Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

BACKGROUND This all-villa resort, opening July 1, marks the Hilton luxury brand’s fifth property in Asia.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The most obvious observation is the scale – spread over 3.5kms, it resembles a giant 9 with water villas at each end, beach villas near the grand open-air entrance and ‘reef’ villas in the middle (so a different feel to the splitis land Conrad Rangali). At launch 121 villas will open, and ‘122’ – a 32,000sqm private island targeting elite travellers with chef/ concierge services, gym, spa, five pools and entertainment centre – will open in September. Other premium features include two stand-alone Stella Maris ocean villas, between the resort and private island.

WHERE IS IT? A key attribute is its proximity to Malé, so you don’t have to take a seaplane. I was told it is ‘half an hour’ away but the leather-seated yacht transfer took nearer 45 minutes – allow time during the current low season when the weather is changeable.

ROOM Our one-bedroom King Reef Villa (pictured) was beautifully designed with spacious lounge, bedroom area (both featuring supersized TVs) and large bathroom with steps out to the outdoor shower (one indoors too).

Sliding doors lead out to the deck, which is framed around a decent-sized pool with swinging daybeds and two hammocks, next to steps leading to the ocean. Two- and three-bedroom villas come with design extras such as see-through glass on the floors and Jacuzzis.

There are plenty of buggies for getting around – special shout out to Mahmoud for his prompt and professional service – and the room had iPads and phones for communication and room features.

FOOD AND DRINK I tried the casual Tangled (Asian) with its tender black cod Ramen; Chinese Li Long – dominated by a centrepiece bell-like hanging vase – and for the ultimate indulgence, breakfast was brought to the deck.

Glow’s emphasis on tasty, healthy food was a highlight, and the surrounding garden (cucumbers, herbs, pineapples, papaya) will yield fresh produce.

Middle Easterners will head to Yasmeen, an authentic stone and ornament-clad outdoor restaurant, where you can taste Mediterranean, Levant, Maghreb and Turkish flavours.

The most striking restaurant is the treetopdining Terra, and look out for Dave Pynt’s special wood-fired oven which will elevate the poolside dining experience. Fresh lobster rolls anyone?

LEISURE We took a short boat ride out to snorkel above two reefs where we saw abundant fish. Another good spot for snorkelling is by the spa – itself grandly designed with an outdoor lawn and overwater and garden treatment villas.

The gym is stocked with plenty of machines, weights and natural light, and there are more than enough leisure facilities to keep everyone happy – adults can burn off calories in the 40-metre mirror pool (or kick back in the main lagoon pool), while the ‘ Young Discovery Park’ has a small water park and a combined water sports/PADI dive center is available.

Honors members earn an additional 5,000 Points per minimum stay of three nights, for bookings from July to September, when booking direct.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS I was told the private island is being lined up for upscale corporate events – there are some small islands offshore which might be converted at some later stage – but this is really a place you come to turn off from work pressures.

VERDICT Fabulous. Sure to raise the luxury stakes in the Maldives and will appeal to premium Middle East travellers and Honors members.