The Stella Maris over-water villas part of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi villa collection were recently unveiled. The property opened in late summer 2019 and created a new standard of luxury for the Maldives, the resort has become renowned for its unforgettable experiences which deepen travellers’ connections with the property, people and destination.
Inspired by Waldorf Astoria New York’s iconic lobby, the interiors of the Stella Maris pay homage to the chic art deco era of days past, paired with a modern take on Maldivian design, setting the villas apart from any others across the Southern Atoll. These spacious villas offer guests an array of exclusive experiences from a chef’s champagne BBQ under the stars where a private chef serves up dishes which include spiced Maldivian lobster, locally caught reef fish and Peruvian scallop ceviche all in the privacy of the Villa’s top deck kitchen which go along-side a private in villa daily breakfast and a daily dedicated cabana at the main resort.
Exclusive to the guests of Stella Maris is a private couple’s massage, the hour-long treatment will take its origin from warm heart-shaped Himalayan salt stones, a transformative stone meant to improve circulation, exfoliate the body and relieve stress and insomnia. The massage will finish off with an exclusive gold infused oil, post massage indulgences include a bottle of champagne and an array of golden chocolates. This rare heart shaped stone will be gifted to each villa occupant to take home.
The retreat is designed for two, a hideaway with an expansive open plan design. The villa features a large bedroom with sitting area, generous indoor living and dining area fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual entertainment and magnificent bathroom, all with floor-to-ceiling windows providing open vistas across the Indian Ocean. The upper deck offers a jacuzzi facing the stunning Maldivian sunsets, and a lounge/BBQ area where the open ocean surrounds you. The lower wooden deck boasts its own full length infinity pool, overwater hammocks and direct ocean access.
When guests wish to access the main resort, the villa’s private boat is ready to whisk guests to a dedicated cabana just for Stella Maris residents. Complete with personalised amenities, full facilities and changing area. For couples looking for unforgettable experiences the property is also a haven for foodies with eleven outstanding bars and restaurants to choose from.
General Manager Etienne Dalancon states, “We are looking forward to welcoming couples to the Stella Maris villas, they provide a raft of unforgettable experiences and are unlike any other villa product in the destination, we know guests will be blown away by the spectacular design and Waldorf Astoria five-star service. The villas come primed with bespoke amenities which are exclusive to Stella Maris and they will make sure that guests find the intimacy and privacy that they crave.”
Spanning three interconnected islands in the South Malé Atoll, and a short 45-minute yacht journey away from Malé International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an iconic resort paradise surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian landscape and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. Aside from the excellent restaurants and bars, the resort also boasts 119 spacious villas, the Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park, a world-class spa, and Ithaafushi – The Private Island, the largest private island in the Maldives.