St. Regis Maldives: One Island With Endless Feasting Possibilities

Feasting season is officially underway. While this year may not be totally back to normal, reincorporating small traditions has never been more soul filling. Cold weather may have blanketed the northern hemisphere but the private island of Vommuli which holds the St. Regis Maldives thrives with balmy temps, endless aquamarine waters and white coral sand beaches. Those snorkel-ready waters also happen to contain some of the most stunning coral reefs, and bountiful reef seafood around including tuna, lobster and many more.

The secret to St. Regis Maldives? While guests may come for the over-water or beach-side villas and azure seas, the food is what makes the private island of Vommuli a little slice of heaven on earth. This lush oasis in the the Indian Ocean is truly a feast for every sense.

Not sure how one island can satisfy everyone’s needs? With over six dining options, the hardest choice will be whether to watch the sunset and dine al fresco at the ergonomic Whale Bar, in-room overlooking your private dipping pool, or in the epic wine cellar with bottles ranging from the best of Old World vineyards to double magnums of premiere crus. A rotating selection of international chefs on are tap to fulfill residencies on property most recently from Sri Lanka and Spain with many more to come.

If a last minute New Year’s holiday trek is in the cards, St. Regis offers tree lightings, cookie makings and live music to compliment the black and white truffle dinner pairing and a menu with everything from hand sliced Peking Duck. Local sashimi with Beluga Caviar and extensive champagne tastings help cap off the epic New Year’s Eve Gala at the signature restaurant, ALBA. The possibilities are almost endless with experiences that will make all of your dreams come true.

See below for a breakdown of what to expect on your bucket list holiday.

ALBA

The main dining establishment is situated beachfront and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner has some of the best international cuisine of any resort. Breakfast is available a la carte or from the buffet where chef’s cook up dosas, dumplings or a full english breakfast to order. Dinner is an eclectic mix of local ingredients paired with Italian influences and the freshest seafood around.

Decanter

The underground wine cellar nestled beneath Alba is a bastion of decadence and delight with cascading glass lights and walls decked in row after row of show stopping international bottles in from around the world. Decanter is the perfect place to challenge your palate, titillate your senses and test your wine knowledge. A multi-course pairing and tasting menu, designed by the Executive chef, is a celebratory to relax into vacation mode. Each meal is individually curated for a decadent experience from start to finish.

The Whale Bar

Nothing beats sunset at The Whale Bar where cozy lounges and unimpeded views make the overwater promenade feel like the edge of the world. Start with the signature St. Regis Bloody, The Island Mary, served in a local seashell or one of the house crafted artisanal cocktails. After the sun sets, rounds of tapas like grilled octopus and Iberico ham croquetas fill the tables and pair perfectly with the ocean breezes and starry skies.

Orientale

A true bastion of “Eastern haute cuisine,” Orientale is nothing if not an array of the best of the best. Choose from the freshest seafood expertly sliced and rolled at the sushi bar or dig into seasonal hand-folded dim sum and more. The fine dining establishment takes pride in raising each bite to a level of artistry using the finest local ingredients with refined touches that elevate the whole dining experience.

Crust & Craft

The beach-side snack shack is the perfect place to grab lunch after a morning spent snorkeling or playing in the always cool coral sand. Located right on the beach, sandy feet and beach wear are welcome while the cozy picnic tables make sharing a breeze. Wood fired pizzas, made-to-order sandwiches, crispy fried nibbles and even a crisp watermelon and rocket salad pair perfectly with a frosty beverage and are just right for the whole family.

Cargo

This celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine is set smack dab in the middle of a tropical garden with towering palm trees and flickering candles. The lush green setting only lends to those secluded vibes as tables are filled with gourmet plates of roasted meat, dips and herbed salads that elevates any dish. The setting feels private in the midst of other diners and is truly a feast for every sense.