Into The Blue
Epicure Magazine|September 2019

A stay at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will plunge you into the depths of experiential luxury. Adeline Wong visits the sumptuous haven in the South Malé Atoll and feels irrevocably inspired.

Into The Blue

With 1,200 islands, year-round dry, sunny weather and more than 130 resorts to choose from, it’s hard to think of a more tropical idyll than the Maldives. Cerulean waters, powder white sand dunes and ombre sunsets make the island nation an aspirational spot for honeymooners yearning for romantic seclusion and a dreamy escapade for leisure seekers looking to disconnect from the world.

Even the most Instagram-worthy photo of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can scarcely prepare you for the staggering expansiveness of the newly opened resort. A two-year project in the making, the 122 all-villa paradise - each with its own pool - spans three interconnected islands in the South Malé Atoll. To explore the entire length of the resort – all three and a half kilometres of it - will require a languorous 40-minute bicycle ride.

EASE AND LUXURY

Part of the charm – and sometimes the frustration – of reaching your resort in the Maldives is the seaplane transfer from Malé. If you are the sort who loves travel but hate the travelling, unpredictable weather conditions or late-night flight arrivals can put a dampener on the getaway experience. (Seaplanes in the Maldives do not fly at night.) Here is where Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi blows the competition out of the water with its strategic location and hassle-free arrival experience. You can land at Velana International Airport, clear customs, board the resort’s own 70-footer yacht, and be sipping on a lemongrass cooler at the lobby in just under an hour.

This story is from the September 2019 edition of Epicure Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2019 edition of Epicure Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EPICURE MAGAZINEView All
Raising The Bar (And Beyond)
Epicure Singapore

Raising The Bar (And Beyond)

Precision Japanese techniques and revolutionary cocktail techniques by well established mixologists are employed to create the finest drinks for their guests.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
Secrets of the Orchards
Epicure Singapore

Secrets of the Orchards

Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton features the finest ingredients sourced from Normandy and other parts of France.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Passion For Hanwoo
Epicure Singapore

Passion For Hanwoo

Is Korean hanwoo overtaking Japanese wagyu as the best beef in the world? Find out why meat aficionados can't get enough of Korea's star ingredient, and what makes it so good.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Preserving Quality in A Bottle
Epicure Singapore

Preserving Quality in A Bottle

Master blender Patrick Leger shares about benefits of technology alongside sustainability efforts in the vineyards and distillery today.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Tokyo's Dining Revival
Epicure Singapore

Tokyo's Dining Revival

From Michelin-starred establishments to casual chic dining, Tokyo never ceases to amaze with its host of food offerings.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
West-bound
Epicure Singapore

West-bound

An ultra-luxe stay topped with sublime gourmet creations and Western Australian wines await at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Contemplative Experience
Epicure Singapore

Contemplative Experience

Takahashi aims to be an oasis of tranquillity that presents an exceptional fine dining omakase experience in Singapore. Located at 4 Mohamed Sultan Road, this is the first international outpost of Chef Jun Takahashi of Sushi Takahashi in Ginza Tokyo. The restaurant here is helmed by head chef Rinto Sasagawa, Takahashi's dedicated protégé of eight years.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Languorous Sundays at Loloan
Epicure Singapore

Languorous Sundays at Loloan

Captivating ocean views and sublime culinary offerings make brunches at Loloan Beach Bar and Grill a must on the weekends.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
A Taste of History
Epicure Singapore

A Taste of History

Discover the unique flavours of Cambodian cuisine as Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor launches multi-course Khmer tasting menus at 1932, its fine dining establishment

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
Future Proofing
Epicure Singapore

Future Proofing

Penfolds senior winemaker, Steph Dutton, shares her views on technology sustainability, future proofing in winemaking, and transferring knowledge to the next generation of winemakers..

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024