We took the time to search through all the resorts within boat distance from the international airport in Malé and eventually settled on Waldorf Astoria Maldives. My partner was dead set against taking a seaplane, so we sadly had to wave goodbye to options like Cheval Blanc Randheli and Velaa Private Island. But fear not, fellow air-phobics! Waldorf Astoria Maldives was just a 40-45 minute yacht ride away from Male.
One of the main reasons we chose Waldorf Astoria Maldives was for the Villas with its big outdoor spaces and a pool that you can actually swim in. Luckily, we were able to secure an overwater villa facing the lagoon and adjacent to Ithaafushi Island, offering us the perfect spot for privacy. However, families with children who prefer to be near the pool area, beach, or tennis court may find this location less suitable.
As passionate travelers, we are always searching for the elusive unicorn – a perfect stay with faultless hotel and exceptional service. Although we did not quite find this mythical creature at Waldorf Astoria Maldives, it came pretty close.
Overall, Waldorf Astoria Maldives was an exceptional choice for our late honeymoon in the Maldives. Its outstanding service, stunning villa, and breathtaking surroundings made it the best hotel we have ever stayed at.
When the resort’s buggy passing by our villa, we heard it clatter against the wooden bridge, but it did not bother us.
First time
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King Overwater Villa - 4 nights
King Grand Reef Villa - 5 nights
But we change Reef Villa to a King Grand Overwater Villa.
Due to noise in the first villa, we was offered an upgrade but turned it down because of the location. We solved the issue by turning off the pool pump at night
The Elephant in the room.
All the restaurants were excellent except for Zuma, which felt a little out of place and did not quite match the paradise-like atmosphere of the island. We also tried Terra, but found its fusion food to be overrated.
Amazing, one of the best!
Okay, you could stream your favorite movie as long as it is accepted by the Maldives government.
The resort villas had a design flaw, though, as the air conditioning and pool pump are located just behind the wall where the bed is, which could be problematic for sensitive sleepers due to the resonant sound that travels through the wall. If you opt for the bigger villas, you get a bonus of two air conditioners…
The beach villas are the only ones with a separate little house for the air conditioners and pool pump. On the other hand, mosquitoes, bats, and so on were not an option for us.
We have our sights set on Seychelles and Fiji.
Yes and no...
