In November 2021, after six months of renovation work, Naladhu Private Island Maldives in the Maldives reopened. Naladhu Private Island is part of the archipelago that also includes Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli and was named the best resort in the Indian Ocean by the annual Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards. The resort’s concept of maximum privacy and individual luxury has earned it an exceptional reputation.
Text: Nadia Hartzer
Everyone understands luxury differently
The Naladhu offers its guests a unique experience, as the resort understands luxury as something individual. No two guest experiences at Naladhu are the same. The easiest way to compare the Naladhus concept is with haute couture. I owed this comparison to Chef Philipe, the resort’s executive chef, who passionately described in our interview the fine details that go into every facet of the resort’s operation in real time.
Naladhu – The Resort
The Naladhu is located on a pristine lagoon in the beautiful South Malé Atoll. The island, which is only 123 meters wide and 180 meters long, offers you peace and privacy, away from your chaotic, noisy everyday life and towards a quiet, peaceful seclusion. The resort has 19 beach and ocean houses as well as a pool residence, a wellness center, a gym and the “Living Room” restaurant, where guests can enjoy outstanding dining. East Asian and modern colonial-style décor is combined with a bright color palette and complemented by eye-catching effects such as antique furniture and objets d’art in the dining and relaxation areas as well as the resort’s houses.
A charming, luxurious villa concept.
For optimal conditions, the charming, secluded “houses” are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and mysterious sandy paths, all with ocean views. A dream come true for anyone who wants to escape reality for a while.
Nineteen houses – The residence
The 300 square meter houses are similar in size and style. Both the beach house and the ocean pool house offer a private 4m x 8m pool. However, the beauty lies in the detail. The spacious, tastefully decorated bedrooms are furnished with king-size beds and antique furniture and are surrounded by glass panel doors that can be opened completely. On the way to the bedroom is an immaculate dressing room, which is already equipped with designer fittings. The modern bathroom boasts a steam room, a garden rain shower and a bathtub with a spectacular view. The houses also have an impressive bar with a private wine selection and a fridge full of delicacies. Outside, breathtaking sunrises or sunsets await you, depending on which side of the island your house is on. Regardless of this, the enchanting views stretch for miles. Here you can sunbathe on your private deck or take a dip in your infinity pool. Or take advantage of Naladhu’s “eat anywhere without a menu” concept and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your own home. Or relax on your swinging daybed and enjoy the perfect #myviewoftheweek. Relax on your deckchair and indulge yourself to your heart’s content with refreshing drinks that your Kuwaano can organize for you.
The residence
The two-bedroom pool residence at the far end of the island is the epitome of luxury and shines with ocean views and dreamlike sunrises and sunsets. The residence can accommodate up to 6 people and consists of two villas, a large wooden deck and a 20m x 5m infinity pool with sea views. Downstairs in the main villa is a spacious living and dining area, fully equipped with modern audio and video equipment, a butler’s kitchen and a stocked pantry behind the inner dining area. Enjoy romantic candlelit dinners on the terrace with the sound of the crashing waves right next to you, while you savor the delicacies tailored to your wishes by the visionary kitchen team.
The Kuwaanu
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by your private butler, your Kuwaanu, which means storyteller in Dhivehi, the language of the Maldives. Your Kuwaanu will escort you to your villa and will then be at your personal disposal around the clock. He will act as your guide and provide you with various services to make your stay at Naladhu memorable, relaxing and unforgettable.
It’s no secret that good food is part of every vacation experience
The cuisine at Naladhu and its sister islands, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli, is phenomenal. Fresh produce is sourced exclusively from the world’s best suppliers and personally selected by Chef Phillipe, the “maison de haute couture” of the island’s menu concept. Chef Phillipe is also responsible for the “Living Room”, the impressive restaurant at Naladhus, and other restaurants on the sister islands. He has a great passion for offering his guests unique dining experiences. However, the incredibly competent and experienced head chef is always quick to refer to his kitchen team, who have cooking experience from all over the world.
The “no menu” concept
There is no room for mistakes, no room for excuses, we just have to make everything run smoothly” – Chef Phillipe. Chef Phillipe tells me passionately about how the food he and his team prepare cannot be compared to high-end cuisine. He tries to explain to me in my “fashionable language” that the culinary experience – and everything else on the island – is personalized. He and his team prepare “haute couture” dishes that are tailored to the individual, much like the fine stitching on a bespoke Yves St. Laurent dress. This “eat anywhere without a menu” concept allows guests to eat whatever they want, whenever they want and wherever they want. Dine in your private villa or enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach – whatever you dream of, the Naladhu team will make that dream come true in real time.
What else does Naladhu offer?
With all this privacy and privilege, it could almost feel like there’s nothing to do but lie in the sun, eat and drink. But it couldn’t be any other way. Nearby are two Anantara “sister islands”, Veli and Dhigu, which can be reached by pontoon boat or bridge. As a visitor to Naladhus, you can visit these islands at any time and enjoy various activities, such as surfing lessons or snorkeling with sharks. These resorts are a little busier and less private, but also offer a wealth of culinary options.
Your stay at Naladhu is not an unhealthy vacation lifestyle
Enjoy private yoga classes on your sun deck with breathtaking views or use the island’s own fitness studio. You can even enlist the help of a personal trainer. At Naladhu, you can focus entirely on your health and wellness, thanks in part to the new wellness area and the in-house nutritionist. This illusion that you are the only person in the world with great expectations and desires for individual experiences, which are then fulfilled without hesitation… well, it can hardly be described in any other way than as “haute couture”.
In November 2021, after six months of extensive renovations, Naladhu Private Island Maldives in the Maldives, was relaunched.Naladhu Private Island part of the Minor Hotelgroup, has been named the no 1 resort in the Indian Ocean by the annual Conde Nast readers choice awards. Naladhu is known for its concept of ultimate privacy and tailor-made luxury.
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