St. Regis Resort Maldives can be an incredible value if you possess Marriott Bonvoy points – during peak season a night in one of its on-land or overwater villas costs only 85,000 points! Attractions such as John Jacob Astor Estate’s grandest overwater villa (the largest overwater villa in Maldives) or Iridium Spa’s impressive hydrotherapy pool that extends out of the water are unforgettable experiences that won’t break the bank!
77 Villas
At the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, you’re not simply staying at a hotel; rather, you’re experiencing an unforgettable lifestyle of luxury and service that cannot be rivaled elsewhere. Here, you’ll enjoy private beaches, overwater pools, lagoon views and much more. Additionally, choose from one of 77 villas (garden or overwater suites), each boasting its own swimming pool, egg-shaped soaking tubs and furnished terraces overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean waters – this resort truly makes honeymooners dream come true!
Your stay will also include amenities like Bang & Olufsen BeoVision entertainment systems, fast wifi connections and rainforest showers – plus you’ll have your very own butler who is happy to arrange restaurant reservations or assist with anything else during your stay!
Dhaalu Atoll offers fewer resorts than other areas of Maldives, giving guests an immersive island experience. Take a seaplane ride around other islands nearby for even greater seclusion!
Since opening its doors in 2016, this resort has drawn praise for its eye-catching designs reminiscent of local marine life. Villas take inspiration from manta rays while its signature Whale Bar mimics that of a whale shark.
At this resort there are five restaurants, from Orientale to Decanter – each catering to different dining preferences – along with a spa, library and two bars. Family-oriented and offering dedicated children’s club for those wanting an escape from adult company!
At this resort, guests can experience an array of activities, from golf and water sports to spa services and salon treatments. Bicycle rentals are free on property for exploring, while butler services provide golf cart rides. Should you leave your bike somewhere on the grounds, staff conduct daily sweeps that return it back to its proper villa.
One drawback of this paradise is the weather: it can be rainy for much of the year; therefore, I suggest visiting during November-April during their dry season if possible; even in rainier periods you’ll have plenty of fun on land and sea!
Seaplane Transfer
St. Regis Vommuli Resort requires a seaplane transfer from Male International Airport (MLE). While not cheap, award availability for stays through mid-March 2024 is quite good: for example, overwater villas start from just 88,000 Marriott points per night which makes this hotel an excellent option if the Maldives is high on your bucket list.
After arriving at the airport, you’ll be transferred by private chauffeured vehicle to a seaplane lounge where your flight will depart from. There is a light menu of snacks and beverages to enjoy while waiting. Our flight was on Trans Maldivian Airways De Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter with tail #8Q-MAJ; be wary if seasickness is an issue – pack earplugs if this sounds like your perfect aircraft!
Your flight should last approximately 50 minutes; however, flight duration can differ depending on weather conditions and distance from previous resort to final destination. When we visited, wind was strong and waves large – creating a very bumpy ride! If traveling with someone prone to motion sickness, be sure to bring some form of medication such as Dramamine or another over-the-counter seasickness medication in order to prevent issues during travel.
As soon as you arrive on Vommuli Island, a dedicated butler will assist with your luggage and provide an overview of the property. When checking in, your butler will ask for you to complete a preferences form to complete. Your personal concierge will use this information to evaluate and meet all of your needs during your stay, as well as offer recommendations and make reservations at restaurants or arrange tours of the property for you. They may even help book restaurant reservations and arrange property tours! St. Regis staff members are accommodating of any special requests, such as ramps for wheelchair accessibility in dining rooms and use of yacht Norma to transfer between hotels. Furthermore, villa floor plans will be sent over for consideration prior to travel so as to help plan your itinerary more easily.
Lounge
As guests receive VIP treatment here, but it comes at a cost. Even during the off-season (November to April) stays here will cost at least $700 per night; not including roundtrip private seaplane flights from Male to Vommuli at an additional cost of $450 each way.
However, that doesn’t make the resort any less luxurious; on the contrary, I found it one of the most opulent stays I have ever experienced – spectacular overwater villas, superb dining and bar options, and exceptional customer service were hallmarks of excellence throughout.
Male now features an improved airport terminal and club-level waiting room that makes traveling by seaplane from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport to Vommuli much less taxing and stressful.
Once you arrive, your butler will meet and collect your luggage before whisking you off to your private island retreat, home to 77 all-villa retreats that boast lush landscapes, thick tropical vegetation, fine white sand beaches, an abundant lagoon full of marine life and the azure Indian Ocean.
The resort has ditched single-use plastics and features sustainably sourced decor from Bali-based studio Gaya ceramics to sustainably source decor items, and also employs local staff with 80 per cent being Maldivians. Furthermore, eco efforts include an on-site recycling and water bottling plant as well as an expansive kitchen garden featuring everything from aubergines to kale.
Families will appreciate the peaceful, naturally lit kids’ club with activities like kite-making and origami; while for relaxing spa services there’s the Iridium Spa–the only overwater spa in Maldives!
Marriott’s current award chart shows that an off-peak night at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli will cost 70,000 points; peak nights cost 85,000. Remember to factor taxes and fees into the cost, while its restaurants may be too pricey for budget travelers – packing your lunch from the airport may be preferable in such instances.
Rooms
The rooms at this property are an epitome of high-end luxury. Paying tribute to its natural setting, many rooms were inspired by ocean life or marine creatures; beach villas feature manta ray shapes while its spa takes on lobster form; while its library takes the shape of spiral shell.
At this hotel, guests have their pick of suites with two and three-bedroom options featuring private pools. However, the crown jewel of this resort is the John Jacob Astor Estate; an overwater residence named for the founder of the hotel which was awarded World Travel Awards as “Leading Luxury Hotel Villa.” Suitable for larger families or groups of friends traveling together with multiple terraces, an infinity pool and ocean-view master bedroom – perfect for hosting private functions and group getaways alike!
Every room at the resort includes its own personal butler, and guests can book a variety of experiences that make their visit truly unforgettable. One such experience is The Blue Hole: an overwater jacuzzi designed specifically to capture Instagram-worthy content in one of Earth’s most picturesque environments.
Other highlights include Orientale, an extremely popular Pan-Asian restaurant. Additionally, this hotel makes an effort to be eco-friendly through recycling and water bottling plants as well as employing about 80 per cent local staff. Kids are treated like royalty here; with their own building equipped with air hockey tables, chess boards and dart boards as well as thoughtful touches like child-sized robes in-room.
Dining here is an experience in itself, with numerous restaurants and bars to choose from – including Decanter with its wine-covered walls; Orientale; Crust & Craft and Cargo are just a few options that await.
St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s appeal can be understood quickly, so if you can secure an attractive offer it may be worth your while to book this property. However, be mindful that it is not all-inclusive so factoring in food and beverage expenses as well as possible overwater villa fees may increase costs significantly – expect at least $1,000 per night when renting one of their iconic overwater villas!