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}
Mar 14, 2022, 3:41 pm
#2101
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 10
How does the water activity gears (snorkelling kits, floats etc,) rentals work for kids/adults? Do they charge per day or per week basis? or is it complimentary for hotel guests? if so, do we have to return every day and take it next day?
thanks in advance.
thanks in advance.
Mar 14, 2022, 6:17 pm
#2103
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
Are the restaurants still persuading guests to purchase bottled water when dining? Has anyone been able to get 'tap' water served rather than paying >$15 for a small bottle.
Mar 15, 2022, 5:51 am
#2107
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
Conrad might allow private transfers, but the last few times this was asked in the opposite direction the answer was around 3k USD per person. Made more sense just to do the normal transfers. It's not really shorter, nor easier, for any other way, unless you want a private boat transfer. Boat-airport-seaplane-Conrad is likely still quicker, too, not just cheaper.
Mar 15, 2022, 7:46 am
#2108
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: 7,330
As above, you go back to the airport by boat from the WA and wait in the lounge there for your seaplane to the Conrad.
However, give the WA is considered a step up from the Conrad, it might be worth doing the Conrad first.
However, give the WA is considered a step up from the Conrad, it might be worth doing the Conrad first.
Mar 15, 2022, 12:59 pm
#2109
Join Date: Oct 2020
Programs: HHonors
Posts: 4
Hi folks,
Wondering if anyone is currently here on points or was very recently and felt like the stepchild? I'm finding service in general lacking here (orders not brought at breakfast when other tables are receiving the same things, chef going to other tables at breakfast but not ours) and am trying to figure out why that is.
My birthday was a few days ago and the resort sent a birthday cake to our villa at 9:40 pm, even though we had dinner booked at a restaurant earlier that evening and that would have been the perfect place to present a cake. I would not have thought about it if not for the fact that yesterday, during happy hour, the team brought out a birthday cake (same as what they sent me) for another woman and sang her happy birthday. In comparison, the way they acknowledged my birthday seemed like a real afterthought.
We're not rude or demanding so I feel comfortable stating that we are not the issue.
Wondering if anyone is currently here on points or was very recently and felt like the stepchild? I'm finding service in general lacking here (orders not brought at breakfast when other tables are receiving the same things, chef going to other tables at breakfast but not ours) and am trying to figure out why that is.
My birthday was a few days ago and the resort sent a birthday cake to our villa at 9:40 pm, even though we had dinner booked at a restaurant earlier that evening and that would have been the perfect place to present a cake. I would not have thought about it if not for the fact that yesterday, during happy hour, the team brought out a birthday cake (same as what they sent me) for another woman and sang her happy birthday. In comparison, the way they acknowledged my birthday seemed like a real afterthought.
We're not rude or demanding so I feel comfortable stating that we are not the issue.
My wife and I honeymooned at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives for seven nights beginning Dec 4, 2021. We booked six nights on points and one night on a free-night certificate. I want to thank all the WA Maldives superfans on this forum that have contributed a wealth of information that was extremely useful as I was planning our trip.
Villa: We stayed in reef villa #502. We arrived early in the morning and our villa was not yet ready but we were immediately taken by buggy to another villa to rest, freshen up, and change clothes. While our villa is technically on the lagoon side, it does not face any villas on the opposite side (its the eastern-most villa before you get to Tasting Table) and we loved the view. The water was calmer and the only thing we could see besides the ocean was the small sand dune with the swing. It was especially nice being able to wake up and have a short walk to breakfast and coffee.
Service: Our service was absolutely incredible. We were at the Hilton Opera in Paris for 5 nights right before this and 2 nights at the WA Dubai right after and while both of those hotels took very good care of us, there is simply no comparison to the WA Maldvies. We were treated like actual royalty. Our personal concierge was responsive and helpful in securing dinner reservations and buggy transfers around the island when we needed (usually just at dinner). We've stayed at a lot of nice hotels, but I've never had the staff literally pack my bags the night before I left and push our luggage all the way to check-in at the airport. Our arrival and departure all went very smoothly. We spoke with the resort manager several times during breakfast as he usually made the rounds that time of day. I'll also add that the staff had decorated our bed (because it was our honeymoon), had a cake in our room (also honeymoon), and then redecorated the bed and sent out a free dessert for my wife's birthday the next day. We definitely never felt like second-class guests being on points, nor do I think 99% of the staff would even be aware of how you booked. Not trying to discount anyone else's experience, but I literally couldn't come up with anything negative to say about the service.
Food: We're usually only 2 meal/day people anyway but we made it a goal here. We only had lunch twice, both from Nava. We started every morning with a leisurely two-hour breakfast at Tasting Table. We joked that we had a coffee course followed by a pastry, egg, crape, and mimosa course. I recommend the french press. We loved all the food, but especially Ledge and Li Long. We considered a private dinner at the Rock but it was unavailable for our last night. In hindsight, I'm glad it didn't work out as it was going to be very expensive.
Activities: We did the nurse shark snorkeling and it was amazing. Highly recommend this and I'd rent the go-pro (for $60). We did two spa days and one water spa day. All were great. We did the free stand-up paddle boarding and the house reef snorkeling. We wanted to try the catamaran sailing but it was never windy enough.
Diamond Perks: We each had 4-5 cocktails daily during the Diamond Happy Hour. They were all excellent as was the staff at Peacock Alley. We pretty much had whatever we wanted. We also went for 50% off drinks almost every night. We loved Peacock Alley and I would pay someone to smuggle some of the spicy nuts back to Texas for me. We were not offered a free upgrade (nor did we expect one since this property is excluded) but I don't think it's necessary. The "entry-level" villa is amazing. We personally enjoyed having the greenery around us as it made our villa feel more private compared to the over-water villas.
Weather: We lucked out and had great weather. It only rained on us for a few hours our last days and then the morning we departed. Pack a lot of sunscreen. It's about $70 a bottle to buy it there.
It's been about 3 months since we left and we still talk about this place nearly daily. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We hope to get back there soon. I wish it wasn't so hard to book on points. We originally had booked at the Conrad but COVID delayed our wedding by a year and so I was able to book at the WA instead. We're hoping to get back there for our 3rd anniversary. If you're on the fence about going here, my advice would be to do it. It's worth it. This place is paradise.
Mar 15, 2022, 2:16 pm
#2111
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 10
I have my stay in two weeks(march end) and made multiple single day reservation when availability came up. But I have 1 night in the middle left without reservation and waiting for standard availability to show up. Do I have any hope for 1 night to come up in two weeks? if not, I will change my plans. thanks in advance.
Mar 15, 2022, 4:37 pm
#2112
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CVG
Programs: Hyatt Giraffe
Posts: 1,664
Mar 15, 2022, 6:39 pm
#2113
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 387
sounds like paradise. Thanks so much for sharing. 
I've been meaning to post out here about our stay but I also want to respond to this specifically since we also stayed on points.
My wife and I honeymooned at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives for seven nights beginning Dec 4, 2021. We booked six nights on points and one night on a free-night certificate. I want to thank all the WA Maldives superfans on this forum that have contributed a wealth of information that was extremely useful as I was planning our trip.
Villa: We stayed in reef villa #502. We arrived early in the morning and our villa was not yet ready but we were immediately taken by buggy to another villa to rest, freshen up, and change clothes. While our villa is technically on the lagoon side, it does not face any villas on the opposite side (its the eastern-most villa before you get to Tasting Table) and we loved the view. The water was calmer and the only thing we could see besides the ocean was the small sand dune with the swing. It was especially nice being able to wake up and have a short walk to breakfast and coffee.If When we go back, we will request the same villa.
Service: Our service was absolutely incredible. We were at the Hilton Opera in Paris for 5 nights right before this and 2 nights at the WA Dubai right after and while both of those hotels took very good care of us, there is simply no comparison to the WA Maldvies. We were treated like actual royalty. Our personal concierge was responsive and helpful in securing dinner reservations and buggy transfers around the island when we needed (usually just at dinner). We've stayed at a lot of nice hotels, but I've never had the staff literally pack my bags the night before I left and push our luggage all the way to check-in at the airport. Our arrival and departure all went very smoothly. We spoke with the resort manager several times during breakfast as he usually made the rounds that time of day. I'll also add that the staff had decorated our bed (because it was our honeymoon), had a cake in our room (also honeymoon), and then redecorated the bed and sent out a free dessert for my wife's birthday the next day. We definitely never felt like second-class guests being on points, nor do I think 99% of the staff would even be aware of how you booked. Not trying to discount anyone else's experience, but I literally couldn't come up with anything negative to say about the service.
Food: We're usually only 2 meal/day people anyway but we made it a goal here. We only had lunch twice, both from Nava. We started every morning with a leisurely two-hour breakfast at Tasting Table. We joked that we had a coffee course followed by a pastry, egg, crape, and mimosa course. I recommend the french press. We loved all the food, but especially Ledge and Li Long. We considered a private dinner at the Rock but it was unavailable for our last night. In hindsight, I'm glad it didn't work out as it was going to be very expensive.
Activities: We did the nurse shark snorkeling and it was amazing. Highly recommend this and I'd rent the go-pro (for $60). We did two spa days and one water spa day. All were great. We did the free stand-up paddle boarding and the house reef snorkeling. We wanted to try the catamaran sailing but it was never windy enough.
Diamond Perks: We each had 4-5 cocktails daily during the Diamond Happy Hour. They were all excellent as was the staff at Peacock Alley. We pretty much had whatever we wanted. We also went for 50% off drinks almost every night. We loved Peacock Alley and I would pay someone to smuggle some of the spicy nuts back to Texas for me. We were not offered a free upgrade (nor did we expect one since this property is excluded) but I don't think it's necessary. The "entry-level" villa is amazing. We personally enjoyed having the greenery around us as it made our villa feel more private compared to the over-water villas.
Weather: We lucked out and had great weather. It only rained on us for a few hours our last days and then the morning we departed. Pack a lot of sunscreen. It's about $70 a bottle to buy it there.
It's been about 3 months since we left and we still talk about this place nearly daily. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We hope to get back there soon. I wish it wasn't so hard to book on points. We originally had booked at the Conrad but COVID delayed our wedding by a year and so I was able to book at the WA instead. We're hoping to get back there for our 3rd anniversary. If you're on the fence about going here, my advice would be to do it. It's worth it. This place is paradise.
My wife and I honeymooned at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives for seven nights beginning Dec 4, 2021. We booked six nights on points and one night on a free-night certificate. I want to thank all the WA Maldives superfans on this forum that have contributed a wealth of information that was extremely useful as I was planning our trip.
Villa: We stayed in reef villa #502. We arrived early in the morning and our villa was not yet ready but we were immediately taken by buggy to another villa to rest, freshen up, and change clothes. While our villa is technically on the lagoon side, it does not face any villas on the opposite side (its the eastern-most villa before you get to Tasting Table) and we loved the view. The water was calmer and the only thing we could see besides the ocean was the small sand dune with the swing. It was especially nice being able to wake up and have a short walk to breakfast and coffee.
Service: Our service was absolutely incredible. We were at the Hilton Opera in Paris for 5 nights right before this and 2 nights at the WA Dubai right after and while both of those hotels took very good care of us, there is simply no comparison to the WA Maldvies. We were treated like actual royalty. Our personal concierge was responsive and helpful in securing dinner reservations and buggy transfers around the island when we needed (usually just at dinner). We've stayed at a lot of nice hotels, but I've never had the staff literally pack my bags the night before I left and push our luggage all the way to check-in at the airport. Our arrival and departure all went very smoothly. We spoke with the resort manager several times during breakfast as he usually made the rounds that time of day. I'll also add that the staff had decorated our bed (because it was our honeymoon), had a cake in our room (also honeymoon), and then redecorated the bed and sent out a free dessert for my wife's birthday the next day. We definitely never felt like second-class guests being on points, nor do I think 99% of the staff would even be aware of how you booked. Not trying to discount anyone else's experience, but I literally couldn't come up with anything negative to say about the service.
Food: We're usually only 2 meal/day people anyway but we made it a goal here. We only had lunch twice, both from Nava. We started every morning with a leisurely two-hour breakfast at Tasting Table. We joked that we had a coffee course followed by a pastry, egg, crape, and mimosa course. I recommend the french press. We loved all the food, but especially Ledge and Li Long. We considered a private dinner at the Rock but it was unavailable for our last night. In hindsight, I'm glad it didn't work out as it was going to be very expensive.
Activities: We did the nurse shark snorkeling and it was amazing. Highly recommend this and I'd rent the go-pro (for $60). We did two spa days and one water spa day. All were great. We did the free stand-up paddle boarding and the house reef snorkeling. We wanted to try the catamaran sailing but it was never windy enough.
Diamond Perks: We each had 4-5 cocktails daily during the Diamond Happy Hour. They were all excellent as was the staff at Peacock Alley. We pretty much had whatever we wanted. We also went for 50% off drinks almost every night. We loved Peacock Alley and I would pay someone to smuggle some of the spicy nuts back to Texas for me. We were not offered a free upgrade (nor did we expect one since this property is excluded) but I don't think it's necessary. The "entry-level" villa is amazing. We personally enjoyed having the greenery around us as it made our villa feel more private compared to the over-water villas.
Weather: We lucked out and had great weather. It only rained on us for a few hours our last days and then the morning we departed. Pack a lot of sunscreen. It's about $70 a bottle to buy it there.
It's been about 3 months since we left and we still talk about this place nearly daily. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We hope to get back there soon. I wish it wasn't so hard to book on points. We originally had booked at the Conrad but COVID delayed our wedding by a year and so I was able to book at the WA instead. We're hoping to get back there for our 3rd anniversary. If you're on the fence about going here, my advice would be to do it. It's worth it. This place is paradise.
Mar 15, 2022, 11:04 pm
#2114
Join Date: May 2021
Programs: Globalist Hyatt, Diamond Hilton
Posts: 38
I'm here now and whenever we sit down, they ask if we want sparkling or still, we say house still. Out of the 5 visits, we've been charged $5 once for the water. On that visit when we were charged, we must've had around 6 of the smaller bottles. All of the other visits, we always go through at least 2-3 bottles of water. It's kind of funny, since the house waters have a statement on them, thanking us for drinking the house water to reduce waste.
Mar 15, 2022, 11:23 pm
#2115
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: Jose Cuervo Gold, Bud Light Platinum, Schwab 401K, VW Bug 2MM
Posts: 1,102
Indeed 502 is probably the least obstructed lagoon villa. Depending on where you’re sitting you might not really notice the OWVs. Great for a “base” room