The Nautilus Maldives Recognised in Condé Nast Traveler's The Gold List 2026

The Nautilus Maldives has once again earned a place in Condé Nast Traveler's The Gold List for 2026, standing as the only destination from the Maldives to receive this prestigious recognition. Curated by the publication's global editors, The Gold List honours destinations that set new benchmarks in luxury and celebrates places that leave a lasting imprint on discerning travellers.

This latest distinction reflects Condé Nast Traveler's continued recognition of The Nautilus's singular character and its commitment to crafting unscripted, deeply meaningful journeys. The private island's captivatingly free-spirited ethos, where moments unfold without hurry and guests embrace a world unbound by schedules, has long drawn admiration from international tastemakers and influential editors. The philosophy of Freedom Unscripted continues to define the island today, evolving through thoughtful craftsmanship and an intuitively personalised approach to luxury.

Since its debut, The Nautilus has emerged as a powerful voice within the ultra-luxury landscape. Its rise was first marked by its success in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, followed by further acclaim through honours such as Tatler's Best Private Island Retreat and its earlier inclusion in The Gold List. With only twenty-six beach and ocean houses, the private island has since become an unexpected yet compelling benchmark for privacy, individuality and the art of unscripted luxury.

Today's inclusion in The Gold List 2026 reflects not only sustained excellence but also the private island's ongoing evolution. From pioneering marine conservation programmes and curating world-class Masters for Masters residencies to elevating its culinary, wellness and personalisation frameworks, The Nautilus continues to shape a new narrative of experiential luxury in the Maldives.

General Manager Adan Gomez shared, "We are honoured to be named once more in The Gold List. Very few resorts have the privilege of receiving this recognition twice in such a short time. It speaks to the passion of our island family and the trust of the guests who choose The Nautilus as their home in the Maldives. The Gold List recognises destinations that are truly exceptional. To be acknowledged again reinforces The Nautilus's place among the world's most inspiring luxury resorts. It is a moment of great pride, and a meaningful affirmation of our philosophy rooted in freedom, individuality and authenticity."

As The Nautilus looks ahead, this accolade strengthens its resolve to remain a place where time slows, creativity thrives and every journey is curated entirely around the guest. A world shaped by them, and for them.

Karlyn Bautista
Director of Marketing and Communications
The Nautilus Maldives
Baa Atoll, Maldives

Phone: +960 660 0000
Mobile: +960 730 9802

www.thenautilusmaldives.com

Located in the Baa Atoll - a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve - and surrounded by the natural beauty of Hanifaru Bay, The Nautilus is an ultra-luxe bohemian hideaway in the Maldives, boasting just 26 beach and ocean houses and residences. The private island resort provides guests with the freedom to create the holiday they desire. Each house and residence benefits from a full butler service with a dedicated House Master, taking bespoke luxury to a new level and catering to each guest's individual needs in crafting unique experiences. A huge selection of activities for all ages awaits at The Nautilus, from bespoke culinary adventures and underwater explorations to private yacht cruises. The Nautilus features three restaurants and two bars, as well as the Solasta Spa that provides bespoke wellness programmes; a range of treatments; and yoga, fitness and meditation classes.

Created by a Maldivian hospitality visionary who was instrumental in developing numerous award-winning resorts, The Nautilus is the benchmark for ultra-luxury, not just in the Maldives but worldwide. His legacy is carried forward through the bohemian philosophy of the island by the next generation of the family.

The Nautilus was named Best Resort in the Indian Ocean in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2020 and ranked among the top three Best Resorts in the World. It was also listed in Condé Nast Traveler's highly prestigious The Gold List 2021 and Condé Nast Traveler Middle East's The Gold List 2021, and recognised as Best Private Island Retreat in Tatler's Travel Awards 2021. The Nautilus Maldives was again honoured by Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards in 2022 as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, and was recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 percent of hotels worldwide in the 2023 Travelers' Choice Awards. In 2024, The Nautilus Retreat was named among the Maldives' Most Outrageous Villas in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, and the resort was recognised among the top five Resorts in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. The Nautilus was also featured in the Tatler Wedding Guide 2025, the UK's leading luxury wedding publication. Most recently, The Nautilus was recognised once again in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2025, reaffirming its position among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, and was named "Independent Luxury Hotel of the Year" at the Aspire Awards 2025. The Nautilus's continued excellence has now been further acknowledged with its inclusion in Condé Nast Traveler's The Gold List 2026, celebrating the resort as one of the world's most exceptional luxury destinations.

This release was published on openPR.