A paradise that feels like home by David Johnstone
With only 20 beach houses sprinkled around a palm-fringed island in the middle of the ocean, Naladhu Private Island Maldives exemplifies castaway luxury.
“Naladhu Private Island has been a popular choice for guests from all around the world for a number of years as it provides luxury, exclusivity and privacy that they typically seek from a holiday in the Maldives..”
Naladhu Private Island Maldives, formally known as Naladhu Maldives, pampers from the minute you arrive with a personal, 24 hour, on-call House Master. This really is the ultimate in barefoot luxury and secluded island living. With only 19 stylish and elegant houses or the possibility of a lavish 2 bedroom Residence, each pays homage to a blend of colonial style interiors, luxurious sophistication and above all offering complete intimacy and privacy on an island you can call your own.
Naladhu – known to the locals as “beautiful little island” – is the castaway experience of dreams. A natural haven with only 20 beach houses dotting the island’s perimeter, sandy pathways weave through lush vegetation that parts to reveal majestic ocean surrounding. Wander stretches of white sand beach yours alone. Dine in a coconut grove as the island chief regales you with tales of Maldivian wonder.
Naladhu Private Island Maldives is located in the South Malé Atoll, perched on the edge of an aqua lagoon shared with sister islands Anantara Dhigu and Veli. Only a 35-minute speedboat ride from the capital and international airport, and accessible 24 hours a day, the island can also be reached by private yacht or charted seaplane, the best introduction to an island nation of over 1,000 islets strewn like pearls over surreal Indian Ocean hues.
Each private sanctuary is named after an indigenous plant, and at 300 sqm offers an abundance of space to luxuriate in. Latticed doors open onto teak floors, cool underfoot and overlaid with indigenous carpets, whitewashed walls that rise to gabled roofs, and antique furnishings a throwback to a bygone era of romance.
A king-sized bed covered with 300-thread count linens centres the bedroom, with glass doors opening onto a shaded verandah with an oversized swing daybed. The open-air bathroom features a sunken terrazzo soaking tub that flows into your private glass-tiled swimming pool, a steam room, and back garden with waterfall shower. Off to one side is a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room with antique dressing table.
The ocean houses look out directly over the lagoon, with a luxury sundeck perched above. Waking up to the hypnotic sound and view of the rolling surf really is uncomparable. A private beach cabana awaits each ocean house only a short stroll away, complete with kayaks to explore the lagoon with.
The 600 sqm residence boasts two bedrooms and additional living space. Dine in an al fresco breakfast room or indoor dining area with a fully equipped kitchen on hand. The homey living area opens onto the sundeck and ocean beyond, with the ensuite twin bedroom opening onto the pool that fronts the residence. Upstairs is devoted to the master bedroom with marbled ensuite and private balcony. The residence offers dual takes on island living, both oceanfront and with a private stretch of beach to explore complete with cabana.
The peaceful island makes the ideal setting for adventure and relaxation. Choose from meditation or yoga overlooking the ocean; work up a sweat with a personal trainer in the fully equipped gym; swim laps in the main swimming pool fringed by lush vegetation everything is a treat! Unwind with a full day of pampering in the privacy of your residence while you relax with soothing hands working their magic with the sound of ocean waves lulling you into a place of complete serenity.
The ocean is your oyster in the Maldives. Cruise into the sunset on a traditional dhoni or embark on a discovery of the neighbourhood spinner dolphins. Reel in wahoo and mahi mahi with private big game excursions. Snorkel with mantas and whale sharks or master the arts of scuba and free diving with the on-site PADI centre. The thrill of the waves can be harnessed with a whole host of motorised water sports, surfing and more.
Naladhu Private Island Maldives delivers luxury and simplicity with perfection, days can be spent in hammocks fixed to the palm trees, lounge chairs on the private pristine white beach, and of course there is the world-class restaurant – The Living Room, entertaining a number of Michelin Star chefs.
Dining at Naladhu is a highly custom-made, relaxed experience. You can sample a wide range of modern cuisines at The Living Room. Enjoy private dinners in the wine cellar and Intimate Dining Affairs in the candlelit outdoor setting of your choosing. Naladhu offers Thai and Maldivian cooking classes and wine tasting courses. Their sister islands of Veli and Dhigu invite with a range of restaurants and bars to explore, including royal Thai cuisine, Japanese sushi and teppanyaki, Maldivian favorites and fresh seafood.