Featured
The Nautilus Maldives unplugs with tech-free ‘mindcation’ package
The most exclusive ultra-luxury private island resort in the Maldives is also one of the best designed sanctuaries for unplugging. The Nautilus Maldives invites guests to untether themselves from the pull of infinite scrolling to reconnect instead with themselves, nature, and the world at large. Freeing guests from the minute-to-minute stresses and distractions associated with technology, the new MindCation package at The Nautilus aims to inspire families and couples to embrace time away from their screens by providing a different kind of vacation experience, one that invites them to power down and focus on enjoying quality time with one another.
Upon arrival at The Nautilus, guests will be encouraged to put laptops, cell phones, and all other digital devices into a wooden lockbox placed in each house and residence. Flat screen TVs will be carefully tucked away and replaced by a speaker or an iPod with relaxing music as well as a series of mindful Meditation Podcasts designed by Ananda in the Himalayas to help guests calm anxieties, stay in the present and start or end their day in a positive mindset. To maintain the island’s serene ambience, the use of electronic devices outside of one’s house will also be discouraged. Instead, The Nautilus hopes guests will disconnect and reconnect with themselves via a menu of expert-led treatments and activities, from detox regimens and healing massages to crystal singing bowls and restorative yoga practices.
The Nautilus’s Solasta Spa programme will offer a holistic integration of restorative, rejuvenating spa treatments, movement, mindfulness, daily scheduled activities, hands-on wellness workshops and natural health practices. Guests will be inspired to engage in daily meditation and mindfulness practice as the first step in ‘your journey back to self.’ One can even rent out the entire island for the ultimate alone time with loved ones.
With The Nautilus’s digital detox philosophy, guests will be encouraged to experience one-on-one Reiki sessions with one of the Solasta Spa experts as well as unwind with Antar Mauna and Yoga Nidra meditation practices to focus on cultivating multiple levels of well-being. Another treatment at The Nautilus that serves as an antidote to any internet addiction is Healing through Aqua with Tibetan Singing Sound Bath that can be enjoyed in the comfort of one’s private house pool. Combining unique healing through aqua and Sound Therapy, the buoyancy of water aids range of motion, while hydrostatic pressure and the ripples of sound waves from the Tibetan Singing bowl, stimulate the brain waves to relax, calm, and relieve stress and boost overall well-being.
Other Solasta Spa treatments designed to uplift on both physical and mental levels, will also be included in the MindCation programme:
- Shiatsu: A form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan on Qi meridians, which are described as energy flows through meridians to energise, stimulate blood circulation, and help eliminate toxins. It’s often described as a form of acupressure. But Shiatsu massage involves more than just acupressure. It also includes stretches and kneading techniques to improve the range of motion in the joints.
- Abdominal Detox: Inspired by Chi Nei Tsang, this treatment is based on the practice of Taoist monks who believed that unresolved emotional issues are stored in the digestive system and that poor “emotional digestion” is one of the main reasons for ill health. This treatment relieves physical blockages and uplifts emotional wellbeing.
- Arnica Bath: A warm bath with Arnica bath oil soothes tired, overworked joints and muscles to promote relaxation and increases the metabolic rate.
- Shirodhara and Abhyanga: This treatment combines Ayurvedic therapies to relieve neck and shoulder tension. The therapy begins with Abhyanga, a rhythmic massage which uses herbal oils to stimulate the circulation of blood, lymph and prana (energy). This is followed by Shirodhara, during which a steady stream of oil is gently poured over the forehead to improve clarity of mind. Research also suggests that Shirodhara may enhance the quality of sleep.
- Moksha: Solasta Ayurvedic Signature, this holistic therapy is inspired by the concept of Moksha, which signifies a liberation of the senses and a release of the free flow of Prana or energy. This treatment has been personalising to work on different levels of the human body and consciousness to create a sense of overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Moksha Nautilus Signature is a full body massage that uses traditional Ayurvedic therapeutic techniques practiced for thousands of years in India. It begins with traditional oil application with long strokes on the entire body followed by pressure points release thereby stimulating the muscular-skeletal system, leaving you with increased energy and a heightened sense of vitality. This immediately eliminates sluggishness and simultaneously helps to release any discomfort or blockages, aches, and pains. The therapy continues with slow release along the spine followed by abdominal circulation, and ending with relaxation, toning, and easing muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, head, and scalp. The therapy works on the physical system but its effects go deep into the recesses of the mind and emotions. The result is a feeling of complete rest, repair, and rejuvenation.
The precious time away from electronics at The Nautilus can also be used for other adventures on the island, such as enjoying traditional and sustainable local fishing, sailing in a Maldivian Dhoni vessel and diving and snorkelling at the world renowned Hanifaru Bay, part of the UNESCO Biosphere in the Baa Atoll – the site of one of the most spectacular congregations of manta rays in the Maldives and a majestic underwater world.
To take things to the next level of tranquility, guests can unplug by participating in specially designed Art of Bohemia activities such as drawing and music lessons, macramé making and crochet classes and Boduberu drumming lessons. Landscaping and gardening and special cooking workshops, which are focused more on the three senses: smelling, touching, and feeling, will provide guests with all the necessary advice and recipes, as well as promote awareness of oneself.
Guests at The Nautilus can also experience the Ananda world of creative, healthy cuisine with a specially curated menu incorporating the six fundamental food tastes of sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent and combined with the three macronutrients of protein, fat and carbohydrates, vital to good health.
For more information on the MindCation package or any of The Nautilus’s other offerings, visit https://www.thenautilusmaldives.com/offers or contact us directly via email at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or by phone at +960 660 00 00.
Featured
‘Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom’ comes to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé Collection within the House of Siyam, has announced its festive programme, “Eutopia: The Infinite Bloom”, which will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027.
The seasonal programme features activities and experiences for guests of all ages. Dining will take centre stage with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve gala dinners by the water, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences and seafood barbecues on the beach.
The evening entertainment programme will include live acoustic performances, island DJ sets, aerial dance shows and Maldivian cultural performances.
During the day, guests will be able to explore the resort’s lagoon through activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset Jet Car rides and sandbank excursions. The Spa will offer wellness rituals and couples’ therapies, while younger guests can take part in gingerbread decorating, a fashion show and Santa’s arrival on the beach.
“Eutopia is our invitation to celebrate and embrace nature, meaningful moments, and the relaxed luxury that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef through our festivities,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager.
“From unforgettable ocean adventures to starlit beach celebrations, every experience has been thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories that will continue to flourish long after the season ends.”
The programme will culminate with a New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach on 31 December, featuring live music, midnight toasts and a fireworks display over the water.
The resort’s festive programme is available to view online, with bookings open for stays between 22 December 2026 and 7 January 2027.
Awards
Sun Siyam Iru Veli earns top wedding destination honour at TTM Awards
Fresh from being named Best Honeymoon Destination in 2025, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was recognised as Best Wedding Destination at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026, held at Crossroads Maldives on 27 August. The award further reinforces the resort’s commitment to celebrating romance in all its forms.
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches, Iru Veli provides a natural setting for couples seeking an intimate island retreat. Every villa features a private pool, while secluded beaches, private sandbanks and a 24-hour all-inclusive dine-around experience offer guests privacy and flexibility throughout their stay.
The resort hosts celebrations of different scales, ranging from barefoot ceremonies by the ocean to larger events encompassing the entire island. Dedicated wedding planners work closely with each couple to personalise every element, ensuring that both the ceremony and the wider stay reflect their individual story.
This flexibility extends beyond the resort’s wedding packages. Simple Romance, Grand Gesture and Sandbank Magic provide couples with a starting point, with each celebration customisable through décor, dining, wellness, entertainment and island experiences. For occasions requiring complete exclusivity, full-island buyouts allow the resort experience to be tailored around the couple and their guests.
The celebrations can continue beyond the ceremony through candlelit dinners beneath the stars, spa rituals for two, sunset cruises and time spent together across the island. These experiences enable couples to shape the occasion around their preferences, with personal moments unfolding throughout their stay.
“Every couple arrives with a different story and a different vision for their celebration. There is no template here. From intimate ceremonies for two to full-island celebrations with family and friends, our role is to create moments that feel completely personal. That is exactly what our team does. They listen first and then create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. This award is a testament to the dedication and care they put into making every moment memorable,” said Masdhooq Saeed, Cluster General Manager of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
The annual TTM Awards & Gala brings together travel professionals and hoteliers to recognise achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry. Iru Veli’s latest award further strengthens its position among the Maldives’ leading destinations for weddings and romantic escapes.
Action
Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme
Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.
Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.
On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.
The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.
The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.
At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.
Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.
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