A ray of sunshine makes its way through the palm trees to me. Soft waves calmly and rhythmically roll onto the white beach, the sea breeze slightly rustling the leaves. Otherwise, it’s simply still and beautiful. You can do everything, but you don’t have to. That’s precisely the philosophy here at The Nautilus Maldives luxury resort. Maisie Därr, Maldives expert and managing director of Trauminsel Reisen didn’t over-promise anything. Even for Maldives connoisseurs, the small private island offers an exceptional atmosphere and an incomparable concept. Service from your personal house captain, spontaneous yacht trips or personalised arrangements with the chef are just some of the unexpected special features here.
A wonderful place to enjoy the perfect break. Situated the middle of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, on the edge of the Baa Atoll, the newly opened The Nautilus Maldives has all the ingredients to make up a dream island. The finest white coral sand lines the lush green heart, where tens of thousands of plants have been added to the existing palm trees. The bright turquoise of the pools, situated upstream to the 15 beach houses, tries to keep up with the intense blue hues of the sea. I am only too happy to move into my spacious beach house, which can be completely opened up to the beach through the living and sleeping area. The interiors were chosen with a lot of attention to detail. Light warm colours and stylish details invite you to feel at home. Glass walls in the bathroom and an outdoor shower in the greenery bring nature into the space. You can also reside in one of the eleven ocean houses perched on stilts over the lagoon. The glass floor in the living area means you can look at the variety of fish, giving it a real aquatic feel. However, the wonderful accommodation and heavenly nature aren't all there is. The concept is what makes The Nautilus Maldives so incomparable. This was clear at Velana International Airport, where I was picked up directly from the airport, taken to a separate VIP terminal and had all the formalities sorted for me. And when I was welcomed to the island, my personal house master was waiting for me instead of a reception desk. He made many of my wishes come true during my stay – whether it was using one of the two yachts for a spontaneous trip at sunset, going on a trip to the house reef, rich in a number of different species, or enjoying a special wine at dinner – he made it happen. Yes, that’s what freedom looks like.
Anything is possible, and they make every effort to make the dreams of their guests come true. That’s the creed at The Nautilus Maldives, whose experienced owner has made his vision of unsurpassed island luxury come to life. Freedom is a top priority – that’s why it’s possible to have treatments at the spa without making an appointment. You just drop in and relax. Do you want that real Robinson feeling? Then your house captain is happy to arrange a trip to an uninhabited neighbouring island where you can enjoy a picnic in total privacy. Guests can enjoy culinary delights at any time – they are spoiled with deli snacks, drinks and cocktails around the clock. An afternoon breakfast is just as possible as having your favourite dish for dinner – the house master will have a discreet word with the chef, who very much welcomes special requests. Of course, you can also help yourself to the rich breakfast buffet or be inspired by the sophisticated à la carte dishes in the three restaurants. Guests always have the last word. Mediterranean and oriental specialities can be found in the over-water signature restaurant Zeytoun, Japanese and Latin American creations are whipped up in Ocaso restaurant and international delicacies are served in the all-dining restaurant Thyme. In keeping with the island’s bohemian lifestyle, there’s also no dress code. You come as you are and enjoy mesmerising cuisine, great company and perfect service. Of course, all meals can be served in the houses. I’d almost feel as though I were at home, were it not for the unbelievable sunset, that bare foot feeling on warm sand and the endless expanse of the ocean. Morning yoga or deep sea fishing? I have the freedom to decide which one spontaneously.
TRAUMINSEL REISEN – nature and luxury on sunny islands
Take well-known dream destinations, a high level of special quality and passionate experts who scrutinise each destination personally. Then you’ll get something pretty close to luxury travel business Trauminsel Reisen, which was founded in 1985. Tailored to personal wishes and with outstanding knowledge of the destinations, hotels and resorts, the travel designers create the perfect travel experience on dream islands like the Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius, but also for a number of other destinations.
