Set within the dreamy seclusion of Maldives’ Baa Atoll, The Nautilus is a masterpiece of free-flowing design, a private island where architecture breathes, curves, and unfolds as a bohemian masterpiece. Inspired by the golden spirals of its namesake shell, every space is crafted to dissolve boundaries, allowing nature, light, and air to move unhindered.
A Vision of Fluidity and Form
The Nautilus was conceived by Maldivian hospitality pioneer Dr Maniku and architect David Edward, who envisioned an island where design enhances—rather than dictates—the guest experience. Rejecting rigid structures, The Nautilus’s architecture is defined by flowing, organic lines, high curved ceilings, and open, breathable spaces, which encourage movement, connection, and tranquillity.
Nature as a Design Element
Crafted with the island’s raw beauty in mind, the materials whisper nature’s finest offerings: acacia, pine, kapur, and red meranti woods, kissed by the elements and aged to perfection. The kajan thatched roofs shift with time, deepening in hue under the Maldivian sun. Grand doors open wide to let in the endless horizon, while softly illuminated ceilings cast a warm glow in the evening, mirroring the starlit skies above.
Comforts of Home
The Nautilus’s houses and residences are intimate sanctuaries, designed to embrace their surroundings. Open, airy layouts let the ocean breeze weave through, while curved walls create a gentle rhythm that guides the eye to panoramic views. Hand-selected furnishings, textured fabrics, and objets d’art—from macramé hangings to reef-inspired paintings—add warmth and soul. Soaring pinewood ceilings are crowned with intricate beaded chandeliers, casting playful shadows that dance with the shifting light. Outside, organically shaped infinity pools ripple towards the horizon, sun-dappled decks beckon, and Maldivian-style swings gently rock to the rhythm of the island.
A Place to Simply Be
At The Nautilus, architecture is not about confinement; it is about flow, about spaces that unfold, embrace, and evolve with the island’s pulse. Colours shift with the day, from the sun-warmed gold of morning to the deep blues of dusk, each moment reflected in the textures and tones that surround you.
Here, every curve, every shadow, every shifting light is part of something greater—a sanctuary shaped by nature, inspired by freedom, and designed to be utterly, beautifully lived in. 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.