The Rock, a rustic wine cellar set in a carved-out space among boulders; Middle Eastern venue Yasmeen and greenhouse-inspired Glow, celebrating garden-to-table dining in the shade of botanicals.
“Asia Pacific is enjoying a golden age of travel, and the launch of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is part of the growing momentum of Hilton’s Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio throughout the region,” says Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “This is especially significant as the Maldives becomes an increasingly popular destination for global travellers. As the first international hotel brand to have opened in the Maldives over 21 years ago, it is especially fitting that this opening takes place as we celebrate Hilton’s 100th year milestone as a leader in global hospitality.”
Each of the resort’s beach, reef and overwater villas opens onto either a white sand beach or deck, and features a private infinity pool with views of the Indian Ocean. The resort also features two Stella Maris Ocean Villas, accessible only by boat, and offering floor-to-ceiling window views and direct ocean access.
Accessible only by yacht, the 32,000-square-meter Ithaafushi Private Island features a four-bedroom residence, three-bedroom beach villa and a two-bedroom overwater villa, as well as a dedicated chef and personal concierge team, an overwater spa and gym, five swimming pools, and an entertainment centre.
“The Waldorf Astoria brand has a long-standing legacy of setting the standard for luxury and for providing personalised, graceful service,” adds Martin Rinck, executive vice president and global head, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton. “The debut with our flagship brand in the Maldives is no exception, and we will continue to redefine what it means to provide luxury escapes and deliver memorable experiences for the discerning traveller.”
The Waldorf Astoria Spa and an Ocean Pavilion incorporating a range of wellness activities round out the leisure offer.
“We aim to surpass the expectations of today’s luxury traveler with the introduction of our fifth Waldorf Astoria property in Asia Pacific,” explains Dino Michael, Global Head, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. “Our guests are searching for new and extraordinary experiences during their travels, and we are confident that this latest luxury destination in the Maldives provides the perfect setting for our guests to live unforgettable.”
