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.
Cooking
Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes JAG Head Chef Laurence Tan for October culinary residency
Milaidhoo Maldives will welcome Chef Laurence Tan, Head Chef of Michelin-starred JAG in Singapore, for two culinary experiences on the island in October.
Tan’s interest in cooking began at home, inspired by his parents and by preparing and sharing food with his family. After experimenting in the family kitchen, he went on to attend culinary school before joining The White Rabbit in Singapore in 2016, where he began developing his professional career.
He later worked at Tower Club before joining JAG in 2020. Working alongside Chef Jeremy Gillon, Tan developed an approach centred on precision, seasonality and the integrity of individual ingredients.
He progressed from Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef and later Sous Chef. When Gillon took on an international consultancy in Taiwan, Tan assumed leadership of the JAG kitchen.
He is now Head Chef of the restaurant, which retained its Michelin star in 2026, reflecting the consistency and quality of its cuisine under his direction.
During his visit to Milaidhoo, Tan will introduce guests to elements of JAG’s culinary philosophy while sharing some of the techniques and ideas that shape his cooking.
On 16 October, he will conduct an intimate cooking class, giving guests an opportunity to learn directly from him and explore his approach to ingredients, technique and flavour.
The following evening, on 17 October, Tan will host a five-course dinner limited to 16 guests.
The menu will begin with Hiramasa crudo with tomatoes and sea grapes, followed by Gambero Rosso with Jerusalem artichoke and cashew. Lobster ravioli with lobster bisque will precede Tajima Wagyu MB8 tenderloin with celeriac and black autumn truffle.
Dessert will feature a dark chocolate parfait with buckwheat ice cream and tonka bean. A preserved lemon sorbet will be served between courses, while the evening will open with a leek and potato croustade.
The collaboration reflects Milaidhoo’s culinary philosophy, which places emphasis on craftsmanship, curiosity, shared experiences and the role of dining in creating memorable moments.
The cooking class will take place on 16 October, followed by the five-course chef’s dinner on 17 October, with the latter limited to 16 guests.
Cooking
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi brings Thai flavours from Phuket to the Maldives
V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection will host Executive Chef Pisut ‘Nong’ Nahan and Lead Mixologist Mongkol ‘Lek’ Saengchud from V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection for a Thai culinary pop-up on 10 and 11 October 2026.
Titled ‘From the Andaman to the Indian Ocean’, the collaboration will bring together the culinary identities of the two destinations through contemporary Thai cuisine, cocktails and island dining experiences.
Over two evenings, guests will be able to take part in Cocktail & Dine at Muraka and a Sundowner & Beach Dinner at AKOYA Sea Lounge.
Chef Nong will showcase his ‘Thai with a modern twist’ approach, combining regional Thai flavours, seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques with contemporary presentation. The menu has been designed as a culinary journey between Thailand and the Maldives, drawing inspiration from the Andaman Sea and the waters surrounding Mirihi.
Khun Lek will complement the dining experience with cocktails inspired by place, storytelling and balance. His ‘triangle’ method combines sweetness for relaxation, sourness for freshness and bitterness for depth, with each drink centred around an umami element.
The collaboration will feature dishes and cocktails developed specifically for the event. Menu concepts include Royal Massaman Croquette, Siam Betel Crab and Ocean Tuna Crudo, while featured drinks will include the Mirihi Martini, Muraka Whisper and Tropical Terroir.
The pop-up forms part of the shared approach of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi and V Villas Phuket, as well as MGallery Collection’s focus on experience-led hospitality and storytelling.
Further details on timings, menus and reservations will be announced by the resort. Availability for the two-night event will be limited.
Awards
RAAYA by Atmosphere wins Best Family Resort in Maldives at Travel Time Awards 2025
RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.
The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.
The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.
Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.
The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.
“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.
“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”
The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.
RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.
With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.
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