Summary
Spent an amazing 11 days at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Total out of pocket: $9421.81
Travel Notes (All prices below are USD unless otherwise noted)
Covid Notes
- We got free COVID tests through Kaiser for travel.
- The Maldives allows for tests 96 hours before initial departure location. Although we had a layover in Doha that made it exceed 96 hours before we got to Male another test was not necessary (We did not leave the airport, unsure if that makes a difference).
- We had to fill out the form at https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd/create 24 hours before arrival (filled out in Doha during layover) and departure.
- Masks were required at all airports and planes.
- Masks were only required at buffet breakfast at the resort.
Travel
- The only method of getting to the resort is via yacht.
- It was very nice, there is a concierge to ensure that you have a comfortable ride and provide answers to any questions.
Accommodations
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- We had Diamond status for the stay.
- We used 600,000 points and 5 free night certificates for an 11 night stay (you get one free night for booking 4 nights on points).
- Point redemption value was about 2 cpp.
- Booked King Overwater Villa for the first 7 nights and then stayed in King Reef Villa for the remaining 4 nights. They also provided a day use King Beach Villa for our checkout day, which was very kind of them.
- Both rooms were very spacious. Two rollaways were provided for the girls.
- The welcome gifts here were very generous. We received multiple food gifts through the stay and a birthday cake for our older daughter.
- The kids club was quite large with a plethora of activities. There was even a mini water park complete with a bucket that fills and dumps large amounts of water!
- We had a dedicated concierge Alina who was very kind, organized, and attentive. We communicated with her over Whats App. She made our stay so much better and relaxing.
- The hotel is one hour ahead of Male time, so we needed to set custom time on our watches/phones.
Entertainment
- The hotel island chain is quite long and we had a couple of enjoyable bike rides.
- The pool attached to the room are is and we spent most of our time on the deck. Since our initial room faced the ocean, it was very private and relaxing.
- The snorkeling around the drop offs was great, and not very far from our rooms. Saw some sharks and rays on the bridges coming to and from meals.
- There were Stand Up Paddle boards, paddle boats, and snorkel equipment all free to rent out.
- The girls really got into ping pong and foosball each day.
Mobile/Internet
- Hotel internet was understandably on the weak side. It was serviceable for most of our needs.
Laundry
- We did our own laundry by washing and hanging (our clothes dried fast in the heat of the sun).
Food
- As expected food was incredibly expensive. We brought a suitcase of ramen and Spam.
- Our general strategy was to eat a hefty breakfast, snack on food we brought for lunch, and then share a sandwich/pizza for dinner. That generally kept our meals around $100 a day after tip.
- Lunch offerings were limited to Nava and the Ledge. Dinner restaurants
- We ate one dinner at Li Long. That came out to about $400 for the four of us.
- We attended happy hour at Peacock Alley each day (complimentary for Hilton Gold and Diamond) and our girls really enjoyed this. One of the bartenders Suhdeep was very kind to our daughters and they very much looked forward to visiting him each day.
Things that went well
- Was really happy with the Anker Power Strip. We brought a 2nd one and this really helps our preferred power setup especially around the beds.
- Bug spray was really effective and we found it necessary even with the hotel's own consistent spraying.
Lessons for next time
- The 9 hour overnight layover in Doha was incredibly difficult as we were exhausted. We are resolved to book shorter or longer layovers (and get a hotel) in the future to allow time to rest.
- Since our food situation was so limited, we will likely bring more varied options with us in the future if we stay in an expensive and remote location.