Featured
Nova Maldives: bright new star in Maldives invites guests for ‘good soul days’
Pulse Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of its newest addition to its portfolio, Nova Maldives. A bright new star in the Maldives is born!
There are holidays and then there are good soul days
Located in the heart of the South Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes away by seaplane from the Velana International Airport, Nova is an all-natural island with soul that sparks joy and is designed for real connection with a modern all-inclusive community concept. Nova believes in a greater calling than simply a lifestyle holiday destination, it’s where people can live in the moment and immerse themselves into the spirit of the Maldives and the vibrant Nova community.
The island soul
The world-famous South Ari Atoll is one of the biggest atolls in the Maldives and is known for its spectacular diving sites and as a scuba diver’s ultimate playground with regular sightings of whale sharks, Manta rays, shark points and some impressive shipwrecks. Nova is located in the heart of the atoll, and the underwater world surrounding Nova and its incredible house reef is known for its breathtaking marine life – a nature’s playground for water lovers that gives a treat for the soul underwater. But here’s where the main attraction is – located near SAMPA (South Ari Marine Protected Areas) Nova is the ultimate destination for all avid divers and snorkelers. There are a few destinations in the world where in-season whale shark sightings are guaranteed – Nova happens to be one of them.
While at Nova, you are bound to encounter the magnificent Manta rays and the whale sharks throughout the year around the Nova waters as well as a plethora of colourful fish, eagle rays and various types of sharks. Swim or glide alongside the gentle giants of the ocean – a meditative, soul-filling, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Your soul place
The all-natural island boasts 76 spacious over-water and beach villas with 10 categories designed for the ultimate stay, whether you travel with your significant other, solo, with loved ones, friends or family, each villa is designed with utmost care in contemporary minimalist design to ensure that your stay is a blissful one. Private terraces and endless ocean views? Check. Pared-back interiors awash with custom-made furniture and well-stocked fridges (generously replenished daily)? Check, check and check. Everything is built using natural materials to blend in perfect harmony with the lush tropical surroundings. With fast WiFi and surround sound TV, stay as connected as you wish or disconnect completely in the rainfall shower, king-size bed, and inspiring surroundings. Turn off your phone, kick off your shoes and relax. At Nova, nothing feels as good as taking the day at your own pace, especially with such a view.

Feed your soul
At Soul Kitchen, Nova’s relaxed all-day dining buffet venue, guests can savour the freshest flavours from around the world in a light and bright setting. Additionally, there are two à la carte restaurants: Flames, Nova’s Grill House, the go-to place for the most delicious and succulent grilled local fish, seafood and fine meat dishes, and the absolute foodie highlight, Mizu. The overwater Teppanyaki experience with live cooking stations, is where you can spoil yourself with a signature menu with fresh tropical flavours and seared ocean delights. Whatever your heart desires, Nova promises to not only deliver but make it just right – a love song to your soul.

Into the groove
Nova also brings together and offers a fluid range of experiences for its community to make real connections and moments they’ll remember for a lifetime. The soulful island is always brimming with activities whether it is pool parties at Solis Pool Bar, evening gatherings for communal snacks, DJs, and party nights at the main bar, Wink, our guests are never out of options for entertainment and part of a community that connects and experiences Nova and the Maldives together.

Rejuvenate your soul
Pamper your body, mind and soul at Eskape Spa, nested over-water with breathtaking views of the Nova lagoon. The spa at Nova will take you through a holistic wellness journey to reconnect and awaken your senses, by featuring four blissful treatment rooms with an indulging choice of organic oils, a Thai Sala and a yoga pavilion. The Nova wellness experts also offer a host of holistic spa rituals using luxurious organic products and tailor-made wellness programmes to the good souls at Nova to enhance their body’s and soul’s wellbeing and restore moments of mindfulness.

Playful soul
Nova’s water sports and dive centre ‘Aquaholics’ boasts a world-class PADI aqua team and a resident Marine Biologist who are all equipped to provide a wide range of water activities, all set to give you the experience of a lifetime at any of the 40+ dive sites around the island within a 30-minute boat ride from Nova. Besides jet skiing, parasailing, waterski, wakeboarding, fun rides, kayak, SUP, kite and windsurfing and Topcat sailing, Nova guests can also engage in some community-filled activities like beach volleyball, tennis, football, and not to forget a state-of-the-art fitness centre. There is enough for the love of a physical soul too!

Nova cares
Environment protection and sustainability are at the heart of the Nova soul. The resident marine team is dedicated to leading coral adoption initiatives, and Nova also promotes a guest programme to support and protect nature initiatives. Using organic and biodegradable materials has further enhanced Nova’s commitment to save the sensitive reef structures and the nature within the island. Nova’s key values being responsible includes minimising its carbon footprint by reducing the islands waste and energy consumption. All water waste and glass are recycled, food composted, items responsibly packaged, energy saved through smart room controls and printed collateral radically reduced by the mobile app and interactive systems.
Nova nation
Nova believes in being part of the community and to be rooted in the Maldivian history and culture, creatively indulging in promoting local art forms and experiences for its guests. Nova guests will experience regular cultural interactions and performances of authentic Maldivian artists, savour Maldivian food, including food tasting and cookery classes, learn from local artisans and manufacturers or simply enrich their souls by a visit to the nearby cultural heritage village to immerse themselves in traditional island life.
Nova is geared up to bring playful and curious experiences into our everyday lives, and strictly abiding by respecting our precious environment by being responsible and smart, it promises to deliver a human connection that touches your soul.
Be it by lounging on the beach, partaking in some fun activities, or indulging in some downtime at the Spa – there’s only ONE thing you need to know about Nova. Here, at your soulful home, you decide what you want to do. Nova is about people taking the time to do what makes their soul happy. From the moment you step on the island, the only feeling you experience is pure joy, happiness, and soulful bliss!
Peek into the world of brighter possibilities, elevated encounters, and good soul days!
Book now from USD 545 all-inclusive, based on two soulmates sharing. Stay informed and visit Nova Maldives online: www.nova-maldives.com Don’t hold back, and get in touch with: hello@nova-maldives.com
Featured
Six Senses Laamu unveils 17 new overwater villas across four categories
Six Senses Laamu has introduced 17 new overwater villas across four accommodation categories as part of a multi-year transformation programme aimed at upgrading guest accommodation and shared facilities at the resort.
The new villas feature expanded living spaces, redesigned interiors and additional amenities, while maintaining the resort’s focus on marine conservation and its surrounding natural environment.
The interiors incorporate a coastal colour palette featuring white and neutral tones alongside shades of blue inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Natural materials are used throughout the villas, including driftwood coffee tables, handcrafted hanging lamps and decorative features.
A notable design element is a textured surface pattern inspired by the structure of a turtle shell. The design references the hawksbill and green turtles found in the waters surrounding the resort, reflecting Six Senses Laamu’s marine conservation initiatives.
Each villa features panoramic windows overlooking the ocean, alongside indoor seating and dining spaces.
Outdoor amenities include an 18-square-metre private swimming pool, an overwater hammock, dining and lounge areas, and an upper deck offering views across the lagoon. The villas also feature bathtubs positioned to provide ocean views.
The four new accommodation categories are Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool, Laamu Water Villa Suite with Pool, Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool and Family Water Villa with Pool.
All four categories offer expanded interiors, dedicated seating and dining areas, additional wardrobe space and outdoor decks.
The Horizon Water Villa Suite with Pool is designed to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon.
The Family Water Villa with Pool is a new accommodation concept for Six Senses Laamu, featuring a separate children’s bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
The family villas also include private pools and outdoor decks, providing shared recreational spaces alongside separate accommodation areas for children.
Families staying in the new villas can participate in the resort’s Junior Marine Biologist programme, which introduces younger guests to marine life and conservation activities.
The introduction of the new accommodation categories marks the first phase of a wider redevelopment programme at Six Senses Laamu.
The multi-year project will include further improvements to guest accommodation and shared facilities, while retaining the resort’s existing marine conservation programmes, house reef and environmental initiatives.
The 17 new villas will be available for stays from 6 December 2026, with rates starting from USD 2,185 for an Ocean Water Villa Suite with Pool.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll secures triple win at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026
.Here Baa Atoll has received three awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2026, including the title of World’s Best Luxury New Resort.
The private island retreat was also recognised as Best Luxury Private Island Resort in the Indian Ocean and Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Maldives.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences across two secluded islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The resort focuses on providing private accommodation, personalised services and experiences tailored to individual guest preferences.
The recognition as World’s Best Luxury New Resort marks a significant achievement for the property, which has positioned itself within the ultra-luxury hospitality segment since its opening.
At Somewhere, the resort offers three- and four-bedroom residences combining beachfront accommodation with overwater architecture. The residences feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private infinity pools and views of the Indian Ocean.
Guests are supported by dedicated Roohu hosts, who coordinate services and experiences according to individual requirements throughout their stay.
Nowhere Private Island offers an eight-bedroom private island accommodation option designed for families and groups seeking exclusive use of the facilities.
The island features a private cinema, spa, gym, swimming pool and dedicated dining and entertainment spaces. Guests can also arrange personalised culinary experiences and other activities during their stay.
The resort’s dining offerings include SAFAR Restaurant and private dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
Marine excursions are also available aboard the resort’s private yacht, ASMAS, allowing guests to explore the surrounding waters and marine environment of Baa Atoll.
The resort operates under its Embrace the Now philosophy, which focuses on personalised experiences and allowing guests flexibility in how they spend their time on the islands.
The three awards add to several international recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll in 2026.
These include its inclusion in the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List, two awards at the AHEAD Asia Awards, recognition in DestinAsian’s Luxe List and a place among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
The World Luxury Hotel Awards recognise hotels and resorts across various categories based on their luxury hospitality offerings, service standards, design and guest experiences.
The latest awards recognise .Here Baa Atoll’s accommodation, facilities and personalised hospitality services within the luxury tourism sector in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Awards
Milaidhoo Maldives’ Serenity Spa wins Best Hotel Spa at Condé Nast Johansens Awards 2027
Milaidhoo Maldives’ overwater Serenity Spa has received the Best Hotel Spa award at the 2027 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, recognising the resort’s personalised wellness services and spa experiences.
The awards ceremony was held at The Montcalm Mayfair in London on Monday, 2 November 2026. Milaidhoo Maldives was represented by Georgie Westley, Corporate Director of Marketing and Communications at Versa Hospitality, alongside representatives from ROVE PR UK.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serenity Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and services in an overwater setting.
The spa provides personalised wellness programmes supported by an on-island wellbeing consultant, daily yoga classes and an extensive selection of treatments designed to meet individual guest requirements.
Guests can receive treatments at the overwater spa or in the privacy of their villas. The treatment menu includes massages, beauty therapies and specialised wellness treatments incorporating advanced technologies.
Among the technologies available at Serenity Spa are the LYMA Laser, Archedaway Cupping Therapy and M2T Blade. The spa also uses products from wellness and beauty brands including Natura Bissé, Aromatherapy Associates, Obsidian for Men and Margaret Dabbs.
Milaidhoo Maldives incorporates wellness into other aspects of its guest experience, including its culinary offerings. The resort’s approach includes meals prepared using fresh ingredients from its Chef’s Garden, alongside daily yoga sessions and activities centred on relaxation and wellbeing.
Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo Maldives, said the award recognised the spa team’s commitment to delivering personalised services.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. Our Serenity Spa is a special part of the Milaidhoo experience and our team, the Milaidhoo Family, takes great care to ensure every guest receives the attention and personalisation they deserve. From expert treatments to the simple pleasure of taking time for yourself, we want guests to leave feeling refreshed and reconnected,” he said.
The recognition highlights Milaidhoo Maldives’ wellness offerings, which combine spa treatments, specialist therapies, personalised services and wellness-focused dining experiences.
The resort continues to incorporate wellness into its hospitality offering through its Serenity Spa, culinary programmes and recreational activities.
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