The Maldives is a place of storytelling, rhythm, and deeply rooted traditions that have been passed down for centuries. Among these, Boduberu stands as a celebration of freedom, expression, and connection, where the pulse of the drums mirrors the pulse of the islands themselves.
At The Nautilus, where every experience is personal and every moment is unscripted, we invite you to step into the soul of authentic Maldivian culture with our fortnightly Nautilus Rising beach pop-up. Here, beneath the starlit sky, on shores untouched by time, Boduberu takes centre stage—raw, and beautifully uninhibited.
The Story of Boduberu
Centuries ago, long before the Maldives became synonymous with barefoot luxury, islanders gathered in the golden twilight, their voices rising with the beat of the drums. This was Boduberu—the heartbeat of the archipelago, a rhythm carried by the ocean, inspired by African, Arab, and South Asian influences, yet distinctively Maldivian.
A crescendo of rhythm and movement, Boduberu is performed on handcrafted drums, carved from coconut wood, their deep tones echoing across the sand. The beat begins slowly, pulling you in, hypnotic and steady, before it rises faster until the air is thick with energy, elation, and raw emotion. Voices join in, voices that tell stories of love and longing, adventure and ancestry, weaving a moment that is both deeply intimate and free.
A Night of Rhythm, Freedom, and Soul
Every fortnight, as the sun dips below the horizon, a Boduberu group from the closeby local island of Dharavandhoo arrives at The Nautilus—bringing with them a tradition as old as the islands themselves.
This is music as it was always meant to be—unrestrained, pulsing with life, pulling you in, urging you to move.
The Art of Bohemia
Boduberu Nights at The Nautilus are part of the Art of Bohemia series—a collection of immersive, soulful experiences that embrace the unconventional, the artistic, the free.
A fire flickers, the waves whisper, and in your hand, a cocktail based on local ingredients and infused with the finest flavours, crafted just for you, just for this moment. The night belongs to you, whether you choose to dance beneath the moon, let the rhythm guide you, or simply sink into the cushions and soak it all in.
At The Nautilus, we don’t just invite you to witness Boduberu—we invite you to feel it, to lose yourself in its rhythm, to be part of a tradition that has lived for generations.
Start planning your journey today by visiting our website or contacting us at [email protected]. For the latest news, exclusive offers, and benefits on your next stay, subscribe to The Nautilus Conch, our newsletter.