South Malé Atoll
Ithaafushi - The Private Island
Claim the rare privilege of having the Maldives' largest private island all to yourself. Exclusively yours, Ithaafushi – The Private Island is a dreamy tropical playground for up to 18 special guests in South Malé Atoll, just 40 minutes by private yacht from Velana International Airport. Spanning 32,000 sqm (344,445 sq ft), the island features three magnificent villas — a Two-Bedroom Overwater Villa, a Three-Bedroom Beach Villa and a Four-Bedroom Residence — each with private pools, Waldorf Astoria signature beds and luxuriously appointed spaces. A dedicated private island team of butlers, private chefs, a personal concierge and wellness experts craft every experience with legendary Waldorf Astoria service. Discerning gastronomes may request exclusive Zuma Maldives or The Ledge private chef dinners. The island's own beach, pools, gardens and reef are yours alone — or venture to the main Waldorf Astoria resort's 11 celebrated dining venues just a three-minute boat ride away. Forbes Five-Star awarded 2026.
Published packages
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Transfers and meal plans
- Speedboat — 40
- Seaplane — 7
Meal plans in source: All Inclusive.
Villas
- Four-Bedroom Residence — up to 8 guests
An embodiment of grandeur, designed for large families or gatherings of distinction. Expansive living and dining areas open onto a private deck with panoramic ocean views, outdoor jacuzzi and ample lounging space. Each bedroom features Waldorf Astoria signature beds and luxuriously appointed bathrooms. Perfect for celebrations or tranquil escapes, this sanctuary offers impeccable amenities and home comforts — with direct access to a private beach.
- Two-Bedroom Overwater Villa — up to 4 guests
An elegant wooden path juts out over vivid teal waters, guiding you to your overwater sanctuary. Suspended over the brilliant Indian Ocean, floor-to-ceiling windows frame endless horizons. An infinity pool, overwater hammocks, and a glass-floored dressing room immerse you in Maldivian beauty from every angle. Two bedrooms and refined living areas blend ultimate privacy with thoughtful design. The vibrant reef is just a dive away. Waldorf Astoria signature beds, indoor and outdoor rain showers, Jacuzzi.
- Three-Bedroom Beach Villa — up to 6 guests
Fringed by coconut palm canopies and ivory sands, this family haven flows into lush tropical gardens. Two infinity pools and an outdoor jacuzzi invite relaxation. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe each room in natural light with sweeping ocean views. A hammock sways between palms and private beach access keeps guests close to the island's natural wonder. Intimate, spacious and sophisticated — the ultimate island sanctuary. Waldorf Astoria signature beds throughout.
Dining
- Private Ledge Experience — Burnt Ends-style BBQ, Michelin-Star · Private Island — curated by Chef Dave Pynt
An exclusive The Ledge experience where Michelin-starred Chef Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends Singapore) designs a bespoke private menu to be enjoyed on the private island.
- Private Zuma Experience — Japanese Robatayaki · Private Island — curated by Zuma chefs
Discerning gastronomes may request an exclusive Zuma Maldives experience where world-class Zuma chefs design a private menu to be enjoyed on the private island.
- Private Island Dining — Bespoke — any cuisine, any location · Beach, Pool deck, Overwater, Jungle, Any location on island
On the private island, every dining experience imaginable is available. A dedicated world-class culinary team brings every vision to the plate. Experiences may include private beach dinner, poolside breakfast, candlelit ocean dinner, or jungle dining.
Wellness
- Private Island Spa & Wellness — Overwater Spa Pavilion, Yoga Pavilion, Garden
Private Island Spa & Wellness at Ithaafushi connects guests to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi's broader wellness programme, including overwater spa villas, bespoke therapies, fitness and wellness sessions, and the Aqua Wellness Centre with hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain, steam room and sauna. The experience is suited to private-island stays where spa, movement and restorative rituals can be tailored around the group.
Diving
- Private Island Marine Activities — PADI Certified
Experiences
- Jet Ski / Motorised Watersports — Cruise
Full watersports selection from private marine centre
- Entertainment Centre "Haali" — Cruise
Panoramic ocean views, indoor and outdoor entertainment
- Snorkelling — Snorkelling
Direct reef access from island
- Private Yacht Excursions — Cruise
Bespoke private yacht trips around the atoll
- Scuba Diving — Diving
Pristine South Malé Atoll coral reefs — exclusive guided dives
- Private Beach Cinema — Cruise
Bespoke beach cinema experience under the stars
- Private Chef Dining Experiences — Diving
Zuma and Ledge chefs design bespoke menus on the island
- Overwater Yoga & Pilates — Cruise
Sunrise and sunset sessions in overwater pavilion
- Private Lagoon Celebration — Cruise
Wedding proposals, vow renewals, celebrations in the lagoon
- Marine Conservation — Snorkelling
Marine plastic pollution programme, reef conservation
- Private Gym & Personal Trainer — Cruise
State-of-the-art gym with dedicated personal trainer
- Cycling & Island Exploration — Cruise
Bikes to explore the 32,000 sqm island