The Nautilus Maldives, a privately owned island in the heart of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, has announced its opening in November.

The inspiration behind this new boutique 26-room island is Dr I U Maniku, a Maldivian entrepreneur with over 30-years experience in business and resort ownership. Initially thinking about building his dream retreat on the tiny island, The Nautilus has grown to become his vision of what the last word in island luxury in both the Maldives and worldwide should be.

"The Nautilus Maldives has been designed for the new generation of luxury travellers; travellers who are looking for transformative experiences and activities that they can share with those who matter the most to them," says Dr Maniku.

"Before beginning this project we did a great deal of research about luxury resorts around the world to ensure that we can surpass their standards and also launch a concept thats different. The Nautilus philosophy, therefore, is one of absolute freedom for its guests, offering a laid-back modern bohemian lifestyle where guests can escape from their everyday lives, honestly be themselves, and reconnect with their inner being, with nature and with their families all in a beautiful Maldivian setting. A stay here isnt like a visit anywhere else."

With the Nautilus philosophy in mind, services are driven by the House Captains (butlers), who take care of every detail instead of handing over to receptionists, concierges, excursion guides etc.

Accommodation at The Nautilus is called Houses and Residences because guests should feel the same levels of comfort and ease as when at home, along with the most spectacular features the Maldives has to offer. Those features include private pools, ocean views from every house, soft sandy beaches encircling dense tropical greenery, and a rich coral reef metres from the islands shores.

Each of the 26 houses is a suite, with separate living room and bedroom. Just 15 one- and two-bedroom residences line the islands beaches, hidden away among coconut trees, palms, and tropical greenery. Eleven one- and two-bedroom houses stand on stilts over the lagoon.

Natural daylight fills the rooms, and interior design is tropical with a touch of boho chic whimsy.  The island style is relaxed, with the guideline given to the interior designers to "make it look like it could be someones home, and better". Most of the furnishings have been custom-built for The Nautilus.

The three Restaurants have flexible opening hours, and guests can explore unscripted dining', meaning the freedom to order off the menu if thats how they feel. While there will be menus in each of the three restaurants, these are seen as starting points for a discussion with the chef about what the guest would like to eat rather than as set guidelines for what can be ordered.

for those wishing to follow chefs suggestions dining includes intriguing infusions of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine at the over-water signature restaurant; elegant simplicity with Japanese and Latin-American creations at the grill; and global delicacies

Guests looking for a mindful holiday are invited to join daily complimentary yoga, meditation and fitness classes. The Nautilus sets guests on their path to wellness, drawing on ancient wisdom and modern innovations for a transformative journey in its four treatment rooms in the heart of the island. 

The spa treatments can happen without an appointment and specialise in the bespoke, designing wellness programmes and daily rituals that refresh and relax, pamper and protect. Guests can salute the sun at dawn, discover alternative healing, join complimentary wellness classes or craft their path to restoration. 

Watersport activities such as snorkelling, kayaking in a transparent canoe, or stand-up-paddle boarding are free: guests only need to decide when they want to go. The resort is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve where the kaleidoscopic wonderland of incredible marine life awaits discovery. 

guests can look forward to many adventures such as trips to world-renowned Hanifaru Bay to swim amongst whale sharks and manta rays, diving on iridescent coral reefs, exploring remote sandbanks and deserted islands picnic in hand or just cruising the ocean in a custom yacht.

 If the urge to borrow the resorts yacht and head out into the blue yonder for a picnic should suddenly strike, the House Captain one to every residence -will merely arrange everything as needed.

The Nautilus experience begins on the runway at Velana International Airport, where every guest will be taken straight from the plane to a VIP terminal in the airport for a relaxed customs and immigration clearance. From there it is a short hop to The Nautilus private lounge to await the 35-minute seaplane flight to Baa Atoll.