Featured
Nova Maldives launches ‘Slow Itinerary’ and exciting offer for sustainable summer getaway

Summer is approaching, and many people share the desire to spend their vacation in a sustainable way. Right in time, Nova, the bright new star resort in the Maldives, launches an unbeatable discount on villa rates and its all-inclusive supplement for stays from May up to and including July 2023. But that’s not all – Nova is also introducing its “Slow Itinerary”, a programme that allows guests to engage in sustainable activities. Guests can learn new skills, support the local community and environment with meaningful projects, reconnect with nature and feel its beneficial effects while reducing environmental impacts.
Guests on Nova can enjoy organic and local dining experiences at Soul Kitchen and Flames, its signature restaurant that now offers new vegan and vegetarian dishes. During the authentic “Holhuashi” event, culture enthusiasts can integrate with local life and learn about Maldivian customs and lifestyles, taste local products and learn to prepare Maldivian “Hedikaa Tea”, traditional savoury and sweet bites from a Maldivian housewife. Guests taking part in the Maldivian coconut oil workshop can find out more about the diverse applications of coconut oil, not only in Maldivian cuisine but also in “Dhivehi Beys”, the traditional Medicine of the Maldives and islanders’ system of herbal medicine.
For those who prefer educational workshops, Nova offers “Basmagu”, an introductory Dhivehi language class, a Boduberu workshop and Maldivian Flora and Fauna workshops.
Guests’ inner well-being is not neglected either, with complimentary yoga and gratitude meditation sessions amidst the sounds of nature, guests can find harmony and embark on a rejuvenating vacation dedicated to inner wellbeing and relaxation.
What sets Nova’s “Slow Itinerary” apart is its regenerative activities, such as the coral aquaculture workshop or the Nova house reef cleaning. Guests can make an active contribution and positive impact on the environment by e. g. liberating the Nova house reef from crown of thorns and as such leave the place they visit in a better state than when they arrived.
During the coral gardening workshop, guests can help the resident marine biologist plant young corals grown in a protected nursery until adulthood back into the natural environment of the Nova house reef. What better way to experience the dazzling coral reefs surrounding Nova than to actively help protect them?
With participation in these activities, Nova enables guests to give back to the community during their vacation, immersing themselves in and experiencing the local culture and environment while making a difference.
In addition, Nova guests can enjoy the following benefits from May up to and including July 2023:
- Up to 52% discount on all room types and meal plans
- A 30-minute photo shoot session with a printed photo (6×8) per villa per stay
- Daily complimentary group Sunrise Yoga
- Complimentary use of snorkelling fins and masks during the stay (applicable for all-inclusive only)
- Complimentary rental of standard kayaks and paddleboards (non-guided) once per stay (applicable for all-inclusive only)
- 20% discount on food at the a’ la carte restaurants
Nova is the bright new star among resorts in the Maldives, as it 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. Smart, playful, rooted and responsible, Nova embodies the very essence of the Pulse Hotels & Resorts brand. It’s a refreshing take on the all-inclusive concept that extends beyond the meals and services, welcoming everyone to enjoy what Nova offers. This 76- villa island is in South Ari Atoll and is reached by seaplane and guests of all ages are welcome at Nova, as we are a truly inclusive community. From beach volleyball and diving to local art and culture, from the stylish, laid-back land and over-water villas to deliciously fresh dining, Nova is about people taking the time to do what makes their soul happy.
For more information on the Nova summer offer, please visit: https://nova-maldives.com/offers/slow-itinerary-special-summer-offer/
Awards
Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.
Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.
Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:
- Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
- Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
- AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
- Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
- The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
- Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.
The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.
General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”
The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.
Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.
With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
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