Maldives ~ Islands of Fantasy, The St Regis

With over 200 islands with places to stay in the Maldives, it could be easy to be overwhelmed with the options. That’s typically not my challenge due to my status with the Marriott/SPG chain for my professional travel. It makes it very easy for me to narrow the choices to leverage my benefits. That said, I knew one thing, over the water.  I had to be over the water. Over the water bungalows is what this region is known for, so it was a must do for my experience and I’m so glad I did.

As I mentioned in a previous post, getting to your final destination typically involves a seaplane that only flies within a specific period of time during the day. So it’s not uncommon to have to stay at a hotel close to the Male airport to accommodate that schedule. But don’t worry, the hotels near the airport can and do deliver a resort experience as well. And that was my predicament, a hotel near the airport at both ends of my visit. Admittedly I initially thought, “what a pain” but as it turned out, that was part of the fun of the end to end experience that is the Maldives.

Let’s start with the destination that brought me to the Maldives…The one-year old St Regis Vommuli Resort. When searching out destinations for island holidays I’ve found they can be hit or miss relative to how they are actually represented online. Not so in this case.  In fact, the online visuals do not do this property and its service level justice. It starts with the very first email from your personal butler once you complete your reservations. This doesn’t come through on the website, but this property is known for its butler practice and takes care of any pretty much anything you might need.  (Within appropriate reason of course!) My butler, Saddam scheduled transfers, booked spa treatments, gave me advice on snorkeling locations, booked meals, drove me around via golf cart as needed, unpacked my luggage and scheduled cleaning services. You can leverage them as much or as little as you’d like. I jokingly called Saddam “my Aladdin” because it seemed he could magically make just about anything happen.  Now that I think of it, I should ask him for 3 wishes!

I booked one of the over the water villas. It’s approximately 1,600 square feet with a private swimming pool and access directly into the Arabian Sea and it is absolutely magical.  In fact, after Saddam finished my tour and left me alone in the room to settle in, I cried. The beauty overwhelms, between the room itself and the view, I think the most hardened of people would crack.

Beyond my room, the resort itself is beautiful.  It’s approximately one mile around with 7 restaurants, an amazing spa facility, gym and tennis, a large infinity pool overlooking the beach and a really cool bar that is a hot spot at sunset. I didn’t see any motorized vehicles other than a golf cart and all of the villas come with bicycles to get around. Oh, and the breakfast buffet…wow!  If you are Marriott Platinum Elite you get an option for free breakfast or points, in this case, choose the breakfast.  In fact, I’m sitting at my breakfast table as I type this nursing my coffee. And while this is certainly a romantic destination, I would encourage solo travelers to not shy away from this spot. There are a lot of couples I didn’t feel uncomfortable in the least. 

One of my favorite things I did while here was the spa. I purchased an Ayurveda treatment package where I learned about my dosha and the Ayurveda Doctor prescribed three treatments specific to my needs.  A four-handed massage, the oil pouring on the forehead experience, a rice milk treatment and a private yoga session.  I certainly left relaxed but I also learned about what my body needs to be optimized and made a few tweaks while on the trip and did notice a marked improvement in my joints and skin. I’m a convert.

And of course…snorkeling.  The Maldives are known for having some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world and it is so.  I think I found Nemo & Dory.  My big mistake on this trip was not coming with a water proof camera to show you what I saw.  AHmazing.  This trip has motivated me to take scuba lessons when I get home because while the snorkeling was great, I felt like I was missing out.

Suffice it to say, this will NOT be the last time I’m on this property.  With all of the Indian visits ahead, I will return.  Anyone want to join me??

Next up, my “bookend” resort, the St Regis’ little sister, the Sheraton Half Moon Resort and Spa…