Naladhu to reopen in Maldives with new look and conservation initiatives

Naladhu Private Island Maldives is part of the global Minor Hotels group and sits within the Anantara portfolio, which also has another four properties in the country.

The resort closed in May but will now benefit from a refreshed makeover of its 20 houses when it reopens. The renovation included the top suite, a two-bedroom pool residence, which will now boast its own 20-metre private beach and sleep up to six guests.

New York-based designer Yuji Yamazaki, known for several cutting-edge projects in the Maldives and worldwide, is leading Naladhu’s redesign.

The 20-house resort will now have “sleeker furniture throughout” and a “brighter stylish colour palette”. Guests will be able to choose either a garden Beach House with private pool and direct beach access, or an Ocean House with pool and its own private beach cabana concept, including private terrace, the cabana on the beach with day bed and beach service via the villas’ butlers, known as Kuwaanus.

The restaurant, bar, wine cellar and gym are among the public areas also receiving a complete new look, while a new spa treatment area including a double treatment room will be added.

A naturopath and nutritional therapist will also now be resident on the island and guests will be offered specialist nutrition advice to help overcome stress, sleep issues and unhealthy eating patterns.

The resort will also introduce new experiences such as a snorkelling tour with the in-house marine biologist among 2,000 species of fish and sea mammals, with guests gaining an understanding of the resort’s coral conservation programme.

As part of its sustainability programme, Naladhu has also started working with Parley Air to reduce marine plastic pollution and recycle plastic waste, plus all single-use plastic has been banned on the island.

Meanwhile, the resort’s pre-renovation furniture has been donated to the Maldives’ only hospital for mental health.

Naladhu sits in a lagoon in South Male atoll, 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.