Vibe
Manta ray-shaped villas and a whale shark canopy float over the lagoon, where dedicated butlers attend to every arrival.
“Biomimetic island showcase”
Dedicated round-the-clock butlers attend every villa, beginning with private seaplane lounge arrivals and tailored packing assistance.
Manta ray-shaped overwater villas and a whale shark-inspired bar canopy drive the marine biomimetic concept.
The overwater Iridium Spa features an ocean-facing heated saltwater hydrotherapy pool alongside anti-gravity yoga and Ayurvedic therapies.
On a private island in Dhaalu Atoll, reached by a 45-minute seaplane flight from Male.
“Suites and villas are as luxurious as you would expect from the St. Regis brand, with private pools, separate living areas, outdoor showers and spectacular…”
Rooms
Every villa features a private plunge pool, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a freestanding marble tub gazing out across turquoise water.
“glass-walled villas resemble abstract manta rays and the bar takes the form of a whale shark.”
Wellness
Perched over the ocean, the lobster-shaped Iridium Spa features a heated saltwater Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool and anti-gravity yoga.
“Instead of the traditional thatched bungalows, overwater villas here are shaped like manta rays”
Backstory
Architect Wong Chiu Man mapped the resort into four ecological zones, modeling timber structures after native sea life.
Eat & drink
Evenings begin with sunset champagne sabrage beneath The Whale Bar canopy, followed by paired tastings in the subterranean Decanter cellar.
The neighborhood
Reachable by a 45-minute seaplane flight from Male, the private nine-hectare island is surrounded by house reefs and open ocean.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.