The Nautilus

The personal vision of Universal Resorts owner Dr Maniku and his interpretation of what island luxury should be, The Nautilus is boldly pitching itself at the very top end of global resorts, and will hope to tempt the most affluent holiday-makers away from places such as Fregate and North Islands in the Seychelles, or The Brando in French Polynesia, not to mention the most renowned properties that the Maldives has to offer.

Situated on the small island of Thiladhoo in the Baa Atoll, this is another example of a snorkelling and picnic location being converted into a fully-fledged resort. There's a quality reef, proximity to Hanifaru Bay and all the dive sites of Baa, which will certainly appeal to those keen to experience the Maldives underwater.

The General Manager at Nautilus describes the island as ‘a magical spot in paradise’ and we would agree. This boutique resort comprises of 26 beach and ocean Houses and Residences, all with private pool, and a personal House Master (butler) on hand to tailor a highly personalised, experiential stay. Three units have two-bedrooms and one has three bedrooms. The decor is slightly bohemian in style with colourful, and tastefully crafted touches, and all accommodation is designed in a series of roundels to represent a shell shape (the island’s logo).

Guests can enjoy three restaurants, including signature overwater lounge and restaurant Zeytoun, and a poolside bar. All dining is a la carte with an additional partial buffet at breakfast. Guests wishing to explore ‘unscripted dining’ can order off menu if they wish, subject to availability of produce.

Quality facilities include a gym, overwater spa, kids club and PADI Dive Centre. There are no motorised water sports here, which will please many - it certainly adds to the tranquility of the resort.

Whilst some areas of the island are a little sparse in terms of vegetation (not unusual for a new resort) they will undoubtedly flesh out in the coming months, as will the new plantings, the huge living walls around the interior and pretty areas of landscaping.

The house reef is accessible via four main channels (the best section is between channels 2 & 3 on the northeast side) home to resident turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays as well as plenty of fish life.

Those looking to seriously recharge the batteries, or to simply immerse themselves in this quiet, luxurious and unique haven will need to butter up the bank manager, but then as the old adage goes ‘you can’t take it with you’....