An enviable location, around-the-clock butler service, plus a strong environmental code and determination to disconnect from the noisy outside world – St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on the Dhaalu Atoll ticks each and every box
With its beautiful string of low-lying coral atolls, warm turquoise waters, white powdery sands and sensational five-star private island resorts – all just a four-hour flight from Dubai – it’s no surprise that the Maldives is the first choice for sun-seeking travellers on the hunt for laid-back, barefoot luxury. While the endless options of luxury hotels are enough to get your head swimming, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli is a stellar choice for those looking to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for tropical charm, rich marine life, wellness activities on tap and an unparalleled idyllic setting.
Nestled between lush rainforest and pristine beaches, the Maldives outpost of the luxe St. Regis brand of hotels is located in the southern Dhaalu Atoll, a spectacular 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. As is common with a lot of Maldives resorts, you’ll be met by your own personal butler on arrival, who is on hand 24 hours a day to cater to every wish and whim. Whether you need a buggy run to the beach, to book a screening at the outdoor jungle cinema, a fresh bucket of ice or a last-minute PCR test, you’ll barely remember how to think for yourself by the end of your stay. They know how to draw the perfect bedtime bath complete with bubbles and rose petals, too, so be sure to take yours up on their offer.
Comprising 33 on-land and 44 over-water picturesque ocean- or garden-view villas, among the standout features of this unique bolthole is its daring architecture – the overwater villas at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli are designed to remind guests of the manta rays that grace the oceans, while the beach villas are reminiscent of the fishermen’s huts that could be found on the island before the resort even existed. As to be expected, there’s room for all the family; the three-bedroom John Jacob Astor Estate complete with 92-square-metre private swimming pool framed by a plush daybed, sofas and sun loungers, gym, spa and home cinema is the epitome of sophistication and perfect for larger groups. For honeymooners and couples looking for a more intimate escape, however, the one-bedroom overwater villas, the best of which face west towards the sunset and expansive Indian Ocean, also boast their own private terrace and swimming pool plus four overwater hammocks ideal for relaxing beneath the Maldivian sun. Other highlights include the alfresco shower and freestanding bathtub with ocean views, lavish king-size bed and easy-to-use tablets that control the curtains, lighting and air-conditioning, as well as Bluetooth music and Netflix at the touch of a button.
If you’ve ever returned from a holiday feeling burnt out, the opposite will be true after a long weekend spent at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. A haven for fitness, relaxation and wellness, not only is it home to a huge spa with six overwater treatment rooms, there’s also a well-appointed gym, aerial yoga, meditation and more, while its onsite watersports centre offers everything from complimentary stand-up paddleboarding to wakeboarding and jet skis. As most of the Dhaalu Atoll remains undeveloped, the marine life is marvellous, so be sure to grab a snorkel for daily encounters with colourful clown fish, pouty parrot fish and powder-blue surgeonfish.
If you’d rather stay dry, its glass-bottom kayaks are an exquisite way to explore, and are perfect for the ’gram. The resort also has its very own 21m Azimut Flybridge 66 yacht Norma, named in homage to the founder of St. Regis Hotels, with charter available by the hour, day, or overnight. The epitome of romance, if you’re celebrating a special occasion (or just because) take her out for a sunset cruise complete with bubbles and delectable canapés.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed on your own private terrace or at one of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli’s five restaurants – be sure to order the signature floating breakfast direct to your private pool at least once. Nestled by the sprawling seaside infinity pool, Alba is the spot for breakfast on dry land, where you can tuck into a buffet of fresh fruit, pastries, eggs made to order and fluffy pancakes, plus an extensive à la carte menu. For dinner, book a table at the dreamy Orientale, which serves up contemporary Asian cuisine in an open-air setting. If you’re after something a little more laid-back, Crust & Craft is right on the beach and offers traditional thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches and snacks, while its renowned Whale Bar is a sophisticated spot for sundowners plus mouthwatering succulent cuts of the finest meats and fresh seafood plucked straight from the Indian Ocean. Fine cuisine, incredible vistas and plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli is happy to act as both backdrop and foil to the outstanding beauty of the islands of the Maldives themselves, and it really doesn’t get much better than that.
MOJEH Recommends... Iridium Spa
As if the turquoise waters of the Dhaalu Atoll couldn’t get any more idyllic, above them lies the one-of-a-kind lobster-shaped Iridium Spa, occupying an impressive 1,850 square metres of tranquil serenity. Tastefully decked out in soothing white oak and plush furniture, treatments are performed in its six overwater rooms, including two ayurvedic suites with private steam rooms, which are located in the ‘claws’ of the lobster. Portholes with a seabed view mean you can gaze at the vibrant sea life below while indulging in a huge range of treatments – its hero being the Iridium Signature Touch massage.
A 60-minute bespoke full-body massage that works deep into the muscles, the healing properties and organic minerals of the virgin coconut oil are absorbed into the skin for a deep sense of relaxation as your therapist goes through traditional Asian massage techniques. The application of a warm compress soothes aching bodies, while warm sand from St. Regis Maldives Vommuli’s beach is dipped in virgin coconut oil and rubbed across the upper back for a gentle exfoliation. As an extra special treat, there’s also a Blue Hole Hydrotherapy pool on site, which uses heated seawater and a multitude of hydromassage jets to blast away jet lag and get your circulation flowing. We’ll be back. Vommuli Island Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives; book now
