The Nautilus Maldives – No Watch, No Shoes, No Worries

If there are three words I have to choose to describe The Nautilus Maldives, they would be unscripted, spontaneous and liberating. It’s so much more than the next ultra-luxe Maldivian resort – it’s a place designed to remind you of and celebrate the freedom we often forget we have; the freedom to wake up without an alarm, the freedom to decide to have breakfast at noon, the freedom to not rush and enjoy every moment we have on this planet.

As soon as you set foot on this tiny island in the Baa Atoll, after an exciting 30-minute seaplane journey from Male (which is an experience in itself), you’ll instantly feel like you’ve entered a new world. A super luxurious island hideaway, where you’re encouraged not to look at the time, dine whenever you feel like it and order anything and everything your palate desires. Every member of staff is there to ensure that your experience on the island is as laid-back as possible and that all your wishes are turned into reality.

In terms of style, The Nautilus is exactly what your Maldivian dreams are made of – luxury, bohemian ambience across the whole island. Inviting thatched pavilions peppered across the island, where you can find every comfort imaginable. It is home to 26 overwater and beach houses and residences, all coming with a private pool and direct access to the house reef. The vibe is relaxed, beachy and chic – think high ceilings, handmade bead chandeliers, earthy tones, accent colours and eclectic decorative elements. Upscale meets boho – in the best possible way. Your house master will ensure that everything in your island home is personalised to your taste – from the books and movies selection to the temperature of the pool water and everything in between. For a true taste of luxury and some added extras, book one of the residences or the three-bedroom mansion, which is undoubtedly the jewel in The Nautilus crown.

The Nautilus offers its guests four equally inviting restaurant options – and none of them has set opening or closing times. Breakfast is served all day at the all-day dining Thyme restaurant and is a mix of buffet and a cook-to-order menu. Classics like avocado toast, porridge and eggs are served next to sushi and Latin American-influenced dishes. The buffet options change every day and guests can sample the two ‘juices of the day’ along with their coffee.

The unscripted set-up extends to the other three restaurants too. Although they all have their own menus and serve different cuisines, guests are encouraged to order whatever they feel like and enjoy it wherever they want – all chefs would be happy to quickly whip up your desired dish, while the attentive and smiley waiters can speedily bring it to your chosen location. An experience you can’t afford to miss is the beach cinema outside of Thyme. Choose your favourite film and the team will happily arrange for its screening on the beach, while you enjoy your dinner under the starry Maldivian sky, followed by the mandatory popcorn one can’t go to the cinema without.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food lovers will be in raptures over Zeytoun, which offers a fine-dining twist to both cuisines, but still sticks to the island’s relaxed and come-as-you-are feel. Located over the water, the restaurant’s carefully curated menu features a scrumptious selection of beautifully presented dishes showcasing the best of the two cuisines. The lounge on the upper deck is the perfect stop for a sunset Aperitivo or a drink to finish off the evening with. It is also home to the biggest gin and whisky collection in the Maldives and if you’re a fan of the two drinks, a tasting session can be organised for you – as with everything, simply enquire about it with your butler.

Ocaso is another popular place for lunch and dinner, serving up an electric fusion of the best of Latin and Japanese food. Dine teppanyaki-style by the beach and indulge in a selection of fresh sushi, ceviche and grilled fish and meat cooked exactly the way you like it – all paired with sublime wines from the restaurant’s wine cellar and the over 200 of the world’s finest wines it is home to.

Naiboli is The Nautilus’ poolside bar, where guests can spend the day soaking up the rays on a sun lounger or speaking to the knowledgeable bartenders while they mix sensational cocktails. All guests are invited to enjoy the sunset by the pool every evening with a complimentary drink in hand, gourmet canapés on the table and accompanied by the gentle sounds of a live acoustic guitar.

In keeping with its off-script nature, The Nautilus offers guests experiences that can be fully tailored to their preferences and mood. From excursions on a luxury yacht or fishing trips to exploring the underwater world in the house reef or trying water sports – everything is there for you to enjoy and will be happily organised for you by your butler. Sports enthusiasts can break a sweat at the island’s fully equipped gym or if you need to do an hour or two of work, you can find some privacy at the library. And after a day of exhilarating experiences, immerse yourself in one of the many massages and treatments on offer at Solasta Spa, or book a meditation session or a yoga class to clear your mind and feed your soul.

Thanks to the small number of houses on the island and the amazing luxuries they offer, as well as the general slow pace of the island, a bonus of staying at The Nautilus is the constant feeling of privacy and serenity. Wherever you go or whatever you do, you almost feel like there are no other guests on the island. Those travelling with little ones can fully soak up everything The Nautilus has to offer undisturbed while the children enjoy a range of fun activities at the ‘Young Wonderers’ kids’ club.

And this is what The Nautilus is all about – a luxury experience fully tailored to your mood and wishes, an experience designed to completely separate you from the stresses of our everyday, hectic lives, an experience to recharge and restore the soul.

For more information and to book your stay, go to https://www.thenautilusmaldives.com/