SMALL, but perfectly formed…that’s one of the best ways to describe Nova Maldives.
This intimate resort sits upon a lush tropical outpost from where it suggests, but ultimately inspires, guests - known as ‘soulmates’ - to forget their troubles.
We were more than happy to take the challenge…
This intimate resort sits upon a lush tropical outpost from where it suggests, but ultimately inspires, guests - known as ‘soulmates’ - to forget their troubles.
We were more than happy to take the challenge…
If you really want that get away from it all feeling - and to swap your neighbours for friendly reef sharks in the process - then this island on the South Ari Atoll could be calling.
MALDIVES resorts come in all shapes, sizes and formats.
Try to find Nova Maldives on a map and you might be looking for a while…so thankfully a 25-minute seaplane flight from the country capital Male gets you there with ease.
The journey over the Indian Ocean, dotted with turquoise circles and smudges of rich greenery, gives Maldives first-timers glimpses of what to expect.
Yet the incredible clear waters and soft white sand so indicative of this revered destination arrive like a glorious surprise, even to destination returnees.
Try to find Nova Maldives on a map and you might be looking for a while…so thankfully a 25-minute seaplane flight from the country capital Male gets you there with ease.
The journey over the Indian Ocean, dotted with turquoise circles and smudges of rich greenery, gives Maldives first-timers glimpses of what to expect.
Yet the incredible clear waters and soft white sand so indicative of this revered destination arrive like a glorious surprise, even to destination returnees.
IT IS MANTA BE: The brief seaplane flight from the capital Male to the resort is all part of the Maldives adventure
The Nova casts its spell the moment you leave the arrivals hall at Velana International Airport.
Met by someone with a branded sign bearing our names, luggage is wheeled to the resort booth and then handed over to the Manta Air check-in desk. After a short drive to the seaplane terminal we’re in a spacious lounge with refreshments overlooking the briny ‘runways’.
For most, the seaplane is rightly a key part of the Maldives experience. It is also the most efficient transfer for further away resorts and before long we have swapped boarding jetty for landing platform where a boat whisks us to the Nova Maldives arrival deck and smiling staff.
A welcome drink and cold flannel accompanies an efficient check-in at the sandy reception area before a short familiarisation walk to our white paneled over-water villa.
Met by someone with a branded sign bearing our names, luggage is wheeled to the resort booth and then handed over to the Manta Air check-in desk. After a short drive to the seaplane terminal we’re in a spacious lounge with refreshments overlooking the briny ‘runways’.
For most, the seaplane is rightly a key part of the Maldives experience. It is also the most efficient transfer for further away resorts and before long we have swapped boarding jetty for landing platform where a boat whisks us to the Nova Maldives arrival deck and smiling staff.
A welcome drink and cold flannel accompanies an efficient check-in at the sandy reception area before a short familiarisation walk to our white paneled over-water villa.
VILLA THRILLER: Guests have a choice of beach villas and over-water villas with a jacuzzi or a plunge pool
‘Welcome to your soul place’ is written in sand at the entrance where main door entry is via a smart waterproof wristband, sparing keycard or physical key mishaps.
It opens onto an interior with pared-back design - think white walls offset by ash wood flooring and warm materials - leaving it to large sliding doors to frame the enticing water and reef beyond.
The view from the sumptuous king-size bed is classic Maldives and the star of this accommodation show. A broad wooden terrace is equipped with a table and chairs, a brace of loungers, and a jacuzzi, plus easy steps into the sea.
Wooden sliding doors access a generous bathroom with a bath also overlooking the sea beyond. A shower at the other end neighbours a discreet toilet cubicle, and a long twin-sink counter that includes dual, large circular illuminating mirrors beside a wooden drying rack and seating.
It opens onto an interior with pared-back design - think white walls offset by ash wood flooring and warm materials - leaving it to large sliding doors to frame the enticing water and reef beyond.
The view from the sumptuous king-size bed is classic Maldives and the star of this accommodation show. A broad wooden terrace is equipped with a table and chairs, a brace of loungers, and a jacuzzi, plus easy steps into the sea.
Wooden sliding doors access a generous bathroom with a bath also overlooking the sea beyond. A shower at the other end neighbours a discreet toilet cubicle, and a long twin-sink counter that includes dual, large circular illuminating mirrors beside a wooden drying rack and seating.
ROOM WITH A VIEW: Understated luxury in the villas allows the seascape beyond to be the star of the show
Little label messages on leave-behind bathroom lotions and gels, such as ‘Wash your worries away’, ‘Smoothly does it’, and ‘Shower me in kindness’ on the body wash are a nice touch.
Another door opens onto a sizable dressing table and wardrobe area with life jackets, safe, plus an ironing board, naturally lit via wood-slatted blinds.
A large propeller fan occupies the vaulted ceiling in a main room served by sofa with coffee table, plus a fridge minibar and tea/coffee-making area.
The overall design is uncluttered with light reflecting off placid cobalt sea and effective but discreet AC.
appleTV and decent WiFi coverage across most of the island lets you remain connected to the rest of the world...should you so wish.
General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru explains that Nova distinguishes itself from other resorts through its “modern, minimalist aesthetic” and “tech-integrated accommodation that offer great value”, particularly through the all-inclusive meal plan.
Another door opens onto a sizable dressing table and wardrobe area with life jackets, safe, plus an ironing board, naturally lit via wood-slatted blinds.
A large propeller fan occupies the vaulted ceiling in a main room served by sofa with coffee table, plus a fridge minibar and tea/coffee-making area.
The overall design is uncluttered with light reflecting off placid cobalt sea and effective but discreet AC.
appleTV and decent WiFi coverage across most of the island lets you remain connected to the rest of the world...should you so wish.
General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru explains that Nova distinguishes itself from other resorts through its “modern, minimalist aesthetic” and “tech-integrated accommodation that offer great value”, particularly through the all-inclusive meal plan.
BATHROOM DELIGHTS: That unobstructed view continues so you can enjoy a soak and gaze out towards the horizon “Our island experience is designed with the millennial traveller in mind, providing a fuss-free, value-driven experience in a vibrant community setting,” he says.
Although a compact little island, Nova fits a lot into its least footprint without feeling cramped or crowded.
It’s always easy to seek out tranquility, not least from one of the several seating spots strategically placed so you can take in one of the most geographically blessed places on earth.
Snorkeling is, of course, encouraged with gear available from excellently-named excursions hub, The Aquaholics.
Head to the end of the boat jetty for easy access to deeper waters, or the fringes of the coral that circles the beach and the island. Much of it is sadly now beige from bleaching, although that perhaps, ironically, provides a decent canvas against which to view some truly colourful and eclectic fish species.
Although a compact little island, Nova fits a lot into its least footprint without feeling cramped or crowded.
It’s always easy to seek out tranquility, not least from one of the several seating spots strategically placed so you can take in one of the most geographically blessed places on earth.
Snorkeling is, of course, encouraged with gear available from excellently-named excursions hub, The Aquaholics.
Head to the end of the boat jetty for easy access to deeper waters, or the fringes of the coral that circles the beach and the island. Much of it is sadly now beige from bleaching, although that perhaps, ironically, provides a decent canvas against which to view some truly colourful and eclectic fish species.
BECKONING DECK: There are loungers and a jacuzzi if you wish to stay close to your villa during part of your stay
Some bright spots are emerging from new growth and the resort has plans to give nature a helping hand.
Abdulla explains that an upcoming coral initiative, led by Nova’s resident marine biologist, focuses on creating a purpose-built installation prioritising the resilience of the structure and restoration of corals.
“This innovative structure will feature an adjustable depth, allowing us to control the ambient temperature and optimise conditions for coral growth," he says. "We will start the project with small coral samples, nurturing them until they mature and reach a suitable size for cautious transplantation to an appropriate part of the reef.”
Additionally, the resort plans to launch an ‘adopt a coral’ programme, enabling guests to become 'coral parents' and receive updates on growth of their reef.
Currently, even closer to shore you will spot black tipped reef sharks and the occasional nurse shark, as seen around our villa. You can add to that stingrays if you wait for dusk at the island’s other jetty where the fishy choreography can be mesmerising.
Abdulla explains that an upcoming coral initiative, led by Nova’s resident marine biologist, focuses on creating a purpose-built installation prioritising the resilience of the structure and restoration of corals.
“This innovative structure will feature an adjustable depth, allowing us to control the ambient temperature and optimise conditions for coral growth," he says. "We will start the project with small coral samples, nurturing them until they mature and reach a suitable size for cautious transplantation to an appropriate part of the reef.”
Additionally, the resort plans to launch an ‘adopt a coral’ programme, enabling guests to become 'coral parents' and receive updates on growth of their reef.
Currently, even closer to shore you will spot black tipped reef sharks and the occasional nurse shark, as seen around our villa. You can add to that stingrays if you wait for dusk at the island’s other jetty where the fishy choreography can be mesmerising.
SOUL KITCHEN: Innovative chefs in the resort's main restaurant know how to keep an international audience happy
Nova Maldives’ three restaurants offer an abundance of choices between them to reflect both location and the variety of guest nationalities.
Dedicated pool bar Solis is a haven for conversations around its swim up serving area where cold beers, cocktails and other drinks are dispensed to guests in the pool or on the beach and poolside loungers.
A few steps away and thatched roof all-day dining outlet Soul Kitchen has plentiful indoor seating inside and out on a patio area accompanied by morning and evening birdsong.
The kitchen is resourceful and prolific with lunch and dinner demonstrating huge breadth, from seafood mornay, Italian beef stew, tuna curry, chicken merango, accompanied by various salads, soups, canapes, tamarind-dressed pomelo salad…
Vegetarians are amply catered to with innovations such as mushroom bourguignon and celeriac dauphinoise, while desserts are equally tempting and the excellent ice cream a must.
Dedicated pool bar Solis is a haven for conversations around its swim up serving area where cold beers, cocktails and other drinks are dispensed to guests in the pool or on the beach and poolside loungers.
A few steps away and thatched roof all-day dining outlet Soul Kitchen has plentiful indoor seating inside and out on a patio area accompanied by morning and evening birdsong.
The kitchen is resourceful and prolific with lunch and dinner demonstrating huge breadth, from seafood mornay, Italian beef stew, tuna curry, chicken merango, accompanied by various salads, soups, canapes, tamarind-dressed pomelo salad…
Vegetarians are amply catered to with innovations such as mushroom bourguignon and celeriac dauphinoise, while desserts are equally tempting and the excellent ice cream a must.
FLAME GAIN: Seating inside and out and a strong menu makes this al a carte offering a key Nova dining option
Soul Kitchen breakfasts are just as varied with red velvet croissant, egg Florentine, and a decent shakshuka featuring one morning alongside dhiyaa hakuru - Maldivian coconut nectar - drizzled on pancakes rewardingly naughty on another.
One of our early food triumphs emerges at a la carte offering Flame where grilled colossal prawns, a decadent lobster bisque, and the tonka bean creme brûlée demonstrate visual and flavourful finesse.
You cannot miss signature over water teppanyaki restaurant Mizu, the boardwalk up to which also provides another great fish-spotting opportunity.
Inside, however, several meat, seafood and vegetarian-themed set menus are delivered by animated chefs, including a Kaiso seaweed-themed selection and the ‘farm and ocean’ mixed combination, available for a supplement.
Sandals can be dispensed as you wander onto Wink bar’s sandy floor for live music, a huge variety of drinks - including resort-inspired cocktails - and a pool table, if you wish to challenge other guests.
One of our early food triumphs emerges at a la carte offering Flame where grilled colossal prawns, a decadent lobster bisque, and the tonka bean creme brûlée demonstrate visual and flavourful finesse.
You cannot miss signature over water teppanyaki restaurant Mizu, the boardwalk up to which also provides another great fish-spotting opportunity.
Inside, however, several meat, seafood and vegetarian-themed set menus are delivered by animated chefs, including a Kaiso seaweed-themed selection and the ‘farm and ocean’ mixed combination, available for a supplement.
Sandals can be dispensed as you wander onto Wink bar’s sandy floor for live music, a huge variety of drinks - including resort-inspired cocktails - and a pool table, if you wish to challenge other guests.
MIZU: Theatrical chefs and great food make this signature over water teppanyaki restaurant a prime experience
While the music style changes each night, with a DJ playing when the band isn’t, mercifully the only place you will hear Gangham Style is during the Zumba session in the pool.
Even then, it serves as a reminder as to how very different a trip elsewhere might have been had Nova not figured in your plans.
Then, with 40% of the 157 staff - also referred to as Soulmates - Maldivian, there’s an authentic sense of place in this slice of paradise.
Abdulla, also Maldivian, is “deeply committed to nurturing local talent”, which promotes a positive and sustainable work environment.
“The inclusion of Maldivian Soulmates is vital; their rich cultural knowledge and innate warmth are integral to the unique Nova experience on our soulful island,” he explains.
This is a place of so many highs with the only negative being Nova’s apparent ability to make time fly.
Even then, it serves as a reminder as to how very different a trip elsewhere might have been had Nova not figured in your plans.
Then, with 40% of the 157 staff - also referred to as Soulmates - Maldivian, there’s an authentic sense of place in this slice of paradise.
Abdulla, also Maldivian, is “deeply committed to nurturing local talent”, which promotes a positive and sustainable work environment.
“The inclusion of Maldivian Soulmates is vital; their rich cultural knowledge and innate warmth are integral to the unique Nova experience on our soulful island,” he explains.
This is a place of so many highs with the only negative being Nova’s apparent ability to make time fly.
ISLAND GROOVE: Keep an eye out for a traditional Maldivian welcome serenade from the BoduBeru performers
Keeping kids entertained could prove a challenge over time, perhaps, although for those that love nature the whale and manta-watching trips can leave a lasting impression on a family.
The phrase ‘good things come in small packages’ is a very apt summary of Nova Maldives, a tiny island that packs in a lot without losing the sense of seclusion and intimacy demanded by most of us in a classic Maldives stay.
“Our island is small gem, intricately detailed and richly endowed with flora and fauna,” adds Abdulla.
“Enchanting pathways wind through lush greenery, offering both quick crossings and longer, mindful walks along the sea or beneath the canopies…providing a genuine escape into the tranquility of nature.
“Our island is not just small and perfectly formed; it is a vibrant, peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life.”
DETAILS:
NIGHTLY room rates cost from $368 per night for a beach villa, excluding taxes and fees, based on a June 25 full-board booking for two adults. Keep an eye out for some great summer discounts.
ALL-inclusive packages are available and seaplane transfers can be arranged through Nova Maldives on making your reservation.
FOR more, including current deals, visit www.nova-maldives.com
THE last word goes to Abdulla: “Our focus is on good soul days with a genuine touch of Maldivian hospitality, aiming to redefine what hospitality in the Maldives means.
“Nova isn’t just another all-inclusive resort; it’s a place that leaves guests feeling more joyful, at their best, and more connected to new friends.”
The phrase ‘good things come in small packages’ is a very apt summary of Nova Maldives, a tiny island that packs in a lot without losing the sense of seclusion and intimacy demanded by most of us in a classic Maldives stay.
“Our island is small gem, intricately detailed and richly endowed with flora and fauna,” adds Abdulla.
“Enchanting pathways wind through lush greenery, offering both quick crossings and longer, mindful walks along the sea or beneath the canopies…providing a genuine escape into the tranquility of nature.
“Our island is not just small and perfectly formed; it is a vibrant, peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life.”
DETAILS:
NIGHTLY room rates cost from $368 per night for a beach villa, excluding taxes and fees, based on a June 25 full-board booking for two adults. Keep an eye out for some great summer discounts.
ALL-inclusive packages are available and seaplane transfers can be arranged through Nova Maldives on making your reservation.
FOR more, including current deals, visit www.nova-maldives.com
THE last word goes to Abdulla: “Our focus is on good soul days with a genuine touch of Maldivian hospitality, aiming to redefine what hospitality in the Maldives means.
“Nova isn’t just another all-inclusive resort; it’s a place that leaves guests feeling more joyful, at their best, and more connected to new friends.”
