SPECTACULAR MALDIVES

When we think of spectacular, it’s difficult not to think of the most luxurious, most remote and in most cases, the most high-priced place imaginable.  And, once we’ve let our imagination take us there, we’ve arrived at the St. Regis, Maldives Vommuli Resort.  If there ever was a destination that offered complete privacy, impeccable service, superb accommodations and a flawless culinary experience, the St. Regis, Maldives Vommuli is this perfect gem in the middle of Indian Ocean.  

The Maldives is a relatively new luxury island destination.  The government only began transitioning the economy from fishing to tourism in the early 70’s.  The country is an incredibly disperse area of 26 atolls consisting of approximately 1,200 coral islands with less than 500,000 inhabitants. But, though the Maldives might have been late to the game, they’ve got everyone beat. 

Once you’ve made your way to the capital, Malé, the St. Regis gently shuttles you to their private airport club, where chilled towels and cool refreshments prepare you for your final 45-minute flight by sea plane to the resorts’ private island.  The flight itself is magical with breathtaking views of the jewel-like atolls and islands set against the shimmering teal, ivory and aquamarine of the surrounding water.  

The resort was carefully designed to not distract your eye from the natural beauty that surrounds and takes all of its design cues from nature. The villas cascade from the shoreline in the form of a manta ray, each designed to ensure personal privacy while seamlessly integrating with the shoreline. 

Ultimately, it isn't the landscape or the facilities, but rather the staff that determines your experience. St. Regis Maldives has truly succeeded with an exceptional team that find personal satisfaction in ensuring your comfort. Without a hint of formality, the staff conveys a rare combination of attentiveness without being intrusive, warmth without familiarity, and a gentility that we seldom experience in our day-to-day lives. Your villa is assigned a personal butler to anticipate your every need: from unpacking your luggage to arranging your reservations to assuring each detail of your stay is sublime.

Once settled in, your days will kick off morning swims surrounded by clown fish, sea turtles, manta rays, or a school of dolphins just beyond reach. Salute the sun during a sunrise yoga practice. Then, make your way to Alba for your first meal of the day. Here you will find one of the most extraordinary breakfast selections in the world. The menu includes duck confit with waffles or a lobster and Alaskan crab omelet topped with Ossetra caviar. Of course, a bottomless Bloody Mary and mimosa cart reminds you that you’re glad you exercised before you sat down for breakfast. 

Next come some major decisions: “Should we enjoy a naked swim in our private pool overlooking the Indian Ocean?” Or “ Should we schedule a private yacht to whisk us off to an uninhabited island, where our personal chef will prepare us a picnic on the beach with all our favorite foods?” Or, given all the stress associated with decision-making "Maybe we should spend the day at the Iridium Spa?" 

You will first meet your Ayuvedic specialist who will help you select a Punarnav treatment, which includes a gentle massage with oil infused with 15 different herbs, followed by a full-body exfoliation. The culmination of the treatment resides in your submersion in the heated seawater and powerful jets of the Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool. While sipping champagne. Natch.

Having yacht-ed, scuba-ed, spa-ed, nap-ed and other-ed, time to continue your gastronomic adventures at Crust where you will be delighted by an aubergine & courgette pizza on the beach. Then, sunsets are not to be missed at The Whale Bar, with a colossal menu of handcrafted cocktails. Don't forget to check out the enormous sea turtles gently swimming under the bar. And, after the sun tucks under the horizon, a sophisticated selection of menus at one of the six distinctive dining options guarantees each evening surpasses the most romantic expectations.

And, once night falls, every shade of romance is yours for the taking. 

Easily one of the dreamiest places on the planet, The St. Regis, Maldives will exceed your every expectation because luxury resides in our connection to nature, personal gratitude, and appreciation for love.