Inside 'world’s most luxurious spa built entirely above the ocean': Can you guess sea creature behind its unique design?

Stunning views to one of the Maldives’ largest overwater hydrotherapy pools — this bucket-list wellness sanctuary redefines luxury. Take a tour of Iridium Spa.

In a July 2 Instagram video shared by travel and lifestyle content creator Bonnie Zeng for Travel + Leisure, viewers get a rare look inside a sanctuary often hailed as 'the most luxurious spa in the world'. The Iridium Spa at the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is an award-winning wellness haven built entirely overwater, where architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding marine life.

Architectural design that pays tribute to the ocean

From an aerial perspective, the entire 1,850-square-metre facility is masterfully shaped like a lobster, paying a direct visual tribute to the island's local aquatic ecosystem. The resort bypasses traditional thatched roofs for a tropically inspired, sophisticated aesthetic.

In the video, Bonnie said, "This might be the most luxurious spa in the world. The award-winning Aridium Spa at the St Regis Maldives is set entirely above the ocean, with treatment rooms suspended over crystal-clear water. From above, the entire spa is shaped like a lobster, inspired by the island's surrounding marine life. Inside, the experience is just as impressive."

The Interiors feature clean, plush furnishings set against elegant interiors. The 'Iridium Room' serves as the starting point for visitors, who can sip complimentary tea while watching vibrant marine life float directly beneath them through glass floors. The spa features six overwater treatment suites (including two dedicated Ayurvedic suites). Glass doors allow guests to admire the ocean from their spa beds, while private terraces feature soaking bathtubs designed to capture the fresh ocean breezes.

The ‘Blue Hole Pool’, situated on a covered terrace, is one of the largest in the Maldives. It utilises heated seawater and powerful whirlpool jets to melt away physical tension. "During your treatment, you can listen to the sound of waves moving beneath you. This is the kind of spa experience you can plan an entire trip around," Bonnie shared in the video.

Treatment menu and price

According to the Iridium Spa menu brochure, standard services cater to deeply personalised wellness journeys, ranging from traditional Asian therapies to clinical skincare. Treatments begin at approximately $150 per person for a 45-minute massage designed to boost circulation and relieve fatigue from long-distance travel.

Elite treatments peak at $850 per person for the ultra-exclusive, 210-minute luxurious service that uses anti-ageing caviar extract to revitalise the skin and concludes with a lavender-scented bath, a glass of champagne, and a serving of caviar. Curated couple's packages also top out at $850 per couple for a 120-minute session.

Note: All prices are subject to local resort taxes and service charges.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only.