What It's Like To Have Naladhu Private Island In The Maldives All To Yourself

Not far from Hulhulé Island, where travelers arrive at Velana International Airport eager to begin the vacation of a lifetime (that will undoubtedly feel way too short), sits the private island of Naladhu, which means "beautiful island" in Maldivian. A name as simple as it is appropriate, this tiny island is home to not only one of the best and most incredible resorts in the Maldives, but also the world.

That's not hyperbole. Since opening in 2007, Naladhu Private Island Resort has filled its digital trophy case with myriad awards and distinguishments, while guests heap praise on this property for the tranquility, luxury and the many amenities that have been designed and developed to deliver guests the best of this spectacular destination.

Right now, though, things are obviously different and more difficult for world travelers, and so Naladhu Private Island has reacted and adjusted accordingly. One of the key aspects in reopening the Maldives and the overall Covid-19 strategy is relying on the resorts in doing their part, which led to the creation of Naladhu Private Island's "Stay with Peace of Mind" initiative.

In addition to a comprehensive list of protocols and health measures developed in conjunction with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and Health Protection Agency, Naladhu is also taking advantage of one of the most alluring trends in travel: buyouts.

Make no mistake—at $35,000 a night, this is a buyout for the "jet-set elite." It is the kind of vacation experience that we daydream about on our own vacations, because everything included at Naladhu Private Island exceeds our expectations and wildest dreams. That begins with a private speedboat voyage from Hulhulé and continues with seemingly limitless pampering from the moment guests arrive at their beachfront villas (check-in is done online now, of course).

Each villa style—Ocean House, Pool House and Two-bedroom Pool Residence—boasts its own private pool that is just steps from the bed. Guests can (and should) wake up and step right into the warm water to begin each day, or at least until the personal butler (one for each villa) arrives with a gourmet breakfast. Not feeling like a full meal first thing in the morning? Don't worry, breakfast is available all day, because the menus for both in-room dining and the on-site restaurant, The Living Room, are personalized for guests.

Once the day begins, it's not a question of what to do as much as how much can you do. Naladhu Private Island offers exclusive access to other islands like Gulhifushi, where private snorkeling and champagne service (above) are available, and those of sister properties, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, which also offer their own buyout programs.

The best way to experience and reach these spots is the Nirvana Day Cruise, which puts guests on their luxury private yacht cruise. Back on Naladhu, a wide variety of watersports is available for people of all experience levels, and it goes without question that these activities call for a signature spa treatment, which takes place in the privacy of each villa. It doesn't get much more elite than that.