The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
STYLE
Designed by renowned Singaporean-based firm WOW Architects, The St. Regis Vommuli Resort takes its inspiration from the treasures found on and around the island and the result is visually remarkable. The angular-shaped overwater villas mimic manta rays. Beach villas take on a modern-day, elegant version of traditional fishing huts with their extra high vaulted rooflines. The distinctive pods of the Iridium Spa form a lobster, the library takes its lines from a giant spiral seashell and the unmistakable shape of a whale shark juts out into the ocean and forms the bar, providing the most idyllic sunset drink location you can possibly imagine. And with just 77 villas in total, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli is undoubtedly a boutique-sized, ultra-luxury property on a natural island, perfect for a peaceful luxury
getaway.
LOCATION
The St. Regis occupies a prime location, a quick 45-minute seaplane transfer away on the previously uninhabited island of Vommuli in the southern Dhaalu Atoll. At just 9 hectares, it’s relatively petite in size, meaning all facilities and activities are a short walk or bike ride away. Being a natural island, it is blessed with all the attributes you would expect from an island paradise in the Maldives: picture-perfect beaches, lush vegetation and an impressive house reef.
CLIENTELE
A typically well-heeled mix of international guests, who are predominately looking for luxurious surroundings and a dose of the renowned St. Regis pampering. The overwater villas are a favourite for honeymooners, and the larger two and three-bedroom villas also entice a small number of families or friend groups. Guests here are mainly looking for exclusivity and privacy and the property delivers a very relaxed, chic vibe.
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
The island may be small in size but is not lacking in facilities and so caters well for the active relaxers. Although all villas come with private pools, guests can also chill with a cocktail in hand at the large beachside, freeform infinity pool, which takes pride in being in front of the main dining and beach area. For the energetic, there is a compact but well-equipped gym with a yoga and meditation studio. An inviting, air-conditioned library space, tennis court and a well-designed games room for a game of pool or table tennis. Water-based activities include private fishing or diving charters, guided snorkelling excursions with turtles, dolphins and whale sharks and a host of water sports like paddle boards, jet skis, flyboards and Seabobs. For some chill time or the ultimate romantic setting, a private Maldivian sandbank experience should be at the top of the list.
The Iridium Spa was more our style and seriously impressed. It boasts six luxe overwater treatment rooms, each with spectacular ocean views. We opted for the 60-minute signature deep tissue massage and as someone who has had countless disappointing massages over the years, many at high profile resorts, this certainly was not the case here. My therapist Saima was superb and I thoroughly recommend. A quick hop in the sauna post- massage, followed by a muscle-melting dip in the Blue Hole Pool, one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the country, is a must.
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ROOMS
Just 77 villas – 44 overwater and 33 on land. All spacious, sleek and polished in varying shades of oak. On the lagoon, villas open out onto sweeping wooden decks with opalescent plunge pools, cabanas, floor hammocks that hover over the sea as well as steps that lead right into it. Beach villas are A- frame with soaring ceilings and sculptural pendant lights that look like the shells that line the beach in front. Bathrooms include illuminated sink basins and cocoon tubs, as well as inside and outdoor showers shaded by swaying palms. The 2 bedroom villas are ideal for families, or you can take over the John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest three-bedroom overwater villa in the country. Although an overwater mansion may be a more apt description – there’s a full kitchen, private beach set up, private gym and three separate massage rooms – yes please.
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FOOD & DRINK​​
As a self-confessed foodie, one of the highlights of our brief stay was the overall quality of the food and beverage offerings. With a total of seven restaurants on the island, you are certainly spoilt for choice, which is especially important for those longer stays. The day starts with breakfast at Alba, their signature restaurant and expect to be impressed – even by St. Regis standards. The made-to-order superfood bowls were a personal favourite, along with the decadent lobster omelette with caviar. All restaurants are perfectly placed in the most idyllic of settings. For a gourmet interpretation of Middle Eastern fare, follow the lanterns to Cargo, the sandy alcove in the middle of the island - a perfect spot for alfresco dining, fresh from the grill. Pan-Asian restaurant Orientale boasts a sushi bar and an innovative fine dining take on seasonal pan-Asian dishes in a sophisticated but unpretentious setting with unobstructed beachfront views of the Indian Ocean.
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For a laid-back, casual lunch on the beach, head to the rustic setting of Crust & Craft. Locally caught tuna tacos, burgers and some seriously good wood- fired pizzas, but the highlight for me was the pure opulence of Kaiseki-style restaurant T•Pan. It is an exclusive space for just 16 guests, a fine-dining interpretation of teppanyaki without the over-the-top theatre. We were treated to the most spectacular set course feast, expertly prepared with the finest ingredients you can buy – like Hokkaido Snow Beef, the ultimate in Wagyu and only available in a handful of restaurants around the world, white albino caviar... an experience I will long remember. A visit to the St. Regis is not complete without dining here – book well ahead to avoid disappointment.​​
FOR KIDS​​
For those of you with kids in tow, fair not, as there is a plethora of activities and facilities for all ages to have fun. Starting with the well-designed recreation centre, which houses the gym, aerial yoga studio and the multi- room kid’s club. There’s a dedicated kitchen for cooking classes, a craft and activity room as well as a pirate ship playground outside. For teens, the Socialite Club is an ideal holiday hangout with a pool table, chess station and video games. Pool toys can be arranged at the beachside infinity pool and bicycles are provided at each villa, including mini ones with training wheels. Little guests can order the usual kid’s menu classics and dishes that reflect the various restaurants.
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SERVICE
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A butler service has been a signature for all St. Regis hotels long before it became a mainstay in the Maldives. From the personalised butler video message shown at the airport lounge, to arranging reservations and assistance with unpacking and packing, every aspect of the service is incredibly well considered. I found across all departments it to be always on point, delivered in a gracious and unpretentious way and a special mention to our outstanding butler Rasheed, who made our stay so memorable.​​
GURU TIPS​
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Book ahead for dinner at T•Pan.
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I liked the privacy and extra space of the Beach Villa; if booking Over Water, suggest Sunset Villa for extra seclusion and stunning views.
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Don’t miss the nightly evening champagne sabring ritual at the Whale Bar.
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Book one of the diving or snorkelling excursions. It is well worth it, especially during the Manta Ray season.
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Book the signature massage followed by a session in the spectacular hydrotherapy pool.
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Stay a minimum of 3 nights, more if time allows.
WE LOVE
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Love the architecture and ambience at the Whale bar for sunset drinks and a speciality cocktail. It must come close to taking the title for the coolest bar in the Maldives.
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The villas are beautifully designed with equally stunning interiors. I also loved the level of privacy offered by the Sunset Beach Villa.
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The overall quality of the cuisine is outstanding and I loved being spoilt for choice - especially T•Pan. Wow!
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Overall, the service was really hard to fault, right from the initial airport greeting and together with the quality of the hard product, makes it a compelling choice.
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Loved that it is a natural island, it certainly adds to the overall experience.
BOOK YOUR STAY
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We are proud to offer bookings with complimentary VIP perks at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Click below to learn more about how it works – signing up for our program is free, and bookings are instant with no additional fees.
