Featured
Enhancements, special offers, CSR initiatives mark The Nautilus Maldives’ reopening
The Nautilus, a luxury bohemian hideaway in the Maldives, where you may create “a World of Your Own Making”, has reopened on September 1.
Embracing liberating indulgences without the shackles of social constraints and time, this haven of barefoot luxury private island invites its devoted guests back to return to true paradise.
Located in the stunning Baa Atoll of the Maldives, in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere, The Nautilus’ remote setting and size (one of the smallest islands in the Maldives) make this sublime tropical haven one of the safest places to be right now.
The already thorough cleaning and hygiene protocols in place across the luxury resort in the Maldives have been further reinforced in line with the public health guidelines issued by the WHO, as well as by national authorities.
The entire team at The Nautilus is fully trained and informed with these new protocols. The island has curated it’s very own travel guide for guests, available here, to highlight exactly what they are doing to maintain guests’ relaxation and safety as paramount.
With just 26 incredibly spacious Houses and Residences on the island each with its private freshwater temperature-controlled infinity pools, extensive private decks as well as a personal House Master offering exclusive full butler services, The Nautilus is perfect for a private family retreat or an intimate escape with a conscious lack of interaction with others in order to honour safety under the current climate.
The Nautilus Maldives’ private seaplane is available to
fly you and your loved ones directly from the airport to the island, avoiding any unnecessary contact with anyone.
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, all guests are picked up directly from the aircraft and individually escorted to the exclusive CIP lounge (Maamehi Executive Lounge), regardless of the House category booked. No queuing is required as all matters regarding immigration, baggage (which will be disinfected for you) and customs will be handled by the VIP lounge personnel, further minimising contact with other travellers.
The island offers a la carte dining anywhere, anytime with no additional incurrences. Time stands still at The Nautilus, therefore there are no set opening and closing times for the island’s three restaurants; come as you please with eternal personal space.
All adventures you embark upon on the island are free of time restraints and wholly private to you and your loved ones making safety certain for all excursions.
The team at The Nautilus have not only used this time away from the bustling world to reflect and realign, but have also completed an abundance of enhancements to the island to accentuate The Nautilus’ ethereal aura even more.
Despite menus at The Nautilus’ being mere suggestions, new menus for all three restaurants have been introduced providing guests further epicurean inspiration. There is also a new expansion to the Ocaso restaurant, the island’s alfresco grill. An additional whimsical hut upon the beach adds to this sensational dining setting.
With exploration and liberation at the heart of The Nautilus’ core, they have replaced the Ocean House’s and Residence’s outdoor ladders to artisanal drift-wood staircases, making it even more tempting to dip into the pristine waters that surround the island.
The Nautilus’ dedicated team also have new multi-sports pitch where the island welcomes its guests to join in the games.
The Nautilus has also recently undertaken a major CSR initiative to support the local community, especially the people of Baa atoll, by funding the installation of a PCR testing facility in a specially created area within the healthcare centre on Dharavandhoo Island. Testing is carried out by the health centre.
The facility is just twenty minutes by luxury yacht from The Nautilus. This is one of the only PCR testing facilities within the Baa atoll.
In addition to providing Covid-19 testing for guests and staff of The Nautilus on a complimentary basis, the facility will also cater to the testing needs of the local community members. Any revenue generated by this initiative goes directly to the health centre of Dharavandhoo.
If you are ready to make a sublime return to normality amidst tourmaline-blue Indian Ocean waters, The Nautilus’ unique reopening offer, ‘Freedom at The Nautilus’, will secure your yearning to indulge. You can enjoy precious moments with loved ones from September 1 to December 26 and receive an exceptional one-off discount of 35 per cent off the total price of your stay.
Beyond the excess of timeless luxuries offered to you within this special offer, we also offer alternative packages such as The Nautilus island buy-out, or our Nautilus Workation package.
Hire out the entirety of The Nautilus and experience a private island all to yourself with loved one with ‘An Ultra Luxe Island all to Yourself’ package including a personal butler to take care of your every need and daily sunset cocktails.
The Workation package allows you to work remotely from paradise. The Young Wonderers club provides an extensive educational programme for your children while the resort team provides you with luxury office amenities to maintain productiveness.
Available from seven up to 28 days, The Nautilus houses and residences make working from paradise the most luxurious experience ever.
Experience The Nautilus’ utterly liberating ‘anywhere anytime’ gastronomic journey, unwind with bespoke holistic treatments at the island’s over-water Solasta Spa and witness the violet-tinted Maldivian sunset during daily sundowner cocktails at the renowned Naiboli pool bar.
What’s more, you may enjoy personalised once in a lifetime experiences such as an open-air ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ on a secluded sandbank, a guided snorkelling adventure within The Nautilus’ house reef with the resident marine biologist, or, join the timeless dance of the manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, just 15 minutes speed-boat ride away from the island.
The only Relais & Châteaux private island resort in the Maldives, The Nautilus offers life unbound. Its collection of 26 immensely private beach and ocean houses exists beyond the bounds of time. This private island in the Maldives is a place where nothing is fixed, and anything is possible. Where you are free to set your own beat. Free to do – and to be – as you please.
Conceptualised by a Maldivian entrepreneur, this is his most definitive project within the Maldives to date. Created to express his personal vision of what total luxury can be – not just in the Maldives, but worldwide. A celebration of the individual spirit, The Nautilus offers liberation and freedom unconditional. Space to share, to meet, where guests are encouraged to be themselves and shape their own personal journey.
Above all, The Nautilus champions it’s guests to reflect and celebrate with the people they’re with, in any way they choose. Because in the end, it’s these simple, elemental pleasures – that ability to simply be – that form the greatest luxury of all.
For more information and reservations, visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com or contact reservations@thenautilusmaldives.com.
Cooking
Anantara Kihavah unveils star-studded culinary calendar for 2025
Anantara Kihavah invites guests to embark on an unparalleled culinary journey featuring Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity talents, and extraordinary wine experiences. From January to May 2025, this exclusive resort will host a series of events that blend world-class dining with the breathtaking beauty of its tropical surroundings.
Anantara Kihavah begins the year with the extraordinary talents of Chef Mark Donald. A two-Michelin-starred chef from Scotland, Mark Donald is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional Scottish influences with global culinary techniques. His inventive approach and mastery of fine dining promise to transport guests on an unforgettable journey of flavour and artistry.
Complementing Chef Donald’s creations is Kamal Malik, India’s first Master Sommelier. With over 15 years of expertise, Kamal Malik will lead an exclusive wine dinner at SEA, Anantara Kihavah’s renowned underwater restaurant. Guests will savour rare and historic vintages, including the unique Coral-Aged Dom Pérignon, as Malik shares his unparalleled insights, turning each sip into a masterpiece.
Chef Melvin Chou, a Michelin-starred master of Cantonese cuisine, takes the stage in February. Known for his innovative fusion of tradition and modernity, Chef Chou redefines Cantonese dining with his creative flair and dedication to excellence.
Also in February, Charles Duval-Leroy, the visionary CEO of Champagne Duval-Leroy, hosts a sustainable Champagne dinner. Representing the sixth generation of his family, Charles brings a forward-thinking perspective to the house’s legacy, combining meticulous craftsmanship with a commitment to environmental responsibility.
March welcomes Chef Denis Lucchi, a Michelin-starred maestro of Italian cuisine. Renowned for his refined artistry, Chef Lucchi celebrates the essence of Italian heritage while introducing a modern twist. His dishes are an ode to Italy’s rich culinary traditions, crafted with passion and precision.
In April, Chef Steve Lancaster, another Michelin-starred luminary, showcases his ability to reinvent classic dishes with modern creativity. His innovative techniques and imaginative flavours promise a dining experience that delights every palate.
May concludes this culinary journey with the exceptional talent of Chef Christiaan Stoop. A three- and two-Michelin-starred chef, Christiaan is celebrated for his avant-garde approach to fine dining. As the visionary Executive Chef of Taian Table in Shanghai and Guangzhou, his illustrious career includes stints at The Fat Duck in the UK, Moments in Barcelona, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Paris.
Chef Stoop’s bold, artistic creations blend innovation with impeccable technique, offering a symphony of flavors that captivate and evolve with every dish.
Anantara Kihavah’s 2025 culinary calendar exemplifies the resort’s commitment to delivering extraordinary dining experiences in an unparalleled setting. From Michelin-starred gastronomy to exclusive wine dinners, this tropical paradise offers guests the chance to indulge in the ultimate fusion of luxury and flavour.
Celebration
Festive magic at Lily Beach Resort & Spa: artistic journey with Elvira Carrasco
Lily Beach Resort & Spa marked the festive season with a vibrant infusion of artistry, highlighted by the presence of world-renowned artist Elvira Carrasco. Her visit served as the centrepiece of the resort’s celebrations, captivating and inspiring guests with a series of extraordinary experiences that left a lasting impression.
The festivities commenced on December 25th with a special cocktail event on the beach, where Elvira unveiled her exclusive art exhibition. This enchanting evening seamlessly blended art, elegance, and the unique charm of the Maldivian ambiance, setting the stage for the events to follow.
On December 26th, guests had the opportunity to participate in a two-hour painting masterclass under the starlit Maldivian skies. Enhanced by premium Spanish wines, the session combined creativity and indulgence, allowing participants to paint and savour the moment in perfect harmony.
December 28th featured a rare and unforgettable event as Elvira performed a live face-painting demonstration on herself. Guests were mesmerised by her artistry, as the performance showcased her talent and left a profound impact on all who witnessed it.
On December 30th, Elvira transformed her art exhibition into an interactive celebration of creativity. Guests were invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant world of colour, emotion, and storytelling. This event extended beyond a traditional art showcase, offering an intimate journey into Elvira’s artistic vision and her experiences at Lily Beach.
Elvira’s warm and engaging demeanour infused the evening with joy and laughter. As she shared anecdotes about her inspirations and the stories behind her work, guests were not only captivated by her artistry but also charmed by her humour and passion. The exhibition became a standout highlight of the festive season.
Laurent Driole, General Manager of Lily Beach Resort & Spa, reflected on the significance of this collaboration, emphasising the transformative power of art:
“Art, often seen as the domain of the informed and discerning, has an extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries when approached with vision and sensitivity. While deeper understanding can enrich its appreciation, the true essence of art lies in its power to evoke emotion and create transformative experiences. At Lily Beach, we strive to embed this quality into our five-star philosophy—moments that touch the soul and remain etched in memory.”
Laurent continued, “Elvira Carrasco’s artistry epitomised this ethos. Through her expert interplay of colour, graphic design, and poetic photographic compositions, she offered more than aesthetic experiences—she invited our guests into a realm of creativity and self-expression. The image of Elvira painting her face on a pristine sandbank surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s turquoise hues was a moment of sublime inspiration, resonating deeply with all who witnessed it. This collaboration was not merely an artistic interlude but a lasting gift that will continue to inspire and be cherished for years to come.”
The festivities concluded on January 1st, 2025, with a closing art exhibition, during which guests eagerly selected personalised art pieces to take home. These bespoke creations served as timeless mementos, reflecting Elvira’s exceptional talent and the unforgettable experiences of their time at Lily Beach. Each piece embodied the beauty and magic of the festive season and the personal connections formed during the events.
The celebrations continued at Lily Beach until January 5th, leaving guests enchanted and eager for future experiences.
As one of the first all-inclusive, premium resorts in the Maldives, Lily Beach remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences while redefining luxury in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. The resort honours its cherished guests, many of whom return year after year, becoming lifelong members of the Lily Beach family and creating enduring memories in paradise.
Featured
Luxury meets serenity: Anantara Kihavah’s bespoke residence escape
Anantara Kihavah Maldives has introduced a remarkable residence offer that redefines the essence of luxury living in the Maldives. Designed for discerning travellers, this exclusive experience blends unparalleled privacy, bespoke service, and world-class amenities in an idyllic island setting. Guests can choose from residences nestled within lush jungle surroundings, gracing pure white sands, or perched above the tranquil turquoise waters of the lagoon.
Each residence is thoughtfully designed to create a lifestyle unlike any other, combining elegance with smart comforts and modern entertainment. Guests are treated to thoughtful touches, including personalised pillow and soap menus, Elemis spa amenities, and an in-villa wine cellar, ensuring every moment feels indulgent. The 24-hour services of a dedicated Villa Host further elevate the experience, catering to every need and creating a seamless journey of luxury and relaxation.
The offer includes a four-night minimum stay in one of these exquisite residences, daily breakfast and dinner, and roundtrip private seaplane transfers, providing the utmost convenience. Guests can also embark on a one-time private yacht experience, complete with canapés, a bottle of champagne, and a secluded sandbank lunch. This unforgettable adventure is complemented by a one-time 90-minute spa treatment per person, offering rejuvenation in a serene setting, and a private stargazing experience under the Maldives’ crystal-clear night skies.
This exclusive offer embodies the resort’s philosophy of creating meaningful connections and cherished memories. Whether nestled in the lush gardens, relaxing on pure white sands, or marveling at the marine wonders from an overwater residence, Anantara Kihavah Maldives invites guests to immerse themselves in a five-star resort experience like no other.
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