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Nova Maldives introduces Community Street Food Festival on beach

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Are you ready to tantalise your taste buds with the most delectable food from eight different countries? Nova invites epicures and gourmets to its “Community Street Food Festival”, where guests can stroll on the beach, feast, enjoy authentic dishes and delights of up to eight Asian-Pacific cuisines and spend carefree time with their soulmates. Nova’s “Community Street Food Festival” will take place on May 1, 2023, on the white sandy beach of Nova’s small, private island.

The inspiration for the “Community Street Food Festival” refers to over 5,000 years ago when the Maldives became a key port of call for traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia with cargoes of cinnamon, cardamon, cloves, ginger and pepper. From the Maldives to Mauritius, Thailand, India, China, Morocco, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, guests will be spoilt for choice during the festival. Nova’s “Community Street Food Festival” is a platform for culinary arts and will guarantee a delicious fusion of authentic culinary traditions providing a unique and flavourful voyage of discovery for foodies, exciting and lovingly decorated food stalls, such as the BBQ stand and a colourful evening entertainment.

Maldivian Dishes

Guests can indulge in the unique flavours of the local Maldivian cuisine. With an array of spicy and sweet, and recipes passed down through generations, they won’t want to miss out on trying these dishes. With abundant marine life in the surrounding waters, fish and seafood are staple ingredients. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the Maldivian palm trees provide copious amounts of milk and oil, which are used in traditional dishes. During the festival, guests can find lots of coconut and fish at the Maldivian stand. Traditionally known as Dhivehi Cuisine, there will also be many vegetarian and vegan options to choose from and much more than the gourmet heart desires.

Street Food Stands

East of Africa and Mauritius’ cuisine is known for bold and complex flavours, with a mix of sweet, sour and spicy notes blending African, Indian, Chinese and European culinary influences. The festival allows guests to dive into African and Mauritian cuisine, from salads to slow-cooked beef and curry.

At the Thai stand, guests will encounter traditional Thai dishes famed for using fresh herbs, spices and ingredients renowned for their balance of spicy, sour, sweet and salty flavours characterised by lemongrass, limes, chilis, peppers and fish sauce. There will be plenty of choice, from salads, curries to classic Khao-Neow Mamuang fresh mango with sweet sticky rice or Khanom Ba Bin, and yummy grilled coconut pancakes.

With India’s rich culinary heritage dating back thousands of years and known for its use of spices and herbs, which are often blended to create complex and delicious flavours, the Indian stand will offer mouth-watering Paneer, Tikka Masala, including veggies and meats and delicious desserts such as Saffron Phirni, a rice pudding and Maal Pua, deep fried sugar dipped bread!

At the Chinese food stand, guests can indulge in a popular cuisine with a rich history spanning over 5000 years. Chinese food is known for its bold flavours and intricate cooking techniques, ranging from spicy dishes to delicate dim sums, with key ingredients including soy sauce, ginger, garlic and various types of rice and noodles. Guests can top off with fried sweet sesame balls with red beans for an unexpected, sweet sensation.

The Moroccan stand will showcase its vibrant food style heavily influenced by the country’s history and cultural diversity. Mixing spices, herbs and fruits, dishes will incorporate meat, couscous, and hummus. Guests can finish their meal with a sweet pastry, Basboussa (Orange Cake) or Baklava.

Indonesian’s regional diversity features aromatics, herbs and spices with key ingredients such as turmeric, chili, lemongrass, including rice, noodles, or tofu. Guests cannot miss the sweets, including Pisang Cokelat, fried bananas with chocolate sauce, and Kue Cubit, sweet cake with chocolate and cheese.

Sri Lankan food will truly excite the Nova guests’ taste buds, with seafood and meat curry, rice and vegetables, including cardamom, curry leaves, and coconut milk,. A must-try is the traditional cream coconut custard Wattalapam and Bibikkan.

Nova’s Restaurants

Nova’s five exquisite restaurants and bars add to the culinary round-the-world adventure are. From the global menu of Soul Kitchen to the perfectly cooked fish, seafood, and meat at Flames Grill House, there is something for everyone. Guests can indulge in the breath-taking views and mouth-watering tropical flavours at Mizu, Nova’s Overwater Teppanyaki Restaurant, relax with handcrafted cocktails and live music at Wink Bar, or unwind and sip on delectable fresh drinks at Solis Pool Bar.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the diverse culinary traditions of the region and join the Nova “Community Street Food Festival” and treat your taste buds to an unforgettable experience!

For more information: www.nova-maldives.com

Excursions

Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

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At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.

Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.

Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.

The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.

For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.

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Maldives beaches rated among world’s best for rest and rejuvenation

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Following a rise in searches for ‘calmcations’, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag have revealed the best destinations for a tranquil escape in 2025, with the Maldives named among the world’s most serene beachside getaways.

According to Travelbag, 72 per cent of British travellers go on holiday to relax and recharge, while 47 per cent seek experiences that help them feel more grounded and mindful. Searches for the term ‘calmcation’ – holidays focused on peace, quiet, and switching off – have doubled in the past three months, reflecting a growing shift away from busy itineraries towards more restorative travel.

To identify the most relaxing destinations, Travelbag analysed 36 global locations and ranked them against key serenity indicators, including noise and light pollution, cleanliness, the quality of green spaces, and local travel congestion.

Queenstown, New Zealand, secured first place as the world’s ultimate destination for tranquillity. Framed by the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, the town recorded exceptionally high scores for cleanliness (91.7) and quality of green spaces (94.4), alongside low levels of travel congestion and minimal noise and light pollution.

The Seychelles followed in second position, celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and exceptionally low noise and light pollution score of 16.7. Its islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette, remain havens of peace and natural charm.

Cairns, Australia, rounded out the top three, combining tropical serenity with well-maintained green spaces and an impressive cleanliness score of 69.6.

Also ranking among the top global destinations is the Maldives, long regarded as one of the world’s premier escapes for those seeking peace and seclusion. With its iconic turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and private island resorts, the country continues to attract travellers in search of restorative experiences.

According to Travelbag’s analysis, the Maldives achieved an impressive average beach rating of 4.63, placing it alongside the world’s leading beachside destinations. Beaches such as Bikini Beach, Baros Beach, and Reethi Beach were highlighted as examples of the country’s serene appeal.

Danny Hugill, Destination Executive for the Maldives at Travelbag, commented: “The Maldives is one of our most cherished destinations – an idyllic collection of tiny islands that offer unmatched opportunities to unwind. Long celebrated as a top honeymoon destination, it remains the ultimate place to escape, slow down, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.”

The findings underline the Maldives’ continued appeal in a market increasingly shaped by wellness, mindfulness, and relaxation. While destinations such as New Zealand and the Seychelles excel in specific indicators of serenity, the Maldives’ unique combination of luxurious seclusion, natural beauty, and consistently high-rated beaches ensures its position as a global ‘calmcation’ favourite for 2025.

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October at Soneva: culinary journeys, wellness retreats and world-class guests

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As the golden light softens the edges of the day and autumn arrives in the Maldives, Soneva’s resorts are inviting families to embrace a slower pace. Surrounded by settings where jungle meets shoreline and barefoot living is part of everyday life, October brings immersive experiences, diverse dining and guest appearances designed to create memorable moments.

Soneva is renowned for its sense of space – and this October, that space is offered as a place to connect, explore and dream. Guests are accommodated in expansive villas, whether set above the water or nestled within the forest, with each generation free to follow their own rhythm. Younger visitors are welcomed at The Den, where activities include chocolate-making, coral reef discovery and storytelling beneath the stars. Adults are offered opportunities such as sailing excursions, wine tastings by the beach and relaxed days defined by a tropical tempo.

The Soneva Stars programme in October features a notable guest line-up. Tennis player Andy Murray will lead sessions on the courts, Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar will conduct family swimming classes, and British astronaut Tim Peake will introduce guests to stargazing alongside stories from his career in space. The atmosphere is intended to remain relaxed, with experiences that are both engaging and uncommon.

Culinary experiences remain central to the Soneva offering. October’s highlights include Michelin-starred chefs joining the Soneva Stars programme: Tim Siadatan of Trullo and Padella will appear at Soneva Fushi for the first time, while Chet Sharma of Bibi will prepare a Diwali dinner at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Dining venues range from Flying Sauces, a treetop experience reached by zipline, to So Hands On by Chef Akira, an intimate six-seat sushi counter crafted in sake-finished pine. At Soneva Secret, each villa includes a private chef, offering a personalised dining experience.

For guests seeking tranquillity, October also marks the return of the SOUL Festival at Soneva Fushi, taking place from 9 to 13 October. This retreat gathers global figures in wellness, movement and transformation, offering barefoot rituals, sunrise breathwork and reflective discussions.

October at Soneva is framed by golden hours and starlit nights, with experiences designed to be shared across generations.

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