Luxe retreats in Maldives that you can enjoy with your partner

They say, if you can spend a week with your partner on an island, it must be true love.

In case you’ve been wanting to test the adage, while indulging yourselves in some of the most luxurious experiences, the archipelagic country of Maldives is the most inviting destination. Literally a hop away from India, around four hours away by flight and with no visa requirement for Indian travellers, this cluster of island resorts is but a favourite with honeymooners and lovers, and for good reason.

Meet The Nautilus, a luxury bohemian resort, located on an independent island, soaked in ample sunshine, lushness, and expansive ocean views. This is a luxury property that not only promises privacy and pampering, but also a highly personalised experience that will stay with you for years to come. The Nautilus is located on Thiladhoo Island of Baa Atoll, which is 30 minutes away from Malé airport. A private sea plane is the easiest, and most indulgent way to reach the property, that derives its name from French novelist Jules Verne’s iconic books. “A masterpiece containing masterpieces” is what Verne described the Nautilus to be in his novels, and at the resort, it seems that life is imitating art.

From the private, VIP lounge at the airport, board a 20-minute flight or speedboat ride, to check in to one of the 26 villas spread across the property—houses, residences, or the mansion. Each sanctum, on the beach or overlooking a lagoon, includes separate sleeping areas, living rooms, dining rooms, and a private pool that overlooks the Arabian Sea. The floors even have see-through sections where you can look directly at the fish swimming in the sea! Here, privacy is key, and so is catering to your every request, which you can convey to your personal butler. Want to change the temperature of the pool? In a snap. Prefer to bathe with products from Hermès, Penhaligon’s, or an organic range? Just ask for it. The idea is to indulge, the most effective way to bask in love.

For instance, holidays shouldn't be driven by tight schedules to dine and wine, and for late risers, the service here will come as a welcome relief. The Nautilus’ “unscripted” dining service is designed to let you eat at any time of the day... Order champagne in bed, a four-course meal for breakfast, or eggs benedict for dinner—the skilled chefs will whip it up just for you in a jiffy. And apart from the specialities at the Mexican, Mediterranean, Japanese, and Peruvian restaurants, should you feel like ordering something quite specific that’s not on the menu, just express what you’d like, and they’ll prepare it for you. You can even ask for breakfast in your private pool, with glasses of chilled wine, should you want to. There is no concept of à la carte here: the food is included in the overall tariff, so you don’t need to think twice about satiating your hunger.

As evening descends and the sky lights up with majestic hues, you may want to have a candle-lit dinner with your sweetheart. Or, perhaps, a private movie screening on the white sand beach, under the stars... Turn to the extensive list of films in their digital library, and inform your butler a day prior to arrange a beautiful, Pinterest-esque set-up, complete with chilled champagne, the finest cheese, fresh fruit, and plates of your favourite fare.

It's worth mentioning that the Nautilus is located in the heart of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, Hanifaru Bay, which means that water sport enthusiasts are in for a treat with the spectacular views underwater. Muster the courage and go snorkelling or scuba diving in the turquoise waters of the Maldives, where you will encounter the most spectacular range of aquatic life, from massive manta rays and guitarfish to beautiful yellowfin tuna, butterfly fish, bannerfish, oriental sweetlips, and even sea turtles. At the on-site AquaNautica PADI dive centre, you will be instructed and trained on how to navigate the waters, and their resident marine biologist will not only help you appreciate the local reefs a lot more, but also teach you how to plant your own corals during your stay. Take your pick from among the 40 diving spots, from Dhonfanu Rock that is filled with Black coral bushes and manta rays (during season), to Kakka, where you can spot schools of banner fish and octopus, or Milaidhoo Wall which is perfect for night dives and offers a lovely view of orange and yellow soft corals. Remember to ask for the photographs of you exploring the treasures underwater for memories to cherish forever, and to show to your children in the years to come...

At night, try the elaborate wine-tasting session, that offers the best spirits from across the world. Or, enjoy a private barbecue on a secluded sandbank, with the chef whipping up delicacies for just the two of you with the freshest ingredients. If you would rather stay in and enjoy the luxe property, ask for dinner at your private home, while a live acoustic band croons away and a cooking station is set up at your place.

On another day, you can set off on a yacht ride for a picnic above the waters. Pack in your most stylish swimwear for Insta-worthy pics, for the views are breathtaking, and sit back as the wind rustles your hair while you spot dolphins leaping into the air. This may not be the best spot to pop the question, in case the ring falls into the water (like in the Titanic), so if you plan a proposal in the Maldives, reach out to the good services of the property to arrange a romantic surprise for your happily-ever-after on the beach. The venue is also perfect for an intimate destination wedding, with a handful of your friends and family members joining in the celebrations... It will be a wedding to remember, with how your guests will be spoilt for choice surrounded by absolute serenity.

What about work, you ask? We’d advise you to forget about your laptop and send an auto-response with ‘out of office’, but if you really must, the Wi-Fi connection is very strong here, so you’ll be able to upload, download, and wrap-up urgent e-mails in no time. However, a much better way to use your time is to make your way to the Solasta Spa, a spacious wellness centre that specialises in bespoke wellness programmes and reinvigorating massages. Try the Afternoon Spa Laze session, where you’ll get a facial with a salt and mud scrub, pure floral therapeutic bathing, and a massage with honey. Or have yourself wrapped in cucumber and yoghurt for a cooling indulgence after a day in the sun. For those who want to improve their immunity, there is a special therapy that helps release long-held tension in the muscles, followed by steam and aromatherapy to relieve congestion, and an anti-inflammatory wrap.

Freedom is what you get when you visit The Nautilus...liberated from stresses. Your mind, heart, and soul realign to enjoy the bounties of life. And when you’re in such an exalted state, it’s quite natural that you’ll fall in love, all over again. So, perhaps, the adage really is true...a week on a (luxurious) deserted island is just what you need for true love.