Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Makes Condé Nast Gold List

The prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List is out, and it celebrates luxury, beauty, and impeccable service worldwide. This exclusive selection isn’t just a list; it’s a carefully curated collection of hotels and resorts that the editors love, recommend to friends, and can’t stop talking about. Now in its 31st year, the 2025 edition highlights the best hotels and resorts that stand out for more than just their looks. These destinations offer emotional connections, unforgettable stories, and experiences that bring pure joy. This year, one Maldivian treasure has made the cut: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

A Paradisiacal Retreat of Luxury and Sustainability

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi nestles in the heart of the Indian Ocean, offering an unparalleled sanctuary of luxury. Its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2025 speaks to the resort’s exceptional offerings. You are just a 45-minute yacht ride away from Velana International Airport when you arrive at this stunning getaway. Upon arrival, you will find 119 elegant villas, each featuring a private pool. The villas are set against a backdrop of pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and crystal-clear waters. This makes it an ideal escape for those seeking exclusivity and tranquility. For those seeking the ultimate privacy, Ithaafushi – The Private Island offers a lavish 32,000-square-meter retreat, perfect for intimate getaways or memorable celebrations.

The dining experience at Waldorf Astoria matches the resort’s luxury. With 11 world-class restaurants and bars, the resort promises a gastronomic adventure. You can enjoy meals in Terra’s private bamboo dining pods, indulge in Michelin-starred creations at The Ledge, or experience the vibrant ambiance at Zuma Maldives. Every meal is carefully crafted to ensure lasting memories.

When it comes to relaxation, the resort’s spa and innovative aqua wellness center offer nature-inspired treatments that are second to none. In addition to that, families can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring coral reefs to playing tennis. Specialized clubs for kids and teens ensure that every guest, no matter their age, has a memorable experience.

Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi also stands out for its commitment to sustainability. The resort partners with organizations like Parley Maldives and employs a dedicated marine biologist to protect the surrounding coral reefs. Here, luxury and conservation go hand in hand. It is a place where you can indulge in opulence while supporting environmental responsibility.

The Perfect Maldivian Escape

In addition to its inclusion on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has received numerous accolades this year. The resort earned the prestigious title of “Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024” by the World Travel Awards. It also earned its first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award in 2024, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s top luxury destinations.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers much more than just a place to stay. It provides a fully immersive experience, seamlessly blending luxury, nature, and culture. You can seek peace and tranquility, thrilling adventures, or simply a chance to reconnect with loved ones. This award-winning resort offers something for everyone. Its spot on the Gold List 2025 reflects its commitment to excellence. Moreover, the resort continues to deliver unforgettable experiences for each guest, making it one of the most sought-after destinations worldwide.

Dubai plans to redefine the travel experience for millions and reshape its geography by retiring one of its most iconic institutions: Dubai International Airport (DXB). Once a symbol of the city’s meteoric rise, DXB now nears closure as Dubai shifts its aviation ambitions to a colossal new home, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

For decades, DXB has played a central role in global air travel, processing over 90 million passengers annually and serving as the beating heart of international connections between East and West. However, the airport’s legacy as the world’s busiest international hub approaches its final chapter. Why? Because Dubai envisions a future defined by space, scale, and a bold new concept of travel and urban life.

Why Close the World’s Busiest International Airport?

The answer lies 45 kilometers south in the desert sands of Dubai South, where Dubai is building a new mega-airport. Al Maktoum International, already partially operational, will become the world’s largest airport. When completed, it will feature five runways, 400 aircraft gates, and the capacity to handle 260 million passengers each year.

Unlike DXB, which dense neighborhoods in Garhoud and Al Qusais confine, DWC gives Dubai room to grow. In contrast, the new site offers scalability and flexibility. The project doesn’t just expand the city’s capacity—it reimagines it. Sleek architecture, cutting-edge technology, and integrated logistics with nearby Jebel Ali Port will ultimately deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for travelers and cargo alike.

Dubai isn’t just chasing numbers; rather, it’s planning for longevity. DXB, built in 1960, continues to age. Its infrastructure nears the end of its useful life. Keeping it operational would force the city to invest billions just to preserve the status quo. Dubai chooses a clean slate.

What Will Happen to the Land?

By closing DXB, Dubai unlocks a massive piece of prime real estate in its urban core. While officials haven’t announced exact redevelopment plans, they’ve opened the door to limitless possibilities. Think residential neighborhoods, parks, commercial centers—a brand-new district rising where runways once lay.

In fact, this transformation reflects the evolution seen in other global cities. Hong Kong, for instance, turned its former Kai Tak Airport into a thriving urban hub. Dubai plans to do the same—only on a larger scale.

When Is This Happening?

The shift won’t happen overnight. Dubai expects the transition to unfold over multiple decades. The first new terminal at Al Maktoum will open in 2032, and officials aim for full capacity between the late 2030s and the 2050s. Until then, DXB will keep serving passengers as Dubai phases in the move to DWC—starting with cargo and low-cost carriers, followed by flagship airlines like Emirates.

Travelers flying to and from Dubai will experience business as usual, for now. But the city has already set the change in motion, and soon, its skyline and story will look very different.

The Bigger Picture

Dubai has never hesitated to reinvent itself. It has transformed from sand dunes to skyscrapers, from a sleepy fishing village into a global metropolis. The closure of DXB doesn’t mark a loss; it signals a pivot. This moment reflects Dubai’s faith in the future, its bold planning, and its relentless drive to build bigger and better.

Unlike most cities, which adapt to their airports, Dubai is flipping the script. The city isn’t just designing an airport for tomorrow; it’s designing an entire city around it.

Feature Image via Arabian Business

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Makes Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2025

A Paradisiacal Retreat of Luxury and Sustainability

The Perfect Maldivian Escape

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