The Nautilus, Baa Atoll

Who said luxury had to be formal? This one’s for the rule-breakers and the flower children. The private island resort of The Nautilus prides itself for its laid-back bohemian culture, celebrating individual spirit by allowing guests to curate their getaway exactly as they dream it. Following the flow of nature from the tides to moon patterns, the resort removes all restraints of time through its unscripted dining and bespoke activities. Made up of just 26 luxurious vacation homes overlooking the Indian Ocean, you can relax among the Maldives’ sparkling waters in the most intimate setting. It’s time to kick those shoes off and embrace that free-spirit lifestyle.

LOCATION

Settled in the iconic Baa Atoll in the Maldives, this tiny, pristine island, laced in exotic coconut palms, lies just steps away from the remarkable coral reef that encircles its beaches. Remote enough for exclusivity, yet close enough for a comfortable journey, The Nautilus is within easy access of the capital, Malé. For the first 30 minutes, the resort’s bright purple seaplane will send you soaring above the shifting turquoise tones below, before arriving in style as a luxury speedboat races you the final furlong across to the island.

YOUR ROOM

Small, yet perfectly formed, The Nautilus comprises 26 spacious homes – all with private pools and all flooded with natural light and with direct access to the reef. Coconut-thatched houses perched above the water are dressed to impress with glass-bottomed living rooms, allowing you to watch the tropical fish darting around freely below. The open-planned bathrooms are an absolute treat too, boasting a large free-standing tub with sensational views out to the ocean.

WHY WE LIKE IT

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of diving into the spectacular marine life of Hanifaru Bay, gliding alongside manta rays and whale sharks in season and learning from the in-house marine biologists. At midnight, watch the water come alight and swirl with glitter as you swim amongst the glowing plankton under a sky full of stars. Alternatively, early risers can head out at sunrise to spot the local dolphins. There’s a world of opportunity here thanks to the resort’s ‘can do’ ethos and ability to be whatever you want it to be.