This was my first time to the Maldives and after some heavy duty research and much deliberating I decided to stay at the Waldorf Astoria. I managed to get a great deal with the 'live unforgettable' offer , which made it slightly more affordable as it was half board and included transfers! I’ll start off by saying , I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with choosing Waldorf as their resort whilst in Maldives, the experience from start to finish was unbelievable, simply superb!
I’ll start with the moment you get through passport control (which was surprisingly chaotic) then your journey with the Waldorf begins. You are swiftly greeted and whisked off with your bags being carried a few minutes away to wait for your boat ,and it arrives literally right outside the airport! We had a few other guests to wait for but the yacht was there and max we waited was 15 mins. Now this yacht is by no means ordinary or standard, it is a proper luxurious yacht with 3 bedrooms on board and Napa leather seating that are so soft to the touch, beautifully appointed with several viewing decks to watch the dolphins on your journey to the hotel. They have snacks and drinks served to you and it makes for the most wonderful luxurious start to your trip, which takes around 40 mins.
We arrived there early around 11/12 ish I think and were greeted by smiles and waves from the staff. You are swiftly taken off the boat and introduced to you personal concierge / butler for your entire trip, which was a really nice idea, made the whole process seamless. The property is stunning and bigger than one would expect , it has a separate private island too, but the sheer size of this place makes you understand how it holds 11 restaurants.
We had the entry water reef villa , the place was massive, I think around 3000 sq ft. Tastefully decorated with stunning bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower and a tub to die for. I loved the Aesop products, and notably the bathrobes were the softest I’ve ever encountered. Bed was super comfortable and we always got extra snacks and treats every turn down service, which were delicious! We even got a lovely fruit bowl and sweet treats with non alcoholic wine as we they knew we didn’t drink. The outdoor space is where the villa really shows off . A full sized almost 15 metre pool, 5 different options to lounge, swing beds in the shade and another in the shade, loungers in the pool and outside, and the nets over the water you are honestly spoilt for choice , all overlooking the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.
Zuma was by far the best dining experience and it such a stunning setting, it has all your usual favourite dishes and also great service. I like biking around the island, the free non motorised water sports, the gym was also outstanding. I had lower back pain and the trainers gave me one on one advice, Ahmed gave me helpful tips and was so friendly and kind. Elsa help me stretching everyday and invited me to yoga and meditation all of which are complimentary (the group classes) and she was mindful of my back pain throughout, was amazing to talk to and so knowledgable. Hazuki our personal concierge was a consummate professional as booked everything for us via WhatsApp , and met us everyday to check up on us and if we needed any assistance. Finally Mohan the restaurant manager at tasting table was so considerate and even prepared and come back soon breakfast arrangement. I forgot to mention breakfast is extraordinary, one of the best i’ve come across to date, service and choice are amazing, loved the fresh juices and protein shakes!
Honestly there is so much more one can write but overall I can’t sing the resorts praises enough, worth every penny and would love to return in a heartbeat, highly recommended!!
