Nala Maldives by Jawakara Islands has officially opened its doors, bringing a new adults-only luxury hideaway (12 years and above) to the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. The intimate 10-hectare island resort is reached by a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, positioning it as an easy yet secluded escape for couples and friends seeking tranquillity, wellness and marine-focused experiences.
Adults-Only Sanctuary with Dual-Island Freedom
Nala Maldives is designed as a romantic, low-key sanctuary, with a strong focus on connection, quiet and space. Guests can enjoy the privacy of an adults-only environment on Nala while still having access to the full spectrum of dining, sports and entertainment at neighbouring Jawakara Islands, thanks to a dual-island concept. The journey between the two islands takes around three minutes by speedboat, making it simple to “play” at Jawakara and retreat to Nala’s serenity at the end of the day.
Sustainability and marine conservation sit at the core of both properties, with Nala positioned not just as a luxury resort but as a gateway to meaningful ocean-focused experiences and learning. This balance of barefoot romance and access to a larger resort’s facilities makes Nala a compelling new option in the Maldives’ competitive adults-only space.
Villas and Design: Privacy with Lagoon Views
Nala Maldives features 80 one-bedroom villas, all designed with comfort, privacy and views in mind. Categories include Sunrise Beach Villas, Romantic Beach Villas, Sunset Beach Pool Villas and Ocean Pool Villas, blending tropical décor with thoughtful indoor–outdoor living. Many units offer private pools or direct lagoon access, ensuring uninterrupted vistas of the Indian Ocean from decks, porches and plunge pools.
Select villas incorporate solar-powered energy systems, reflecting Crown & Champa Resorts’ broader shift toward more sustainable operations across its portfolio. Whether located on the beach or over water, every villa is configured as a spacious retreat for two, ideal for honeymoons, anniversary trips or adults-only group getaways.
Wellness at Sulha Spa
Wellness is a central pillar of the Nala experience, anchored by the resort’s Sulha Spa. The spa introduces several firsts within the Crown & Champa Resorts collection, including a Himalayan Salt Room, a Red-Light Therapy Room, a Sauna and a Cold Bath, creating a comprehensive hydrotherapy and recovery circuit.
Treatment options span traditional massages, hydrotherapy, Ayurveda therapies, yoga sessions and organic skincare rituals. The aim is to combine modern wellness science with holistic, nature-based healing, allowing guests to rebalance after long flights or simply build a daily spa routine into their stay.
Dining and Cross-Island Experiences
Nala Maldives offers a curated culinary line-up that highlights global flavours with a refined, resort-style approach. Velu serves international cuisine through live cooking stations; Milos brings Mediterranean-inspired dishes; and Kumo focuses on vibrant Asian flavours in a more contemporary setting. Guests can enjoy a mix of buffet-style and à la carte options depending on the venue and meal period.
Through the dual-island arrangement, Nala guests can also dine at Jawakara’s additional à la carte restaurants and enjoy extra sports and leisure facilities for an added fee. This flexibility allows guests to tailor their stay – keeping things quiet and intimate on Nala, or adding variety with extra dining and activities on Jawakara whenever they wish.
Marine Adventures, Diving and Sports
The lagoon around Nala Maldives is a key attraction in itself, with guests able to snorkel directly from the beach or overwater villas to explore the house reef. Non-motorised and motorised water sports are widely available, including kayaking, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, snorkelling, wakeboarding and jet skiing.
Diving is offered in partnership with Prodivers Maldives, giving guests access to guided excursions, PADI-certified courses and more than 60 dive sites across Lhaviyani Atoll. On land, the resort offers tennis, padel, futsal, volleyball, badminton, pétanque and a fully equipped fitness centre. Golf enthusiasts can play 9 or 18 holes on the Jawakara Islands course or work on their swing at the driving range, adding another layer to the activity mix.
Conservation, Research and Regenerative Ethos
A defining feature of Nala Maldives is its direct link to marine conservation and research. Guests can visit the Jawakara Atoll Research Centre and the Maldives’ first Sea Turtle Health Institute, developed by Jawakara Islands Maldives and managed by the Olive Ridley Project. These facilities focus on marine research, wildlife rehabilitation and the world’s first accredited sea turtle veterinary nursing programme, offering meaningful insight into ocean conservation.
Coral restoration projects and responsible snorkelling practices support the long-term health of the surrounding reef, aligning the guest experience with a regenerative tourism ethos. As Chief Commercial Leader Ahmed Shaheen notes, Nala Maldives is designed as a sanctuary for reconnection and authentic Maldivian experiences, while representing the next evolution of Crown & Champa Resorts’ luxury portfolio through its adults-only positioning, wellness focus and deep commitment to marine preservation.
