The Maldives just got even more exclusive with The Private Island at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
If Hilton's still-new, uber-luxurious Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi wasn't quite exclusive enough for you, your wish for something with even more panache has been granted.
On Tuesday, Hilton shared the details of "Ithaafushi -- The Private Island," a brand-new hyper-exclusive private-island experience at the Waldorf Astoria.
This almost-350,000-square-foot private island is the largest of its kind in the Maldives, according to a press release from Hilton, and can accommodate you and 23 of your closest (and luckiest) family members, friends or colleagues.
The Private Island is home to two separate villas as well as one large four-bedroom residence and common living space, known as "Haali," which means "the nest" in Dhivehi, the local Maldivian language.
One of the freestanding villas is located overwater and has two master bedrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, an infinity pool and a Jacuzzi, among other amenities.
The other villa, a three-bedroom villa has its own direct beach access and two swimming pools.
The main residence, meanwhile, features two king bedrooms, two queen bedrooms, Jacuzzis and direct access to the beach.
If you're looking for the ultimate get-away-from-it-all vacation, this is the place for you. Your group can elect to have every one of your meals on the island, whether in the form of elegant family-style meals in the common area or within each villa.
Or, you can venture to the main resort to dine at any one of the property's 10 food-and-beverage venues, which includes Terra, a restaurant that features bamboo dining pods in trees high above the beach. Or try an authentic Australian barbecue at The Ledge, which is helmed by Dave Pynt of the Michelin-starred Burnt Ends restaurant in Singapore.
If you're lucky enough to find yourself there, you'll also have access to a whole roster of water-focused activities, such as diving, snorkeling, watersports, yacht excursions and even access to a sand bar in the middle of the ocean that can be set up for private meals, sundowner cocktails or private yoga sessions.
Guests have access to a Wellness Concierge who can set up a range of treatments at the island's overwater spa meant to promote wellness and help you disconnect and recharge. You'll also find a "meditation and yoga pavilion," fully equipped gym providing personal training sessions, swings in the sea, hammocks, sunken lounge chairs, a total of five pools, a giant LED screen for watching movies under the stars and even a dedicated children's play area and pool -- for the luckiest kids alive.
As you'd expect, The Private Island aims to provide the pinnacle in five-star service for only the world's most discerning travelers. You'll be welcomed by an entire team of personal concierges ready to anticipate any need or desire you may have while visiting the island.
While you may feel like a world (or two) away from anyone else on the planet, The Private Island is just a short boat ride from the main Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi Resort, which means you can reach the resort and your private island in under an hour by speedboat or about 15 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male.
Bottom line
The Maldives is already one of the world's most remote and exclusive destinations, and it just became even more so with the addition of The Private Island at the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi.
Hilton has yet to share what it will cost to book this ultimate private-island escape, nor do we know whether or not you'll be able to use points for a stay. We'll update this story with more information as soon as we get it. But with "base" rooms at the main resort regularly going for $1,000+ per night, we can tell you to get your wallet ready -- this kind of exclusivity and over-the-top luxury doesn't come cheap.
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