Hilton’s top luxury brand Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts is set to once again foray into the Maldives, with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort in early 2019.

The resort, to be run under one of two luxury brands in Hilton’s portfolio, will span three islands in South Male Atoll that are accessible by a short 20-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives main Velana International Airport.

The resort will have 138 beach and overwater villas, ranging from one to three bedroom villas and a four-bedroom presidential suite, carefully positioned to guarantee exclusivity and privacy for the guests while providing them with unsurpassed views of the ocean. Each villa will be equipped with a private outdoor pool, jacuzzi and lounge deck area.

The simple thatched roofed villas may appear simple on the outside, but on the inside they will be decked with luxurious interior furnishing and will come with branded amenities. Some overwater villas will also have spectacular glass flooring for breathtaking views of the lagoon below.

There will be numerous food and beverage offerings that cater to a diverse culinary palette.

The elevated Terra will offer a tree house dining experience, while private dining options will be available at the cave-like Rock. Mahal will feature modern Arabic cuisine and Chinoise will have a contemporary Chinese menu. The Glow Organic restaurant will be the ultimate choice of those looking for healthier dining options. The laid-back atmosphere of Amber, the resort’s beach bar, will be perfect for guests to relax and enjoy cocktails while watching the sun set over the horizon.

With an area of approximately 2,000 square metres, the resort’s spa will offer both indoor and outdoor facilities, including an extensive outdoor bathing circuit. Other facilities at the spa will include two single treatment rooms, four double treatment rooms, a VIP spa suite, a Hammam suite, four resting pavilions, a vitality pool, a beauty salon, and an indoor and outdoor mind and body studio. A gym, an outdoor fitness centre, aqua spinning classes and an overwater yoga platform will complement the spa’s offerings.

Waldorf Astoria, Hilton’s traditional luxury brand that offers unforgettable experiences at iconic destinations around the world, had earlier managed a resort on the island of Manafaru in the northern Haa Alif atoll. The resort has since gone through ownership changes, and is now run by Dubai-based JA Hotels and Resorts as JA Manafaru.

Hilton currently runs the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort in the Maldives.