Standing alone above the placid waters of the Indian Ocean, the Stella Maris Villa at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a thing of beauty. Designed with seclusion and privacy in mind, this gorgeous one-bed villa is the perfect abode for honeymooners and couples looking to escape it all, set apart from the three interconnected islands of the main resort and accessible only by boat.
Inside, the 536-square-metre villa features an elegantly appointed master bedroom where guests can look out onto uninterrupted ocean views without getting out of bed, and a spectacular grey and white tile-lined bathroom with a free-standing black stone bathtub that also enjoys unimpeded ocean views; a tribute to the Art Deco spirit of the original Waldorf Astoria in New York
The bright and airy living room is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the outdoor living spaces, which include a spacious terrace, overwater hammocks and a wide infinity pool. A flight of stairs leads up to a panoramic roof terrace complete with Jacuzzi, BBQ area and spectacular sunset vistas.
But the soft touches are just as important: guests staying in the Stella Maris Villa (from US $5,995 per night) will enjoy a Champagne barbeque under the stars featuring local lobster and fresh fish, daily in-villa breakfast and the use of a private cabana at the main resort, as well as a special Himalayan salt stone couple’s massage followed by a bottle of bubbly and chocolates.
The resort has also unveiled its gleaming new Aqua Wellness Centre, an all-in-one spa and wellness space nestled amid lush tropical gardens, complete with ocean-facing treatment rooms and an overwater treatment pavilion, spectacular hydrotherapy pool, wellness concierge and a year-round programme of visiting wellness experts providing one-on-one sessions on everything from holistic medicine and crystal healing to martial arts and Ayurveda.