Nova: the Maldives getaway with soul
Maldives Inspiration guide
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February, 2025
I t’s not a great mystery why Maldives is one of the most popular Indian ocean vacation destinations, year after year. The perfect year-round weather, stunning beaches, easy and affordable flight access and the well-known marine life make it an obvious choice for adventure-seekers, honeymooners and everyone in between.
The Maldives is full of dreamy islands, but Nova is something truly special. Tucked away in the heart of the South Ari Atoll, it’s a special place where life slows down, and every moment feels like a deep breath for your soul—a destination where the spirit of the Maldives comes alive. Embodying everything the Maldives is famous for, the South Ari Atoll's area is a getaway you may not know, but should. Located a short seaplane journey from Male, its white soft-sand beaches, sea glass-colored waters and awe-Inspiring marine life such as manta rays and whale sharks are reason enough to head over for a break from chilly temps and winter squalls.
Whether you’re soaking up vibrant energy or finding quiet moments of reflection, Nova invites you to embrace the art of living in the moment. Scroll on for a taste of Nova’s authentic Maldives charm—and what awaits you:
Treasure island
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Picture perfect beaches and 76 crafted beach and water villas make up Vakarufalhi, an island where the simple beauty of the Maldives meets contemporary design. From breezy beach retreats to overwater sanctuaries, every detail invites you to kick back, relax, and let the rhythm of island life guide you. The waters here are an electric turquoise color, clear and generally warm, hitting up to 30 degrees in the summertime. The island’s tiny size means you can walk from a shore to the shore in minutes, should you want to launch a kayak, experience house reef snorkeling or just get a ocean view. The most serenity beaches can be found on the southern end of the island where the powdery white sands meet the infinite shades of blue, creating a sanctuary for those who seek tranquillity blended with laidback elegance.
Every corner at Nova is a masterpiece, a harmonious blend of nature’s finest elements. The Community Hub is the island’s central place inviting you to meet and mingle and is open 24/7. Solis pool bar is an idyllic spot to spend a day sipping on a delicious cocktail or a perfectly blended tropical drink. Perched overwater, against the dream-like backdrop of azure lagoon, Eskape Spa are gently whisked away on a journey like no other. With all the facilities and world-class services, you’ll never have to worry about anything.
Water activities and marine life
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Whether you’re seeking ultimate relaxation or a tropical adventure, the Maldives' gorgeous waters are sure to amaze you. At Nova you'll want to do as the locals do and immerse yourself in "the life aquatic" each sun-kissed day. All manner of rentals—paddle boards, canoes and snorkel equipment for starters—are available free from watersports centre. For those seeking a stunning view of the blue azure unlike any other, Nova invites you to a parasailing adventure.
Just a splash away from your villa, a world-class house reef beckons with its vibrant coral formations and intriguing marine life. From snorkelling to diving, you will be astonished by the richness of the underwater world with over 2000 brightly coloured different species of tropical fish. Keep your eyes peeled for other beloved permanent residents, too—sea turtles, sharks, rays and most stunning fish — the whale shark. Be sure to sport reef-safe sunscreen and to observe local wildlife from a respectful distance.
Spend a day brushing up on your fishing skills, or head to spot dolphins at sunset and watch the breathtaking show they put on for you. Whether you are looking to take a break and spend a moment of solitude or spice up and reignite the sparks in your relationship — the sand bank is your own castaway adventure nestled in theheart of a crystal-clear lagoon at your soul place.
Feed Your Soul
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As the name implies, Maldivian Cuisine is where the bounty of the local waters meets a wide variety of South Asian influences—India, Sri Lanka and the Middle East among them. The result is colorful, ultra-fresh fare with bright and addictive flavors, and you'll find plenty of it at Nova' dining options where every meal is a celebration of taste, laughter, and togetherness.
Try a just-caught seafood while digging your toes in the sand at Flames, where the crabmeat-stuffed shrimp with rice and the beachfront seating are equally compelling draws. Gather with new friends or loved ones at communal spaces like Soul Kitchen, or indulge in Teppanyaki with endless ocean views at Mizu. Recently Nova presents a tempting veggie-friendly menu of delicious plant-based dishes for guests who are determined to be healthier and happier. In case you didn't already know, sipping a good drink at the end of a day in the sun and surf is a special kind of satisfying at Nova Maldives. Casual evenings at Wink or refreshing moments by the pool at Solis complete the island’s vibrant culinary offerings including great conversations, live music and delectable snacks.
With a modern all-inclusive community concept, choose your perfect meal plan from the various offers to ensure a blissful stay filled with good times.
Love it like a local
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Preserving the health of the Maldives, its precious waters, the breathtaking beauty of the islands, and marine life is a major priority in Nova, and supporting sustainability efforts can be an enriching part of a getaway here. Sustainability lies at the heart of everything Nova does, as the resort strive to nurture a delicate ecosystem and preserve the unique allure of its island sanctuary.
From marine conservation; to dining on local-grown vegetables and sustainably caught seafood; to adopt a coral; to a weekly Maldivian culture events; to volunteering in beach cleanups, there are many ways to enjoy all the Maldives has to offer while making a positive impact for generations to come.
Nova Maldives
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Best Experience: for Couples, groups, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving, All Inclusive
Nova is all about a fun, progressive, inclusive community formed by couples and groups of friends. Animators create a happening and communal atmosphere through activities and many live entertainment sessions. 76 land and ocean view Villas with private terraces, cosy furnishings and all the amenities you would require. There are multiple room types to choose from, including inter-connecting Beach Villas for families or groups of friends travelling together. From relaxing spa treatments to high tempo diving adventures, Nova offers a variety of activities for you to select from. Nova features a fantastic gym and outdoor training area, group fitness classes, and our spa focuses on treatments based on organic products.
One of the resort's star features is its location and natural proximity to the best dive- and snorkel- sites, as well as easy access to some of the most big populations of whale sharks and manta rays in the Maldives. A gorgeous house reef that located only 15 meters from the beach is close to any point on the island and is therefore ideal for snorkeling at any time and from any villa. The marine life is diverse and stunning, although corals have not yet grown so much, compared to many other islands in the South Ari Atoll. Expect to see the schools of snappers, soldier fish and batfish. The house reef is also home to mystical caves and overhangs. To explore the beauty of this underwater wonder, Vakarufalhi provides daily diving and night diving excursions. READ FULL REVIEW
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