The Nautilus Maldives Partners with ecoBirdy to Launch Sustainable and Inclusive Play Spaces for Young Wonderers

THE NAUTILUS MALDIVES, MALDIVES, May 12, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Nautilus Maldives, an ultra-luxury bohemian private island hideaway in the heart of the Indian Ocean, announces its partnership with ecoBirdy, the award-winning Belgian family-owned design brand known for its pioneering approach to design based on social and environmental responsibility.

In an inspired collaboration, The Nautilus has reimagined the furnishings of its Young Wonderers children’s club and The Nautilus Lounge at Velana International Airport. The spaces now feature ecoBirdy’s carefully curated and ergonomic design pieces, crafted from repurposed plastic toys, offering young guests an immersive experience that blends creativity, sustainability, and style.

Founded in 2018 by the design duo Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel, ecoBirdy started as a research project co-funded by the European Commission to find a sustainable solution to recycle plastic toys. ecoBirdy’s patented recycling system begins with the collection of old toys, continues through a mindful recycling process, and culminates in the design and crafting of modern, functional furniture and home accessories. Their unique material, ecothylene^® - 100% recycled and recyclable – underpins designs that are not only visually striking but purpose-built for children’s comfort with ergonomic forms, autonomy, and development.

From the first welcome at The Nautilus Airport Lounge to playful moments at Young Wonderers, children are now welcomed to environments that celebrate beauty, imagination, and respect for the natural world. Every EcoBirdy piece is crafted to support children’s independence, with ergonomic forms and easy-to-grip features designed with young behaviour in mind.

"This partnership embodies The Nautilus’s ethos," said Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. "Like ecoBirdy, we are family-founded and built on authenticity, creativity, and responsibility. Together, we’ve created inspiring spaces that not only delight our youngest guests but also reflect our commitment to timeless hospitality and respect for our planet."

EcoBirdy’s co-founder Joris Vanbriel, added: "True luxury carries a responsibility to future generations. Partnering with The Nautilus allows us to bring sustainable design to a new generation of conscious explorers." Co-founder Vanessa Yuan remarked: "We believe design has the power to inspire change. Through this collaboration, we hope to nurture creativity, care, and environmental stewardship among young guests of The Nautilus."

At The Nautilus, where time stands still and freedom reigns, a deeper message is now woven into every young guests’ experience: that living thoughtfully is the truest form of luxury.

To book, contact The Nautilus at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or visit our website here.

High-resolution photos can be downloaded at the link.

ABOUT ECOBIRDY
ecoBirdy was born in 2016 as a research project on plastic consumer goods, and how to recycle plastic toys sustainably. The two-year research was supported by the European Union Commission. Based in Antwerp, Belgium, founders and designers Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel come from different cultural backgrounds. After gaining several professional experiences in diverse fields of the international fashion and design industry, they found they share a vision to create solutions for environmental problems using innovative technologies. ecoBirdy created a patented system that starts with the collection of old, unused plastic toys, passes through the recycling phase and ends with the design and production of pieces of furniture. This results in a new recycled and recyclable plastic material called ecothylene^®. It has an ergonomic design, a new application of material, an innovative production process and an aesthetic impression. The Charlie Chair, Luisa Table, Rhino Lamp and Kiwi Container, along with a school programme and the story book “Journey to a New Life” were designed with an educational purpose in mind, to get youngsters engaged with sustainability.

Today ecoBirdy is not solely a children’s design brand, as its Lounge Collection and Tableware – Richard Armchair, Judy Side Table, Frost Table and Mabo Plate – have initiated an ethical “grown-up” line to home décor, proving that upcycled plastic waste can fit any needs. Each step is based on social and environmental responsibility, the design and production are all done between Belgium and Italy.

Certification, awards, and museum recognitions
In recognition of its vision and mission, ecoBirdy was honoured to be named as a Certified B Corporation in 2019 and in the following year, it was awarded the label of Efficient Solution by the Solar Impulse Foundation. ecoBirdy’s products have been exhibited in several museums around the world, from the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum in New York to the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna and the Design Museum Brussels in Belgium. The complete range of ecoBirdy’s kids’ collection is included in the permanent collection of the Young Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In 2018 the brand won the Outstanding Design and Innovation Award at the Good Design Award, Australia, and in 2019 the German Design Award in the Product Design category. Lastly, in 2021, ecoBirdy’ Charlie Chair was selected at the German Sustainability Design Award in the Pioneer category.

ABOUT THE NAUTILUS MALDIVES
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 creating a programme of 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. At the heart of the island, Young Wonderers offers one of the Maldives’ finest childcare and educational experiences, thoughtfully curated for children up to 11 years old. This vibrant hub invites young guests into a world of creativity and discovery, with activities ranging from local jewellery making and storytelling sessions to underwater treasure hunts. Each experience is designed to nurture curiosity, spark passions, and build lifelong memories.

Lenka Vodna
The Nautilus Maldives
+960 730-9802
lenka@thenautilusmaldives.com
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