Ferrari Testa Rossa J at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi truly elevates luxury by offering the exclusive Ferrari Testa Rossa J, a rare and beautifully hand-crafted classic sports car. Now, guests can experience and drive this exceptional vehicle on the resort’s private island. This unique collaboration effectively unites high-end hospitality with automotive heritage, creating a one-of-a-kind attraction for car enthusiasts, collectors, and travelers seeking unforgettable moments. Hedley Studios, known for creating the world’s finest drivable automotive art, proudly partners with Waldorf Astoria to permanently display the Ferrari Testa Rossa J at Ithaafushi, combining luxury automotive art with one of the world’s most exclusive destinations

Ben Hedley, Founder & CEO of Hedley Studios, expressed his admiration for the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, calling it a uniquely exciting piece of automotive art that finds its perfect home in one of the world’s most stunning and exclusive destinations:

“By partnering with Waldorf Astoria and their team at Ithaafushi, we have been able to combine luxury automotive artwork with the ultimate luxury hospitality and wellness destination. Our team of craftspeople spend over 300 hours hand-beating the aluminium body of the Ferrari Testa Rossa J; a demonstration of skill, precision and artistic appreciation, and to see the result of this craft placed in a location as undeniably beautiful as Ithaafushi will be an awe-inspiring experience for guests at the island.”

Discover the Ultimate Island Adventure with the Ferrari Testa Rossa J

Imagine waking up in an overwater villa, stepping into a gleaming silver Ferrari, and cruising along the palm-lined paths of Ithaafushi Private Island. This is no ordinary ride. Hedley Studios meticulously hand-builds the Ferrari Testa Rossa J as a 75% scale replica of the legendary 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa — one of the most iconic race cars in automotive history. With only 299 models worldwide, this collectible masterpiece now calls the Maldives home, seamlessly blending art, performance, and luxury into an exclusive island experience.

Ithaafushi, the private island by Waldorf Astoria, stands as a residence of unparalleled luxury and serenity, spanning over 344,000 square feet. It accommodates 24 guests across overwater villas, along with one detached four-bedroom residence, offering an experience unlike any other in the Maldives.

Why the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a Must-Experience at Ithaafushi

The Ferrari Testa Rossa J represents more than a vehicle. It serves as a living work of art showcased throughout the year during special island events, seasonal festivities, and private gatherings. Whether the resort includes it in “The Ultimate Island Experience” or elegant festive celebrations, the car enriches Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s reputation as a sanctuary for collectors and creatives alike.

Exclusive Access: The resort offers the Ferrari Testa Rossa J only to guests staying on the private island. It remains ready to be driven, further making Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi one of the few resorts worldwide to provide such an immersive automotive experience. As the only vehicle on the island, it allows private island guests to test drive this scaled, electrified icon during their stay.
Bespoke Craftsmanship: Hedley Studios creates the car with hand-beaten aluminum panels, premium leather interiors, and precise engineering rooted in Ferrari’s legendary design archives. The team spends over 300 hours hand-beating the aluminum body, demonstrating skill, precision, and artistic appreciation.
Electric Performance: The car’s fully electric drivetrain combines vintage style with modern sustainability. It reaches speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h) and offers multiple driving modes to suit all skill levels.
Customization Options: Guests inspired by the car’s design can order their own customized Ferrari Testa Rossa J, starting at USD 150,000, featuring authentic racing liveries and color schemes faithful to Ferrari’s heritage. These custom orders offer a truly bespoke and memorable addition to their time on Ithaafushi.

Ferrari Testa Rossa J at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Seamless Blend of Tradition and Modernity

This collaboration exemplifies the resort’s dedication to crafting extraordinary experiences that engage the senses and honor legacy. The Ferrari Testa Rossa J blends tradition with modern innovation, making it a rare collectible that stands out in both design and performance. Designers faithfully recreate it from the original Ferrari Classiche drawings, paying homage to the iconic 1957 250 Testa Rossa with exceptional attention to detail. Inside, the leather-trimmed cockpit, removable Nardi steering wheel, and classic analog dials foster an intimate, tactile connection between the driver and the machine, thus enhancing the emotional appeal of this automotive masterpiece.

While the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will not serve as transportation on the island, its fully electrified design aligns with the resort’s commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty and delicate marine ecosystem of Ithaafushi.

TJ Joulak, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, highlighted how the partnership with Hedley Studios enhances the resort’s commitment to offering guests an elevated experience of private luxury, wellness, and relaxation. Speaking on the collaboration, he said:

“With the finest wellness experiences and world-class cuisine available during their stay, it is only fitting that we offer guests the chance to experience something equally elegant and immersive. While the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will not be used for transportation on the island, its presence reflects our shared values of craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability. Its fully electrified design also aligns with our commitment to preserving the natural beauty and delicate marine ecosystem of Ithaafushi.”

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: More Than a Resort

Beyond the Ferrari experience, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi boasts 117 luxurious villas spanning three interconnected islands, including the Maldives’ largest private island. Guests access multiple fine dining venues, a world-class spa, water sports, diving, and more, making the resort a comprehensive luxury destination.

Driving the Ferrari Testa Rossa J offers guests a unique way to explore the island’s five swimming pools, yoga pavilions, spas, and scenic restaurants, enhancing every moment of their stay with an exclusive blend of excitement and elegance.

Ithaafushi Island itself represents a haven of tranquility in the heart of the Indian Ocean, featuring a natural reef that the resort actively preserves. An in-house marine biologist leads conservation efforts, maintaining coral nurseries and supporting natural reef growth and reproduction, reflecting the resort’s strong environmental values.

A Rare Ferrari Experience Awaits in the Maldives

Travelers seeking more than just a tropical getaway find the Ferrari Testa Rossa J at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers a rare chance to immerse themselves in automotive history, luxury, and innovative design all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives. This exclusive offering celebrates craftsmanship, timeless beauty, and personal discovery.

Whether guests cruise the island’s palm-fringed paths or attend one of the resort’s signature events featuring the Ferrari, they create lasting memories that combine passion for cars with the serenity of paradise. Those eager to own a piece of this legacy can place custom orders for the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, opening the door to bringing a slice of the Maldives’ luxury lifestyle home.

Guests at the resort can also purchase the Ferrari Testa Rossa J displayed at Ithaafushi, making this exceptional automotive art piece available beyond the island experience.

Experience the perfect fusion of automotive art and island luxury, only at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

The Maldives has officially hit a remarkable tourism milestone by welcoming its one millionth visitor for 2025 earlier than ever before. This historic achievement highlights the island nation’s growing popularity as a top luxury travel destination and its rising appeal for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and eco-conscious travelers alike. Minister for Tourism and Environment, Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim, expressed that this milestone fills the nation with immense pride, reflecting the success of destination marketing efforts that truly capture the Maldivian experience. He also recognized the dedication of everyone in the tourism sector who contributed to this achievement.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the one million mark arrived on June 7, nearly two weeks earlier than in 2024, when the milestone occurred on June 27. This is the fastest the Maldives has ever welcomed one million tourists within a single calendar year. The rapid pace of arrivals shows the country is on track to meet its ambitious target of 2.2 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025.

A Milestone Visitor and a Commitment to Sustainability

The traveler who marked this significant milestone was Kajal Singh, visiting from India, who came with her husband to celebrate their honeymoon. Their chosen destination was Bandos Maldives, a legendary resort and a cornerstone of Maldivian hospitality that continues to attract travelers from all corners of the globe.

To mark this special occasion, Visit Maldives, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), hosted a commemorative event at Velana International Airport. Demonstrating the nation’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Kajal was invited to take part in the “Five Million Trees Planting Program” initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. As part of this meaningful gesture, she planted a tree on Hulhulé Island, contributing to a nationwide effort to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and nurture a greener Maldives for generations to come.

Bandos Maldives: A Historic Icon in Maldivian Tourism

Kajal Singh and her husband checked into Bandos Maldives, the country’s second resort to open and a cherished landmark in the Maldives tourism industry. Situated just a 10-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Bandos perfectly balances island tranquility with easy access, making it a preferred choice for honeymooners, families, and returning visitors.

Having completed 52 years of continuous operation, Bandos Maldives stands as a testament to the enduring charm and evolving excellence of the Maldives as a travel hotspot. The resort offers 220 well-appointed rooms, diverse dining options, a tranquil spa, a professional dive center, and comprehensive leisure facilities. Its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, ongoing renovations, and guest-first approach ensure that Bandos remains relevant and beloved in a market filled with new luxury resorts.

Hosting the one millionth tourist at Bandos Maldives highlights the resort’s lasting popularity and its crucial role in the country’s tourism landscape. For Kajal Singh and her husband, their honeymoon at Bandos represents not only a personal celebration but also a memorable moment intertwined with the Maldives’ tourism success story.

Tourism Growth Fueled by Strategic Marketing and Enhanced Connectivity

In 2025 so far, the Maldives has experienced an 8 percent increase in overall tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, with June alone seeing an impressive 18 percent growth. Leading source markets contributing to this surge include China and Russia, followed by Germany, the Middle East, and a resurgent India, which shows strong recovery after a slight dip in 2024.

Key drivers behind this impressive growth include:

Well-coordinated international marketing campaigns by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), including partnerships with Liverpool FC, Mumbai Indians, and prominent tour operators across Europe and Asia
Expanded flight connectivity through enhanced collaborations with Emirates, Qatar Airways, and other regional airlines
Sustainability-focused initiatives such as the government’s ‘Five Million Trees’ campaign and eco-friendly resort developments
Innovative digital marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations and engaging social media events like “The World’s Biggest Giveaway 2025”
Significant infrastructure upgrades, notably the ongoing expansion of Velana International Airport, ensuring the Maldives can support continued tourism growth

Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC, highlighted this achievement as a testament to the ongoing commitment of all stakeholders, emphasizing that efforts to enhance the Maldives’ tourism industry remain steadfast to keep the country a dream destination for travelers worldwide.

Maldives’ Ambitious Target of 2.2 Million Tourists

Following a record-breaking 2024, when the Maldives welcomed 2 million tourists and secured its fifth consecutive title as the World’s Leading Destination, the country aims even higher for 2025. The early arrival of the one millionth tourist sends a clear message that the Maldives remains well on course for another historic tourism year.

With strong momentum across all major source markets, the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as a premier luxury island destination. This success comes from preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

For travelers like Kajal Singh, becoming part of this milestone while enjoying the warm hospitality and timeless charm of Bandos Maldives creates a lasting memory. It offers a perfect blend of personal celebration and witnessing the rise of one of the world’s most sought-after tropical destinations.

Experience the Ferrari Testa Rossa J at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: A Unique Automotive Art Journey

Discover the Ultimate Island Adventure with the Ferrari Testa Rossa J

Why the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a Must-Experience at Ithaafushi

Seamless Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: More Than a Resort

A Rare Ferrari Experience Awaits in the Maldives

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