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}
Jan 23, 2021, 10:40 am
#61
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: SAN
Posts: 1,306
TD
Saw this on the Hilton site:
“Q: What’s happening to my Citi Hilton Honors Card?
A: Starting in 2018, American Express will be the exclusive issuer of the Hilton Honors credit card program. If your Citi Hilton Honors Card is open and eligible, it will automatically be replaced with a Hilton Honors American Express Hilton Card in January.
So your Citi card should now be an AMEX card.
Thus to answer your question, yes the AMEX issued free night cert work here. \
TD
Last edited by Canarsie; Jan 25, 2021 at 11:38 am Reason: Consolidation.
Jan 23, 2021, 1:26 pm
#62
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott PPE with Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 226
So I decided to go ahead and purchase a travel insurance policy from John Hancock Insurance that I hope will provide coverage in the event of a mandatory quarantine after arrival (we arrive in Maldives on Jan 28). The benefits description for COVID-specific illness included this:
(c) Hospital or ambulatory medical-surgical center services (this may also include expenses for a cruise ship cabin or Hotel room, not already included in the cost of Your Covered Trip, if recommended as a substitute for a Hospital room for recovery from an Emergency Sickness);
It specifically says "hotel room" so that gives me a little bit of confidence, although I also did read a mention of "reasonable and customary" expenses. Since the WA isn't specifically saying what a quarantine room would cost per night, we can only hope that, in that eventuality, that nightly fee would be somewhere close to "reasonable and customary."
(c) Hospital or ambulatory medical-surgical center services (this may also include expenses for a cruise ship cabin or Hotel room, not already included in the cost of Your Covered Trip, if recommended as a substitute for a Hospital room for recovery from an Emergency Sickness);
It specifically says "hotel room" so that gives me a little bit of confidence, although I also did read a mention of "reasonable and customary" expenses. Since the WA isn't specifically saying what a quarantine room would cost per night, we can only hope that, in that eventuality, that nightly fee would be somewhere close to "reasonable and customary."
Jan 23, 2021, 4:51 pm
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,210
Saw this on the Hilton site:
“Q: What’s happening to my Citi Hilton Honors Card?
A: Starting in 2018, American Express will be the exclusive issuer of the Hilton Honors credit card program. If your Citi Hilton Honors Card is open and eligible, it will automatically be replaced with a Hilton Honors American Express Hilton Card in January.
So your Citi card should now be an AMEX card.
Thus to answer your question, yes the AMEX issued free night cert work here. \
TD
“Q: What’s happening to my Citi Hilton Honors Card?
A: Starting in 2018, American Express will be the exclusive issuer of the Hilton Honors credit card program. If your Citi Hilton Honors Card is open and eligible, it will automatically be replaced with a Hilton Honors American Express Hilton Card in January.
So your Citi card should now be an AMEX card.
Thus to answer your question, yes the AMEX issued free night cert work here. \
TD
Jan 24, 2021, 4:48 pm
#64
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 4
If you google "john hancock insurance travel," it will be the first hit. I'm in the same boat, so I emailed their sales department to see if I could get any details.
Jan 24, 2021, 6:34 pm
#65
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott PPE with Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 226
Very excited to return for my second trip to the Waldorf: 17 nights in an Ocean Villa starting mid February. IMO this is one of the most luxurious properties in the world and far surpasses the Conrad (where I have visited three times) in terms of hard product, soft product and snorkeling experience.
It would be great to meet up with any flyer talkers for socially distanced outdoor drinks. Feel free to shoot me a note if you will be around during that time
It would be great to meet up with any flyer talkers for socially distanced outdoor drinks. Feel free to shoot me a note if you will be around during that time
Jan 25, 2021, 3:09 am
#66
Formerly known as hcampana
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AMS
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 463
Very excited to return for my second trip to the Waldorf: 17 nights in an Ocean Villa starting mid February. IMO this is one of the most luxurious properties in the world and far surpasses the Conrad (where I have visited three times) in terms of hard product, soft product and snorkeling experience.
It would be great to meet up with any flyer talkers for socially distanced outdoor drinks. Feel free to shoot me a note if you will be around during that time
It would be great to meet up with any flyer talkers for socially distanced outdoor drinks. Feel free to shoot me a note if you will be around during that time
Is there plenty of coral at the Waldorf? Did you see any mantas while you were there?
I’m supposed to go late April but honestly my hopes are dwindling. Flights seem to be less abundant each time I look. :/
Jan 25, 2021, 7:03 am
#67
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott PPE with Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 226
Snorkeling at WA is tons better than Rangali. A lot of people have made assumptions about this without having gone to both resorts.
There is about 5-6 times the area to snorkel at WA compared to Conrad. Note that I am referencing the drop off style snorkel which is at the edge of the reef.
There is about 5-6 times the area to snorkel at WA compared to Conrad. Note that I am referencing the drop off style snorkel which is at the edge of the reef.
Really, you thought the snorkeling was better? I thought Waldorf didn’t have a readily accessible house reef? I haven’t been yet, only to the Conrad a couple of times.
Is there plenty of coral at the Waldorf? Did you see any mantas while you were there?
I’m supposed to go late April but honestly my hopes are dwindling. Flights seem to be less abundant each time I look. :/
Is there plenty of coral at the Waldorf? Did you see any mantas while you were there?
I’m supposed to go late April but honestly my hopes are dwindling. Flights seem to be less abundant each time I look. :/
Jan 25, 2021, 8:09 am
#68
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Le Club Gold, Leaders Club
Posts: 25
Snorkeling at WA is tons better than Rangali. A lot of people have made assumptions about this without having gone to both resorts.
There is about 5-6 times the area to snorkel at WA compared to Conrad. Note that I am referencing the drop off style snorkel which is at the edge of the reef.
There is about 5-6 times the area to snorkel at WA compared to Conrad. Note that I am referencing the drop off style snorkel which is at the edge of the reef.
Jan 25, 2021, 8:34 am
#69
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: HHonors Diamond; Royal Ambassor
Posts: 478
As long as good snorkeling means watching colourful fish eating algae from dead corals, reef sharks, turtles, clown fish, eagle rays, both resorts are compareable but nothing great.
At Rangali it´s more likely to find other creatures like moray eels, octopus, lion fish, nurse sharks.
Also if you are interested in diving, Rangali gives you the better options.
At Rangali it´s more likely to find other creatures like moray eels, octopus, lion fish, nurse sharks.
Also if you are interested in diving, Rangali gives you the better options.
Jan 25, 2021, 8:35 am
#70
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott PPE with Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 226
There is a lot of people who are posting to this forum and the Conrad forum who are making assumptions about WA vs Conrad without actually going to both resorts. I highly recommend only listening to people who have been to both and can really compare.
The WA is leaps and bounds better than the current Conrad resort - i would absolutely get any points trips at the WA booked ASAP. I would not assume that point redemptions will always exist at WA and even if they do that the current base price remains at 120k for much longer because the value proposition seems to be in favor of the guest rather than the hotel.
The Ocean Villa here is currently the preeminent hotel points redemption for luxury and value in the world- I would love for someone to reply with anything close so that I can book my next trip there
Note that I saw all of these at both resorts (you didn’t mention turtles but I saw those at both as well). In addition at the WA I saw the largest eel I have ever seen that scared my fiancée to death!
Additional pros of WA vs Conrad snorkeling / diving:
+ At the WA I also got to see Dolphins several times off my villa
+ The WA has so much more area to snorkel (I think about 5-6 times at least)
+ The WA offers an inner “Bay Area” drop off; this was nice because if you get a windy day then the innner bay feels safer and is less choppy than the outer area. Conrad drop off is only exposed outwards so a very windy day limits
+ YMMV but I saw more colorful Coral at WA vs Conrad in 2019 trip at both resorts; however 2015 Conrad had most color
The WA is leaps and bounds better than the current Conrad resort - i would absolutely get any points trips at the WA booked ASAP. I would not assume that point redemptions will always exist at WA and even if they do that the current base price remains at 120k for much longer because the value proposition seems to be in favor of the guest rather than the hotel.
The Ocean Villa here is currently the preeminent hotel points redemption for luxury and value in the world- I would love for someone to reply with anything close so that I can book my next trip there
I can second this. I was actually very surprised as I expected the Conrad to be better in that regard, but that the Waldorf was much superior in the end. Particular the reef not far away from the Overwater Villas is really nice and has a perfect edge. I definitely saw plenty more corals than at the Conrad and also thought that the snorkeling was much more accessible without huring your knees and so on.
Additional pros of WA vs Conrad snorkeling / diving:
+ At the WA I also got to see Dolphins several times off my villa
+ The WA has so much more area to snorkel (I think about 5-6 times at least)
+ The WA offers an inner “Bay Area” drop off; this was nice because if you get a windy day then the innner bay feels safer and is less choppy than the outer area. Conrad drop off is only exposed outwards so a very windy day limits
+ YMMV but I saw more colorful Coral at WA vs Conrad in 2019 trip at both resorts; however 2015 Conrad had most color
As long as good snorkeling means watching colourful fish eating algae from dead corals, reef sharks, turtles, clown fish, eagle rays, both resorts are compareable but nothing great.
At Rangali it´s more likely to find other creatures like moray eels, octopus, lion fish, nurse sharks.
Also if you are interested in diving, Rangali gives you the better options.
At Rangali it´s more likely to find other creatures like moray eels, octopus, lion fish, nurse sharks.
Also if you are interested in diving, Rangali gives you the better options.
Last edited by Canarsie; Jan 25, 2021 at 11:39 am Reason: Consolidation.
Jan 25, 2021, 11:43 am
#71
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 71
Award space
Tried to look for award space but only the next 3 days has it at 120k per night.
when does space usually open up? Some suggested to check space multiple times each day. Does that work and when should I be checking (6 month, 12 month away?)
when does space usually open up? Some suggested to check space multiple times each day. Does that work and when should I be checking (6 month, 12 month away?)
Jan 26, 2021, 1:24 am
#72
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 157
I have the same question.
I have been searching for 5 nights in early Jan 2022 and have been doing this multiple times a day since mid Dec just passed and nothing shows up. No awards and not even any paid nights available.
The same is true for CMRI.
I have been searching for 5 nights in early Jan 2022 and have been doing this multiple times a day since mid Dec just passed and nothing shows up. No awards and not even any paid nights available.
The same is true for CMRI.
Jan 26, 2021, 6:15 am
#73
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 363
It doesn’t look like they have loaded any inventory past Jan 10, 2022, but given the 7 night minimum, you cannot book a stay arriving after Jan 3.
Jan 26, 2021, 1:09 pm
#74
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 157
It’s not relevant now because all standard awards have been booked for a few weeks, but the hotel has a 7 night minimum during the festive period. If you search for a 7 night stay or longer you will see premium awards.
It doesn’t look like they have loaded any inventory past Jan 10, 2022, but given the 7 night minimum, you cannot book a stay arriving after Jan 3.
It doesn’t look like they have loaded any inventory past Jan 10, 2022, but given the 7 night minimum, you cannot book a stay arriving after Jan 3.
when does the Festive period and the 7night minimum end?