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
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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