Private Island Paradise: My Stay at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Tucked away in the Dhaalu Atoll, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sits on a lush private island surrounded by powder-white beaches and beautiful blue water. It’s remote in the best way possible—a place that feels both exclusive and deeply rejuvenating. The moment we landed in Malé, the St. Regis team made everything feel easy. We were greeted after customs by a dedicated resort representative who handled our luggage and check-in for the seaplane transfer and also shared a welcome video from our personal butler. A short drive later, we arrived at the resort’s private lounge, which was welcoming and had plenty of seating, bathrooms, and a shower. Here, we were served complimentary drinks and bites while waiting to board the seaplane. The attention to detail started before we even stepped foot on the island.

St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort private seaplane lounge

Seaplane prior to boarding

The 45-minute seaplane ride offers breathtaking views of the atolls scattered across the ocean. While the plane is small and loud (they provide earplugs), the aerial scenery more than makes up for it. On arrival, we were welcomed by our butler, who escorted us to our overwater villa—a spacious, modern sanctuary complete with a private pool, overwater hammock, and steps straight into the sea. The villas at St. Regis are impeccably clean, airy, and luxurious. Even the entry-level accommodations are exceptional, with every detail curated for comfort and privacy.

St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Overwater Villa Room

Honeymoon bath decor

One of our favorite daily rituals was watching the sunset with cocktails at the Whale Bar, an architectural gem shaped like a whale shark. Another highlight? Poolside spin class—yes, in the water! It was a fun, energizing way to start the day and something we’d never seen before. When we wanted to unwind, the Iridium Spa offered the perfect escape, especially its Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool suspended over the ocean. One evening after dinner, we were even invited to tour the resort’s wine cellar, a special surprise we weren’t expecting. The service across the board was thoughtful and intuitive, especially through the resort’s WhatsApp concierge. Our butler responded instantly to any request, from restaurant reservations to arranging pick-ups if we opted not to take our personal bikes, which every resort guest has.

Sunset at Whale Bar

Morning spin class in the pool with a view

Dining was consistently excellent. We enjoyed the international options at ALBA (daily breakfast is included when booking through me), the Asian flavors at Orientale, and the romantic, lantern-lit vibes at Cargo. For a special splurge, the resort offers private beach dining—a candlelit table set just steps from the water.

Floating breakfast at our overwater villa

This resort is ideal for couples seeking a luxurious, peaceful escape—whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or babymoon—but it’s also great for families. There’s a kids’ club (which is about to be renovated), several large villa options with separate living spaces, and a calm environment that feels safe and easy to navigate. We found ourselves alternating between being completely active (snorkeling, biking, and spa treatments) and completely still (lounging by the pool, stargazing, and sipping wine). We wanted to feel relaxed but were never bored!

Floating in the Indian Ocean (float packed from home)

• Arrival tips: Fly into Malé International Airport (MLE), where a St. Regis representative will meet you post-customs, handle your luggage, and escort you to the seaplane check-in. You’ll be driven to the resort’s private lounge to relax with drinks, snacks, and showers before boarding the seaplane.

• Seaplane: The ride is scenic but loud—bring earbuds or use the earplugs provided. Luggage restrictions apply, so pack light if possible. Please be aware that all your belongings are weighed and not just your checked luggage.

• Getting around the island: Each villa comes with personal bikes, but you can also request golf cart transport via your butler at any time. The resort is also very walkable.

• Butler service: The butler service is a true highlight. All communication is handled via WhatsApp, and response time is lightning fast.

• Stargazing: City dwellers will especially love the night skies. Download a stargazing app to enhance the experience from your villa deck.

• Who should go: Honeymooners, babymooners, couples celebrating a milestone, or anyone looking for a no-compromise luxury escape. The property also works well for families looking for a peaceful, elevated experience (several room accommodation options either on the beach or overwater).

If you are not sure which Maldivian resort to pick, let's chat. I can help you choose based on your travel style, budget, and priorities. This might be the biggest decision you will have to make when choosing the Maldives! I know it was for me.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Maldives page.