South Male Atoll · Maldives
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Three linked islands, a dozen restaurants and a private island within the island
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Ithaafushi is spread across three connected islands in South Male Atoll, joined by walkways and served by buggies. The scale allows for something most Maldivian resorts cannot manage: a genuinely varied dining scene, running to well over a dozen venues, including an underwater restaurant and several chef-led rooms rather than the usual buffet-plus-grill formula.
Villas are large and heavy on marble and glass, with private pools throughout and a run of overwater suites stretching out over the lagoon. Beyond them sits The Private Island, a separate three-bedroom retreat with its own staff, pools and beaches, bookable in its entirety and priced accordingly.
The resort is a 30-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, so arrival is not tied to seaplane daylight hours. Facilities are extensive: a substantial spa, a dedicated wellness pavilion, tennis, watersports and a children's club, all of which make it work as well for families as for couples.
At a glance
What to expect
- Private pool villas
- Overwater villas
- Underwater restaurant
- Extensive spa
- Speedboat transfer
- Kids' club
- Watersports centre
- Private island retreat
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