The Whale Bar, St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The Whale Bar’s distinctive shape recalls the majestic whale shark. This whimsical but elegant retreat is elevated by light-oak interiors and a softly lit neutral palette. The fish-scale-like timber shingles around the kitchen and smooth iridescent stucco in the ‘body’ of the whale emphasise the marine iconography. The venue’s highlight is a ceiling mural that breaks away from the traditional St. Regis wall mural: this masterpiece is made up of five curvaceous oak panels. The panels have been created using the Maldivian craft of pyrography by Indian artist Maya Burman, using henna-style drawing typically done on hands and feet as an expression of a celebratory moment of joy and gathering. The installation depicts a father and son discovering a paradise of corals, fish, and plankton – a celebration of the Maldives’ vibrant sea life. Underneath the mural is the main bar area which is inspired by the form of a sea turtle.