Featured
Light up this festive season at ‘Ignite your Soul’ festival at Nova Maldives
Escape winter this year at the new, Nova Maldives and get into the Christmas spirit with an exciting programme of magical events taking place at the resort’s ‘Ignite your Soul’ festival from 22 December 2022 to 6 January 2023. Each event is dedicated to reviving the soul – from tailored experiences to adrenaline-fuelled adventures.
Nova’s beautiful private island and its breezy villas are the ideal solutions to banishing any winter blues and the Nova’ elves have been busy creating some spectacular activities for Christmas and New Year for guests to enjoy. From fluorescent night snorkelling to sunrise yoga and from swimming with whale sharks on Christmas Day to dancing the night away and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. So let the feet wander, the eyes marvel and the soul ignite at Nova.
Once-in-a-lifetime aqua experiences
Dive into bucket-list adventures at Nova’s marine centre, Aquaholics, and discover what lies beneath the crystal blue waters around the resort. Experience the colourful marine life of the South Ari Atoll with Nova’s festive programme of events, including manta, turtle and dolphin quests, whale shark snorkelling tours, sunset fishing excursions, night scuba dives and coral gardening! For a truly personal adventure enjoy a private fluorescent night snorkelling excursion and experience the dark marine world in a whole new light or create happy memories on a sunset cruise on the beautiful Indian Ocean with the perfect bottle of Champagne.
A feast for the soul
Culinary connoisseurs are invited to nourish the soul by relishing in the fusion of authentic and global cuisines at Nova’s many restaurants including overwater traditional Maldivian dinners, cocktail receptions with DJ sessions on the beach and an elegant gala on Christmas Eve. Accompanied by live music under the stars and nostalgic festive activities such as a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sandbank Sunset Party, Nova will set souls alight and ignite a lasting holiday spark right through to the New Year.
Soulful entertainment
While good soul days are a given at Nova throughout the year, the festive season is especially noteworthy as the days are filled with memorable moments designed to let the good times roll as the final days of 2022 approach. Enjoy live performances featuring an array of DJs and bands. From jazzy nights under the stars to captivating live music and funky pop; these soul-enriching performances invite everyone to grove along.
Other activities include themed soirees, ranging from disco nights and Latino dance parties complete with salsa lessons to poolside parties, fire shows and even a pop-up stall featuring the work of local craftsmen and artisans. For those looking for a cosy vibe, Nova offers movie nights under the stars.
Following the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, Nova invites guests to welcome in the New Year with a party at Wink, its vibrant beach bar, followed by a firework show where the celebrations will continue until sunrise with more festivities to come in the following days – guaranteeing an unforgettable way to start the new year.
Rejuvenating wellness
Awaken the spirit while rejuvenating mind, body and soul with Nova’s specially curated programme of wellness activities. Unwind with a sunrise yoga session, elevate mind and body and spirit with a massage workshop, relax into a signature spa treatment, participate in a sound healing session or make a head start on the New Year’s resolutions and join a group fitness class.
For more information about the festive season programme 2022/23 visit https://nova-maldives.com/nova-festival/
Featured
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
Awards
JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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