Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, Maldives

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi sits across three private islands in the South Malé Atoll, a 45-minute yacht ride from the airport. It is a substantial resort by Maldivian standards, with 119 villas spread across beach, reef, and overwater settings, each with its own pool. The sense of space is considerable, with enough distance between the islands that you never feel crowded.

The accommodation is divided into Beach Villas tucked into the sand, Reef Villas with direct lagoon access, and Overwater Villas suspended above the water. All come with a private pool, and the interiors lean towards a calm, contemporary style with clean lines and generous floor-to-ceiling glass to make the most of the views. At the top end, the private island residences offer a completely separate retreat with their own facilities. Dining is a real strength here: there are eleven venues including Terra, a treetop restaurant with ocean panoramas, and Amber, the signature bar known for sunset views. The spa treatment villas are also worth noting, with ten private spaces for treatments.

For families, the Stars Club and Club Nova offer dedicated programmes for children and teenagers, including a water recreation area. Activities span both on and off the water, and the scale of the resort means there is always somewhere new to explore, whether by bicycle or on foot along the beaches.

This is a resort that delivers the full Waldorf Astoria experience in a Maldivian setting. It suits travellers who want exceptional dining, spacious accommodation with real privacy, and a resort big enough to offer genuine variety across its three islands.