KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 106
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Architectural Poetry on a Private Island, Where Luxury Meets Nature
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 昀椀rmly 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 昀椀lled 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 昀氀ow 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 co昀昀ee to the
villa terrace or curating a special dinner, the butlers at Vommuli set a
benchmark for personalised hospitality.
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, o昀昀ering
massages, body treatments and signature therapies curated to melt
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
tension and restore equilibrium. The outdoor hydrotherapy pool, overlooking the lagoon, is a highlight.
Dining: Elevated, Inventive and Unfailingly Memorable
The St. Regis Maldives o昀昀ers 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, o昀昀ering re昀椀ned Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a relaxed
setting. Breakfast here is a delight — a long, leisurely a昀昀air with
beautifully presented dishes and the kind of service that makes you
linger.
Crust & Craft invites you to beachfront street food with 昀椀sh & chips,
gourmet burgers, and vibrant vegetarian dishes. At sunset, enjoy barefoot candle-lit dining under the stars with the freshest local seafood, 昀椀ne
wines, cocktails, and live music.
Orientale brings the drama of open kitchens and diverse Asian cuisines,
with sushi and all kinds of fantastic wok-昀椀red 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 my
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 e昀昀ortless. Steps from the beach lead into
crystalline water where colourful 昀椀sh swirl, corals thrive and eagle rays
glide elegantly across the lagoon 昀氀oor.
Beyond the reef, the resort o昀昀ers 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 昀椀nest 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
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