New Waldorf Astoria Hotels: Maldives, London, Antigua

New and Future Waldorf-Astoria Hotels Include the Recently Opened Waldorf-Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, with the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch to open in 2021 and the Waldorf Astoria Antigua to open in 2023.

While there are certainly other new Waldorf Astoria properties opening in Doha, Bali, Sanya, Jakarta, and Cancun, the Maldives, London, and Antigua hotels are the most exciting for most of our clients, due to the destinations. Sadly, it appears that work on the Waldorf Astoria San Francisco has ceased, at least for the time being, due to “local market changes and economic uncertainties,” according to the Chinese developer, an Oceanwide affiliate.

TravelSort Clients are able to enjoy Hilton Impresario benefits at all Waldorf Astoria hotels on qualifying paid rates, whether or not the hotel is a Virtuoso member.

1. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (Opened July 2019)

The Maldives has an abundance of fantastic luxury resorts; our personal favorites are Cheval Blanc Randheli, Joali, Velaa Private Island, and the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. So what's notable about the new Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi?

It's ideal for those who don't want to take a seaplane, the primary way to reach most Maldivian luxury resorts, with a few exceptions such as the Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa, since it's a 30 minute yacht ride from Male Airport. There are 122 villas, each with a private pool, across the three connected islands. Even more impressive is the array of 8 dining venues, including Terra for treetop dining; Li Long for Peking Duck and modern Chinese cuisine; Tangled for hand-pulled noodle dishes; Yasmeen for Arabian cuisine; the Tasting Table for breakfast and Maldivian as well as international favorites at dinner; and The Ledge by Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt from Burnt Ends in Singapore.

There's of course a dive center, water sports and spa, but recent family guests have particularly raved about the wonderful kids' club. That's a good thing for both kids and for childless couples, since kids that love the kids' club are less likely to be disrupting honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Rates start at ~$1800++ per night, depending on season.

2. Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch: Opening 2021

London remains one of Americans' most popular international city destinations. Some of our current favorite London luxury hotels are the Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square, the newly renovated Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, and for boutique hotel lovers, the new Belmond Cadogan Hotel London. Plus, we can't wait for The Peninsula London to open in 2021.

So what will the new Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch have, to distinguish itself from other London luxury competitors? The first is its setting, in the landmark Admiralty Arch building, which was commissioned in the early 1900s by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria. Second are the building's views; some are towards Trafalgar Square, while others are towards the Mall or Buckingham Palace. Third, there will be just 96 rooms and suites, fewer than in most London luxury hotels apart from boutique properties such as the Belmond Cadogan, The Milestone Hotel, The Beaumont and similar. Fourth, the Spa at Admiralty Arch will have an indoor swimming pool, which only a few London luxury hotels can boast, such as The Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Connaught (with its Aman Spa and pool), and the Shangri-La at The Shard.

3. Waldorf Astoria Antigua: Opening 2023

Antigua (ANU) enjoys several convenient nonstop flights from New York JFK (JetBlue, AA, Delta), Newark EWR (United), Miami (AA), Toronto (Air Canada, WestJet), London Gatwick (Virgin Atlantic, BA, as well as from elsewhere in the Caribbean, but there have been limited luxury resort options–the best known is Oetker Collection's Jumby Bay Island.

The new Waldorf Astoria Antigua will be the first major international hotel chain luxury property, and Waldorf Astoria's first Caribbean property, although fortunately it will be on the smaller side for Waldorf Astoria, with 95 rooms and 25 villas set on over 30 acres of beautiful beachfront at Morris Bay. As with almost all construction in the Caribbean, be prepared for potential delays when it comes to the opening date.