Freedom island: the Nautilus Resort Maldives

Even the most luxurious hotels can feel like prêt-à-porter, but we’ve discovered a place where the experience truly embodies haute couture. The level of service rivals that of the finest five-star hotels, and the rhythm of life is tailored to your desires.

This private island, measuring 250 meters in diameter, is part of Baa Atoll in the Maldives. It lies at the heart of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, renowned for its incredible gatherings of manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks. For a long time, the island was deemed uninhabitable, which has worked in its favor—most of the flora here is native rather than artificially planted. Now, the resort The Nautilus has opened, featuring 26 villas and residences. Fifteen of these, with one or two bedrooms, line the beach, nestled among coconut palms and tropical flowers. The remaining eleven villas are perched on stilts above the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.

Feel free to choose any of the villas. They vary only in size, but each offers stunning views, cozy interiors, and a private pool. The bright rooms are designed in a tropical style with boho-chic elements, showcasing a wealth of decor, colors, and textures. The natural wood furniture is custom-made for The Nautilus. Among these villas, there is a standout—The Nautilus Mansion, featuring three bedrooms and spanning 922 square meters. The founder of the hotel envisioned this villa as the ultimate beach house, selecting the most beautiful part of the island for its construction.

At The Nautilus resort, there is no set schedule, no fixed hours for restaurants or the spa—here, absolute freedom reigns. If you wish, you can avoid the Maldivian sun altogether, sleeping during the day and enjoying breakfast at night, working out, relaxing on a massage table, or diving into the ocean.

Moreover, for night owls, the hotel offers a special entertainment program called The Nautilus After Dark. After sunset, you can embark on a snorkeling adventure with an instructor, discovering the underwater world and its inhabitants in a whole new light. You might witness fish sleeping and perhaps even encounter a pufferfish, a snoozing sea turtle, or a nurse shark. Yoga and meditation sessions with singing bowls take place at sunset and in the dark. The resort is equipped with a powerful telescope, making stargazing of the equatorial sky a delight even for seasoned astro-tourists. As darkness falls and millions of stars light up the sky, the atmosphere on the island becomes truly magical.

Your personal butler will ensure that you have a dining experience tailored to your preferences, whether it’s on your villa’s terrace or in a picturesque spot around the island. You can rent a yacht for a picnic on a nearby island or enjoy dinner on a sandy spit where the waves gently lap at your feet.

At The Nautilus, there is no strict dress code in the restaurants—dress as you please. The menu serves merely as a guideline for guests. You can verbally describe your desired dish to the chef, and it will be prepared for you. The kitchen boasts a wide selection of ingredients and spices, and the wine cellar is one of the most extensive in the Maldives (with gin being the standout).

Spa treatments take place in a serene spa center built over the water. Among the exotic offerings, we highly recommend the Maldivian massage with sand and the Maison Caulieres body scrub featuring mimosa flowers, honey, and sugar. The process utilizes sunflower, canola, and flaxseed oils—considered a rare luxury in equatorial regions. After your treatment, indulge in a relaxing bath for a guaranteed perfect night’s sleep.

The Nautilus is also one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve, with a special program planned for December 31st. You’ll embark on a yacht to a nearby uninhabited island, where you can spend the last day of the year enjoying a cocktail party. After sunset, the festivities will continue with a gala dinner on the beach, complete with live music and fireworks.