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OMaldives / Resorts / Waldorf Astoria vs St Regis

Waldorf Astoria Maldives vs
St. Regis Vommuli

Two flagship luxury hotel brands at their Maldives finest — the Waldorf Astoria on a private island 15 minutes from Malé, and the St. Regis in the remote beauty of Dhaalu Atoll. Both deliver ultra-luxury at the highest level. The differences are in location, scale, and atmosphere.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Waldorf Astoria
South Malé Atoll
St. Regis Vommuli Maldives
St. Regis Vommuli
Dhaalu Atoll

Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is the better choice for guests who want ultra-luxury within a short speedboat ride of Malé, with a private island feel and the largest villas in South Malé Atoll. St. Regis Vommuli is the better choice for guests who want a more remote setting in Dhaalu Atoll with the iconic St. Regis butler service and a stunning house reef.

Side-by-side comparison

South Malé Atoll
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi
Dhaalu Atoll
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli
Atoll
South Malé Atoll
Dhaalu Atoll
Transfer
15-min speedboat
35-min seaplane
Total villas
119 villas + residences
77 villas
Entry price
From USD 2,500/night
From USD 2,200/night
Private island
Yes — dedicated island
Resort island
Butler service
Yes
Yes — iconic St. Regis
Night arrival
Yes — speedboat
No — seaplane only
House reef
Good
Excellent
Villa size
Largest in South Malé Atoll
Generous — ocean suites
Best for
Accessible ultra-luxury
Remote luxury, divers

Which should you choose?

You want ultra-luxury within reach of Malé
Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana Airport — night arrivals possible, no seaplane timing pressure. For guests flying through Malé who want immediate resort access, this is a decisive advantage.
You want the iconic butler service
St. Regis
The St. Regis butler service is one of the most celebrated in hospitality — trained to the global St. Regis standard and available 24 hours. The Waldorf Astoria also has excellent service, but the St. Regis butler tradition is more deeply embedded.
You want a better house reef
St. Regis
The house reef at St. Regis Vommuli in Dhaalu Atoll is outstanding — regular manta ray encounters, reef sharks, and exceptional coral coverage. The Waldorf Astoria reef is good but does not match Dhaalu Atoll quality.
You want the largest villas
Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi overwater villas are among the largest in the Maldives — some exceeding 1,000sqm. The scale is extraordinary and unmatched at the St. Regis.
You want a more remote feel
St. Regis
Dhaalu Atoll feels genuinely remote — a 35-minute seaplane flight from Malé into one of the less developed atolls in the Maldives. The Waldorf Astoria's proximity to Malé means you are aware of the capital's presence.
South Malé Atoll
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi

Three-island private destination in South Malé Atoll — 119 villas and residences, the largest overwater villas in the Maldives, a dedicated private island, and 15 minutes from the airport by speedboat.

Resort DetailsRead Review
Dhaalu Atoll
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli

The flagship St. Regis in the Maldives — 77 villas in remote Dhaalu Atoll, the iconic St. Regis butler service, the John Jacob Astor Estate overwater villa, and a spectacular house reef.

Resort DetailsRead Review
Still undecided?
Speak with a Maldives specialist

Our Niche Getaways team has stayed at both resorts. Tell us your dates, budget, and what matters most — we will tell you which to choose.

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