“Free-spirited experiences. Unscripted dining. No clocks and no schedules. And all the comforts of home. I couldn’t get to The Nautilus fast enough!

Thankfully, no sooner had I left the comfort of the resort’s private lounge in Malé, I was soaring over the ocean onboard The Nautilus’ very own seaplane and touching down at this diminutive Baa Atoll isle just 30 minutes later. You could also make your trip completely bespoke from the word go though and charter a private seaplane or yacht.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this place is more than just a little bit special: a bohemian, ultra-luxurious hideaway with an artistic soul, just a sprinkling of one- and two-bedroom Beach and Ocean Houses and Residences (plus the overwater, two-bedroom Nautilus Retreat and the beach-based, three-bedroom Nautilus Mansion) – each with a private pool and a dedicated ‘House Master’ taking care of every need.

Nearly everything here is bespoke, so guests can revel in the freedom of almost completely forgetting time exists: a relaxed, informal approach to resort living that I could totally get behind. No rules, no dress codes, no set restaurant times, no fixed menu choices… and none of that ‘see and be seen’ vibe.

There are numerous ways The Nautilus stands out in what is, these days, a hugely competitive showground of luxurious Maldivian marvels. The service is one of them. With just 26 lodgings to take care of, every staff member really does go ‘above and beyond’ to get to know their guests, their preferences, predilections, allergies and aversions – you name it – exceedingly well (though nothing feels forced – it’s all done to simply ensure everyone has the most exceptional stay on this incredibly idyllic island).

It was great to finally meet Ibba, my House Master, on the jetty after touchdown too (he’d already been in touch prior to my arrival to say hello, to see if I wanted to arrange anything in advance and to get all the necessary info so he could personalise my in-room experience). From there, it was straight to my hugely spacious, beautifully decorated Beach House (reception desks are far too formal for this type of property).

And, as the name suggests, Nautilus goes big on watersports and aquatic activities, with a dive centre, a flotilla of boats, kayaking and whale- and manta-spotting trips to Hanifaru Bay, plus an outstanding house reef. I took a short solo snorkelling trip and saw so much marine life it was unreal – I only wish I’d had more time so I could have taken up the offer of exploring more of it with one of the dive team.

As resort amenities go, all the usual suspects are found here but they’re pretty impressive considering it’s such a petite property.

Its highlights? The overwater, soul-soothing Solasta Spa where you can just rock up for a treatment in one of the three glass-bottomed treatment rooms, no reservation required (there’s a separate yoga studio and relaxation area too); and the Young Wonderers’ Kids’ Club with its whirl of child-centric activities.

Though most guests tend to hang around their villa during the day (and often at night), come sunset most tend to congregate at Naiboli – the gorgeous poolside lounge with its sumptuous loungers and cabanas – for complimentary gourmet canapés (available all day, every day), daily sunset cocktails and the ‘Nautilus Rising’ ceremony, when the main pool’s distinctive Nautilus shell gradually comes alight, giving the illusion that it’s actually rising out of the water.

And the food! Being a member of Relais & Châteaux, there’s a strong foodie focus across the Japanese / Latin-American / Mediterranean / Arabic and global-themed restaurants.

Eat when you’re hungry, have breakfast for dinner, drink champagne in bed. There are menus to choose from if the almost endless choices are too much to bear; or just have chef prepare whatever it is you fancy, whenever you fancy it (so if you want teppanyaki by the beach at 2am, it’s yours for the taking)!”

After a short stopover at the resort’s private Malé lounge (easily one of the best: small, but beautifully designed) and the 40-minute seaplane flight to the tear-shaped Muravandhoo Island, the home of JOALI, I was really impressed to see that most of the other islands here are local and, with none of them in sight of the resort itself, you instantly feel a million miles away from reality. (As an aside, you could also charter a private seaplane or take the 35-minute domestic flight from Malé to Ifuru followed by a short 15-minute speedboat ride if you prefer).

Having been met and welcomed by the entire management team at the arrival jetty which, depending on the angle you view it from, looks like a manta ray or two entwined fish (just a taster of the outstanding design and artwork on show around the property), I met my personal ‘Jadugar’ (butler) which brilliantly, I thought, translates to ‘magician’ and we headed off by buggy to my Sunset Luxury Water Villa.

All of the vast, high-ceilinged, thatched-roofed Beach Villas, Water Villas and one- to four-bedroom Residences come with super-classy interiors: striking glassworks and sculptures by Feleksan Onar and Seckin Pirim, high-tech wizardry, a goodie-packed, vintage stand-alone bar with every type of drinking receptacle imaginable (which I defy anyone not to want in their own home), plus an infinity or shaded jungle pool – some have two – and awesome outside living and dining spaces with superb sea views.

They’re all brilliantly spaced apart from one another too, so it’s harder to see or hear your neighbours. Oh, and one for the ladies – you can definitely tell a woman was heavily involved in the villas’ interior amenities – finally a room with hair-straighteners as standard, perfectly placed plug-sockets and a dressing table with excellent lighting for doing your make-up!

There’s an epic range of land- and watersports, a real focus on wellness and special features like the art studio and gallery, artisanal chocolate and ice-cream store and impressive library. And, while the house reef isn’t as good as that of The Nautilus, the dive centre is fab; its helpful PADI-certified instructors offering everything from lessons for beginners to excursions into the deep-blue for diving pros. There’s also a unique underwater coral sculpture garden that you can snorkel or dive to and weave your way through its extraordinary sculptures.

All this aside, most guests tend to spend the majority of daylight at ‘home’, so the only time you really feel like you’re not alone is at night when people venture out to explore the joys of JOALI’s culinary arts: all the jewels of Italy at Bellinis; the delectable delights of distinctly Japanese floating restaurant Saoke; themed dinners, art-immersive experiences and international choices at Vandhoo; or personalised culinary experiences at Her Kitchen – a great option for anyone wanting to learn how to make some lovely local Maldivian recipes.”