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 19, 2021, 2:16 pm
#361
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,166
Can anyone else share their experience earning points for the transfer cost?
Mar 19, 2021, 2:20 pm
#362
Join Date: Sep 2020
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 97
They get out of giving you points for the transfer cost by claiming it's operated by a third party. You should get bonus points for paying the bill with a Hilton credit card, but not any points from the hotel as part of the stay.
Mar 19, 2021, 2:26 pm
#363
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Singapore
Programs: FB Gold
Posts: 59
I remember previously reading something similar about points & transfer.
Them claiming that it’s a 3rd party sounds a bit like bs. The resort owns all 7 yachts as proudly stated by the boat tender when asked. Literally makes no sense to outsource this cash cow - who knows.
Them claiming that it’s a 3rd party sounds a bit like bs. The resort owns all 7 yachts as proudly stated by the boat tender when asked. Literally makes no sense to outsource this cash cow - who knows.
Mar 19, 2021, 3:29 pm
#364
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 104
I remember previously reading something similar about points & transfer.
Them claiming that it’s a 3rd party sounds a bit like bs. The resort owns all 7 yachts as proudly stated by the boat tender when asked. Literally makes no sense to outsource this cash cow - who knows.
Them claiming that it’s a 3rd party sounds a bit like bs. The resort owns all 7 yachts as proudly stated by the boat tender when asked. Literally makes no sense to outsource this cash cow - who knows.
Mar 19, 2021, 8:09 pm
#366
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Grapevine, TX
Programs: AA Plat Pro, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National Emerald Club Exec Elite,
Posts: 38
I have updated my original Post - having now Studied the Bill in more detail - and without speaking to the resort I am going to say the transfer *may* get points - basically if I look at the Bill Total before Tax and Service Charge AND take out the cost of the PCR test and the Photo Package - which are obviously outsourced, then it roughly comes to the total of Base Points that were posted to my account. Apologies for any confusion, I would say the best bet is to ask the resort!
Mar 19, 2021, 8:24 pm
#367
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 101
Can't remember where I read it, but there were mentions on not earning points on the boat transfer in the past, as well as there was a blog article or someone's experience in the last year that mentioned the Aspire resort credit was no longer eligible at this property. You would think room availability would have become more plentiful, clearly not the case.
Mar 19, 2021, 8:48 pm
#368
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, DL PM, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 920
We received points for our transfer charges automatically when the bill posted without issue. Not sure where this is coming from.
Mar 20, 2021, 8:31 am
#370
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, DL PM, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 920
Mar 20, 2021, 3:30 pm
#371
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Grapevine, TX
Programs: AA Plat Pro, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National Emerald Club Exec Elite,
Posts: 38
Review and Observations from our 10 Day Stay
Introduction - We have just returned from a 10 day stay, further to my post upthread, here are my observations after our stay. I have tried to cover things that others may have not (I haven’t read the entire thread), as well as a few items for anyone who has not visited the Maldives before. If anyone has any questions – please feel free to ask! – this thread was very useful to me and I like to pay it forward. Sorry it’s so long!
TL : DR - The Hype is real, and the Hotel, Resort and entire experience is easily worth the extra points and cost – I am already to planning our next stay, The Boat – while expensive – is worth it for several reasons. Plan to bring everything you might need, because the resort has no real store and what they do have they charge eye-popping prices, even for the Maldives. Everything is “From the Heart”. If you want to be part of Senior Management here, you need to wear tight pants.
Male Airport – Immigration - Currently there is no Fast Track for First/Business and it appears to be a crap shoot how quickly your line will go. Be aware that people will cut the line, how much you want to speak up is on you.
We were greeted in the Arrivals hall and quickly escorted through the maddening crowd. There is a General Store so if you need have forgotten anything – tell them you need to go in, otherwise you are straight on the boat, and there is no “General store” on the resort, beyond very overpriced Sunscreen and Mini Bar items.
Boat Transfer- Covered in other reviews, so I will just say this – Yes it’s more expensive than the Seaplane, but being in an Air Conditioned Cruiser Cabin (On a very humid day) sipping champagne within 10 minutes, not worrying about Baggage Weight, the Seaplane Breaking Down (that happened to us on a CMRI Stay) AND Being at the Resort within 40 minutes of leaving Customs, means to me it’s more than worth it.
Villa – We stayed in a 30x Reef Villa – for us it was perfect – we never waited more than 5 minutes for a Golf Cart and/or it was easy to Cycle to the 2 “Main Areas” of the Resort. Apart from that it was fantastic Snorkeling just off our Vila and easy to get to the Reef off the Bridge between the 30x and 31x. During our stay we saw Dolphins, Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles as well as the usual Tropical Fish when snorkeling off our Deck. The Coral is still new, but it is maturing. When we come back we would stay in this section again in a Heartbeat.
According to our host, they are currently building decks by Various Parts of the resort and will have a couple of Dhoni Boats, to provide Shuttle service around the Lagoon (Similar to CMRI)
Spa – My Better half had a Massage and 2 Manicures. Note that as a Diamond Member they will either Bump a 60 min massage to 90 Minutes or discount a 90 Minute Massage – either way you ‘save’ $20 – better than a kick in the leg. But she was delighted with all services. Each Nail Service took place in a Spa Suite and the Massage was over the Ocean.
Gym – Medium size Gym with a Good Variety of quality Precor Cardio and Strength Machines as well as Hand Weights/Mats/Benches etc. Staffed during the day with Water, Drinks, Snacks, Regular and Chilled towels on Hand.
Dolphin Cruise – Staff were clear at the beginning that nothing was guaranteed, indeed another couple were doing the cruise again because they saw none the last time. We took the approach that it was a fun boat ride at Sunset and if we saw Dolphins it was a bonus. Were VERY lucky that we didn’t even clear the resort before we started seeing schools of them that not only stayed close to the boat, but were flipping and jumping out of the ocean.
Happy Hour - still at Peacock Alley – we went almost every day– and there was just a handful of guests each time. Good Strong Drinks, but what you can get depends on the server, there is still a standard happy hour menu with a cocktail of the day – but some will let you order any cocktail – providing its not too fancy. Most Days we got Candied Pecans as a snack.
Dining – Of the Specialty Restaurants - we greatly enjoyed the ones we tried, all very much individual experiences. In order of our most to least favorite – Shimizu, Yasmeen, Lee Long, Ledge
Peacock Alley, Tasting Table, In-Villa Dining are all pretty much the same “International” menu right now. We did In-Villa Dining because there is little better than eating on the Deck. Tasting Table is only open at night when there is bad weather. Personally, I would do Peacock Alley if you don’t want to stay in the Villa.
COVID - No longer need to quarantine for 24hrs and the test on arrival was a standard temperature check. All Staff were masked, we only had to wear masks when visiting the buffet at breakfast. PCR Test for the return it was a straight $70 each (No ++) – did one swab each of the nose and throat
Polo Shirt – The Male Edition Boutique offers a WA Maldives Polo shirt – they have it in all sizes and it is ‘just’ $42 (Not even ++). They also have a Cap for $48 (Go figure it costs more).
From the Heart – Wondering why the Staff put their hand over their heart every time you see them? Think “Is this Some Maldivian traditional greeting I didn’t know about?” – wonder no more! I asked a staff member and it’s a “Waldorf Astoria thing” meaning that the service is “From the Heart” – nope I haven’t seen it in another WA Hotel/Resort either! (and I have stayed at several)
General Observations – Some Humorous – If easily offended skip over the remainder of this post.
Guests – A lot of Families with Young Children, more than I have seen at other resorts. Why that is the case (Big Villas accommodate more? Great Kids Center?) I don’t know. It was only really noticeable at Breakfast, except for 1 late night when a family thought it would be a wonderful idea to fully open up the Grand Piano so we could be ‘treated’ to Amateur Night by Daughter.
Breakfast at the Tasting Table - try to get a table in the Central Area – People watching is Top Quality – on top of that you will occasionally see some Amazing Magic Tricks! For example, one day a Family had a plate with at least 3-4lb’s of Strawberries on it – not 1 minute later it completely disappeared!!!
“Uniforms” - Like other resorts there is an informal shirt/dress hierarchy – it also looks like there is a pants hierarchy among male staff.
And Finally…
Top 10 reasons you are back home and already missing the WA Maldives.
10. Its 3.45pm and you want to call for a Cart to go to Diamond/Gold Happy Hour
9. You go to call for the cart and realize you don’t have a “House” cellphone in your pocket.
8. Taking a shower and look for the door to the one outside
7. See a 12 pack of Cokes at 7-11 and you think “WOW! what a Bargain at $9.99”
6. Reading a Book feels weird because you aren’t on a Swinging Bench with the sound of waves in the background.
5. Open up Uber and you are disappointed there is no “Golf Cart” Option
4. You wonder why the WA Maldives doesn’t have an Uber app on the room iPad for its Golf Carts
3. Go out to eat and are offended because staff at the Host Stand don’t put their hand over their heart when you approach them
2. Automatically add 23.2% to any price you see.
And the Number 1 reason you are already missing the WA Maldives….
You watch this and wonder if it is similar to discussions between Resort Senior Management
If you got this far you like long posts - Thanks for Reading!
TL : DR - The Hype is real, and the Hotel, Resort and entire experience is easily worth the extra points and cost – I am already to planning our next stay, The Boat – while expensive – is worth it for several reasons. Plan to bring everything you might need, because the resort has no real store and what they do have they charge eye-popping prices, even for the Maldives. Everything is “From the Heart”. If you want to be part of Senior Management here, you need to wear tight pants.
Male Airport – Immigration - Currently there is no Fast Track for First/Business and it appears to be a crap shoot how quickly your line will go. Be aware that people will cut the line, how much you want to speak up is on you.
We were greeted in the Arrivals hall and quickly escorted through the maddening crowd. There is a General Store so if you need have forgotten anything – tell them you need to go in, otherwise you are straight on the boat, and there is no “General store” on the resort, beyond very overpriced Sunscreen and Mini Bar items.
Boat Transfer- Covered in other reviews, so I will just say this – Yes it’s more expensive than the Seaplane, but being in an Air Conditioned Cruiser Cabin (On a very humid day) sipping champagne within 10 minutes, not worrying about Baggage Weight, the Seaplane Breaking Down (that happened to us on a CMRI Stay) AND Being at the Resort within 40 minutes of leaving Customs, means to me it’s more than worth it.
Villa – We stayed in a 30x Reef Villa – for us it was perfect – we never waited more than 5 minutes for a Golf Cart and/or it was easy to Cycle to the 2 “Main Areas” of the Resort. Apart from that it was fantastic Snorkeling just off our Vila and easy to get to the Reef off the Bridge between the 30x and 31x. During our stay we saw Dolphins, Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles as well as the usual Tropical Fish when snorkeling off our Deck. The Coral is still new, but it is maturing. When we come back we would stay in this section again in a Heartbeat.
According to our host, they are currently building decks by Various Parts of the resort and will have a couple of Dhoni Boats, to provide Shuttle service around the Lagoon (Similar to CMRI)
Spa – My Better half had a Massage and 2 Manicures. Note that as a Diamond Member they will either Bump a 60 min massage to 90 Minutes or discount a 90 Minute Massage – either way you ‘save’ $20 – better than a kick in the leg. But she was delighted with all services. Each Nail Service took place in a Spa Suite and the Massage was over the Ocean.
Gym – Medium size Gym with a Good Variety of quality Precor Cardio and Strength Machines as well as Hand Weights/Mats/Benches etc. Staffed during the day with Water, Drinks, Snacks, Regular and Chilled towels on Hand.
Dolphin Cruise – Staff were clear at the beginning that nothing was guaranteed, indeed another couple were doing the cruise again because they saw none the last time. We took the approach that it was a fun boat ride at Sunset and if we saw Dolphins it was a bonus. Were VERY lucky that we didn’t even clear the resort before we started seeing schools of them that not only stayed close to the boat, but were flipping and jumping out of the ocean.
Happy Hour - still at Peacock Alley – we went almost every day– and there was just a handful of guests each time. Good Strong Drinks, but what you can get depends on the server, there is still a standard happy hour menu with a cocktail of the day – but some will let you order any cocktail – providing its not too fancy. Most Days we got Candied Pecans as a snack.
Dining – Of the Specialty Restaurants - we greatly enjoyed the ones we tried, all very much individual experiences. In order of our most to least favorite – Shimizu, Yasmeen, Lee Long, Ledge
Peacock Alley, Tasting Table, In-Villa Dining are all pretty much the same “International” menu right now. We did In-Villa Dining because there is little better than eating on the Deck. Tasting Table is only open at night when there is bad weather. Personally, I would do Peacock Alley if you don’t want to stay in the Villa.
COVID - No longer need to quarantine for 24hrs and the test on arrival was a standard temperature check. All Staff were masked, we only had to wear masks when visiting the buffet at breakfast. PCR Test for the return it was a straight $70 each (No ++) – did one swab each of the nose and throat
Polo Shirt – The Male Edition Boutique offers a WA Maldives Polo shirt – they have it in all sizes and it is ‘just’ $42 (Not even ++). They also have a Cap for $48 (Go figure it costs more).
From the Heart – Wondering why the Staff put their hand over their heart every time you see them? Think “Is this Some Maldivian traditional greeting I didn’t know about?” – wonder no more! I asked a staff member and it’s a “Waldorf Astoria thing” meaning that the service is “From the Heart” – nope I haven’t seen it in another WA Hotel/Resort either! (and I have stayed at several)
General Observations – Some Humorous – If easily offended skip over the remainder of this post.
Guests – A lot of Families with Young Children, more than I have seen at other resorts. Why that is the case (Big Villas accommodate more? Great Kids Center?) I don’t know. It was only really noticeable at Breakfast, except for 1 late night when a family thought it would be a wonderful idea to fully open up the Grand Piano so we could be ‘treated’ to Amateur Night by Daughter.
Breakfast at the Tasting Table - try to get a table in the Central Area – People watching is Top Quality – on top of that you will occasionally see some Amazing Magic Tricks! For example, one day a Family had a plate with at least 3-4lb’s of Strawberries on it – not 1 minute later it completely disappeared!!!
“Uniforms” - Like other resorts there is an informal shirt/dress hierarchy – it also looks like there is a pants hierarchy among male staff.
And Finally…
Top 10 reasons you are back home and already missing the WA Maldives.
10. Its 3.45pm and you want to call for a Cart to go to Diamond/Gold Happy Hour
9. You go to call for the cart and realize you don’t have a “House” cellphone in your pocket.
8. Taking a shower and look for the door to the one outside
7. See a 12 pack of Cokes at 7-11 and you think “WOW! what a Bargain at $9.99”
6. Reading a Book feels weird because you aren’t on a Swinging Bench with the sound of waves in the background.
5. Open up Uber and you are disappointed there is no “Golf Cart” Option
4. You wonder why the WA Maldives doesn’t have an Uber app on the room iPad for its Golf Carts
3. Go out to eat and are offended because staff at the Host Stand don’t put their hand over their heart when you approach them
2. Automatically add 23.2% to any price you see.
And the Number 1 reason you are already missing the WA Maldives….
You watch this and wonder if it is similar to discussions between Resort Senior Management
If you got this far you like long posts - Thanks for Reading!
Mar 21, 2021, 9:14 pm
#372
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 71
I booked a 6 night in January 2022 and hoping it will happen! Cancelled 2 prior reservations at CMRI due to COVID. hope 3rd time is the charm.
I am getting excited after reading all the reviews. Looks like yacht is an upgrade, faster, no limit on luggage weight, etc.
I am disappointed that I cannot use my $250 resort credit, thought it was available before but don't see WA listed in the resort list now.
I am getting excited after reading all the reviews. Looks like yacht is an upgrade, faster, no limit on luggage weight, etc.
I am disappointed that I cannot use my $250 resort credit, thought it was available before but don't see WA listed in the resort list now.
Mar 22, 2021, 2:30 am
#374
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Belgium
Posts: 270
From the Heart – Wondering why the Staff put their hand over their heart every time you see them? Think “Is this Some Maldivian traditional greeting I didn’t know about?” – wonder no more! I asked a staff member and it’s a “Waldorf Astoria thing” meaning that the service is “From the Heart” – nope I haven’t seen it in another WA Hotel/Resort either! (and I have stayed at several)
The WA recruited a lot of staff from O&O when it opened if I remember correctly.
Mar 22, 2021, 6:42 am
#375
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Grapevine, TX
Programs: AA Plat Pro, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National Emerald Club Exec Elite,
Posts: 38
I was somewhat skeptical when the first staff member told me, so I asked someone else in a separate 'department' who had the same response and was insistent it was a "WA Thing".
Since I posted the review I have done some further research (AKA looking things up via Google) and can find no connection to "from the heart" and the WA in general
I think you are closer to the truth though, and everyone is told to do it (and why) in New Hire Training from someone who came over from O&O :-).