Last Minute Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Award Availability
Updated January 2024: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi January-June award availability! This amazing Maldives property is perhaps the most sought-after location in the world for luxury stays using Hilton Honors Points. But standard level availability is usually gone within minutes from when the booking window opens up a year prior.
There is currently rare last-minute availability, including January through June of 2024, though many dates have disappeared in the last several days.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Award Availability
Here’s the calendar of standard room points available at 150,000 points per night. This means you can either book with pure points or a free night certificate acquired from a card like the American Express Aspire card.
Book fast if you’re interested; many nights have only one room available. We just booked four nights last time availability appeared. Although extra fees make this a somewhat expensive trip (even on a free award stay), this is a bucket list resort for many. Here’s more info on the availability, the resort, and how to get more points quickly.
Finding Availability
To search for availability, use the main website search function to look for one night at a time.
When you bring up the date calendar, click on the “Flexible travel dates? Shop by price”, it will then display the calendar above.
As a comparison, here’s the cash per night for this hotel:
Hilton Honors Points
- Award Rates: Hilton Honors points can be used to book the over 3000 Sq Ft King Reef Villa with a private pool for 150k points per night.
- Free Night Certificate: Utilize free night certificates for consecutive nights.
- 5th Night Free: Enjoy a 5-night stay with the 5th night free for Hilton Honors members when booking an all-points stay.
Buying Hilton Points: A Strategic Way to Save
Purchasing Hilton Honors points is a strategic way to save money on your stay, especially when taking advantage of the 5th-night free benefit. It can be a great option for the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi or other high-dollar Hilton properties.
Special Offer on Hilton Points
This offer appears regularly, but until Tuesday, September 19, 2023, Hilton Honors is running a promotion on purchased points. You may see different bonuses targeted to their accounts, so log in to see the specific offer you’re eligible for. The best offer seems is a 100% bonus when purchasing at least 5,000 points in one transaction.
The normal limit of 80,000 points per account per calendar year has been doubled to 160,000 points. With the 100% bonus, you can buy up to 320,000 points.
Hilton also allows you to combine points across accounts for free. This means you could buy even more points by purchasing them across different family members’ accounts and then combining them.
Example: Buying 150,000 Points
During the purchase points promo, you can buy one night at the Waldorf, worth 150,000 points at half a cent each. The total cost would be $750. With the average nightly rate of around $2000 at the resort, buying points gives you significant savings.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Cost per night with points: 150,000 points (equivalent to $750)
- Average nightly rate without points: $2000
Even Better: 5th Night Free Benefit
The savings become even more pronounced when you factor in the 5th-night free benefit. If you book a 5-night stay using points, you’ll only need 600,000 points for the entire stay rather than 750,000 points.
Here’s the comparison:
- Total cost with points (including 5th night free): 600,000 points (equivalent to $3000)
- Total cost without points: $10,000
Even getting to the Waldorf is an experience, starting with the luxury yacht that picks you up right outside Male’s Verana International Airport:
Standard Award Villa Features
Although the awards available are standard, there’s not much standard about these villas. These 3000 Sq Ft villas feature private pools, hammocks over the water, and direct ocean access. It’s the nicest hotel room we’ve ever had, by far.
Fees on Award Reservation at Waldorf Astoria Maldive Ithaafushi
Even a “free” stay with points can be expensive. Here are some of the fees you can expect.
- Service Charge and Taxes: A 10% service charge, 12% T-GST (Tourism Goods and Service Tax), and Green Tax of $6 per person per night are applicable. When you see prices for the resort listed, they’ll be listed as $price++, with the ++ referring to the 10% service charge and %12 Tourism tax.
- Transfer Fees: The resort requires a mandatory round-trip yacht transfer from Male International Airport, which costs $700++ per adult and $350+ for children aged 2-11.
- Meals: While breakfast is included (and one of the best you’ll find at any hotel or resort), expect to spend on some expensive dinners!
- Mini-Bar: Charges for mini-bar items and special dining experiences are not included.
Elite Benefits for Gold and Diamond
Hilton Honors Gold Members
- Breakfast and Welcome Amenities: Gold Members are treated to a full breakfast at the Tasting Table. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a VIP in-villa bottle of wine and fruits.
- Afternoon Delights: Daily afternoon delights are offered from 16:00 to 17:00 at Peacock Alley. These include a fine selection of beverages crafted by mixologists and sommeliers. Note: The afternoon delights have been replaced with a bowl of nuts or crisps.
- Special Offers at Nava Beach Club: Gold Members enjoy a 50% special offer on selected beverages at Nava Beach Club from 22:00 to 23:30.
Hilton Honors Diamond Members
- Exclusive Breakfast and In-Villa Welcome: Diamond Members enjoy a full breakfast at the Tasting Table and special in-villa VIP welcome amenities, including Champagne and sweet and savory treats. This also could be downgraded to a bottle of red wine.
- Free Items for Kids: Children under six years old receive a free item from the kids’ menu. The staff at the Hilton property, including Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, are somewhat flexible on this age limit, making family hotel stays more enjoyable.
- Waldorf Astoria Spa Experience: With a selected 60-minute massage, Diamond Members enjoy a complimentary additional 30 minutes at the mesmerizing Waldorf Astoria Spa. This new aqua wellness center is the latest addition to the resort’s fine hotels and offers a private infinity pool.
- Happy Hour and Special Rates: Like Gold Members, Diamond Members enjoy happy hour at Peacock Alley and special rates at Nava Beach Club.
Aspire Benefits and Rewards
One of our favorite credit cards is the Hilton Aspire Card, issued by American Express. This card offers free weekend night certificates, Hilton Honors bonus points, and resort statement credits
Long-time members can use points for reward stays, eligible purchases, and more. The first membership year offers unique benefits, including access to small island retreats and basic card members’ privileges.
More Info
One of this resort’s best sources of information is the Flyertalk forum thread located here. This active thread is continuously updated, and we read much of it before booking our stay.
Conclusion
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers unprecedented privacy and luxury and is one of the best properties in the Maldives. While expensive and a long trip, this resort is one of the best ways to use Hilton points!
FAQs
- What are the overwater villas like at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- The overwater villas offer a unique experience of staying above the water with all the luxury amenities. However, the standard reef villas are just as nice and still offer an overwater patio area.
- Can I book a private island at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Yes, the resort offers options for booking a private island for an exclusive experience.
- What room types are available at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Various room types are available, including beach villas, overwater villas, and villas with private plunge pools.
- Who is the general manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- The general manager oversees the operations and ensures a high standard of service.
- How many square feet are the villas at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- The spacious villas range in different square feet sizes beginning at around 3000 sq ft.
- Is Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi listed in the Forbes Travel Guide?
- Forbes Travel Guide has recognized the resort for its exceptional service and facilities.
- Are there tennis courts at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Yes, tennis courts are available, along with other recreational facilities.
- How has Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi changed since last year?
- The resort continually updates its facilities and services to enhance the guest experience.
- What’s the annual fee for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass?
- The annual fee details can be found on the American Express website.
- What’s the room rate for a beach villa at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Room rates vary by season and availability. Check the official website for the latest information.
- Can I use my free night award at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Yes, free night awards can be used. However, availability must be at the 150,000 points per night level (RARE!)
- How can I get a room upgrade at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Room upgrades aren’t complimentary for Gold or Diamond members and can be reserved prior to check-in. However, the standard reef villa is one of the nicest rooms we have stayed in!
- What’s the experience like at Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Peacock Alley offers a daily complimentary cocktail hour for Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members.
- How can I maximize value during peak season at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- Utilizing loyalty points and special offers can provide maximum value during peak season.
- What’s the experience like at Velana International Airport for Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi?
- The experience starts with a luxury yacht transfer from Velana International Airport, making every stay special.
