Waldorf Astoria has unveiled a private island in the Maldives for the ‘privileged few’ at $75,000 a night — take a look around
Social distancing should be no problem on the Ithaafushi private island when it’s just you and your personal concierge team.
By Brittany Chang
If you’re looking for a lush and expensive getaway distanced from other people, Waldorf Astoria’s latest private island offering may be the perfect place for you.
The luxury hotel chain already has a nearby $1,700-a-night resort in the Maldives that was launched in 2019, but if you’re looking for more exclusivity and luxury, head to its latest Ithaafushi private island instead.
Here, social distancing should be no problem, especially since you and whoever you travel with will be the only guests on the island (accompanied by a personal concierge team, of course).
“We have launched the private island for discerning travelers during this time when we know that safety and security are a top priority amongst the evolving needs of travellers,” Etienne Dalancon, general manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, told Insider in an email interview. “The Ithaafushi private island offers a high level of exclusivity and natural social distancing. “
“The main focus of Ithaafushi private island was to offer an escape where guests can have their own private haven that connects with nature, offering more outdoor spaces so they can enjoy holistic activities in distanced spaces,” Dalancon told Insider.
Waldorf Astoria has done just that with this new island.
The Ithaafushi private island is the hotel chain’s “crown jewel of their luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific,” Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president of luxury and lifestyle at Hilton’s Asia Pacific segment, said in a statement.
According to the hotel chain, Ithaafushi is Dhivehi for “pearl island.” The island is a 40-minute yacht ride away from Malé, Maldives. Don’t worry about providing your own boat: guests can take one of the resort’s six yachts. If you’re prone to seasickness, the island can also be accessed via a 15-minute seaplane flight.
The private property spans 344,445 square-feet, providing space for up to 24 guests. Upon stepping foot on the island, visitors will be greeted by a concierge team.
Despite its isolation, the private island houses plenty of activities, including watersports and diving.
Not much of a water person? Yoga enthusiasts can head to the yoga pavilion or gym, where guests can also request a personal trainer or classes.
There’s also a wellness concierge and a spa for those who need some more relaxation time on the private getaway.
The island may be surrounded by an ocean, but its occupants can instead choose to swim in one of the island’s five pools, which includes an almost 115-foot infinity pool.
No need to travel by foot around the Ithaafushi private island: guests can take a bicycle or one of the buggies.
Accommodations on the Ithaafushi private island include two villas and a four-bedroom home.
The first two-bedroom villa come with two primary bedrooms, dressing rooms, and a living room.
The villa also has an infinity pool and jacuzzi. When it’s time to clean off, the villa’s occupants can either use the indoor or outdoor rain showers.
The other villa, which has three bedrooms, has direct beach access and two swimming pools.
The final four-bedroom unit is made up of two king and two queen bedrooms.
Like its smaller counterparts, the four-bed home has a living area, jacuzzis, and easy beach access.
When it’s time to eat, the on-island culinary team can prepare your meals. But if that’s not enough, guests can take a speed boat to the main resort and dine at one of its 10 eateries.
This getaway is perfect for a variety of people, from a wedding party to a group of loved ones to a work trip for clients, according to the hotel chain. And if you’re planning on bringing children, they can spend time on the island’s children’s pool or gaming section.
Despite its high nightly price, all of these amenities have caught the eyes of several potential visitors. According to Dalancon, the hotel chain has already seen a “significant number of requests” for the private getaway.
“We are committed to making the Ithaafushi private island a highly sought after, world-class destination for the privileged few,” Dalancon said in a statement.
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