Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
South Malé Atoll · 25km from Malé
Waldorf Astoria's grandest resort — three islands, nine restaurants, pure luxury

About Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi brings the legendary grand hotel service tradition of the Waldorf Astoria brand to the Maldives — on three linked private islands in South Male Atoll, 30 minutes from the airport by luxury yacht. The resort spans 119 villas across beach, reef, and overwater categories, with 11 celebrated dining venues creating the most comprehensive restaurant programme of any resort in the Maldives.
Opened in July 2021, Ithaafushi quickly established itself as one of the most complete ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives. The three-island layout creates distinct zones — the main island with the resort's social spaces and most dining venues, a second island for additional accommodation, and the dedicated private island Ithaafushi available for exclusive group buyout.
The scale and diversity of dining at Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is unmatched in the Maldives — 11 restaurants spanning Italian, Japanese, Levantine, Peruvian-Asian, and contemporary international cuisines, each in a distinctive architectural setting. Zuma, one of the world's most celebrated restaurant brands, operates here as its only Maldives outpost.
Resort Map & Location
Explore the full island layout of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, including every villa category, the restaurants, spa and house reef, on our dedicated resort map. You can also see exactly where it sits in South Malé Atoll on our interactive map of every Maldives resort.
Accommodation
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi offers 119 reef, beach, and overwater villas across three islands — all with private pools and the indoor-outdoor spaces that define Waldorf Astoria's tropical design language. Reef villas sit in a unique position between beach and lagoon. Beach villas have direct shoreline access. Overwater villas are suspended above the lagoon with uninterrupted ocean views. All villas feature the Waldorf Astoria signature — grand proportions, exceptional furnishings, and a swing daybed on the private deck.
- Reef Pool Villas (234 sqm) — between beach and lagoon, private pool
- Beach Pool Villas (283 sqm) — direct beach access, private pool
- Overwater Pool Villas (276 sqm) — suspended above lagoon, ocean views
- Grand Beach Pool Villas (334 sqm) — expanded beach villa with additional space
- Ithaafushi Private Island — exclusive buyout for groups up to 24 guests
Dining
Eleven dining venues create the most diverse culinary programme in the Maldives. Zuma — the globally celebrated Japanese-inspired restaurant — operates its only Maldives location here. Terra serves Italian fine dining in a treetop setting with ocean views. Yasmeen delivers Levantine mezze and sharing plates. The Ledge by Dave Pynt brings Singaporean-inspired wood-fire cuisine. Amber is the resort's signature sunset bar.
Experiences
- Zuma Maldives — the brand's only Indian Ocean outpost
- Waldorf Astoria Spa with Aqua Wellness Centre
- PADI diving and snorkelling in South Male Atoll
- Stars Club kids programme for children
- Tennis and padel courts
- Full water sports programme
- Private yacht excursions and sandbank experiences
- Ithaafushi Private Island buyout for groups and events
- 30-minute speedboat from Male — any hour, day or night
Spa & Wellness
The Waldorf Astoria Spa at Ithaafushi features an Aqua Wellness Centre alongside traditional spa treatment rooms. The programme draws from global healing traditions and is designed around the Waldorf Astoria philosophy of restorative luxury. The spa's beachside setting and open architecture create an environment of genuine calm.
Facilities
Best For
Meal Plans
Getting There
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is in South Male Atoll, 25km from Velana International Airport. The resort is reached by a 30-40 minute luxury yacht transfer — available at any hour, day or night. This makes Ithaafushi one of the most logistically convenient ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives, ideal for guests arriving on late international flights.
Frequently asked questions
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has 9 restaurants and multiple bars, including Zuma (Japanese), The Ledge by Dave Pynt (grill), Li Long (Shanghai Chinese), Terra (treetop dining), Glow (Mediterranean), and Yasmeen (Levant cuisine).
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is located in South Malé Atoll, reached by an approximately 30-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE). Transfers operate flexibly, including for evening arrivals.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has 119 villas, including 60 overwater villas and 59 beach or garden villas.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers Half-Board meal plans. Niche Getaways specialists can advise which plan offers the best value for your travel dates.
Yes — Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has a dedicated kids club and welcomes families with children.