Sugar-white sand shimmering beneath the golden sun, stripy parasols rippling in the warm breeze, the hypnotic sound of the ocean dancing along the shoreline – welcome to paradise. Welcome to Villa Nautica.
Blissfully nestled on Lankanfinolhu Island, just a 20-minute speedboat transfer from the Maldivian capital, Malé, the five-star resort is blessed with impossibly idyllic stretches of palm tree-lined beach, home to an assortment of native wildlife that can be spotted scurrying across the landscape and into the island’s lush tropical gardens, at any time of the day.
A dream-like world where time seems to stand still, children and adults alike joyfully trail about on bicycles, contentedly sway in hammocks, or splash amongst coral reefs teeming with a kaleidoscopic array of fascinating marine life. Speciality diving adventures, submarine tours and a wide selection of watersports afford guests with a closer look at the magnificent creatures that saunter beneath the surface – forever etching themselves into the minds of those fortunate to witness such beauty.
There are nine different categories of villas and suites, some nestled into lush foliage-cloaked gardens that open to the powdery shoreline, and others set on stilts, branching out from overwater jetties over the sparkling lagoon. The exact definition of refined neutrality, nautical-inspired décor is elegant in an island-inspired colour palette that oozes coastal charm.
The crème de la crème of chic abodes, one and two-bedroom Ocean Suites advocate outdoor living with expansive sun-drenched decks, al fresco dining spaces and huge private pools, offering guests the opportunity to spend their entire vacation in complete seclusion – but stray you must, there are many treasures to unearth around the island.
Eight restaurants and bars, each with their own unique personality, as well as private dining experiences including a bespoke barbeque under the stars, take guests on a global gastronomic adventure across the Maldives, Mediterranean and Asia. The culinary ethos honours fresh, local produce, often hand-picked by chefs from the island’s organic gardens – putting heart into each exceptional plate.
Of course, what would paradise be without a spa? Wellness is a key ambition of the resort and Araamu Spa combines progressive health and wellness concepts with Ayurvedic healing therapies via personalised facials, rejuvenating body treatments and signature rituals. Expertly curated to bring a sense of calm to the mind, body and spirit, opt for the signature Swept Away experience.
While the mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean from a cloud-like bed are a magnet for travellers seeking a soul-soothing time out, Villa Nautica doesn’t rely on its looks alone – the paradisal experience is undeniably delivered from its heart and soul, owing to being just one of a few resorts in the Maldives that is owned and operated by locals.
Welcoming discerning travellers to its sun-soaked archipelago since 1986, Villa Resorts has impressively grown into an illustrious brand with family at its core (of which visitors are immediately made to feel a welcome part of). Renowned for its loyal guests who choose to return, year after year, lured by luxurious accommodation, world-class dining, impeccable service and ultimate seclusion, Villa Nautica and its sister resorts, Villa Park, Royal Island and the soon-to-be-opened, Villa Haven, share a collective guarantee, the guarantee that once you check-in, you won’t want to check-out.
