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
Minor Hotels celebrates multiple wins at TTM Awards 2025

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group operating nine resorts in the Maldives, has announced that three of its properties were recognised at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2025. The annual awards celebrate achievements across 28 categories, with winners selected through votes cast by guests and travel partners.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives received the award for Best Family Resort. The property is known for offering experiences for all ages, with facilities including a playground, splash park, and gourmet kitchen at its children’s club, alongside an extensive schedule of activities. Young guests are provided with age-appropriate experiences such as snorkelling safaris, cooking classes, surf lessons, and outdoor cinema evenings.
Accommodation includes a variety of spacious villas and pavilions, such as the newly renovated Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villa. Combined with diverse dining options, recreational activities, and personalised service, the resort seeks to provide both adventure and relaxation for families.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort was named Best Beach Resort, reflecting its setting of white sands, turquoise lagoons, and coconut groves within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort offers contemporary villas, including Beach Pool Villas and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, with direct beach access.
Since opening in 2023, Avani+ Fares has aimed to introduce a laid-back approach to Maldivian holidays, combining modern design with the natural environment. Guests can participate in activities ranging from water sports and wellness to dining and cultural programmes.
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort was awarded Best Dive Resort, recognised for its accessible house reef and marine biodiversity. Located close to the shoreline, the reef offers opportunities for snorkellers and divers of all levels, with frequent encounters with species such as reef sharks, turtles, rays, and tropical fish.
The resort also provides access to the dive sites of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, where PADI-certified instructors guide guests through channels, thilas, and reef walls.
In addition to these three awards, Minor Hotels’ properties received 12 finalist nominations across seven categories. These included its newest addition, NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort, which was shortlisted in three categories.
The group’s nominations at the TTM Awards 2025 were:
- Best Beach Resort: Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Maldives Havodda
- Best Family Resort: Niyama, Avani+ Fares, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
- Best Boutique Resort: NH Maldives Kuda Rah
- Best Culinary Resort: Niyama
- Most Picturesque Resort: NH Collection Maldives Havodda
- Best Surf Resort: Niyama
- Best Dive Resort: Avani+ Fares, NH Collection Maldives Havodda, and NH Maldives Kuda Rah
Featured
Sirru Fen Fushi unveils ‘Symphony of the Island’ festive celebrations

This festive season, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, located in Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives, will host an extensive programme of events under the theme Symphony of the Island. Running from 22 December to 7 January, the schedule brings together globally acclaimed performers and specialists, from award-winning musicians and Michelin-starred chefs to a World Cup football champion, wellness practitioners, mixologists, and even a NASA astronaut.
The resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will be headlined by Rami Jaffee, Grammy-winning keyboardist of the Foo Fighters, accompanied by violinist, cellist, and vocalist Jessy Greene (formerly Foo Fighters and Pink), and drummer and producer Erik Aldenius of Billy Idol. The All-Star Band will also feature Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from The Offspring, and Bill Reynolds, Grammy-nominated bassist and producer, formerly of Band of Horses, creating a powerful line-up to welcome 2026.
Onu Onu Beach Bar will host award-winning bartenders throughout the festive period. On 30 December, Harrison Kenny, associated with the World’s 50 Best Bars, will present alongside Millie Tang, one of Australia’s leading bartenders. On 3 January, Pham Quoc Dat, Head Mixologist at The Haflington in Vietnam (Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), will take over the bar with a signature showcase.
Culinary highlights include the arrival of Chef Valentino Cassanelli, Head Chef of Michelin-starred Lux Lucis in Italy, who will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma on 8 and 10 December. Cassanelli will also host his own signature four-course dinner. On 3 January, Jean-Philippe Blondet, Chef Patron of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, will present a four-hands dining experience at Azure alongside Chef Girish.
Sports and wellness sessions will be led by Christoph Kramer, Football World Cup Champion and television football expert, former professional tennis player and coach Alexandra Viktorovitch, Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist and trainer Josiah Ngai, and yoga instructor and sound healer Tamuna Lomidze. Guests will be able to book one-to-one sessions throughout the festive programme.
On 6 January, the resort will present a special performance by Daria Pavlenko, Principal Ballerina of the Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg.
NASA Astronaut and U.S. Navy officer Dominic Antoneli will share first-hand insights into life in space, recounting stories of exploration and discovery.
The season will begin on 22 December with the island illuminated by festive décor and Christmas Eve sunset drinks at Onu Onu Beach. On Christmas Day, celebrations will include a beach arrival by Santa in Maldivian style, followed by a festive brunch and a lobster and champagne dinner, with entertainment from fire dancers, magicians, and musicians.
The New Year’s programme begins with a sunset journey from Spa Beach to Central Park, before a gala dinner at RAHA Market. The evening will feature the All-Star Band, ballet performances, acrobats, and a fire and laser show, concluding with an after-party to welcome 2026. On 1 January, guests can enjoy a New Year’s brunch accompanied by live jazz and tropical rhythms.
Orthodox Christmas Eve on 6 January will include a gourmet buffet at RAHA Market, seafood dining at Azure, and a performance by ballerina Daria Pavlenko, followed by a beach party with international DJs. On 7 January, celebrations will conclude with a Cristal Champagne golden-hour sunset and beachside à la carte dining.
Featured
Wellness in Pink: Milaidhoo Maldives supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, Milaidhoo Maldives will mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Wellness in Pink — a curated series of experiences designed to encourage guests to slow down, reconnect, and explore the deeper dimensions of wellbeing.
Rooted in the island’s philosophy of mindful, barefoot living, the programme reflects Milaidhoo’s approach to quiet luxury and personal wellness. Each experience has been designed to restore the body and nourish the soul, creating opportunities for reflection and reconnection.
Set within the tranquil surroundings of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, Wellness in Pink invites guests to pause, breathe, and share stories — both lived and unfolding.
Signature Experiences:
- Sunset Serenity: A Couple’s Wellness Ritual: A 90-minute ritual held on the open-air deck of a private villa. The session begins with a calming full-body massage, followed by a refreshing facial, and concludes with a glass of chilled sparkling rosé. USD 380++ per couple | Advance reservation required
- Rose Renewal Ritual: Special Edition: A 120-minute treatment created to support emotional balance and inner strength. The ritual combines an aromatherapy massage with rose essential oil, a rose quartz facial massage, and a grounding foot massage to restore energy flow. USD 240++ per person
On 23 October, guests may take part in a Zumba for Awareness session — a lively group activity celebrating vitality and community spirit.
On 24 October, The Pink Care Routine will be held at Milaidhoo’s overwater yoga pavilion. This guided session combines self-massage techniques, somatic body awareness, and breast health education, offering space for learning and gentle empowerment.
Milaidhoo emphasises that wellbeing is not a checklist but a feeling — of being cared for, of being seen, and of returning to oneself. Through Wellness in Pink, the resort seeks to honour those touched by breast cancer and to create space for healing in all its forms.
-
Drink1 week ago
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to host wine dinner with Ilaria Felluga of Marco Felluga
-
Action7 days ago
Freediving with tiger sharks: Shark Expedition Fuvahmulah collaborates with marine biologist Andriana Fragola
-
Featured7 days ago
Finolhu replants 1,200 coral colonies to strengthen house reef
-
Featured1 week ago
Jumeirah Olhahali Island marks Chinese Golden Week with ‘A Golden Journey Together’
-
Featured1 week ago
Coco Bodu Hithi prepares for holiday season and New Year festivities
-
Featured6 days ago
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO lunches Barefoot Bistro at Hudhu Bay
-
Featured6 days ago
Summer Island Maldives rewards guests with 10th anniversary holiday giveaway
-
Featured6 days ago
Emilie Channon brings holistic healing residency to Baros Maldives