The Bright Side
A private island to escape to post‑vaccination, and how yachting might be the best way to holiday at home
A private island to escape to post‑vaccination, and how yachting might be the best way to holiday at home
With vaccination programmes continuing apace, the prospect of having a “vaxication”—a term coined to describe the first trip people take after getting their jabs—is closer to becoming reality. The Maldives is perhaps best placed to receive an influx of vaccinated travellers because its border has been open to international tourists since July 2020.
Perhaps the dreamiest destination of all is Ithaafushi—the Private Island, the latest addition to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives resort, which at nearly 345,000 sq ft makes it the largest of its kind in the country. In Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives, its name means “Pearl Island”, which befits this crown jewel of Hilton’s luxury portfolio in the region. The expansive private island has a twobedroom overwater villa, a three-bedroom beach villa and a four-bedroom residence that together accommodate a total of 24 guests, who can spend their days relaxing by the myriad pools or snorkelling in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.
Ithaafushi—the Private Island has a 24-hour personal concierge and a separate wellness concierge to attend to every whim, from organising elaborate sundowner parties to arranging bespoke fitness training and spa treatments. “Guests familiar with our Waldorf Astoria hotels have come to expect the most personalised service from our dedicated team of personal concierges each time they stay with us. At Ithaafushi—the Private Island, this is taken to a whole new level,” says
Nils-arne Schroeder, vice president of luxury and lifestyle for Hilton in the Asia-pacific. In addition, those staying at Ithaafushi also have access to the many amenities and restaurants of the main resort, including The Ledge—a modern grill by Dave Pynt of Burnt Ends, the Singapore chophouse that ranked number five on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 list.
For such an ultraexclusive destination, it’s a breeze to get to—it’s a mere 40-minute yacht ride or 15-minute seaplane flight from the Male Airport. On top of utmost privacy, peace of mind is also ensured. “Guests of the private island are promised an elevated level of security with the industry-leading standards of cleanliness and disinfection of Hilton’s proprietary Hilton Cleanstay programme, in addition to the health and safety protocols required by the Maldivian authorities,” says Schroeder. ithaafushiprivateisland.com