Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s reputation for showcasing excellence in Maldivian luxury and hospitality has ensured the property has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination among the Maldives’ glittering collection of superlative resorts. Plumped pretty in the idyllic beauty of the Indian Ocean, the five-star resort’s culinary offering is reason alone to chart a course for the South Malé Atoll.

Home to 11 distinct restaurants and bars, gastronomes have a plethora of enticing options with which to tease their taste buds, each offering a unique experience including five delectable signature outlets. At Terra, diners are invited to take their place on the highest point of the island for an intimate epicurean evening. Bestowed with seven hand-crafted bamboo pods, guests indulge in a bespoke seven-course menu, curated by Chef Matthew McCool and his team while they enjoy sublime, 360-degree views of Ithaafushi. For those with a penchant for Chinese cuisine, Li Long immerses guests in the Shanghainese era. After marvelling at the restaurant’s two-metre-high, bespoke feature bell with an intricate oriental design, guests can enjoy a moreish Peking duck that is prepared in the Maldives’ first wood-fired oven and carved tableside by a Chinese master chef while drinking in stunning ocean vistas.

For long-term admirers of Rainer Becker’s take on authentic Japanese dining, the property boasts the eclectic Zuma Maldives. Heralded as the first floating Zuma in the world when it opened its doors in 2022, gourmands can combine exquisite Izakaya dishes with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. On the menu, some of the brand’s most beloved dishes are served up including thinly sliced sea bass with yuzu, roasted lobster and beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli and sweet soy. Interiors are just as exquisite as the cuisine with the use of natural materials and local design techniques. A dramatic entrance of timber, light and granite creates an immersive, optical illusion that leads guests into a vibrant dining space, where the island bar, robata and sushi counter take stage. Make sure to check-out the roof too which resembles a samurai hat. There’s also a dedicated lounge area where guests can sip on signature cocktails and take in unimpeded sunset views over the lagoon.

When cravings for mouthwatering barbecue delights strike, head for The Ledge. Inspired by Dave Pynt, the culinary mastermind behind Singapore’s Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, the emphasis here is on succulent, wood-fired meats and piquant seafood, that are prepared using specialty barbecue techniques, using a custom-built, dual-cavity oven and elevation grills. Call by during the day for lunch by the pool or make a reservation in the evening for a romantic sunset dinner.

If there is a special occasion to be celebrated, why not embrace the opportunity to create the perfect private dining experience? Curated by the property’s private dining team, guests can tailor their special moment from the cuisine and menu to the location, with exclusive use of the resort’s venues and outdoor settings. Think toasting Champagne on a sunset cruise, a pristine picnic day at the beach or front row seats to your own personal cinema. For something extra special, savour the taste of romance with a Sunken Sand Getaway, where guests enjoy a memorable meal seated in the sand, surrounded by a beautifully crafted setting including decorative lanterns and a full culinary team on hand for your every whim. So pull up a chair to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s bountiful table and delve in.