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The Nautilus beckons lovers to create own ultra-private romantic interlude for two in Maldives this Valentine’s Day
Nestled in the spellbinding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll in the Indian Ocean, The Nautilus is an ultra-luxury bohemian hideaway that shines as an idyllic backdrop for the dreamiest of romantic escapes.
Cosy and intimate with just 26 private ocean and beach houses and residences, anytime, anywhere, and as you please are the guiding principles of The Nautilus, allowing couples to design exactly how they would like to spend their time during a romantic getaway. It is a safe haven of pure relaxation and liberating indulgence for those who wish to retreat from the world and bask in a sweet Maldivian rendezvous for two.
At The Nautilus, time stands still. Gone are the rigid restrictions of daily living. There are no rules or schedules to go by. Instead, your personal House Master (a dedicated, meticulously trained professional private butler) co-creates with guests highly bespoke experiences catered to their every whim, and to their own natural rhythm.
Among those bespoke experiences, couples may dine in truly magical places – on a secluded sandbank with millions of stars shining overhead, on one’s private patch of beach, on a luxury yacht with champagne and live music while sailing the Indian Ocean, or with a lovely floating breakfast in their house’s private infinity pool.
While guests of The Nautilus are able to craft their own menu should they desire it, The Nautilus’ veteran Executive Chef Michael Pataran has created some inspired specialty dishes to make the most romantic time of the year all the more unforgettable including: local spiny lobster-filled beet “culurgiones” dumpling with celeriac, saffron, oyster foam, shaved bottarga, fennel pollen and toasted egg yolk; for the beef lovers, Kagoshima beef A5 striploin tartare with imperial caviar, shaved black truffles and 62°quail egg; and for those craving something bold and hearty, a roasted lamb loin with foie gras, roasted beet and crimini in rosemary puff pastry with bittersweet chocolate-amarena cherry reduction. To end the meal, a canvas of passions will be served: peanut caramel praline, mango passionfruit-vanilla compote, milk chocolate mousse, raspberry sorbet, white chocolate powder, raspberry air and orange tulip-liquor bon bons.
Days can be as relaxed or action-packed as one chooses at The Nautilus. Such culinary joys as a chocolate truffle masterclass with the pastry chefs, a fresh pasta-making class, wine tastings, shared aphrodisiac cocktail concoctions, oyster and champagne indulgences, and ultra-romantic sunset cocktails at Naiboli are all in the offering. Live musical entertainment will regale every precious moment as couples bask in their romance around the island and beyond.
If free-spirited adventures are more the lovers’ cup of tea, myriad options in diving and watersports, inter-island excursions, big game fishing and skydiving are sure to forge the bonds of love ever deeper.
Indulgent and revitalising treatments featuring chocolate and cocoa may be enjoyed at Solasta Spa after a full day of activities. The Derma Drop TDA Facial is highly recommended for radiantly beautiful skin, from the inside out. TDA also offers a non-invasive holistic treatment ranging from facial and hair treatments, to a variety of body treatments. The active ingredient deposits formed during the session allow regenerative therapy, giving maximum deep care for the skin. Guests who are inclined to interactive spa experiences, can join Acroyoga (a physical practice that combines yoga and acrobatics) sessions, under the guidance of Solasta Spa’s resident yogis.
This Valentine’s season, create a world of your own making at The Nautilus.
The Nautilus’ Moments of Togetherness romantic package starts at USD3,016 per night before taxes and is inclusive of such experiences as spa retreats, cinema under the stars, guided house reef snorkelling, a private yoga session and a private cocktail experience in the comfort of home, amongst other benefits. It is bookable via https://www.thenautilusmaldives.com/offer/moments-of-togetherness.
Get to know The Nautilus at www.thenautilusmaldives.com, and on film. For reservations or enquiries, please contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or begin crafting a world of your own making by booking direct at www.thenautilusmaldives.com or call +960 660 00 00.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
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