The Maldives are a dream destination often spoken of, and for those of us lucky enough to live within an easy flight’s distance, an attainable holiday location. \u00a0But how to decide which resort is the right one? \u00a0With plenty of high-end options, how do you ensure your holiday dollars (or dirhams) will be spent correctly? \u00a0All things being equal, I’ll place the newly opened St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort<\/a><\/strong> near the very top of the list.<\/p>\n With only 77 rooms, this is a private, luxury location to disconnect from everything (well, only if you want to — the wifi connectivity on the island is entirely comprehensive). \u00a0Unlike other properties, the world class service starts upon landing at Velana International Airport. \u00a0Guests are greeted directly from their incoming flight by a St. Regis airport butler and escorted first to check in their luggage to the seaplane charter and then onwards (via van, SUV, or Bentley complete with wifi) to the Great Room, a private space to await the Trans Maldivian Airways flight to the island. \u00a0The lounge, tastefully decorated in a neutral palate with comfortable seating (and again, a strong wifi connection) is stocked with fruit, light snacks, and water, with coffee and tea on offer. \u00a0Should you be arriving from a long flight, there are showers (stocked with the same Rem\u00e8de toiletries found on the island). \u00a0The check in process usually takes place here, so that guests can immediately go to their villas or suites upon arrival. \u00a0There are a few other special surprises (video greetings from one’s butler and choosing a welcome drink) that help further set this resort ahead of others in their category.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n After the forty minute flight (over crystal blue waters and stunning atolls), guests arrive on the water and pull up to the island’s jetty. \u00a0Stepping off the dock and into a unique shelter, luxury ultimately sets in with a welcome drink and a freshly scented cold towel. \u00a0Our butler instantly recognized us, and before I knew it, we were on our way to our villa via golf cart. \u00a0There are seven styles of rooms (including the make your friends jealous \/ totally Instagrammable Overwater Villas — which make up about two-thirds of the available rooms). \u00a0We were given a Sunset Overwater Villa, which I would completely recommend.<\/p>\n And from there, the decisions are up to you: Water sports? \u00a0Diving? \u00a0Snorkeling off your deck? \u00a0A visit to the Iridium Spa? \u00a0A bike ride around the resort? \u00a0TRX, Tabata HIIT, or an Anti-Gravity Yoga session? \u00a0Or, perhaps you’d like to connect to your home Netflix account? \u00a0A meal at one of the six F&B outlets? \u00a0All of these things are possible. \u00a0Butler service is available to make arrangements at any time of day, and with the exception of some of the smaller restaurants (a few of the F&B venues have limited reservations), it is up to you how you want to spend time at the resort.<\/p>\n While there was a lot to take in, here are a few of the things that impressed me the most:<\/p>\n No place is perfect, so what could be improved a unique?<\/p>\n And now, I think I should share a few photos, just because there is a limit of how much words can do (especially against such an exquisite\u00a0natural landscape). \u00a0And don’t worry, because this is just the beginning! Stay tuned for plenty more photos, videos, and coverage in future upcoming posts.<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n Would I go back? \u00a0I think you already know the answer to this question. \u00a0Whether with my significant other, or just about anyone else who wanted to, this is a unique destination for a memorable occasion, honeymoon, or birthday. \u00a0If you’re considering the Maldives, my mentality lies somewhere between ‘YOLO’ and #treatyoself — if you’ve worked hard and want to live out a private island fantasy, then the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli resort is the destination for you. \u00a0Yes, there is a relatively high price tag involved, however, I think paying for the services and accommodation are worth it.<\/p>\n\n
\n