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Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi to Debut First Zuma Restaurant in the Indian Ocean

Set in a tropical paradise at the award‑winning Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Zuma Maldives will be the first floating Zuma in the world

MALÉ, Maldives - Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi unveils the latest addition to its collection of 10 distinctive culinary experiences at the iconic resort paradise with the debut of the world-renowned Contemporary Japanese concept Zuma at the resort in the archipelago. With breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Indian Ocean combined with Zuma’s unique style and elegance, the new restaurant, opening early this year, is set to deliver a truly unforgettable experience to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s international clientele.

“With its legacy of global culinary excellence, Zuma is the perfect addition to Waldorf Astoria Maldives’s fine selection of specialty dining venues. This pristine setting surrounded by crystal blue waters combined with Zuma’s legendary elevated izakaya concept, will provide a dream to the senses for luxury leisure seekers around the world,” said Etienne Dalancon, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

Situated in one of the most beautiful, sought-after locations in the world, the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers guests unparalleled, bespoke service and unforgettable experiences. Set in a tropical paradise, the resort features 119 all-pool Beach, Reef and Overwater villas across three inter-linking islands.

Founded in London in 2002 by creator and co-founder Rainer Becker, and now present across 17 locations worldwide, the globally acclaimed Zuma is inspired by the traditional Japanese izakaya. Zuma Maldives is inspired by the beauty of its stunning location, complementing its surroundings at Waldorf Astoria Maldives with the use of natural materials and local design techniques. The restaurant features a dramatic entrance combining elements of timber, light and granite creating an immersive optical illusion leading guests into the vibrant restaurant space. The majestic island bar, robata and sushi counter take center stage in the middle of the venue and form the focal point for diners.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Zuma’s international cuisine to the Maldives on the shores of such a breathtaking and iconic destination,” said Zuma creator and co-founder Rainer Becker. “We share Waldorf Astoria’s focus on exceptional attention to detail and look forward to delivering unmatched culinary experiences to guests with Zuma’s award-winning Japanese cuisine.”

Zuma Maldives will serve its specialty dishes made famous in its international outposts, including thinly sliced seabass with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe, roasted lobster, shiso ponzu butter and spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chili and sweet soy, among others. The restaurant will also feature a dedicated lounge area where Zuma’s signature beverages can be enjoyed as the sun sets over Waldorf Astoria Maldives and the stunning turquoise waters that surround it.

In addition to Zuma Maldives, guests staying at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can enjoy the resort’s array of activities available, whether it be unwinding in one of 10 luxurious spa treatment villas, exploring the ocean’s incredible marine life, or traversing the island’s dazzling white sand beaches by bicycle or on foot. Those looking for the ultimate escape and unparalleled levels of privacy and personalized service during their visit can stay at ​Ithaafushi - The Private Island​, the largest private island in the Maldives.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi operates with industry-leading standards of cleanliness and disinfection of the proprietary ​Hilton CleanStay​ program, while adhering to the Maldivian health and safety guidelines. From arrival to check in and throughout the entire stay, guests can experience an elevated standard of cleanliness and sanitization which build upon Hilton’s already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols are currently in place. For more information about ​Hilton CleanStay​, visit ​https://www.hilton.com/en/corporate/cleanstay/

About Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Nestled among white sands and crystal blue waters, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort is a 40-minute yacht journey from Velana International Airport. From 10 celebrated dining venues, including Michelin-starred chefs and Terra, the only private hand-crafted bamboo dining pods in the Maldives, a world-class spa sanctuary, the first Aqua wellness center of its kind in the Maldives, and an exclusive Private Island, the resort offers a plethora of activities for all generations. The resort features 119 beach, reef, and overwater villas with private pools, including the Ithaafushi private Island, complemented by world-class facilities for a unique and memorable stay. Ithaafushi - The Private Island is the largest Maldivian private island spanning 32,000 square meters in the heart of the Indian ocean and accommodates up to 24 guests across two elegantly designed villas and one four-bedroom residence, perfect for bonding with loved ones or celebrating life’s significant milestones with close friends. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience Waldorf Astoria by booking at www.waldorfastoria.com or Hilton Honors mobile app. For bookings at the Private Island, visit this link. For more information visit: Instagram, Facebook.

About Zuma

Zuma was co-founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney in 2002. Zuma London, the first restaurant to open, remains the brand's homestead. Zuma has successfully launched several locations across the world including Hong Kong (2007), Dubai (2008), Istanbul (2008), Miami (2010), Bangkok (2011), Datca Peninsula (2013), Abu Dhabi (2014), New York (2015), Rome (2016), Las Vegas (2017) and Boston (2019). Zuma's characteristic culinary concept features a main kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill offering modern, sophisticated Japanese cuisine. Zuma has garnered international acclaim from the media including 'Restaurant of the Year' in the UK's Tatler Restaurant Awards. Conde Nast Traveler's Hot Tables Awards awarded Zuma Hong Kong 'Most Exciting New Restaurant,' and Time Out Istanbul awarded Zuma Istanbul 'Best New Restaurant 2009.' Both Zuma London and Hong Kong have made the Top 100 listing of The S. Pellegrino World's Best Restaurants, as voted for by an international panel of over 800 critics, chefs and restaurateurs. Chef Rainer Becker has also been recognized within the industry, with awards including Chef of the Year nods from both Harper's Bazaar and Moet. For more information, please visit https://www.zumarestaurant.com/.


About Hilton

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising more than 7,500 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube


About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors appHilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.