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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

Featured

Celebrate Eid al Adha in paradise at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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This Eid al Adha (6–10 June), Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites guests to escape to its private island paradise for a celebration filled with relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights. Located just a 45-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, the resort offers an unforgettable tropical retreat, perfect for families, couples, and friends seeking a memorable Eid break.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents an exceptional Stay & Dine package, designed for a worry-free holiday. The package includes accommodation on a half-board basis with daily breakfast and dinner at Kandooma Café, complimentary stays and meals for up to two children under 13 years old through the resort’s IHG Kids Stay and Eat Free program, and two complimentary scuba dives per person per day for up to two certified divers per villa (inclusive of equipment, air/Nitrox, return boat transfers to dive sites, and guide services, valid for a minimum of three consecutive paid nights). Guests staying five nights or more also benefit from complimentary return shared speedboat transfers.

Whether lounging on white sandy beaches, diving into crystal-clear waters abundant with colourful marine life, or relaxing at the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, the resort offers endless opportunities to celebrate the spirit of Eid.

Guests can indulge in an array of culinary delights at the resort’s restaurants and bars, featuring authentic flavours, fresh seafood, Maldivian specialties, and international favourites. From relaxed beachside bites to lively themed dinners, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Families traveling with children will appreciate the Kandoo Kids’ Club, which offers a variety of engaging activities for young guests. Meanwhile, couples and groups can explore stunning marine life, join island excursions, or simply relax and reconnect amidst the island’s natural beauty.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, commented: “Eid is a time to slow down, savour meaningful moments, and celebrate simple pleasures. At Kandooma Maldives, we invite families and friends to experience true island comfort, enjoy leisurely days in the sun, and indulge in authentic culinary delights crafted with care. We look forward to welcoming guests seeking a refreshing and joyful Eid escape.”

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Drink

Tacos, tostadas, and tropical vibes: Tex-Mex night at Cinnamon Dhonveli

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On a balmy Maldivian evening at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, guests were transported far beyond the turquoise waters and swaying palms to the vibrant heart of Mexico, where bold spices, generous flavours, and festive flair came alive in an unforgettable Tex-Mex dining experience.

Hosted at the resort’s Tex Mex restaurant, this exclusive culinary evening unfolded like a vibrant tapestry of taste, guided by a menu crafted to celebrate both tradition and indulgence. Each dish told a story, a moment of cultural homage wrapped in fresh ingredients and smoky, savoury aromas that floated into the air as guests dined by the ocean’s edge.

The evening commenced with the Chicken Caesar Cutlet—a zesty twist on the classic Caesar—featuring marinated chicken breast, avocado, feta, and a charred lettuce crunch. It set the tone for a menu that was both hearty and refined. Following this, the Taco Salad arrived, layered with fresh seafood, guacamole, and sour cream, offering a vivid medley of texture and freshness.

For those in search of warmth and comfort, the Mexican Chicken Soup brought soul to the table, rich with shredded cheese and tortilla chips. As the evening progressed, the grill’s stars made their appearance: a Sourdough King Beef Burger, dripping with cheese sauce and accompanied by golden fries, and the show-stopping Beef Birria Tacos, delivering a slow-cooked, spicy essence that had guests eagerly reaching for seconds.

Sharing was at the heart of the celebration. The Meaty Platter presented a bold feast—featuring grilled sirloin, ribs, and half chicken, accompanied by flour tortillas, guacamole, garlic mayo, and hot sauce. The seafood counterpart, the Seafood Platito, offered a tropical treasure trove of crispy calamari rings, prawn tostadas, green-lip mussels, and coconut-cut crabs, all enhanced by sides of salsa and creamy dips.

The Grilled Sirloin Steak, brushed with cilantro lime butter and served with shoestring fries, provided a classic finale to the main courses, while the Fajita Plates—offered with chicken, beef, or prawns—invited diners to craft their own flavourful creations for a fun, interactive finish to the evening.

Commenting on the event, Marlon Robert, General Manager at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, stated, “We wanted to create an experience that brings people together through food—flavours that spark conversation, dishes meant to be shared, and moments that stay with our guests long after the last bite. The Tex-Mex night was not just about dining—it was a culinary journey that brought a little heat, a lot of heart, and a dash of fiesta to our island.”

With the sound of the waves providing the evening’s soundtrack and the scent of grilled meats filling the air, this Tex-Mex night served as a vibrant reminder that in the Maldives, paradise isn’t just found in the scenery—it is also savoured on the plate.

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Awards

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa earns triple nominations at 2025 World Travel Awards

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, nestled within the naturally lush embrace of the Haa Alifu atoll, has been nominated for three prestigious titles at the 2025 World Travel Awards: Maldives’ Leading Beach Resort, Maldives’ Leading Honeymoon Resort, and Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort.

Anchored by North Point, one of the Maldives’ most expansive natural beaches, the resort features a crescent of powder-soft sand bordered by vibrant tropical greenery. Just offshore, a unique double house reef thrives, bustling with marine life. Guests can step from their villas directly into an underwater world teeming with colorful fish, graceful rays, and the occasional elusive guitar fish — a dreamscape for snorkellers and divers alike. For the more adventurous, legendary dive sites such as ‘Heaven and Hell’ offer encounters with the Maldivian ecosystem at its most pristine.

Accommodation at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a masterclass in space and privacy. Villas and multi-bedroom residences are artfully positioned to offer generous sanctuaries suitable for honeymooning couples, families, and groups seeking both connection and retreat. The expansive spaces afforded to each guest represent a rare form of luxury.

For those seeking the pinnacle of indulgence, The Signature Collection presents nine ultra-luxury residences. These magnificent private estates offer grand living spaces, elevated privileges, bespoke in-villa dining curated to guests’ preferences, and the attentive service of a dedicated butler — the ultimate expression of refined Maldivian living.

Romance is perfectly cultivated at Hideaway. Honeymooners are invited to create unforgettable memories through experiences designed exclusively for two, including magical ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ screenings on the beach, complete with the gentle sound of waves, popcorn, and Champagne. Private ocean escapades aboard the elegant 65-foot Hideaway Majesty yacht further enhance romantic journeys. The resort specialises in transforming life’s milestones — proposals, anniversaries, vow renewals — into deeply personal, unforgettable moments set against a paradise backdrop.

Dining at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa exemplifies its commitment to excellence. Guests can savour luxurious dishes at Oasis, the resort’s fine dining venue, featuring a signature menu crafted to captivate the most discerning palates. Culinary exploration continues across the main buffet restaurant, several à la carte options, a lively teppanyaki grill with live performances, and an Asian fusion restaurant offering exotic flavours from across the continent.

The Hideaway Spa, tucked amidst lush vegetation, adds another dimension to guest well-being. Treatments here become immersive rituals, accompanied by the natural soundtrack of rustling leaves and birdsong, offering profound relaxation, healing, and renewal for both body and soul.

In addition to luxurious accommodations and dining, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is celebrated for its exceptional recreation facilities. The expansive recreation centre includes two tennis courts, a Padel court, indoor badminton facilities, a state-of-the-art golf simulator, and a putting green. Guests enjoy active leisure surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and natural island landscapes, blending sport with nature. A fully equipped gym ensures that fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines, even while enjoying a tropical escape.

As a true guardian of natural luxury, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to embody the essence of refined Maldivian hospitality. Its unparalleled blend of natural beauty, absolute privacy, and heartfelt service has established it as a cherished sanctuary. These nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards serve as a testament to the resort’s enduring appeal and the exceptional experiences awaiting those who seek paradise in its purest form.

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