An aerial view of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

In some destinations, where you stay may not be the most important factor if you plan to spend most of your time exploring. But in the Maldives, where you’re secluded to a small parcel of land in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the resort you choose can make or break a vacation. There are plenty of luxury properties in the nation, but one that stands out is Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Opened July 2019, it’s one of the newer options and is one of the most well-rounded resorts in the country thanks to a wide range of offerings and amenities. Here, a closer look at why Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is one of the best places to stay in the Maldives.

Due to its proximity to Malé, the main island where Velana International Airport is located, you can arrive to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi by boat. This eliminates the need for sea planes, which means you’ll not only save money, but time. Sea plane transfers in the Maldives are expensive and there’s no set schedule for them, which can result in waits that last for hours after an already long journey to the destination. Plus, as a guest of the Waldorf Astoria, you’ll arrive in style on one of their lavish yachts.

There are a whopping 119 villas spanning the three connected islands and there’s every type of room that you’d want out of a stay in the Maldives. In addition to traditional overwater and beach accommodations, the resort also has a hybrid category dubbed the Reef villas. These digs allow entrance from the beach while the outdoor deck hangs above the water—basically, the best of both worlds. All of these digs feature their own private pool, swing daybeds, dining gazebos, large picture windows, sliding doors to optimize indoor-outdoor living, and oversize tubs in a sumptuous bathroom. The overwater villas also boast a pair of hammocks and a glass floor in the walk-through closet so that you can also marvel at the ocean while picking out your wardrobe. And you’ll of course have an appointed concierge member who will handle any requests throughout your stay.

If you want to be a little more removed from other guests, the bi-level Stella Maris villas may be the perfect fit. These unique accommodations sit in the middle of the ocean and require boat transfers to and from the resort. You’ll still get a fully furnished deck with a pool, but with the addition of a barbecue station and hot tub in a more contemporary setting. And for those seeking the utmost seclusion, there’s a sprawling, exclusive-use private island, but more on that in a moment.

Reiterating its proximity to Malé, parents who don’t feel comfortable taking their kids on sea planes can stay at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi without hopping on a puddle jumper. In addition to this, there are plenty of activities and amenities offered for young travelers that go beyond enjoying the white sand and swimming in the crystalline ocean. At Stars Club, little ones can splash around at the water park while Club Nova is geared toward teens. There’s also a large, lagoon-style family-friendly pool for moments when you’d like to escape your villa’s private oasis. And for moments when you and your partner want some quiet time, babysitting services are available.

While you’ll definitely see families at the resort, honeymooners or couples seeking a romantic escape can still have an enchanting trip. Going beyond drawn baths with rose petals, which they can of course make happen, there are two nearby sandbanks that can be utilized for meals or alone time. In addition to the family-friendly pool, there’s also an adults-only oasis for relaxation as well as private, full-service cabanas dotted around the island. Plus, let’s not forget the spa.

The spa's garden and yoga pavillion at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Spanning more than 107,000 square feet with garden and overwater treatment rooms shrouded by palm trees, the spa is a true oasis for wellness-minded travelers. Travelers who like to maintain their workout regimen while on vacation will appreciate the expansive fitness center, complete with personal trainers on hand, or the yoga pavilion with a panoramic view of the ocean. For those who just want some rest and relaxation, you’re in for a real treat. Whether it’s a facial, massage, mani-pedi, or body treatment, they’ve got you covered. But there’s also a 12-jet hydrotherapy pool—where you’ll also find a steam room, sauna, and ice fountain in the changing rooms—that’s great for jet lag and all the side effects that come with a long-haul flight.

Snorkeling from the beach or your room is just the start. When it comes to water activities, kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skis, surf lessons, catamaran sailing, and kitesurfing are all available. Want to go a little further out into the ocean? Diving excursions, sunset cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and fishing expeditions can all be arranged. Once you’re ready to spend some time on land, there’s also an outdoor paddle court, hard-surface tennis court, volleyball net, games and a DJ at the beach club, and scheduled daily activities that you can participate in. Plus, there’s also evening entertainment in the form of live music, paint-and-sip parties, movie nights, and silent discoes. You’ll never find yourself bored at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

It’s astonishing that you could spend a whole week here and have dinner at a different restaurant every night. There are 12 food and beverage options available to guests that include Li Long for Chinese fare complete with Peking duck; Yasmeen, a Middle Eastern restaurant with an ambience that transport you to an Arabian village; the Ledge by Dave Pynt, an Australian-style barbecue restaurant by the namesake chef whom helms Michelin-starred Burnt Ends in Singapore; world-renowned Zuma, which opened this past summer and has a high-energy vibe that’s unmatched in the Maldives; and an oceanfront lounge that’s positioned for sunset views with bubbles in hand.

For something intimate and special, Terra boasts an Instagram-worthy location and is perfect for commemorating a special occasion. Seven bamboo nests are suspended in the treetops and the multi-course menu features some of the world’s finest ingredients like Miyazaki wagyu beef and truffles. And for oenophiles, ask the resort team about the Rock. Only available by request, it can fit up to 12 guests and you’ll dine at a 200-year-old Jarrah wood table in the wine cellar surrounded by some of the finest vinos in the world while enjoying a pairing with dinner.

But if you just want to enjoy your luxurious villa and use the outdoor dining table on the deck, room service is available 24 hours a day. At the very minimum, make sure to order the floating breakfast one morning and kick off your day sipping mimosas in the pool.

Aside from earning, or using, Hilton Honors points on your booking, there are exclusive benefits for members of the company’s loyalty program. Upon arrival, Hilton Honors guests will receive a bottle of sparkling wine to toast your special trip alongside chocolate and fruit amenities in your villa. Complimentary buffet breakfast at Tasting Table for the card holder and one guest will also be included during your stay. And for those who like to imbibe, daily happy hour for two at select venues is also offered.

An aerian view of Ithaafushi private island

Spanning nearly eight acres, Ithaafushi is the largest exclusive-use private island of its kind in the Maldives. The lush paradise has resort-like amenities like its own overwater spa, complete with a sauna, steam room, gym, and yoga pavilion; both a paddle and tennis court; a play area for kids; a volleyball court; and a beach cabana. There’s even an entertainment clubhouse that boasts a pair of side-by-side pools with a swim-up bar, a billiards table, foosball, a cinema room, a ping pong table, and plenty of space for a DJ or live entertainment should you want to throw a party.

The sprawling estate can fit up to 24 guests and accommodations are spread across three different units. The three-bedroom beach villa is split into two units and each one has a pool. Then there’s a hotel-like compound with four rooms that are smaller than the others on the island, but each one is furnished with its own jacuzzi. And last, but not least, is the overwater villa with two master suites and boasts an expansive furnished deck that’s outfitted with an infinity-edge pool and hot tub.

You’ll have a full team at your disposal, including private chefs, but the resort is also just a short boat ride away should you want to enjoy the main isle. It goes without saying that the service is impeccable and the staff are keen on fulfilling any request, even if it seems nearly impossible. Here, the stars are the limit.