A 3* TripAdvisor review went on yesterday. Seems fairly subjective...
Has the potential to be a very nice resort...... but will never be the best (Due to type of lagoon)
Free Amenities : 6/10 (ie. no tennis court or free yoga)
Lagoon : Personally, 6/10 But it varies by person
Grounds : 6.5/10 (While organized in clean paths seem "fake" : due to the lack of plants. This problem will fix its self with time.)
Value : 5/10 (35% more expensive that other resorts ie. Reethi Rah)
Room : 9/10 (Very big and nice, but missing Maldivian touches and finishes)
Food : 8/10 (Lots of options, this will probably improve as kitchens get more experienced
Transfer : 6/10 Very nice 70ft yacht, but laking amenities to justify the price
Little touches : 9.5/10 lots of small touches in room
Service : 9.5/10 very passionate group of workers
SMALL BUT BIG PROBLEMS
(All of problems below are not to be snotty but to show where improvement needs to occur)
-Tree foliage and plant growth looks very unnatural and rushed(ie. very tall palm trees that have small leaves).
-Large beach villas are located near arrival pier, which detracts from the isolated feeling that is expected in the Maldives.
-Waiting time at Velana International Airport was longer than expected.
-Although the Yacht ride was fun, the price does not justify the offerings on it. (Subpar Drinks, Small cheap food offerings)
GOOD STUFF
-Good food offerings, 11 restaurants
-Spa is great, nice large selection
-Pools are nicely designed
-Villas are larger than most in Maldives
MUST WORK ON PROBLEMS
- Website for the 2020 calendar year bookings is "off". Grand Beach villa cost marginally more than a grand overwater villa. **Mistake**
PROBLEMS THAT WILL NEVER BE FIXED (DUE TO GEOGRAPHICAL REASONS)
-Island is very long, thus many golf carts are needed . Making walking from point A to point B an annoyance, because of the constant need to move aside.
-(Very Subjective) people come to the Maldives for large blue lagoons, where you walk 100m out and still be standing. NOT at the WA, the inner lagoon gets deep very fast. The area of clear water before the "drop-off" is subpar to other resorts.
-Lagoons at "sister-Hilton properties" are far superior, if your looking for lots of shallow clear water,
VALUE PROBLEMS
-While the cost of food at the property is mainly in line with luxury hotels the wine is about a 35% markup, making it one of the most expensive resorts for booze
-Be Prepared to pay 12$ for juice and 44$ for a pizza.
-1400$ in low seasons is very expensive, considering the amount of villas at the resort.
WHAT WOULD I PAY FOR A RESORT LIKE THIS (BEACH VILLA)
1200 IN HIGH SEASON -------> Real Price (1790)
670 IN LOW SEASON -------> Real Price (1200)
ALTERNATIVES TO WALDORF ASTORIA ITHAAFUSHI
-One and Only Reethi Rah 8/10
-Antara Kihavah 9/10
-Six Senses Laamu 8.5/10