The Nautilus Maldives opened its doors for the first time on Sunday.  

Guests were invited to take their first steps on the private island, situated in the UNESCO Biosphere of Baa Atoll, where resort staff were waiting with champagne and a traditional Maldivian Boduberu performance.

Holidaymakers were then encouraged to join a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the special occasion. 

Celebrations continued into the night, with sunset cocktails and the first ever ‘Nautilus Rising’ ceremony, where the distinctive nautilus shell in the pool gradually comes alight, giving the appearance of it rising out of the water.

Built by a Maldivian entrepreneur, the resort – which boasts just 26 beach and ocean houses – hopes to reimagine the meaning of luxury with a philosophy of “a world of your own making”.

The resort promotes no rules, no dress code, no set restaurant hours and no fixed menu choices, placing every choice into the hands of its guests.