Three-island ocean refuge
Guests arrive by private yacht across the South Malé Atoll, greeted by dedicated personal concierges and open lagoon views across three private islands.
“The villas are more modern than rustic, which is a departure from the style of most Maldivian resorts.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated personal concierges on speed dial, private airport yacht transfers, and freestanding soaking tubs facing open water.
Exceptional
Three interconnected private islands offering eleven dining venues, tennis and padel courts, a water park, and reef diving.
Remarkable
An outdoor hydrotherapy vitality pool, glass-floored overwater treatment pavilions, herbal saunas, and an oceanfront yoga pavilion.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Indian Ocean
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper*, AFAR and Tatler.
Every suite is a villa with its own infinity pool, and many are set overwater.
“Reef villas are cathedral-vast and designed with smooth marble floors, taupe sofas, a minibar stocked with ready-made cocktails, and an outdoor space…”
“The 122 over-water and beach villas, in particular, reveal minimal visual impact by way of rough-hewn solid wood exteriors and traditional Maldivian thatched roofs.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Private coral reefs and turquoise lagoons flank the interconnected islands, where shaded paths are navigated entirely on two wheels.
The rooms
Every villa features a private infinity pool with submerged loungers, standalone ocean-view soaking tubs, and wooden decks fitted with swinging daybeds and hammocks.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A curving beachfront infinity pool edges the lagoon, and the fitness centre looks onto lush tropical greenery.
The vitality pool
The outdoor hydrotherapy pool sits over the lagoon channel, fitted with targeted water jets and submerged loungers.
The spa
Overwater treatment pavilions have glass floor viewing panels that look straight down onto passing reef life.
At the table
Dining ranges from bamboo treetop pods at Terra to an overwater Zuma izakaya and beachside wood-fired grills.
Luxurious villas act as vast private indoor-outdoor playgrounds. The spa carries a substantial menu of bliss-inducing services.
How it began
In place of the traditional brand lobby clock, a monumental bronze sundial sits outside the entrance, engraved with historic Maldivian mosque patterns.
“122 villas (all with private infinity pools) are spread across the three islands, with three of them set on the exclusive Ithaafushi Private Island.”
Good to know
Stay here
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.