The Waldorf Astoria Maldives boat transfer cost a whopping $862.40 when I stayed at the resort, which is more than what most resorts charge for a seaplane transfer. That being said, the resort will be dropping the fee to $600 per adult and $300 per child, starting in 2020. With the 23.2% tax factored in, that comes to $738 and $370, respectively. That’s still expensive, but significantly cheaper.
As a comparison, a seaplane transfer to the Conrad Maldives costs $526 per person.
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Booking your boat transfer
When you book your stay at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives, it’s your responsibility to reach out to the hotel and arrange the boat transfer.
Simply send them an email with your reservation information and flight number. You’ll receive a confirmation shortly after and the transfer fee gets charged to your room.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives airport pick-up
Upon landing at Male airport, I sped through immigration pretty quickly and spotted the Waldorf Astoria rep as soon as I entered the arrivals hall. He was holding a sign with my name on it and after welcoming me, he gave me a wifi password, took my bag and lead me to the check-in kiosk.
Every hotel has one of these kiosks, where the rep checks you in, attaches hotel-branded luggage tags to your bags, before walking you outside for your ride to the resort.
Except, the hotel rep walked me to the nearby food court and explained that the boat was having engine trouble. They were sending another one, which would arrive in about five minutes. He asked if I wanted something to eat or drink, which I declined. He then walked away to make a phone call.
About five minutes later, he informed me the boat was nearby, so we headed outside. The harbor was just steps from the exit door, with signs indicating pick-up spots for specific hotels. A few boats were approaching, most of them fairly small. The rep pointed to the biggest one among them. According to him “It’s only the second biggest boat we have.”
The boat floated into the harbor, carrying four crew members. I was the only person on board! There was a flurry of activity, with one crew member taking my bag while two others helped me get on board and the hotel rep waved goodbye.
The boat looks fairly small in the photo, but compared to all the others bobbing along the harbor, it was massive.
The boat interior
Once I got on board, another crew member gave me a quick run-down: The ride to the resort would take 30 – 40 minutes, there were snacks and beverages onboard, two bedrooms if I wanted to rest, a deck with gorgeous views and if I needed anything else, just let him know.
There were two white couches facing each other, with a table on one side containing snacks and mints.
Across from that table was a beverage station with a Nespresso machine. A crew member pointed out a power outlet with a charger plugged in. He told me I could use it to charge my phone.
When I made it back to the couch, he asked me what I wanted to drink and then promptly poured me a glass of water. I don’t know how he managed to do it without tipping over while the boat was going full-speed, but it’s probably part of their training.
There was a TV across from the big sofa, playing a promotional video of the Waldorf Astoria. Music was playing and the vibe was overall serene, even though we were practically flying and water was splashing all around the windows.
Once I got situated, I took a few photos of the seating area and kitchen. Two crew members were at the other end and I warned them, “I’m going to be really annoying and take a lot of photos.” They smiled, “No problem.”
I took the steps down to the lower level, where the bedrooms and bathrooms were. It was a bumpy ride, so I had to hold on to that rail pretty tightly.
Master bedroom
Downstairs, there is a hallway with the two bedrooms on opposite ends.
To the right was the sunken master bedroom, which was outfitted with a queen-sized bed facing a leather chair and TV. This room also had an en-suite bathroom with a separate sink and toilet but no shower.
It did have the boat version of a walk-in closet (i.e. you’d have to hunch over to fit in there).
The room was pretty cozy, though the ceiling was a bit low – and this is coming from someone who’s 5’3. There were windows all around, letting in lots of light. The space was beautifully lit and featured lots of luxurious touches.
With the ride being so bumpy (and short), I can’t imagine anyone actually sleeping there, but it would be a nice place to nap on a day-trip.
Bedroom #2
Across the hall from the master bedroom was the second bedroom. It was actually slightly bigger (wider, really) than the master suite and featured a platform bed surrounded by tons of storage space.
This room didn’t have a leather seat or TV. It did have an attached bathroom that could also be accessed through a door in the hall.
The bathroom had a glass door separating the sink and shower.
Top deck
After filming and photographing the bedrooms and bathrooms, I went back upstairs. The host came by again, offering me snacks and drinks.
One of the crew members notified me that we would arrive in about seven minutes and asked if I wanted to see the upstairs deck.
At the speed we were traveling, I wasn’t sure it was 100% safe to be climbing a ladder to the top deck. But I managed to make it up there without cracking my head open.
The top deck is a great place if you want to take in the views, especially since the windows are small and/or obstructed on the first and second level.
The deck was covered, so you could lounge up there without getting sunburned. It had wrap-around leather seating, providing tons of space.
If you want to sit outside but aren’t up for climbing the ladder to the third level, there is an outdoor seat on the second level. Just open the sliding doors from the main seating area and it’s right there. But keep in mind that it’s much more exposed and you will probably get soaked sitting out there.
Approaching the resort
The boat ride went by pretty fast and as we began to approach the resort and the boat slowed down, the host waved me over for a better view. There were half a dozen staff members waiting out there, waiving. My first impression of the resort was that it was just stunning.
One of the crew onboard was pointing things out to me, like the various restaurants, reception area, etc. I was in a daze and kept responding affirmatively, without processing a thing he was saying.
When I stepped outside, a staff member helped me get off the boat and welcomed me to the resort. A crew member handed off my bag to another staff member and I was introduced to the rest of the welcome wagon.
At this moment, the skies opened up and the water turned the most beautiful shade of turquoise. I had to whip out my phone and take a photo.
We started walking towards the lobby and that’s when a young woman appeared to my left and the staff member who greeted me let me know, “This is ___. She’s your personal concierge and can take as many pictures for you as you want.”
In the lobby, another smiling staff member escorted me to a nearby seat, where a waiter brought me a ginger tea. It was more ginger than tea and woke me right up.
Check-in was fast and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating. I arrived six hours before check-in and while they prepared my room for me, they provided me complimentary breakfast. About a half-hour into it, a staff member found me at the restaurant and let me know that my room was ready and that my concierge would be outside, ready to take me when I was done.
Final thoughts on the Waldorf Astoria Maldives boat transfer
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives boat transfer is probably one of the most expensive you’ll come across. It’s not cheap at all, but you know what? It’s a unique experience and not something you’ll do often – like traveling to the Maldives.
By the end of the trip, I didn’t feel the sting of that boat transfer fee as much as I did when I booked it. It was way more impressive than the photos portray. It felt like being on a yacht and a great way to start off the pampering that ensued on this trip.
Even though I probably will never do it again, it was worth it that one time. I was traveling by myself and could justify it. Plus, I blog about this stuff for a living and can write it off.
If you have expiring $250 resort credit from the Hilton Aspire Card and plan on spending very little money at the resort, then it can help off-set the Waldorf Astoria boat transfer fee. I can’t even imagine paying almost $1,500 for two or $300 for a child.
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