By Emily Gray
Published 06/11/2021
If the average November temperature of 30℃ and dreamy beaches weren’t enough of a reason for an autumn holiday in the Maldives, then here is another: the exclusive luxury island resort, Naladhu Private Island, has just reopened following a six month renovation.
Sitting on the edge of a lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, Naladhu Private Island is 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé and consists of just 20 ‘houses’ providing a secluded and serene luxury escape for the discerning traveller.
Redesigned by New York based designer Yuji Yamazki, the resort has been reimagined with sleeker furniture, a lighter colour palette and a bigger focus on maximising the number of spots where guests can just stop for a minute, press pause and enjoy a moment of calm.
When it comes to accommodation there are two sorts of houses to choose from: The Beach House with Pool or the Ocean House with Pool and Private Beach Cabana, both span 300sqm and feature an infinity pool, steam room and a 24 hour butler service, known as a Kuwaanu. The Kuwaanu (deriving from storyteller in Dhivehi the Maldivian language) will be on hand to create a completely bespoke experience for each guest.
There is one more house to choose and we think you might like it the most: the glorious Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence. Sleeping six, the spectacular residence features a 12m infinity pool, alfresco dining area, a large deck facing the ocean, swing, sunrise and sunset views, a private kayak and a 20m private beach. Pretty impressive.
Spend your days in the new spa which benefits from a resident Naturopath and Nutritional therapist, playing in the shallows of the lagoon, exploring the island on a guided island walk or taking to the sea with the new snorkeling tour. Led by the in-house marine biologist, it's a chance to see some of the 2000 species of tropical fish and sea mammals and learn more about the coral conservation programme.
This commitment to protecting the environment isn’t limited to just educating guests; Naladhu has started working with Parley AIR to reduce marine plastic pollution and recycle plastic waste, including banning all single use plastic on the island. As for all their pre renovation furniture this too is being reused and has been donated to the Maldives’ only hospital specialising in mental health.
As for dining, their no-menu concept means that you can order your favourite dishes every day. Led by new Peruvian chef Patricio Basombrio Cedano, the culinary team are experienced in cuisines from across the globe ranging from Sri Lankan, to Italian to Japanese. We’re thinking Champagne floating breakfast in the pool, afternoon cocktails overlooking the lagoon and midnight snacks under the moonlight on the beach.
Got your passport ready yet?
Rates at Naladhu Private Island during low season are USD 1,485 per night on a bed and breakfast basis for two persons sharing an Ocean House.
