Some Maldivian resorts are beautiful; a few are genuinely astonishing. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, set on its own private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, belongs firmly to the latter. It is a place where cutting-edge architecture meets wild, untouched nature; where villas resemble sculptures and every curve, line and shadow seems designed to draw the eye towards the sea.
The arrival alone sets the tone: a seaplane descent over impossibly blue water and then the dramatic reveal of Vommuli’s signature forms — the spiralling Whale Bar, the lobster-inspired lattice of the water villas, and the soft, organic curves of villas tucked into palm-framed gardens. In a country filled with postcard-perfect islands, this stands apart as a triumph of design, detail and unashamed indulgence. Yet despite the architectural bravado, the island feels intimate, calm and exquisitely personal — a balance The St. Regis brand excels at.
Our Villa: Beach Villa with Pool — Private, Surrounded by Nature and with Stunning Views
Tucked along a pristine stretch of silky white sand, our Beach Villa with Pool was simply gorgeous. From the outside, its sculptural wooden exterior blends into the surrounding greenery, giving it the feel of a luxurious hideaway rather than a conventional beachfront villa. But stepping inside reveals why these villas are so coveted.
The interiors are contemporary and serene — high ceilings, calming cream and sand tones, rich timbers and an elegant flow that draws the gaze directly towards the garden and beach beyond. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open onto an expansive private terrace with a large private pool, shaded sunbeds and a sleek outdoor dining area. Mature palms frame the space, creating a sense of natural enclosure, and just a few barefoot steps lead directly across the sand to the shoreline. I loved how the villa was perched right on the beach just steps away from a calm turqious lagoon and had fantastic beach and ocean views from the deck.
The bathroom is its own sanctuary: soaring ceilings, a standalone bathtub positioned for garden views, a rain shower and a private outdoor shower hidden amongst tropical foliage. It is the kind of villa in which mornings stretch into long, sunlit hours, where the ocean breeze softens everything, and where one feels wonderfully removed from the rest of the world.
But what elevates the experience even further is the St. Regis butler service — attentive, discreet and genuinely transformative. Whether arranging unpacking, drawing a bath, delivering morning coffee to the villa terrace or curating a special dinner, the butlers at Vommuli set a benchmark for personalised hospitality.
Overwater Villa with Pool
An Island That Feels Like a Modern Art Installation
This resort is one of the Maldives’ most architecturally ambitious. Every structure takes inspiration from marine life and indigenous forms: water villas shaped like manta rays, the Whale Bar echoing the sweeping spine of a whale shark, the spa inspired by a Maldivian lobster shell. It is daring without being distracting — the architecture enhances rather than overwhelms the natural beauty.
The island itself is lush and varied: dense foliage, long soft beaches, winding sandy paths and hidden corners where hammocks sway gently between trees. The combination of wild greenery and sculptural architecture gives Vommuli a cinematic quality — it feels like nowhere else in the Maldives.
Iridium Spa — A Masterpiece of Calm
Suspended above the lagoon in its iconic lobster-shell structure, the Iridium Spa is one of the resort’s most breathtaking spaces. From the moment you enter, there is a sense of tranquillity shaped by soft light, curved lines and endless water views. Treatment rooms hover above the sea, allowing the sound of gentle waves to accompany every ritual.
The spa menu focuses on indulgence and personalised wellness, offering massages, body treatments and signature therapies curated to melt tension and restore equilibrium. The outdoor hydrotherapy pool, overlooking the lagoon, is a highlight.
Dining: Elevated, Inventive and Unfailingly Memorable
The St. Regis Maldives offers an impressive collection of dining experiences, each with its own distinct character.
Alba, the resort’s breezy all-day restaurant, opens onto the pool and beach, offering refined Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting. Breakfast here is a delight — a long, leisurely affair with beautifully presented dishes and the kind of service that makes you linger.
Crust & Craft invites you to beachfront street food with fish & chips, gourmet burgers, and vibrant vegetarian dishes. At sunset, enjoy barefoot candle-lit dining under the stars with the freshest local seafood, fine wines, cocktails, and live music.
Orientale brings the drama of open kitchens and diverse Asian cuisines, with sushi and all kinds of fantastic wok-fired dishes served in a lantern-lit atmosphere. It is vibrant, sensory and memorable.
Cargo, tucked away in a garden setting, serves Middle Eastern cuisine from a stylish pop-up container restaurant — intimate, atmospheric and delicious.
But the island’s signature venue, The Whale Bar, remains its crown jewel. Set overwater, this architectural marvel rises above the lagoon like a sculptural wave. At sunset, it becomes a theatre of colour. Guests gather for cocktails, including the resort’s signature St. Regis Bloody Mary, while the sun sinks behind the horizon in a blaze of apricot and rose. Few Maldivian dining settings compare. This was absolutely our favourite spot at sunset each day and the cocktails and shrimp ceviche (well all dishes actually) were delicious.
A Lagoon Made for Discovery
The island is ringed by a house reef teeming with marine life, and snorkelling here feels effortless. Steps from the beach lead into crystalline water where colourful fish swirl, corals thrive and eagle rays glide elegantly across the lagoon floor.
Beyond the reef, the resort offers diving, dolphin cruises, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and traditional dhoni excursions.
A Resort Built Around Experience
The St. Regis Maldives is more than an architectural statement — it is a resort designed around moments. Private cinema screenings under the stars. Floating breakfasts in villa pools. Carefully curated wine tastings in the gorgeous cellar – home to many of the world’s finest vintages. Personalised beachfront dinners arranged in quiet stretches of sand.
And throughout it all, the St. Regis butlers orchestrate the experience with quiet grace. They remember preferences, anticipate needs and elevate even the simplest gestures into something extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a destination that reshapes expectations of Maldivian luxury. It is bold yet serene, architecturally thrilling yet deeply connected to nature. A resort where every detail feels considered, every horizon feels cinematic, and every moment feels touched by something a little extraordinary.
Having stayed at over 40 most luxurious Maldives resorts, this is without any doubt, one of the absolute best.
Visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlexr-the-st-regis-maldives-vommuli-resort/overview/
By Lisa Curtiss
