Jan 2, 2019, 3:02 pm
Last edit by: Jaffar
:-: Welcome to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Wiki! :-:
Notes: All prices are in US Dollars and are exclusive of taxes unless specified (by ++)
Tax Information
• 10% Service Charge (levied by resort. For info on this and how it's distributed, see this post)
• 16% T-GST (Tourist Goods & Services Tax, levied by the Maldivian government, current as of Jan 1, 2023). Old 2022 rate was 12%.
• Total tax is 27.2%, not 26% as one would think. Example; $100 + 10% = $110, then add 16% on to $110 for a total of $127.20.
• Tip: To work out prices before the 27.2% taxes, multiply by 0.7862, i.e; 127.2 * 0.7862 = 100
• A Green Tax of $6pp/pn (levied by the Maldivian government) has been introduced starting from 1 November 2015. Points/Redemption bookings are exempt from the tax for up to two guests per room
Booking with points
• Bookings must be cancelled 30 days prior in order to avoid one full night's charge at BAR. (some days cancellation period is 14 days check your reservation details for the exact applicable cancellation policy)
• Website and phone agents state that a cash deposit equivalent to the BAR per night will be taken when booking stays with points. This is an error. NO CASH DEPOSIT IS TAKEN WHEN MAKING A POINTS BOOKING
• Free night certificate: The phone agent states that a cash deposit equivalent to the BAR per night will be taken when booking your free night. This is an error. NO CASH DEPOSIT IS TAKEN WHEN USING YOUR FREE NIGHT CERTIFICATE
• This hotel is extremely popular. Rooms are released to be booked with points about 1 year in advance. It seems to be a partially manual process so it's not an exact science. After being released those rooms get booked within a matter of minutes. If you have specific dates you want you need to book them one at a time a year in advance, or risk booking last minute. Yes that makes it hard to use the 5th night free. You can book 5 individual nights and cancel them all to rebook getting the 5th night free, but there's only about a 50% chance the rooms go back into inventory so it's risky. There is no secret, just check Hilton.com all the time. If you don't want to do that, someone else will and they'll get the rooms.
Transfers To and From Resort
• Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is located in South Malé Atoll, 23km southwest of Malé and Velana International Airport [MLE] (also known as Malé International Airport, previously known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport)
• Transfer experience includes personal service for your group after luggage pick-up until arrival on the yacht; yacht includes dedicated server for champagne, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks. Departure experience on the yacht is the same, and your group be personally escorted through airline check-in until airport security.
• Pricing in 2021 is $650++, 2020 is $600++ per person, and 2019 it was $350++ per person per way ($1724.80 return inclusive of taxes for 2 passengers). The price for kids 5 and under is complimentary while kids 6-11 years old are charged $300++ per person. If the yacht is not available, a speedboat will be provided by the resort. If this happens, you may be refunded the yacht transfer fee.
• Pricing for 2022 will increase to $730++ for adults and $365++ children 6-12, see website by clicking here.
• Pricing for 2023 will increase to $780++ for adults ($995.28 nett) and $390++ for children 6-12
• The resort offers the ability to redeem Hilton Honors points for your transfer, .strValue1=all&promoGroupList[1].strValue1=en_US&qt[0].type=fieldsearch&qt[0].name=panname_country_s&qt[0].value1=MDV&rc=24&sort=timeleft_asc]click here.
• See this post for a detailed review of the yacht transfer (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Third party transfers are not permitted by the resort.
• Transfer to / from Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: A private seaplane transfer from the Waldorf to the Conrad, taking approximately 25 minutes, is approximately USD 8,125++. Most guests travel between the resort booking the standard round trip seaplane from Male to Rangali and then the Yacht transfer round trip from Male to Waldorf.
Time
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi time has been set one hour ahead of Male’ time to give an extra hour of daylight each day. For ease, set phone or Dhaka Sri Lanka time zone.
Resort Information / Spa / Activities
• WA Ithaafushi is made up of three islands (95% man-made)
• There are 2 standalone OWVs (Over Water Villas) and 121 villas in total
• Click here (Hilton's website) or here (dedicated website) to visit the resort on the web
• The kids club (one of the biggest in the Maldives) is for children between 4 to 11 years. Click here for detailed information and here for the schedule. Click here, here and here for basic reviews and comprehensive sets of pictures (All courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• See this and this post for info on the Christmas Eve and New Years Eve Gala Fee
• Click here to visit the resort's listing on TripAdvisor
• Tennis courts: See this post
• For a new map of the resort click here
> For the old map of the resort click here * Note that this map is orientated north and so the SUNRISE and SUNSET written on it are incorrect. Also note that you receive a black and white map when you arrive and this is not as good nor as detailed as the one posted here. For comments on the quality of the map, click here
• Snorkelling spots and other info 3e4sd:Link to post: (Courtesy of AirForceFlyer)
• Scuba Diving pics :Link to post: (Courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• Activities Brochure (prices as of July 2019)
• Spa pics and review :Link to post: (Courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• Wellness Programme :Link to post: (Courtesy of AirForceFlyer)
Resort Information - F&B and Menus
• The resort has 11 restaurants / bars
• Kids under 6 eat free when ordering from the dedicated kids menu (all restaurants except the adult only ones have kids menu; does not apply to in-room dining)
• Some restaurant menus are available in PDF format on the resort's website. Click here to visit the relevant page on their website
• Menus for most restaurants as of early October 2020: See this post
• For pictures of most of the menus: Part 1 and Part 2
• Dining Programme / restaurant opening times: See this post and the post below it
• IVD (In Villa Dining) menus: See this post
• Yasmeen - Menu version discussion here.
• Terra is $298.00++ per person. As of December 2019, the set menu includes Amuse Brioche (3 selections per person), a starter (tuna, avocado, caviar), 2 courses highlighting lobster and wagyu beef with a pallet cleanse in between, a dessert course, then finishing with 3 additional sweet selections per person.
• The Ledge - See this post. Note that this menu changes daily but there are probably only 2 for each day and 14 in total (7 for lunch and 7 for dinner). Chefs rotate to the resort from Burnt Ends in Singapore.
+ Peacock Alley 1/2 priced drinks daily after 9:30pm. High-quality cocktails and liquors available at a very affordable price ranging from $13-$15 post discount
+ Tasting Table full buffet breakfast with made to order entrees and complimentary Champagne for $65++/person or Free for Hilton Diamond / Gold
+ Glow and Yasmeen wine selections are priced in the $65 - $85 ++ range per bottle.
• Lunch can be purchased at the main pool or beach from Nava or The Ledge. The majority of lunch entrees cost $30-$50++. Lunch is also available at Tasting Table, Tangled, or In Villa Dining.
• A new pizza oven was flown in from Italy to replace the original oven installed at Nava, and an Italian chef traveled to the resort to work with the team to elevate pizza quality in early December of 2019.
• During festive season 2019, the resort introduced a lobster & champagne dinner on the beach, including tasting stations, free flow champagne, and a live band for $298++ per person.
Miscellaneous Information
• Villa pool depth: See this post
• Best snorkelling spots: See this post and this post
• Complimentary water (in villa): See this post
• Walking / getting around the resort: See this post
• Sunset / Sunrise at the resort: See this post and this post
• Power outlet configuration: See this post
Elite member benefits:
Accommodation:
At opening the resort defined Beach Villas as the lowest category of accommodation (only this category bookable with points). The next highest category was Reef Villas then above that, the Overwater Villas. Note: villas on the Private Island do not count.
This will change in 2020. Quote from the resort "Please be informed that for next year we have changed our villa category. Kindly note that the Reef Villa will be our base category, next will be the Overwater Villa and then the Beach Villa. Basically the Beach Villa will be a higher category compared to reef Villa and Overwater Villa."
See this post for the conversation related to this. Pricing has changed as well to reflect this. See below for 2020 pricing.
Note that as of August 2019 the BV is still available to book on points in 2020. This may change, however.
Prices - Accommodation (2020):
***** March 2020 Figures *****
• Beach Villa USD 2630
• Overwater Villa USD 2430
• Reef Villa USD 1930
Prices - Accommodation (2019):
***** July 2019 Figures *****
• 2 Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool USD 3850
• 2 Bedroom Over Water Villa with Pool USD 4350
***** October 2019 Figures *****
• Beach Villa USD 2100
• Grand Beach Villa USD 2300
• Reef Villa USD 2300
• Grand Reef Villa USD 2500
• Overwater Villa USD 2500
• Grand Overwater Villa USD 2700
***** Upgrade Costs - Jul 2019 *****
• Two Bedroom Beach - US 2000
• Two Bedroom Grand Beach - US 2200
• Two Bedroom Reef - US 2200
• Two Bedroom Overwater - US 2400
***** Upgrade Costs - Oct 2019 *****
• Reef Villa USD 200
• OWV USD 400
Villa Types and Abbreviations used in this thread (listed in order from most basic to most luxurious)
-- BVs (Beach Villas) --
BV (Beach Villa)
GBV (Grand Beach Villa)
-- RVs (Reef Villas) --
RV (Reef Villa, the Garden Villa category shown in the pre-opening promo video)
GRV (Grand Reef Villa, also a type of Garden Villa shown in the pre-opening promo video)
-- OWVs (Over Water Villas) aka Ocean Villas in rewards booking --
OV (Overwater Villa)
GOV (Grand Overwater Villa)
SMR (Stella Maris Residences)
-- Occupancy Information --
See this post for maximum occupancy of each villa type
Villa Selection
• See this post and this post
• Privacy - Beach Villas: For pics, info and opinions, see the following posts; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Travel & Safety Information
• The Maldives is listed in Category 1 (the highest category) on the
WHO Zika virus classification table. However, don't let that scare you because as of April 13, 2017 there has only been one confirmed case of Zika in the Maldives
• Click here for information related to the single Zika infection in the Maldives (reported in January of that year)
Contact
• General Enquiries: [email protected]
• Reservations Department: [email protected]
• Tel: +960-4000-300
• Click here for hilton site and click here for Waldorf Maldives website
Weather:
Note: since the resort is close to Mahibadhoo (where there is a weather station), I have added this info from the Conrad Maldives thread as both resorts are close by and the weather will be the same as far as forecasts go (MaldivesFreak)
• General info on weather in the Maldives: Link 1 Link 2 (Maldivian government website)
• Recommended Android weather app: eWeather HD. See this post for detailed info on the app, settings, tips and general weather info (Courtesy of MaldivesFreak)
• Want to get an idea about the weather in the month of August? Click here to read a post from a FT member that spends 2 weeks at Rangali during this month (Courtesy of Splotly)
Pictures - Resort under construction:
• January, 2018 :Link to post:
• June, 2018 :Link to post:
• Approx October, 2018 :Link to post:
• January, 2019 :Link to post:
Pictures & Videos - Post-opening:
• General pics of the resort (July, 2019) :Link to post: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• The Stella Maris exclusive! :Link to post with links to videos: (Courtesy of alanslegal)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #1 :Link to post: (Courtesy of alanslegal)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #2 :Link to post: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #3 :Link to post: (Courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #4 :Link to post: (Courtesy of Another Getaway)
• IVD(in villa dining) :Link to post: (Courtesy of Stivelio)
• Terra (views from all 7 'cages') :Link to post: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Terra and Family Pool :Link to post with link to video: (Courtesy of alanslegal)
• Reef Villa with sunset view :Link to post: (Courtesy of Stivelio)
• Views in the direction of Male (night & day pics) :Link to post 1: (Courtesy of wekxbrainx) :Link to post 2: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Bicycle tour :Link to post:
• Various resort and villa pics from a stay in November 2019 :Link to post: (Courtesy of aspenedelen)
Reviews:
• Review by Jermyn
• Review by goldelite8
• Review by escape4
• Review by Falcons05 (text only)
Historical Information for high rollers:
+ $135 shisha, Check out this post
+ If you do NOT have Gold/Diamond status with Free breakfast AND you decide NOT to pay the $65++ for full buffet at Tasting Table, then you may or may not encounter a $35 charge for a single egg
+ 106,000 dollar bottle of wine: Click
here for a picture of the wine menu (reactions follow on subsequent pages)
Notes: All prices are in US Dollars and are exclusive of taxes unless specified (by ++)
Tax Information
• 10% Service Charge (levied by resort. For info on this and how it's distributed, see this post)
• 16% T-GST (Tourist Goods & Services Tax, levied by the Maldivian government, current as of Jan 1, 2023). Old 2022 rate was 12%.
• Total tax is 27.2%, not 26% as one would think. Example; $100 + 10% = $110, then add 16% on to $110 for a total of $127.20.
• Tip: To work out prices before the 27.2% taxes, multiply by 0.7862, i.e; 127.2 * 0.7862 = 100
• A Green Tax of $6pp/pn (levied by the Maldivian government) has been introduced starting from 1 November 2015. Points/Redemption bookings are exempt from the tax for up to two guests per room
Booking with points
• Bookings must be cancelled 30 days prior in order to avoid one full night's charge at BAR. (some days cancellation period is 14 days check your reservation details for the exact applicable cancellation policy)
• Website and phone agents state that a cash deposit equivalent to the BAR per night will be taken when booking stays with points. This is an error. NO CASH DEPOSIT IS TAKEN WHEN MAKING A POINTS BOOKING
• Free night certificate: The phone agent states that a cash deposit equivalent to the BAR per night will be taken when booking your free night. This is an error. NO CASH DEPOSIT IS TAKEN WHEN USING YOUR FREE NIGHT CERTIFICATE
• This hotel is extremely popular. Rooms are released to be booked with points about 1 year in advance. It seems to be a partially manual process so it's not an exact science. After being released those rooms get booked within a matter of minutes. If you have specific dates you want you need to book them one at a time a year in advance, or risk booking last minute. Yes that makes it hard to use the 5th night free. You can book 5 individual nights and cancel them all to rebook getting the 5th night free, but there's only about a 50% chance the rooms go back into inventory so it's risky. There is no secret, just check Hilton.com all the time. If you don't want to do that, someone else will and they'll get the rooms.
Transfers To and From Resort
• Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is located in South Malé Atoll, 23km southwest of Malé and Velana International Airport [MLE] (also known as Malé International Airport, previously known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport)
• Transfer experience includes personal service for your group after luggage pick-up until arrival on the yacht; yacht includes dedicated server for champagne, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks. Departure experience on the yacht is the same, and your group be personally escorted through airline check-in until airport security.
• Pricing in 2021 is $650++, 2020 is $600++ per person, and 2019 it was $350++ per person per way ($1724.80 return inclusive of taxes for 2 passengers). The price for kids 5 and under is complimentary while kids 6-11 years old are charged $300++ per person. If the yacht is not available, a speedboat will be provided by the resort. If this happens, you may be refunded the yacht transfer fee.
• Pricing for 2022 will increase to $730++ for adults and $365++ children 6-12, see website by clicking here.
• Pricing for 2023 will increase to $780++ for adults ($995.28 nett) and $390++ for children 6-12
• The resort offers the ability to redeem Hilton Honors points for your transfer, .strValue1=all&promoGroupList[1].strValue1=en_US&qt[0].type=fieldsearch&qt[0].name=panname_country_s&qt[0].value1=MDV&rc=24&sort=timeleft_asc]click here.
• See this post for a detailed review of the yacht transfer (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Third party transfers are not permitted by the resort.
• Transfer to / from Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: A private seaplane transfer from the Waldorf to the Conrad, taking approximately 25 minutes, is approximately USD 8,125++. Most guests travel between the resort booking the standard round trip seaplane from Male to Rangali and then the Yacht transfer round trip from Male to Waldorf.
Time
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi time has been set one hour ahead of Male’ time to give an extra hour of daylight each day. For ease, set phone or Dhaka Sri Lanka time zone.
Resort Information / Spa / Activities
• WA Ithaafushi is made up of three islands (95% man-made)
• There are 2 standalone OWVs (Over Water Villas) and 121 villas in total
• Click here (Hilton's website) or here (dedicated website) to visit the resort on the web
• The kids club (one of the biggest in the Maldives) is for children between 4 to 11 years. Click here for detailed information and here for the schedule. Click here, here and here for basic reviews and comprehensive sets of pictures (All courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• See this and this post for info on the Christmas Eve and New Years Eve Gala Fee
• Click here to visit the resort's listing on TripAdvisor
• Tennis courts: See this post
• For a new map of the resort click here
> For the old map of the resort click here * Note that this map is orientated north and so the SUNRISE and SUNSET written on it are incorrect. Also note that you receive a black and white map when you arrive and this is not as good nor as detailed as the one posted here. For comments on the quality of the map, click here
• Snorkelling spots and other info 3e4sd:Link to post: (Courtesy of AirForceFlyer)
• Scuba Diving pics :Link to post: (Courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• Activities Brochure (prices as of July 2019)
• Spa pics and review :Link to post: (Courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• Wellness Programme :Link to post: (Courtesy of AirForceFlyer)
Resort Information - F&B and Menus
• The resort has 11 restaurants / bars
• Kids under 6 eat free when ordering from the dedicated kids menu (all restaurants except the adult only ones have kids menu; does not apply to in-room dining)
• Some restaurant menus are available in PDF format on the resort's website. Click here to visit the relevant page on their website
• Menus for most restaurants as of early October 2020: See this post
• For pictures of most of the menus: Part 1 and Part 2
• Dining Programme / restaurant opening times: See this post and the post below it
• IVD (In Villa Dining) menus: See this post
• Yasmeen - Menu version discussion here.
• Terra is $298.00++ per person. As of December 2019, the set menu includes Amuse Brioche (3 selections per person), a starter (tuna, avocado, caviar), 2 courses highlighting lobster and wagyu beef with a pallet cleanse in between, a dessert course, then finishing with 3 additional sweet selections per person.
• The Ledge - See this post. Note that this menu changes daily but there are probably only 2 for each day and 14 in total (7 for lunch and 7 for dinner). Chefs rotate to the resort from Burnt Ends in Singapore.
+ Peacock Alley 1/2 priced drinks daily after 9:30pm. High-quality cocktails and liquors available at a very affordable price ranging from $13-$15 post discount
+ Tasting Table full buffet breakfast with made to order entrees and complimentary Champagne for $65++/person or Free for Hilton Diamond / Gold
+ Glow and Yasmeen wine selections are priced in the $65 - $85 ++ range per bottle.
• Lunch can be purchased at the main pool or beach from Nava or The Ledge. The majority of lunch entrees cost $30-$50++. Lunch is also available at Tasting Table, Tangled, or In Villa Dining.
• A new pizza oven was flown in from Italy to replace the original oven installed at Nava, and an Italian chef traveled to the resort to work with the team to elevate pizza quality in early December of 2019.
• During festive season 2019, the resort introduced a lobster & champagne dinner on the beach, including tasting stations, free flow champagne, and a live band for $298++ per person.
Miscellaneous Information
• Villa pool depth: See this post
• Best snorkelling spots: See this post and this post
• Complimentary water (in villa): See this post
• Walking / getting around the resort: See this post
• Sunset / Sunrise at the resort: See this post and this post
• Power outlet configuration: See this post
Elite member benefits:
Hilton Honors GOLD MEMBERS:
- Full breakfast at Tasting Table
- In-villa VIP welcome bottle of wine and fruits
- Complimentary daily afternoon delights (see here for pic) with a fine selection of beverages crafted by mixologist and sommelier from 16:00 to 17:00 at Peacock Alley. Note The afternoon delights have been removed and replaced with a bowl of nuts or crisps for example
- 50% special offer on selected beverages at Nava Beach Club from 22:00 to 23:30
- Full breakfast at Tasting Table
- Free item from the kids menu for kids under 6 y.o. (staff are somewhat flexible on this age limit)
- In-villa VIP welcome Champagne, sweet and savoury amenities, note this could be downgraded to a bottle of red wine.
- [Diamond only benefit] With a selected 60-minute massage, enjoy a complimentary additional 30-minute at Waldorf Astoria Spa
- Complimentary daily afternoon delights (see here for pic) with a fine selection of beverages crafted by mixologist and sommelier from 16:00 to 17:00 at Peacock Alley. Note : The afternoon delights have been removed and replaced with a bowl of nuts or crisps for example
- 50% special offer on selected beverages at Nava Beach Club from 22:00 to 23:30 (January 2021: Currently at Peacock Alley as Nava closes at 7pm due to Covid-19 service changes)
Accommodation:
At opening the resort defined Beach Villas as the lowest category of accommodation (only this category bookable with points). The next highest category was Reef Villas then above that, the Overwater Villas. Note: villas on the Private Island do not count.
This will change in 2020. Quote from the resort "Please be informed that for next year we have changed our villa category. Kindly note that the Reef Villa will be our base category, next will be the Overwater Villa and then the Beach Villa. Basically the Beach Villa will be a higher category compared to reef Villa and Overwater Villa."
See this post for the conversation related to this. Pricing has changed as well to reflect this. See below for 2020 pricing.
Note that as of August 2019 the BV is still available to book on points in 2020. This may change, however.
Prices - Accommodation (2020):
***** March 2020 Figures *****
• Beach Villa USD 2630
• Overwater Villa USD 2430
• Reef Villa USD 1930
Prices - Accommodation (2019):
***** July 2019 Figures *****
• 2 Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool USD 3850
• 2 Bedroom Over Water Villa with Pool USD 4350
***** October 2019 Figures *****
• Beach Villa USD 2100
• Grand Beach Villa USD 2300
• Reef Villa USD 2300
• Grand Reef Villa USD 2500
• Overwater Villa USD 2500
• Grand Overwater Villa USD 2700
***** Upgrade Costs - Jul 2019 *****
• Two Bedroom Beach - US 2000
• Two Bedroom Grand Beach - US 2200
• Two Bedroom Reef - US 2200
• Two Bedroom Overwater - US 2400
***** Upgrade Costs - Oct 2019 *****
• Reef Villa USD 200
• OWV USD 400
Villa Types and Abbreviations used in this thread (listed in order from most basic to most luxurious)
-- BVs (Beach Villas) --
BV (Beach Villa)
GBV (Grand Beach Villa)
-- RVs (Reef Villas) --
RV (Reef Villa, the Garden Villa category shown in the pre-opening promo video)
GRV (Grand Reef Villa, also a type of Garden Villa shown in the pre-opening promo video)
-- OWVs (Over Water Villas) aka Ocean Villas in rewards booking --
OV (Overwater Villa)
GOV (Grand Overwater Villa)
SMR (Stella Maris Residences)
-- Occupancy Information --
See this post for maximum occupancy of each villa type
Villa Selection
• See this post and this post
• Privacy - Beach Villas: For pics, info and opinions, see the following posts; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Travel & Safety Information
• The Maldives is listed in Category 1 (the highest category) on the
WHO Zika virus classification table. However, don't let that scare you because as of April 13, 2017 there has only been one confirmed case of Zika in the Maldives
• Click here for information related to the single Zika infection in the Maldives (reported in January of that year)
Contact
• General Enquiries: [email protected]
• Reservations Department: [email protected]
• Tel: +960-4000-300
• Click here for hilton site and click here for Waldorf Maldives website
Weather:
Note: since the resort is close to Mahibadhoo (where there is a weather station), I have added this info from the Conrad Maldives thread as both resorts are close by and the weather will be the same as far as forecasts go (MaldivesFreak)
• General info on weather in the Maldives: Link 1 Link 2 (Maldivian government website)
• Recommended Android weather app: eWeather HD. See this post for detailed info on the app, settings, tips and general weather info (Courtesy of MaldivesFreak)
• Want to get an idea about the weather in the month of August? Click here to read a post from a FT member that spends 2 weeks at Rangali during this month (Courtesy of Splotly)
Pictures - Resort under construction:
• January, 2018 :Link to post:
• June, 2018 :Link to post:
• Approx October, 2018 :Link to post:
• January, 2019 :Link to post:
Pictures & Videos - Post-opening:
• General pics of the resort (July, 2019) :Link to post: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• The Stella Maris exclusive! :Link to post with links to videos: (Courtesy of alanslegal)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #1 :Link to post: (Courtesy of alanslegal)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #2 :Link to post: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #3 :Link to post: (Courtesy of Traveler Dave)
• Breakfast buffet at Tasting Table - Post #4 :Link to post: (Courtesy of Another Getaway)
• IVD(in villa dining) :Link to post: (Courtesy of Stivelio)
• Terra (views from all 7 'cages') :Link to post: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Terra and Family Pool :Link to post with link to video: (Courtesy of alanslegal)
• Reef Villa with sunset view :Link to post: (Courtesy of Stivelio)
• Views in the direction of Male (night & day pics) :Link to post 1: (Courtesy of wekxbrainx) :Link to post 2: (Courtesy of jphripjah)
• Bicycle tour :Link to post:
• Various resort and villa pics from a stay in November 2019 :Link to post: (Courtesy of aspenedelen)
Reviews:
• Review by Jermyn
• Review by goldelite8
• Review by escape4
• Review by Falcons05 (text only)
Historical Information for high rollers:
+ $135 shisha, Check out this post
+ If you do NOT have Gold/Diamond status with Free breakfast AND you decide NOT to pay the $65++ for full buffet at Tasting Table, then you may or may not encounter a $35 charge for a single egg
+ 106,000 dollar bottle of wine: Click
here for a picture of the wine menu (reactions follow on subsequent pages)
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi {MDV}
Feb 7, 2021, 8:48 am
#151
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,340
Thanks for reading my review and for the correction on the Garden Villas at the StR, you're absolutely right there are 4 not 2 and this has been updated in the review.
However, whilst I appreciate that the upcharge for OWV at the StR can be as low as 5k per night (sometimes it's only $25!) I stand by my assertion that it is far harder and more expensive to book a 5 night OWV stay at the StR compared to the WA.
Why?
1. You effectively have no limit on purchasing Hilton points.
Although there is an ostensible annual purchase limit this can be overridden given that points transfers are free.
With Marriott you are constrained. You cannot buy enough points on sale in a single day and then immediately book.
Indeed you cannot buy more than 160,000 in a single year, even when they lift the limits to coincide with a points sale.
2. The $ cost of points bookings is far lower at the WA
5 nights Ocean Villa at the WA = 480,000 Hilton points = $2400 (100% sale =0.5c per point)
5 nights OVW at StR = 400,000 Marriott points + $125 = $3249 (0.781c per point)
Don't get me wrong both represent substantial discounts (closer to the cash cost of a single night) but the StR still costs 35% more.
3. Free breakfast at the WA comes instantly with status given upon sign up to credit cards.
With Marriott you'll need to work to get Platinum for free breakfast. Either via status matching or hitting $75k in spend on the 'Brilliant' card.
Otherwise you'll be paying a substantial daily charge for breakfast each day.
Looking more closely at US credit cards:
Hilton
You can take out both a Surpass and an Aspire, earning around 300,000 points in sign up bonuses (once you factor in minimum spend) plus an immediate free night cert on the Aspire.
Your incremental cost to turn this into a 6 night WA stay is 180,000 hilton points = $900. You'll also earn back $250 of your annual fee on the Aspire as dining credit at the Waldorf.
Marriott
Take out a Brilliant and a Boundless and you'll earn around 170k Bonvoy points once you've hit minimum spend. However you won't have a free night certificate or status that gives you free breakfast.
Even to turn this into a 5 night stay you're looking at an additional purchase of 230k points (plus the $125 co-pay) = $1921.
You won't get any resort credit to offset the annual fees, you'll be staying 5 nights instead of 6 and you'll still need to find a way to either get Platinum status or pay $67.65 per person per day for breakfast.
The final pertinent factor here is availability and both resorts have the ability to be almost completely dynamic, releasing different room types into points inventory when they see fit.
I booked my first stay at the WA a year out and my second one a few weeks out. Looking this month I see the next 9 nights are available at 120k.
I've personally not struggled to redeem points at the WA but I understand that others have.
If the StR is a lot easier to redeem at then this is certainly a point in it's favour...provided you have the points to begin with.
However, whilst I appreciate that the upcharge for OWV at the StR can be as low as 5k per night (sometimes it's only $25!) I stand by my assertion that it is far harder and more expensive to book a 5 night OWV stay at the StR compared to the WA.
Why?
1. You effectively have no limit on purchasing Hilton points.
Although there is an ostensible annual purchase limit this can be overridden given that points transfers are free.
With Marriott you are constrained. You cannot buy enough points on sale in a single day and then immediately book.
Indeed you cannot buy more than 160,000 in a single year, even when they lift the limits to coincide with a points sale.
2. The $ cost of points bookings is far lower at the WA
5 nights Ocean Villa at the WA = 480,000 Hilton points = $2400 (100% sale =0.5c per point)
5 nights OVW at StR = 400,000 Marriott points + $125 = $3249 (0.781c per point)
Don't get me wrong both represent substantial discounts (closer to the cash cost of a single night) but the StR still costs 35% more.
3. Free breakfast at the WA comes instantly with status given upon sign up to credit cards.
With Marriott you'll need to work to get Platinum for free breakfast. Either via status matching or hitting $75k in spend on the 'Brilliant' card.
Otherwise you'll be paying a substantial daily charge for breakfast each day.
Looking more closely at US credit cards:
Hilton
You can take out both a Surpass and an Aspire, earning around 300,000 points in sign up bonuses (once you factor in minimum spend) plus an immediate free night cert on the Aspire.
Your incremental cost to turn this into a 6 night WA stay is 180,000 hilton points = $900. You'll also earn back $250 of your annual fee on the Aspire as dining credit at the Waldorf.
Marriott
Take out a Brilliant and a Boundless and you'll earn around 170k Bonvoy points once you've hit minimum spend. However you won't have a free night certificate or status that gives you free breakfast.
Even to turn this into a 5 night stay you're looking at an additional purchase of 230k points (plus the $125 co-pay) = $1921.
You won't get any resort credit to offset the annual fees, you'll be staying 5 nights instead of 6 and you'll still need to find a way to either get Platinum status or pay $67.65 per person per day for breakfast.
The final pertinent factor here is availability and both resorts have the ability to be almost completely dynamic, releasing different room types into points inventory when they see fit.
I booked my first stay at the WA a year out and my second one a few weeks out. Looking this month I see the next 9 nights are available at 120k.
I've personally not struggled to redeem points at the WA but I understand that others have.
If the StR is a lot easier to redeem at then this is certainly a point in it's favour...provided you have the points to begin with.
While I completely agree that for someone who is starting with a 0 point balance in both programs, it will be easier and less expensive to achieve the points needed for WA, I was thinking more along the lines where someone already has enough points to stay at either one (like I currently do).
In that case, I am finding it way more difficult to be able to book at the WA with points. Yes, I saw that the next 9 days are available but some of those days just became available a week or two ago and others just this week. Not everyone is able to arrange time off from work plus desired flights on such short notice. Other than those 9 days plus March 1 and some random dates in May (which are useless if you want at least 5 consecutive nights), there is nothing less than 799k points per night for the rest of the year with some nights during next holiday season having insane 2.2m pricing (who do they even think will pay that?!?!). They still haven't released anything yet for most of January 2022 and onward.
On the other hand, if you look at STR calendar they never ever have such high points pricing. They very maximum they will charge for the base room is 100k points per night. The average is 85k and there are even nights going for as low as 63k (with a current promotion they are running). The upcharge in points or cash for OWV remains the same regardless, and if you check random dates from now through January 2022 you will see that overall the OWVs are widely available for booking.
Note that the Marriott Brilliant card comes with a $300 credit to be used at Marriott properties which can be used to offset dining or other expenses just like the Hilton Aspire $250 resort credit. The Brilliant also very recently had an offer for getting Platinum status starting 2/1/21 for signing up for their card, but that is no longer available. However, if someone knew they'd be traveling to Marriott properties they would have signed up.
I'm not trying to advocate booking at STR, just giving my 2 cents to provide a balanced view
. I for one am still going to keep trying to book WA and hope I get lucky like you and many others here have gotten.Thanks again!
Feb 8, 2021, 1:34 am
#152
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
It isn't the only points room, it is however an example of one.
If we're really nitpicking here my photo was taken back when the hideous purple walls were still there, so it isn't even an exact representation of the current beach villa.
They also wrote "Happy Honeymoon" on our bed when we're not even married, so the photo is rife with inaccuracies.
However in the text following the photo I do state:
"At the Conrad, St. Regis or Park Hyatt you need to either get very lucky or pay a supplement, beyond your initial points outlay, for a villa with a proper overwater pool. Standard rooms, bookable on points, range from Garden Villas to Overwater villas with tiny plunge pools - the size of a bathtub."
I've edited to add the word proper in the reviewfor the avoidance of any confusion. A plunge pool is a pool in name only, especially the ones in the standard OWVs at the Conrad.
The fact that StR is making it cheaper to book OWVs is great, as is the fact that the W also allows water villas to be booked as standard rooms - both I understand are driven be the launch of the JW Marriott.
There was a feeling that points rooms across the Maldives had to be recalibrated to maintain consistency within the Marriott portfolio.
I plan to check out the Intercontinental on my next trip since it also has an overwater pool villa as a standard room but honestly the hardware looks like it pales in comparison to the WA.
Ultimately the point of all this is to illustrate that the WA has the single best standard points room in the Maldives.
At only 25k Hilton points more than the sad little water villas at the Conrad, the value is undeniable.
Sounds like you're in a great position having the points and status to be able to enjoy both to their fullest!
Have you considered booking the StR for 10 nights and then switching the last 5 nights to the WA laters, since last minute availability is so good?
I doubt the StR would charge you a cancellation fee if you were still staying but just reducing your total nights.
I would always pick a reef villa in the 300s since the 500s either face the lagoon or they're further from the reef located between 311 and 309 (they're also further from The Ledge and the gym).
I would void 323 and 325 since they're right next to the resort's loading dock and trash boats were often parked up there.
If you face the lagoon (as with 512) you don't get the breeze that you feel facing north and there is effectively no snorkelling.
Last edited by Jermyn; Feb 8, 2021 at 1:48 am Reason: reply to one more person
Feb 8, 2021, 8:39 am
#153
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,340
Just wondering which suspicions you are referring to with regard to STR?
Sounds like you're in a great position having the points and status to be able to enjoy both to their fullest!
Have you considered booking the StR for 10 nights and then switching the last 5 nights to the WA laters, since last minute availability is so good?
I doubt the StR would charge you a cancellation fee if you were still staying but just reducing your total nights.
Have you considered booking the StR for 10 nights and then switching the last 5 nights to the WA laters, since last minute availability is so good?
I doubt the StR would charge you a cancellation fee if you were still staying but just reducing your total nights.
Feb 8, 2021, 9:31 am
#155
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
It just isn't possible to easily undercut the prevailing cash rate by a such a large percentage at the StR, compared to the WA.
(I wonder what Marriot compensates the StR per points room compared to Hilton and the WA...)
Of course it could also be that the StR is more profitable and guest experience is relatively equal.
Hopefully I get the chance to (in)validate my hypothesis in person in the near future.
Hopefully you find a way to make a WA trip work for you too!
Feb 8, 2021, 11:24 am
#156
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,340
My suspicion is that average room spend per guest is higher at the StR and that this will lead to better guest experience there.
It just isn't possible to easily undercut the prevailing cash rate by a such a large percentage at the StR, compared to the WA.
(I wonder what Marriot compensates the StR per points room compared to Hilton and the WA...)
Of course it could also be that the StR is more profitable and guest experience is relatively equal.
Hopefully I get the chance to (in)validate my hypothesis in person in the near future.
Hopefully you find a way to make a WA trip work for you too!
It just isn't possible to easily undercut the prevailing cash rate by a such a large percentage at the StR, compared to the WA.
(I wonder what Marriot compensates the StR per points room compared to Hilton and the WA...)
Of course it could also be that the StR is more profitable and guest experience is relatively equal.
Hopefully I get the chance to (in)validate my hypothesis in person in the near future.
Hopefully you find a way to make a WA trip work for you too!
I can't say this from personal experience, but anecdotally from what I've read, the butler service at STR is superior to that of the WA - not that WA is horrible, its probably good and STR is just even better in that aspect.
We had a really nice time at STR and would go back, but being we can only get to MLE once every couple of years we'd like to try something new.
Feb 8, 2021, 10:05 pm
#157
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 669
In the image caption I state that the Conrad Beach Villa is a standard room.
It isn't the only points room, it is however an example of one.
If we're really nitpicking here my photo was taken back when the hideous purple walls were still there, so it isn't even an exact representation of the current beach villa.
They also wrote "Happy Honeymoon" on our bed when we're not even married, so the photo is rife with inaccuracies.
However in the text following the photo I do state:
"At the Conrad, St. Regis or Park Hyatt you need to either get very lucky or pay a supplement, beyond your initial points outlay, for a villa with a proper overwater pool. Standard rooms, bookable on points, range from Garden Villas to Overwater villas with tiny plunge pools - the size of a bathtub."
I've edited to add the word proper in the reviewfor the avoidance of any confusion. A plunge pool is a pool in name only, especially the ones in the standard OWVs at the Conrad.
The fact that StR is making it cheaper to book OWVs is great, as is the fact that the W also allows water villas to be booked as standard rooms - both I understand are driven be the launch of the JW Marriott.
There was a feeling that points rooms across the Maldives had to be recalibrated to maintain consistency within the Marriott portfolio.
I plan to check out the Intercontinental on my next trip since it also has an overwater pool villa as a standard room but honestly the hardware looks like it pales in comparison to the WA.
Ultimately the point of all this is to illustrate that the WA has the single best standard points room in the Maldives.
At only 25k Hilton points more than the sad little water villas at the Conrad, the value is undeniable.
Thanks again for all of your detailed feedback and analysis on the StR. I'm keen to visit that property one day and see for myself whether my suspicions hold true.
Sounds like you're in a great position having the points and status to be able to enjoy both to their fullest!
Have you considered booking the StR for 10 nights and then switching the last 5 nights to the WA laters, since last minute availability is so good?
I doubt the StR would charge you a cancellation fee if you were still staying but just reducing your total nights.
I don't know if I'm qualified to answer that having only visited twice, however I was happy enough with the room choice that I'd ask for this exact villa again.
I would always pick a reef villa in the 300s since the 500s either face the lagoon or they're further from the reef located between 311 and 309 (they're also further from The Ledge and the gym).
I would void 323 and 325 since they're right next to the resort's loading dock and trash boats were often parked up there.
If you face the lagoon (as with 512) you don't get the breeze that you feel facing north and there is effectively no snorkelling.
It isn't the only points room, it is however an example of one.
If we're really nitpicking here my photo was taken back when the hideous purple walls were still there, so it isn't even an exact representation of the current beach villa.
They also wrote "Happy Honeymoon" on our bed when we're not even married, so the photo is rife with inaccuracies.
However in the text following the photo I do state:
"At the Conrad, St. Regis or Park Hyatt you need to either get very lucky or pay a supplement, beyond your initial points outlay, for a villa with a proper overwater pool. Standard rooms, bookable on points, range from Garden Villas to Overwater villas with tiny plunge pools - the size of a bathtub."
I've edited to add the word proper in the reviewfor the avoidance of any confusion. A plunge pool is a pool in name only, especially the ones in the standard OWVs at the Conrad.
The fact that StR is making it cheaper to book OWVs is great, as is the fact that the W also allows water villas to be booked as standard rooms - both I understand are driven be the launch of the JW Marriott.
There was a feeling that points rooms across the Maldives had to be recalibrated to maintain consistency within the Marriott portfolio.
I plan to check out the Intercontinental on my next trip since it also has an overwater pool villa as a standard room but honestly the hardware looks like it pales in comparison to the WA.
Ultimately the point of all this is to illustrate that the WA has the single best standard points room in the Maldives.
At only 25k Hilton points more than the sad little water villas at the Conrad, the value is undeniable.
Thanks again for all of your detailed feedback and analysis on the StR. I'm keen to visit that property one day and see for myself whether my suspicions hold true.
Sounds like you're in a great position having the points and status to be able to enjoy both to their fullest!
Have you considered booking the StR for 10 nights and then switching the last 5 nights to the WA laters, since last minute availability is so good?
I doubt the StR would charge you a cancellation fee if you were still staying but just reducing your total nights.
I don't know if I'm qualified to answer that having only visited twice, however I was happy enough with the room choice that I'd ask for this exact villa again.
I would always pick a reef villa in the 300s since the 500s either face the lagoon or they're further from the reef located between 311 and 309 (they're also further from The Ledge and the gym).
I would void 323 and 325 since they're right next to the resort's loading dock and trash boats were often parked up there.
If you face the lagoon (as with 512) you don't get the breeze that you feel facing north and there is effectively no snorkelling.
Feb 9, 2021, 1:11 am
#158
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
Honestly you're never going to feel like you've gotten away from it all at this resort. It's proximity to Malé is something you learn to come to terms with.
The South facing (100s) Ocean Villas didn't have as many lights on the horizon but the boat traffic was non-stop at certain times of day.
That's not to say that there were boat traffic jams or that all of them were just a few feet from the villa.
However, there was near constant activity of some sort when you looked out at the water.
We did get a sunset view though, as we specifically requested a villa the beginning of the pier (near where Shimizu now is)
The North facing (300s) Reef Villa did have some lights on the horizon but they were less of a concern than the gigantic trash boat that came to dock.
The trash boat basically ruined one afternoon but the rest of the time there seemed to be less traffic overall, compared to the 100s
The snorkelling was orders of magnitude better here and we spotted a pod of dolphins one evening around sunset.
On balance I'd take some twinkling lights and a trash boat over constant boat traffic and worse snorkelling with a sunset view.
Compare this to the overall tranquility level in our RWV (now GWV) at the Conrad though and the difference is significant.
No boats and no lights...but then again no dolphins either.
It's all about finding out what matters most to you personally.
Feb 9, 2021, 8:03 pm
#160
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Gold, UA Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 342
For me, there is no value in going to the WA (actually probably negative value... as it would only result in wasted time and a wasted flight as i would hate every second on the island). and i know i'm not the only one who thinks this
staying at a luxurious property for me is important, but i would never sacrifice the beauty of a natural, quintessential Maldivian island for a "nicer" room. we are seasoned maldives travelers having visited almost 10 islands, and I would never pick the WA over conrad, even if they were the same price.Different strokes for different folks.
Feb 10, 2021, 12:59 am
#161
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: Ronin - churn and burn
Posts: 701
However, the proximity to Malé comes at a price: No matter which villa you’re in, you will not get the same castaway feeling that you do at the Conrad Maldives. At the Waldorf there is constant boat traffic and at night the lights of nearby islands let you know that you’re only minutes away from a major city.
One of the main problems with this resort is the fact that it is entirely man made, meaning that every square inch of land is precious. As such you don’t really have any remote and quiet beaches, like we experienced at the Conrad…unless you’re in a Beach Villa, facing away from the busy lagoon and out towards the slightly less busy ocean.
I couldn't possibly proclaim to be the arbiter of people's personal perceptions of value.
I do however aim to supply others with accurate and unbiased information upon which to exercise their own judgement.
For what it's worth, we are likely to return to return to the Conrad in a couple of months...
Last edited by Jermyn; Feb 10, 2021 at 1:05 am
Feb 10, 2021, 2:46 am
#162
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,327
well, i think you need to be careful by what you mean by value, as everyone values different things. not everyone cares about a huge flashy room. especially when that room is on an artificial island built on reclaimed land with no proper lagoon. yes the rooms are undeniably nicer at the WA vs CRI, and the restaurants are for sure more luxurious, but CRI is 30x more beautiful from a lagoon, vegetation and reef perspective than the WA will ever be! The most important question that a prospective traveler needs to ask themselves is: am i going to the maldives to experience a nice room, or am i going to the maldives to visit a nice, lush island that resembles a quintessential maldivian postcard?
For me, there is no value in going to the WA (actually probably negative value... as it would only result in wasted time and a wasted flight as i would hate every second on the island). and i know i'm not the only one who thinks this staying at a luxurious property for me is important, but i would never sacrifice the beauty of a natural, quintessential Maldivian island for a "nicer" room. we are seasoned maldives travelers having visited almost 10 islands, and I would never pick the WA over conrad, even if they were the same price.
Different strokes for different folks.
For me, there is no value in going to the WA (actually probably negative value... as it would only result in wasted time and a wasted flight as i would hate every second on the island). and i know i'm not the only one who thinks this
staying at a luxurious property for me is important, but i would never sacrifice the beauty of a natural, quintessential Maldivian island for a "nicer" room. we are seasoned maldives travelers having visited almost 10 islands, and I would never pick the WA over conrad, even if they were the same price.Different strokes for different folks.
Personally I'm really keen what a completely man made Maldivian island looks like. And the fact I can do this on points is an absolute bonus - meaning I can then book a non-chain resort (in this case Gili Lankanfushi) after our stay to then have some of that 'traditional island' vibe.
I wasn't keen on this WA for a number of reasons when it first opened - but they've addressed a lot of issues and frankly I think it looks like a pretty great holiday at this point.
Feb 10, 2021, 7:35 am
#163
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Radisson Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 3,621
You're certainly not the only one who was never been to WA yet has very strong negative opinions of it.
Feb 10, 2021, 1:05 pm
#165
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 363
They have not loaded any inventory past January 10, 2022 yet. Inventory used to be released in chunks every 2 weeks or so. Whenever I spoke with the hotel they said inventory is released by an automated program and they do not know when it will occur and do not have any control over it. As for 2022, during my last correspondence with the hotel they told me inventory had not been opened because 2022 rates have not been published. They said it would be opened sometime in February.