Jumeirah Vittaveli Royal Residence: Your own resort within the resort

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A swim in the ocean just off a private beach or a dip in one of the two private pools? A relaxing massage in a private spa treatment room or to the gym for a quick workout? There are just too many ‘tough’ options to choose from, when you’re being pampered as the VVIP at the Royal Residence at Jumeirah Vittaveli.

Just 20-minutes by luxury yacht, you step foot on the palm-fringed, heavenly escape with the whitest of sand, clearest azure seas, and spectacular coral reefs nearby.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”16051″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The surreal stunning beauty of this island is impossible to capture in pictures.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Nestled away on the southern tip of the island is the Royal Residence, designed for ultimate privacy, providing you undisturbed peace and tranquil bliss. With its heavy wooden door and walkway over a little pond, even the entrance into the residence is as grand as one can be.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“The name of the Royal Residence goes seamlessly with the Jumeirah brand,” says Amit Majumder, the General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli, as we sit in his office, discussing the idea behind the Royal Residence, which I can only describe as “an even grander resort within a magnificent resort”.

“The idea didn’t come overnight, and it certainly is not the brainchild of just one person. It has been years in the making, and has the work of many minds behind it.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]It started off as a concept of a two-bedroom villa, but the idea kept on being developed until it ended up with a residence featuring five of the most majestic bedrooms, and every comfort one can ever find in this part of the world. It also comes with an additional two bedrooms for the entourage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”16046″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]And it was not just the minds of the management and team of Jumeirah at work here. “When the concept was being developed, we asked guests staying with us, what they really wished to see in a royal residence,” Amit tells me. “We incorporated the various elements and ideas recommended by our guests when we developed the facility. That is what’s so special about this place.”

At 3,500 square meters, it is one of the largest private residences in the Maldives, where everything related to the facility is private, including its very own private beach. Designed with families in mind, it can accommodate up to 14 people and offers a host of experiences and services that make it an unparalleled luxury experience, from stargazing with an astronomer, to cuisines by Michelin Star Chefs, a stay at this extraordinary beachfront residence is like no other.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The Residence’s joint living and dining pavilion lead out onto the expansive deck wrapped around the designer pool.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”16047″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]A sunken lounge is enveloped by a lily pond looking out over the ocean, where you can just laze away balmy afternoons by the sea; or for me, get some writing done inspired by the blissful and tranquil surrounding. Privacy has a totally different meaning here at the Royal Residence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The main ‘Sanctuary’—at 530 square meters—is the humble abode for the host. How to explain its grandeur? Let’s just say it’s something one would find in some palace in a faraway kingdom or a Hollywood movie. It features its own living area with a state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen™ sound system and oversized flat screen television. And the bathroom is just luxury beyond comprehension.

Just a short pathway away is the private gym equipped by Life Fitness™ and a private spa pavilion by Talise. Marble bathrooms featuring a deep-soaking Kelly Hoppen™ bathtub dominate the indoors, while outdoors you find a spa bath, seating six, with an inbuilt television.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]You can take an invigorating morning dip in your very own private pool then enjoy breakfast in the open-air sunken lounge surrounded by the fragrant lily pond. The dining room provides the perfect space to hold sophisticated soirees or relaxed family dinners, with tailor-made menus to tantalise the taste buds.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”16049″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Invite your guests to a challenging game of chess or watch your favourite movie with a personal theatre with surround sound. Set the mood with relaxing music of your choice.

Shallow waters gently sway beyond the iconic Royal Residence villas. This place surpassed every expectation that I could possibly have. You will be spoilt for choice at the fine dining options at your disposal, and yes, it has its very own dedicated restaurant.

“There are only a few other such places which have its own fully-fledged and fully-functional restaurant, which I believe is a very distinctive feature of the Royal Residence,” says Amit. Designed in the shape of a Dhoni, it holds a Teppanyaki style live grill station with an outdoor lounge on the deck overlooking the lagoon.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”16048″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]“The design of the Dhoni is not the only cultural associations you will find at the Royal Residence. While you find some themes to be very modern, you will also find historic and cultural design works intertwined with modern contemporary works of art,” explains Amit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One thing that really caught my eyes is four pieces of bespoke artwork adorning the walls of the Royal Residence.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]They are the work of a gifted Emirati artist, Maha al Mazrouei, who has reimagined the Maldivian islands using oil based paints of blue and white hues, to match the chic interiors and furnishings of the Royal Residence. Twin paintings now flank the grand entrance to the Royal Residence and set the mood for a tranquil island escape, while a more daring and colourful piece decorates the private spa pavilion—this painting was inspired by the colourful gardens of the island. The final art piece adorns the living area of the Sanctuary.

The Royal Residence had been a three-year work in progress under the direction of Amit, with his very hands-on approach. Jumeirah Vittaveli will surely leave you astonished and never make you lose your enthusiasm in their quest for perfection. It has all the facilities one can imagine during their stay—with each detail having been thought of well in advance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]