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 26, 2022, 1:10 pm
#2192
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: NYC
Posts: 92
Mar 26, 2022, 1:13 pm
#2193
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 229
Mar 26, 2022, 1:26 pm
#2194
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Accor Plat, IHG Diamond
Posts: 651
Are you trying to start your stay one day later, or end one day sooner? They might cancel your whole stay if you fail to check in... So make sure that you communicate properly with the hotel. You also state that you are expecting 120,000k points, how many nights are you staying for in total? The hotel is now 30k points extra per night, so you won't get that much back as you would need to rebook at new rate
Mar 26, 2022, 2:09 pm
#2196
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: NYC
Posts: 92
Hi just wondering if anyone has been here for Easter I've done a search but can't find any info,
The Dinner seems quite excessive for a family of four! Any info if they do anything special thanks in advance Sam
Please be advised that we have mandatory Easter Gala Dinner for April 16: Easter Gala Dinner April 16: § Adults (12 years and above) US$370+23.2% Tax and service charge per adult § Children (6 years up to 11.99 years) US$185+23.2% Tax and service charge per children § Children (below 6 years) Complimentary
The Dinner seems quite excessive for a family of four! Any info if they do anything special thanks in advance Sam
Please be advised that we have mandatory Easter Gala Dinner for April 16: Easter Gala Dinner April 16: § Adults (12 years and above) US$370+23.2% Tax and service charge per adult § Children (6 years up to 11.99 years) US$185+23.2% Tax and service charge per children § Children (below 6 years) Complimentary
Yes..All these Mandatory Galas happens in Easter and December as well.
Mar 26, 2022, 5:34 pm
#2197
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 81
They mentioned that since its a points booking, there is no way to shorten it without canceling it and rebooking. But they said that once I get to the property, I can try to talk to them about it and see what they can do.
End one day sooner. Staying for a total of 8 nights (changing to 7), which first 2 nights are booked with FNC and the other 6 nights with points, but I want to end 1 day sooner. I tried to edit on the hilton website and it won't allow me because no availability.
Are you trying to start your stay one day later, or end one day sooner? They might cancel your whole stay if you fail to check in... So make sure that you communicate properly with the hotel. You also state that you are expecting 120,000k points, how many nights are you staying for in total? The hotel is now 30k points extra per night, so you won't get that much back as you would need to rebook at new rate
Mar 26, 2022, 6:38 pm
#2198
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Radisson Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 3,622
They mentioned that since its a points booking, there is no way to shorten it without canceling it and rebooking. But they said that once I get to the property, I can try to talk to them about it and see what they can do.
End one day sooner. Staying for a total of 8 nights (changing to 7), which first 2 nights are booked with FNC and the other 6 nights with points, but I want to end 1 day sooner. I tried to edit on the hilton website and it won't allow me because no availability.
End one day sooner. Staying for a total of 8 nights (changing to 7), which first 2 nights are booked with FNC and the other 6 nights with points, but I want to end 1 day sooner. I tried to edit on the hilton website and it won't allow me because no availability.
Mar 27, 2022, 1:14 am
#2199
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 81
Did anyone do any spa packages here? Planning to get myself a massage, and my significant other a facial spa, manicure, and nail painting. The menu has a lot of different options. This is our first time going to a spa. Hoping to get recommendations from previous spa goers.
Mar 27, 2022, 3:09 am
#2200
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Accor Plat, IHG Diamond
Posts: 651
They mentioned that since its a points booking, there is no way to shorten it without canceling it and rebooking. But they said that once I get to the property, I can try to talk to them about it and see what they can do.
End one day sooner. Staying for a total of 8 nights (changing to 7), which first 2 nights are booked with FNC and the other 6 nights with points, but I want to end 1 day sooner. I tried to edit on the hilton website and it won't allow me because no availability.
End one day sooner. Staying for a total of 8 nights (changing to 7), which first 2 nights are booked with FNC and the other 6 nights with points, but I want to end 1 day sooner. I tried to edit on the hilton website and it won't allow me because no availability.
120,000*5 nights = 600,000 points (assuming status and 5th night free, this is what you might have paid for 6 nights on points)
With the new pricing (kicked in a few weeks ago, some discussion earlier in this thread), I make this:
150,000*4 nights = 600,000 points, So exactly the same price... I would suggest waiting until you arrive if you can arrange in advance, and try and negotiate on arrival, you might just be able to get something free rather than a refund in points. The hotel will get some money from Hilton from your stay, but you are allowing them to re-sell the room, I would try and get a meal or something (I would assume that the transfer fee is too expensive, might be worth a try though). Keep in mind that anything that they might offer is a bonus, so be polite and you never know!
Mar 27, 2022, 8:40 am
#2201
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: IAH
Programs: HH Diamond, Bonvoy something
Posts: 126
Did anyone do any spa packages here? Planning to get myself a massage, and my significant other a facial spa, manicure, and nail painting. The menu has a lot of different options. This is our first time going to a spa. Hoping to get recommendations from previous spa goers.
The villa overlooking the ocean and the glass window floor make it something worth trying. Excellent experience that was executed well all around. Definitely recommend.
Mar 27, 2022, 8:40 am
#2202
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Warwickshire, England
Posts: 616
I am a fan of The Luxury Traveller website, because the reviews there seem to mirror my views exactly. I noticed that their WA Maldives review was for the same room I've just had (and they had problems with the AC failing one night), so I posted what ended up being a mini-review on their comments section. I thought it might be worth repeating my thoughts here:
We have just completed a five-night stay here on points. By coincidence, we also had room 315! A north-facing Reef Villa in this area would definitely be my recommendation: it is quiet, apart from the gentle sounds of the waves, and, being central, the least worst base for getting around, although it’s still a 12-minute walk to breakfast (or a 3-minute cycle ride).
For sunset, we took the path to the beach on the right just past Amber, and swam in the sea there. After 6pm is a good time to enjoy the water and pools, as the UV index is low, and you still have 80 minutes until sunset. Unfortunately, the Waldorf-Astoria do not agree, and all paddle boats, kayaks, etc. have to be returned before 6.
It was fun snorkeling around our room. You shouldn’t put your feet down to avoid damaging the coral which is slowly growing, but the first 20m out from the room is typically around 1.6m deep before a sudden reef drop-off into the abyss. There were plenty of fish at this reef edge.
We had no problems with the AC going off in room 315, but the plug in the bath was not watertight and got progressively worse each night to the point where it was impossible to fill the bath more than a few inches as the water outflow exceeded the inflow from the tap. The outdoor shower was odd in that, although the water pours over a wide ledge, it falls as a single concentrated spout. I preferred the indoor rainfall shower head.
The mobile phone has gone, but the WhatsApp service means it’s not required.
There was no sign of Delamotte champagne: it has been downgraded to something cheap.
After the first night, we discovered that the peanuts at Happy Hour can be replaced by fries, if you say you don’t like peanuts. They have reverted to five fixed cocktails with no offer to make any others. We noticed we were not getting at all tipsy on the cocktails, so doubted they had much alcohol in them. A few bottles of Corona instead had a better effect.
We were quite shocked that Beefeater was the gin offered at Happy Hour and Absolut was the vodka. These are budget brands for a reason — they taste poor — and I didn’t expect to see them in a five-star bar.
With a late substantial breakfast, the fries, the generous fruit basket in the room and a few snacks we had with us, we simply skipped dinner and never felt hungry. This was a relief, as we are vegetarian and the veggie options at dinner were uninspiring and unimaginative while still attracting the eye-wateringly high prices. I am happy to pay exorbitant rates if I can see that I am getting a special gourmet experience, but not for bog-standard fare (such as plant burger, veggie pizza, pasta/sauce).
The only restaurant that appealed was Yasmeen, yet the veggie set meal was priced the same as the seafood/meat options despite the individual elements being $60/$50++ per person less.
The current Google Maps satellite image shows a large building going out into the lagoon almost directly across from room 315. Was this Tangled? Whatever it was, the building and the beach complex shown behind it have completely vanished.
We found the service very stiff. You are constantly being asked if you need anything and “how is your stay?” without going any further and actually having a human conversation. The robotic questions quickly became tiresome in fact, and several staff clearly struggled with our fairly standard British English accents. It was also annoying that everything we deliberately moved in the room, such as turning the alarm clock so it could be seen from the bed, was reset twice a day. Why, for example, would the sash be removed from a dressing gown every day, requiring us to re-thread it through its three loops?
Despite the hotel knowing our dietary requirements in advance, staff were unaware. There was also no adjustment for the fact we are a male couple: we still had his/hers labels in the bathroom, plus small and large slippers/robes.
We have also stayed at the Conrad, Park Hyatt, Intercontinental and Holiday Inn in the Maldives. While the WA has the most stunning rooms, overall the Park Hyatt was the most enjoyable experience.
For sunset, we took the path to the beach on the right just past Amber, and swam in the sea there. After 6pm is a good time to enjoy the water and pools, as the UV index is low, and you still have 80 minutes until sunset. Unfortunately, the Waldorf-Astoria do not agree, and all paddle boats, kayaks, etc. have to be returned before 6.
It was fun snorkeling around our room. You shouldn’t put your feet down to avoid damaging the coral which is slowly growing, but the first 20m out from the room is typically around 1.6m deep before a sudden reef drop-off into the abyss. There were plenty of fish at this reef edge.
We had no problems with the AC going off in room 315, but the plug in the bath was not watertight and got progressively worse each night to the point where it was impossible to fill the bath more than a few inches as the water outflow exceeded the inflow from the tap. The outdoor shower was odd in that, although the water pours over a wide ledge, it falls as a single concentrated spout. I preferred the indoor rainfall shower head.
The mobile phone has gone, but the WhatsApp service means it’s not required.
There was no sign of Delamotte champagne: it has been downgraded to something cheap.
After the first night, we discovered that the peanuts at Happy Hour can be replaced by fries, if you say you don’t like peanuts. They have reverted to five fixed cocktails with no offer to make any others. We noticed we were not getting at all tipsy on the cocktails, so doubted they had much alcohol in them. A few bottles of Corona instead had a better effect.
We were quite shocked that Beefeater was the gin offered at Happy Hour and Absolut was the vodka. These are budget brands for a reason — they taste poor — and I didn’t expect to see them in a five-star bar.
With a late substantial breakfast, the fries, the generous fruit basket in the room and a few snacks we had with us, we simply skipped dinner and never felt hungry. This was a relief, as we are vegetarian and the veggie options at dinner were uninspiring and unimaginative while still attracting the eye-wateringly high prices. I am happy to pay exorbitant rates if I can see that I am getting a special gourmet experience, but not for bog-standard fare (such as plant burger, veggie pizza, pasta/sauce).
The only restaurant that appealed was Yasmeen, yet the veggie set meal was priced the same as the seafood/meat options despite the individual elements being $60/$50++ per person less.
The current Google Maps satellite image shows a large building going out into the lagoon almost directly across from room 315. Was this Tangled? Whatever it was, the building and the beach complex shown behind it have completely vanished.
We found the service very stiff. You are constantly being asked if you need anything and “how is your stay?” without going any further and actually having a human conversation. The robotic questions quickly became tiresome in fact, and several staff clearly struggled with our fairly standard British English accents. It was also annoying that everything we deliberately moved in the room, such as turning the alarm clock so it could be seen from the bed, was reset twice a day. Why, for example, would the sash be removed from a dressing gown every day, requiring us to re-thread it through its three loops?
Despite the hotel knowing our dietary requirements in advance, staff were unaware. There was also no adjustment for the fact we are a male couple: we still had his/hers labels in the bathroom, plus small and large slippers/robes.
We have also stayed at the Conrad, Park Hyatt, Intercontinental and Holiday Inn in the Maldives. While the WA has the most stunning rooms, overall the Park Hyatt was the most enjoyable experience.
Last edited by MKB; Mar 27, 2022 at 8:54 am
Mar 27, 2022, 10:41 am
#2204
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 669