The Nautilus

The Nautilus is the personal vision of Universal Resorts' founder Dr Maniku, his interpretation of what island luxury should truly be. It positions itself at the very top end of the global resort market, competing with the likes of Fregate and North Island in the Seychelles, and The Brando in French Polynesia. The ambition is clear and the execution is striking.

The resort occupies the small island of Thiladhoo in Baa Atoll, a snorkelling and picnic spot transformed into a fully fledged resort. The quality of the house reef is excellent, and proximity to Hanifaru Bay and the broader Baa Atoll dive sites makes this a compelling choice for anyone wanting to explore the Maldives underwater world. Resident turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays are regulars around four main reef channels, with the best section running between channels 2 and 3 on the northeast side.

With just 26 beach and ocean Houses and Residences, this is a truly boutique property. Every unit has its own private pool and a personal House Master who tailors a highly personalised, experiential stay. There are three two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom residence. The decor leans slightly bohemian, with colourful, tastefully crafted touches throughout, and the accommodation is arranged in roundels echoing the shell shape that forms the island's logo.

Three restaurants offer a la carte dining, with a partial buffet at breakfast. The signature overwater Zeytoun lounge and restaurant is a highlight, alongside a poolside bar. Guests who want to explore unscripted dining can order off menu subject to availability of produce, adding a layer of spontaneity to the experience.

Facilities include a gym, an overwater spa, a kids club and a PADI Dive Centre. There are no motorised watersports here, which only adds to the sense of tranquility. Some parts of the island are still maturing in terms of vegetation, but the new plantings, living walls and landscaped areas will continue to settle in nicely.

This is a place for those who want to seriously recharge in a quiet, luxurious and unique haven. The price tag is substantial, but the experience is genuinely something special.

The Nautilus Maldives sits on a private island within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, offering an experience built around the idea of complete freedom. The resort does away with conventional schedules and formalities, letting guests design their stay entirely around personal preferences. With just 26 residences spread across beach and lagoon, the atmosphere is intimate and deeply personal, supported by dedicated butler service throughout.

Accommodation takes the form of 26 boho-chic houses and residences, each conceived as a private escape. Options run from one-bedroom Ocean and Beach Houses up to larger multi-bedroom residences and the flagship Nautilus Mansion. Every unit features generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, a private pool, a sun deck, and direct beach or lagoon access. The interiors strike a balance between tropical elegance and a relaxed, free-spirited feel, with a personal butler on hand to tailor every element of the stay.

Dining at The Nautilus is deliberately unscripted. There are no fixed opening times, set menus, or dress codes. Guests eat when and where they choose, with meals adapted to individual tastes. Zeytoun serves refined Mediterranean and European cuisine. Ocaso brings together Japanese, Mexican and Peruvian influences with beachside teppanyaki. Thyme offers relaxed all-day beachfront dining, while Naiboli is a poolside bar for cocktails and casual moments. Bespoke dining experiences include private in-residence chef, sandbank barbecues and breakfast on a luxury yacht.

The Solasta Spa operates without time constraints, offering bespoke treatments in overwater pavilions alongside yoga and meditation. The surrounding Baa Atoll delivers world-class snorkelling and diving, including Hanifaru Bay with its manta rays and whale sharks. The Young Wonderers programme keeps younger guests engaged with yoga, cultural activities and watersports, all within the resort's bespoke philosophy.