Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: villas, yacht and prices

The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort spans three islands in the South Malé Atoll. Two of them are dedicated to villas, restaurants, and sports facilities. The third, Ithaafushi, is rented out entirely for private getaways.

There are no conventional "rooms" with corridors here. Each accommodation stands alone, with its own pool and water access. Below, we break down by section what you get for your money, what the dining is like on the island, and how to get there from the airport.

The short answer for those in a hurry: this is a resort for couples, families, and groups who want quiet, a reef at their doorstep, and a full range of experiences on site. If you need a city itinerary and museums, look at other destinations.

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Three islands in South Malé

💡 In short:

• Three islands and 117 villas, each with its own pool.
• The yacht from Velana Airport takes about 40 minutes and runs around the clock.
• The transfer is charged separately from the stay.
• The private island of Ithaafushi is rented out in its entirety.
• Prices and hours: 09/2026, verified on the resort's official website.

The resort spans three islands in the South Malé Atoll (as of 09/2026, resort's official website). There are 117 villas in total, and each has its own pool with a water or garden view (as of 09/2026, Waldorf Astoria villas page on Hilton).

The islands are connected, so you can move freely from the beach to the reef, from the spa to a restaurant, and back to your villa. The private island of Ithaafushi sits apart, with its own rental rules and a separate section below.

For events and large celebrations, the resort rents out only the private island of Ithaafushi in its entirety (as of 09/2026, resort description).

Villas: beach, reef, and overwater

Villas come in three types. Beach villas sit on white sand, reef villas occupy the strip where the garden transitions into the lagoon, and overwater villas hover above clear water (as of 09/2026, resort villa collection). Layouts range from one-bedroom units to multi-bedroom residences, so you can come as a couple or with a large family.

Every villa has a terrace, loungers, and its own pool. You have your morning coffee by the water and watch the sunset right from the terrace, without leaving your home.

What about the price? Nightly rates start in the four-figure dollar range, and larger multi-bedroom residences go into five figures. The amount depends on the season and villa type, so check it for your dates: see Waldorf Astoria villa prices on Trip.com.

The private island of Ithaafushi

Ithaafushi is the resort's third island, rented out in its entirety. You reach it by boat in three minutes from the main island (as of 09/2026, private island rental and booking rules).

Inside there are three bedrooms in a beach villa, two in an overwater villa, and four in the residence (as of 09/2026, description of the private island Ithaafushi on Hilton). They come with five pools, including a kids' pool, a separate entertainment club with a movie theater, a playground, and a staff area.

Beach villas open right onto the sand: you relax on a lounger by the pool or in a hammock under the palm trees. Overwater villas rise above the turquoise water, and panoramic windows frame the horizon.

If you're traveling with a large group, a personal butler and chef take care of every guest's wishes on the island. The kitchen, bar, and service operate exclusively for your group.

Spa, aqua center, and fitness

The resort's spa was the first in the Maldives to have a dedicated wellness concierge: before treatments, you discuss your goals, and then they select the right care for you (as of 09/2026, Wellness section on the resort's website).

The aqua center is made up of zones for different parts of the body: a hydro-massage pool, an ice fountain, a steam room, and a Finnish sauna. You choose the temperature and intensity yourself, and alternating contrasts helps release muscle tension.

The fitness center has cardio machines and strength stations, and a personal trainer will put together a program for you. Classes are held both in the gym and on the water.

Individual spa treatments take place next to the aqua center. If you want a course rather than a single treatment, it's best to arrange the schedule at the front desk on your first day.

Sports and life on the water

The resort has tennis courts and a dive center with water sports (as of 09/2026, Experiences section on the resort's website). Snorkeling starts right at your villa: the house reef lies just a few steps from the ladder into the water.

During the day, you explore the reef and swim with schools of bright fish. Octopuses and eels hide under the rocks, so it's best not to take your mask off too soon. After sunset, the same reef looks different, and night snorkeling reveals creatures you won't see during the day.

Fishing enthusiasts can try Maldivian-style bottom fishing, and the catch goes to the kitchen: the chef will prepare it for your dinner at one of the restaurants.

You can also take out a catamaran, kayak, or water skis, try windsurfing, and soar above the lagoon on a parasail. Ready-made boat trips and dive tours are booked separately: boat trips and diving on GetYourGuide.

The Stars Club kids' club

The Stars Club welcomes children aged 4 to 11: a water park, a water play area, and creative workshops (as of 09/2026, Family section on the resort's website). A nanny is available for children under four, and kids' menus are offered at all of the resort's restaurants.

Families will appreciate the two- and three-bedroom villas: the sleeping areas are separated, so kids get their own space (as of 09/2026, Waldorf Astoria Maldives villa options). This layout works well if you're traveling with two children of different ages.

Parents should check the club's age groups for their dates in advance, since the schedule changes by season.

Photo sessions and special services

Villa guests can book a professional photo session on the beach, by the pool, and on the reef (as of 09/2026, experiences on the resort website). You can choose a family-style or editorial-style shoot, and the finished photos are delivered before you check out.

For those renting the private island, the resort arranges meet-and-greets with athletes and masterclasses. Spa sessions and personal trainer workouts can be booked separately.

Planning a surprise for your significant other? Book a sunset dinner right on the beach: the table is set by the water, and you agree on the menu in advance (as of 09/2026, description of romantic dinners).

Restaurants and bars: eleven venues

The resort has 11 restaurants and bars (as of 09/2026, Dining section on the resort website). The cuisines range from Japanese and Chinese to Middle Eastern.

Zuma Maldives serves contemporary Japanese cuisine with lagoon views. One important planning note: the restaurant is closed from June 1 through June 30, 2026 (as of 09/2026, Zuma Restaurant Closure announcement).

At Li Long above the lagoon, order the Peking duck. Terra tucks its tables into the treetops, while Amber is perfect for sunset with a glass of champagne. Glow prepares dishes from ingredients grown on the island, and The Ledge by Dave Pynt handles the barbecue.

The heart of the resort is the Nava beach club with small plates and live music. For an Eastern atmosphere, head to Yasmeen; for cocktails, Peacock Alley.

The Rock opens by individual request: it offers an extensive wine list and a carefully curated menu. Tables at popular restaurants should be reserved in advance, especially for sunset and holiday dates when the villas are at maximum occupancy.

How to get from Malé airport

The resort meets guests at Velana Airport and takes them to the island on a private yacht. The trip takes about 40 minutes, and boats run around the clock, so a night flight won't be a problem (as of 09/2026, resort's answers about transfers).

Seaplane transfers can be arranged on request: the aerial view of the atolls is worth it, especially if you arrive during the day.

The transfer is not included in the room rate: the yacht has separate fares and policies (as of 09/2026, Information and Policy page). If you want to compare options in advance, check out booking a transfer from Malé airport.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a night at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi cost?

Rates start in the four-figure dollar range per night, and the larger residences go into five figures. The final amount depends on the season, villa type, and number of guests, so check it for your specific travel dates and factor in the separate yacht fare.

How do I get to the resort from Malé airport?

The resort meets you at Velana Airport and takes you there on a private yacht; the trip takes about 40 minutes. Boats run around the clock, so a late arrival is not a problem. Seaplane transfers are arranged on request, and the transfer itself is paid separately from the stay.

Can you rent the entire island of Ithaafushi?

Yes, it's a separate island of the resort that can be booked for private getaways and events. It has a three-bedroom beach villa, a two-bedroom overwater villa, and a four-bedroom residence, plus five pools and an entertainment club. Guests are looked after by a butler and a chef.

Is the resort suitable for a family vacation with kids?

Yes, there's The Stars Club for children aged 4 to 11 with a water park and creative activities. For children under four, a nanny is available, and kids' menus are served in all restaurants. Families can book two- and three-bedroom villas with separate sleeping areas.

Do restaurants need to be booked in advance?

The resort has 11 restaurants and bars, but the most popular spots fill up fast. Sunset tables and holiday dates are best booked before you arrive. Keep in mind that Zuma Maldives is closed from June 1 to June 30, 2026, and The Rock is only open by individual request.

In short: what to book

If you're traveling as a couple, go for an overwater villa with a lagoon view. With kids, a beach villa near The Stars Club is more convenient. For a group or a celebration, look into Ithaafushi, which can be rented in its entirety.

Boat trips, snorkeling, and dive tours are best chosen in advance, and restaurant tables should be booked before you fly.

Check villa prices at Waldorf Astoria on Trip.com and find boat trips on GetYourGuide.

Comparing options in the Maldives? Check out our guide to resort hotels vs. guesthouses and our article on budget travel in the islands.