Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Maldives
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Ithaafushi Island, South Male Atoll
Republic of Maldives
www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
Privately Owned
Date of Creation
01/07/2019
Hotel General Manager
TJ Joulak
TJ Joulak is a seasoned luxury hospitality executive with over 25 years of global experience. Known for his leadership across iconic brands like Shangri-La, W Hotels, and Sheraton, TJ has managed properties in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Multilingual and award-winning, he is recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving operational excellence in the high-end hospitality sector.
Hotel Positioning
5 Star Luxury, part of Hilton
Development Strategy
N/A
WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI
History & Story
N/A
Date Renewal
Opened in July 2019
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Arrival experience
Our resort lies a short 40 to 45 minute luxury yacht journey from Velana International Airport. We have a fleet of 7 yachts and they are at least 54 feet long and 2 stories high, offering ample space for your guests to keep their social distance. In addition, the yachts all have at least three bedrooms in case you want to rest and we offer the amenities as mentioned above. This really makes that your guests will thoroughly be able to relax as soon as they walk out of the gate and are greeted by our airport concierge team.
• Culinary experiences
Our resort offers 11 culinary experiences for your guests including our intimate treetop dining experience, Terra. Additionally we have got Yasmeen (Arabic), Tasting Table (international), Li Long (Mandarin), The Rock (degustation and wine pairing), NAVA (Beach Club), The Ledge by Dave Pynt (Australian grill by Michelin Star Chef Dave Pynt), Glow (Mediterranean), Amber (Sunset bar), Peacock Alley (International Lounge), Zuma (Japanese).
• Accommodation
All of the villas at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offer a private infinity pool, in-water lounges, dining gazebos and swing day-beds. We have a dedicated pontoon that can bring the guests back and forward to the main resort, but with a spacious living-room, private infinity pool, over-water hammocks and a BBQ station with private chef in the villa, they might never want to leave.
• Ithaafushi – The Private Island
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers the largest private island within vicinity of the airport. This ‘resort within a resort’ concept offers 9 bedrooms, a spacious entertainment center, 5 pools and a dedicated team of staff available 24/7 to attend to your guests every need. Ithaafushi – The Private Island is the perfect option for your discerning travellers looking for the ultimate getaway.
Location
Located in South Male Atoll, a mere 40 minute luxury yacht journey from Velana International Airport.
Key sites/activities in the area
Watersports
Diving Excursions
Snorkeling Trips
Swimming with turtles, whale sharks, nurse sharks.
Fun Facts
N/A
Children’s Corner
Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park : Keep your little ones entertained at our water park and dedicated children’s club. Waldorf Young Discovery Park features a thrilling water recreation area with fun activities to capture imaginations.
Programs for different age ranges to cater to all our little guests.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• Number of Rooms: 117
Set in a tropical paradise, the 117 Beach, Reef and Overwater villas span three private islands. Choose from one, two or three-bedroom villas, each with a private pool, swing daybeds, dining gazebos and in-water lounges – all with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.
Ithaafushi – The Private Island: featuring a stunning three-bedroom beach villa, two-bedroom overwater villa, four-bedroom residence, five swimming pools, spa, gym, water sports and a private entertainment clubhouse. The 32,000 square meter island sanctuary comes complete with a dedicated chef and personal concierge to attend to all your needs.
Restaurants & Bars
• Terra
Perched above the horizon, Terra presents a picturesque gastronomic dinner experience in private dining nests crafted from natural bamboo.
Yasmeen – A traditional Arabian village with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop, Yasmeen offers Middle Eastern cuisine from hot pitas and puffed breads to hot and cold mezzes and charcoal-roasted meats.
• Li Long
Step into the Shanghainese era and enjoy contemporary Chinese cuisine and Peking Duck prepared in the Maldives first wood-fired oven. A private dining room also offers an intimate Shanghainese club-like ambience.
• Tasting Table
Start your day with gourmet breakfast accompanied by a glorious sunrise. Embrace sunset views as the restaurant transforms into a beachside dining venue offering international favorites.
• The Rock
Nestled amongst boulders, this matchless setting offers a wine dinner in convivial ambiance. For an elevated dining experience, indulge in a curated menu paying tribute to the world’s renowned wine regions.
• The Ledge By Dave Pynt
The Ledge by Dave Pynt brings Burnt Ends’ much-loved style of modern Australian barbecue to the Maldives.
GLOW – Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with a selection of dishes inspired by fresh, high-quality ingredients, paired with a range of fine wines and refreshing detox drinks.
ZUMA – Experience the globally-acclaimed contemporary Japanese concept with a sophisticated twist on the traditional Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking. Surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Zuma Maldives features its stunning setting inspired by the natural materials and local design. Zuma restaurant will be closed from September 01, 2025 – September 30, 2025.
• Peacock Alley
Unwind with live music and ocean views at this serene lounge. Handcrafted cocktails, wines and tapas make this the perfect meeting place for pre- and after dinner gatherings.
• Amber
With magnificent views of the Maldivian sunset over the Indian Ocean, Amber offers an idyllic setting for indulging in chilled champagne and gourmet canapés.
• Nava
This resort’s playground is surrounded by Lagoon Pool and Mirror pool stretching along white sand beach. With an effortlessly chic ambience, indulge in poolside favorites and handcrafted cocktails with a resident DJ and evening live music.
Wellness
WALDORF ASTORIA SPA
An oasis of serenity and privacy, the Waldorf Astoria Spa is a lifestyle spa sanctuary with 10 treatment villas, including overwater spa villas. Soothe the soul with crafted treatments and wellness programs that focus on relaxation, rebalance and results.
Corporate & Celebration Events
N/A
Extra Notable Features
Choose from an array of watersports and activities such as fishing, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing and snorkeling. An outdoor tennis court is also available for those seeking to stay active.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2025
• World Travel Awards – World Travel Awards 2025 – Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2025 – Winner
• Travel + Leisure Magazine -Travel + Leisure Magazine 500 Best Hotels -Travel + Leisure Magazine 500 Best Hotels – Listed
• Travel + Leisure Magazine South East Asia -Travel + Leisure Magazine Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 – Best Resorts in the Maldives – 2nd place
• Travel + Leisure Magazine South East Asia -Travel + Leisure Magazine Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 – Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives – 2nd place
• Travel + Leisure Magazine South East Asia -Travel + Leisure Magazine Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 – Resorts Spas in the Maldives – 6th place
2024
• Condé Nast Traveler – Readers’ Choice Award 2024 US – Best Resort in the Indian Ocean – Rank 17
• Condé Nast Traveller – Readers’ Choice Award 2024 UK – Best Resort in the Indian Ocean – Rank 2
• Travel + Leisure Magazine- Worlds Best Awards 2024 – The 100 Best Hotels in the World – Rank 9
• Travel + Leisure Magazine – Worlds Best Awards 2024 – The 25 Best Resorts in Asia – Rank 3
• Travel + Leisure Magazine -Travel + Leisure Magazine 500 Best Hotels -Travel + Leisure Magazine 500 Best Hotels – Listed
• Travel + Leisure Magazine South East Asia -Travel + Leisure Magazine Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 – Best Resorts in the Maldives – 3rd place
• Travel + Leisure Magazine South East Asia -Travel + Leisure Magazine Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 – Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives – 1st place
• Travel + Leisure Magazine South East Asia -Travel + Leisure Magazine Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 – Resorts Spas in the Maldives – 1st place
• World Travel Awards – World Travel Awards 2024 – Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024 – Winner
• World Spa Award – World SPA Awards 2024 – Maldives’ Best Resort Spa 2024 – Winner
• Condé Nast Traveler – Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Gold List – Gold List 2025 – Winner
• WITRIP / CH – 2024 Life Planet WiTrip Charity Banquet of Promoting Healthy Lifestyles – Best Overseas Luxurious Secluded Retreat Award – Winner
• World Culinary Awards – World Culinary Awards 2024 – Indian Ocean’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant 2024 – Ledge – Winner
• Target China – Elite Selection – Overseas Resort Hotel of the Year
Number of employees
500