Review: The Nautilus Maldives

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Typically, the Maldives vacation experience doesn’t start until you get to your resort, as the arrival and transfer process at the international airport in Male can be a bit hectic. When you’re booked at The Nautilus, though, you’re met on the tarmac in Male and whisked to a VIP lounge to go through customs and immigration in private—allowing you to relax a bit earlier than expected. You’ll then board a seaplane directly from the lounge for the 30-minute flight to the resort, which is located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll. (You can also book a private seaplane, or take a 20-minute flight to a domestic airport, followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride.) Like all Maldivian resorts, The Nautilus sits on its own island, so there’s that instant castaway feel when you arrive—but with only 26 accommodations here, this place feels particularly private.

What's the backstory? Opened in 2019 and owned by a Maldivian entrepreneur, the independent resort was created to offer a true home-away-from-home experience—so there’s nothing cookie cutter about it. The design here is definitely upscale and the touches luxurious, but there’s a personality and bohemian feel to it, as well, thanks to vibrant accent colors, eclectic decorative items, and the use of curved lines.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? The 26 hideaways are either on the beach or over the water, and come in House or Residence options; the Houses have separate sleeping and living areas while the Residences are larger and have extras like dining rooms, additional bedrooms, or upper floors. (There is one Mansion with three bedrooms.) All have spacious decks, private pools and—in the overwater spots—glass floor panels looking down at the underwater world. Adding to the homey feel is that fact that everything from the mini-bar and book and movie library to the temperature of the pool is personalized to your tastes, based on a pre-arrival conversation with your butler. You can even choose between Hermes, Penhaligon’s, or an organic line for your bath products.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is complimentary and works throughout the island.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? There are four dining choices here, including a fine dining Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant; an outdoor grill highlighting Japanese, Peruvian, and Mexican fare; a poolside bar; and an all-day dining spot with a beach-hut vibe. But it doesn’t really matter what the options are, as the resort prides itself on its “unscripted” set-up—which allows guests to order whatever they want, when they want, and served where they want. So if you’re craving a particular French cheese in the middle of the night, would like a romantic dinner set up on the beach, or want the chef to create a surprise meal, your butler will make it happen. The restaurants also don’t have set opening or closing times, dress codes or menu restrictions—so go ahead and order pancakes for dinner, in your pajamas.

And the service? With personalized service the bedrock of the resort, each staffer here is notable for the way in which they handle every request and detail. Also helping to make things seamless is the fact that so many perks are included with the rates, including daily breakfast (again, served at any time and any place), sunset cocktails, unlimited tapas-style bites all day long, select drinks, packing and unpacking services, and four pieces of laundry per day, per villa. And while pretty much anything a guest asks for can be arranged, some standout signature experiences include a boat trip out to Hanifaru Bay to join the resort’s biology team for a snorkel with manta rays, and an al fresco movie night on a private sandbank, complete with snacks. The resort also owns its own 15-seat seaplane, so guests can book that for day trips to remote islands or stellar snorkeling spots. Like the dining program, there are few restrictions on when you can do most activities—so bring on the midnight snorkeling around the house reef.

What type of travelers will you find here? There are other guests here? Given the wide berth each villa enjoys, the fact that each villa has its own pool and dining areas, and the flexible dining set-up (with no set restaurant times), it’s rare to come across other travelers. When you do—maybe over drinks at the bar or in a fitness class—chances are they are ultra-high-net-worth, privacy-seeking types who are here to relax and re-connect with friends and family, but who are still Type A enough to want every detail expertly looked after.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The Nautilus is located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich marine life (including manta rays and whale sharks) and excellent diving spots. About three dozen notable snorkeling and diving areas, including Hanifaru Bay, are easily accessible via the resort’s speedboat or seaplane.

Any other hotel features worth noting? Head to the on-site AquaNautica PADI dive center to connect with the house marine team and book trips out to one of the 30 nearby snorkeling and diving sites. There’s also a house coral reef to explore and complimentary non-motorized water sports to enjoy, and fishing trips and day cruises can also be planned. At the spa, treatments using natural products are performed in three overwater treatment villas—each with glass-paneled floors to showcase the water—and unlimited yoga, fitness, and meditation classes are included with the rates.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why? If you’re looking to drop some cash in the Maldives, drop anchor here. The resort’s independent spirit and true come-as-you-are feel—and when-you-want-it policy—set it apart from the international luxury brand outposts.