With an elegant bar in the shape of a whale shark, overwater villas mirroring the form of manta rays and a spa inspired by a crustacean, there’s no escaping where in the world clients are when staying at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. The resort’s eye-catching architecture takes its cue from the incredible local marine life and the lush interior jungle on this private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, and it’s just 45 minutes south west of Male by seaplane.
Live exquisitely
Guests have a choice of 33 beach and 44 overwater villas, all with mesmerising ocean or garden views from private terraces and pools. The numerous multi-bedroom options are ideal for larger families, multigenerational gatherings or groups of friends, including the two-bedroom Knickerbocker and Cesar Balsa villas. Sleeping six, they boast plush dining and lounging spaces for groups to socialise and relax after a busy day. Alternatively, the spacious two-bedroom Ocean Villas sleep five and are fitted with state-of-the-art entertainment systems.
For even more space, consider the resort’s Estates. The Caroline Astor Estate is a three-bedroom beachfront villa for nine people, complete with a 67-square-metre pool, rooms with signature St. Regis beds, opulent living spaces, a private wooden deck with an outdoor shower and an indoor glass-enclosed rainforest shower.
And the largest three-bedroom overwater villa in the Maldives is here, the John Jacob Astor Estate, which accommodates 12 with more than 1,500-square-metres of impeccable design, including an outdoor terrace, infinity pool, jacuzzi, two plunge pools, a private gym and cinema room, with swish spa suites attached to each bedroom.
Family focus
It’s an ideal time to book families, as the resort’s new Ultimate Family Summer Escape package allows children under 12 to stay and dine for free on a half-board basis until 30 September 2024.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort aims to provide the ultimate family holiday by filling guests’ stays with treasured moments that can become new family traditions. The St. Regis butlers will curate a host of special activities, amenities and turndown rituals crafted around guests’ interests and desires, through the resort’s Family Traditions programme. And amenities including child-sized robes and slippers are offered to ensure every member of the family feels taken care of.
Children aged four to 12 can head to the Children’s Club for a packed programme, including meeting a coconut tree climber, making kites and trying youngsters’ yoga classes. Those aged 11 and older can join weekly competitions of air hockey, board games, darts and chess, and a babysitting service is available.
The outdoor infinity pool is ideal for families, and the friendly team provide toys, floats, sun cream and snacks throughout the day, plus there’s a dedicated pool for toddlers near the main pool.
For more water-based fun, the Vommuli Dive & Watersports Centre arranges parasailing, windsurfing and snorkelling, and the resort’s house reef is ripe for exploration. Last year the resort launched a coral propagation programme in partnership with marine experts Reefscapers, and children can learn about life beneath the waves by joining inspirational classes with resident marine biologist and climate activist Hazel Araujo.
Families can also hop onboard the resort’s Azimut Flybridge 66 Yacht, christened Norma, trying the new Whale Shark Experience or the Dolphin Sunset Cruise.
And for sophisticated adults-only relaxation, direct clients to the Iridium Spa. With six treatment suites, including two Ayurvedic suites with private steam rooms, treatments include chakra blessings and ayurvedic rituals. Classes at the Yoga and Meditation Studio cover traditional techniques as well as innovative classes such as stress-busting anti-gravity yoga, with wellness screenings available in the new open-air Yogasala venue.
Delightful dining
The culinary experience is a key part of any stay at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which has seven venues. Guests can enjoy al fresco meals at the flagship restaurant Alba and relaxed beachfront dining at Crust & Craft, both of which offer a more laid-back experience for families, however a children’s menu is available in all outlets. Eastern haute cuisine is the focus at Orientale, while Middle Eastern fare is served amidst tropical gardens at Cargo, and guests can sip sunset cocktails by the water at The Whale Bar. The newest dining venue, T•Pan, features classic teppanyaki-style Japanese cuisine.
St. Regis butlers can arrange a raft of private dining options for guests, such as delicious starlight dinners on the beach or a fun sandbank picnic, as well as a five-course menu at the underground wine cellar, Decanter, where clients are surrounded by more than 2,000 bottles.
The resort has also unveiled its new Elements concept, designed to invigorate the senses during a multi-course dinner, which uses fresh, local ingredients and innovative techniques such as encapsulation and edible vapours to delight the senses.
Whether clients are seeking adventure or relaxation, and however young or old they are, everyone will feel at home among the pristine waters and tropical paradise of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
