News
Dive into an Aqua Utopia festive celebration at Nova Maldives

Kick off the holiday season with a tropical Christmas and welcome the new year with an underwater themed celebration at Nova, the bright new star among resorts in the Maldives. Nestled in the heart of South Ari Atoll, the soulful island has carefully crafted a unique programme full of magical experiences. From 22nd December 2023 to 6th January 2024, all guests will be immersed in “Aqua Utopia” celebration.
The natural laidback island will transform into a picturesque underwater-inspired playground to reconnect with the loved ones. From exquisite gala dinners under the stars to ocean themed parties and underwater adventures, guests will be spoilt for choice at Nova.
The season’s itinerary will begin with the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to welcome the festive spirit. The following days will be brimming with splendour activities including the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. Guests will gather on Christmas Eve cocktail party at Solis pool followed by a delectable gala dinner at Soul Kitchen for an enchanting evening. Moreover, meticulously culinary experiences crafted to nourish the soul from authentic Japanese cuisine and delightful island-style barbecue to wine pairing dinners amidst the starry night sky coupled with great performances of talented musicians, a gastronomic affair beyond imagination awaits the culinary connoisseurs. Guests can also unleash their talented inner chef with multiple cooking classes and competitions to craft mouth-watering delights.
Throughout the season, the soulful island will take all guests to discover beneath the Indian Ocean from bioluminescent snorkelling and swimming with the gentle giants’ whale sharks and manta rays to witnessing the graceful dolphins. For the adrenaline seekers, they will enjoy the bird’s eye view of Nova with an unforgettable parasailing adventure, and they also can sail on the blue water on a catamaran to admire the captivating sunset or embark on the exhilarating big game fishing. The nature lovers can participate in eco-friendly activities with flora and fauna workshops and the coral gardening sponsorship.
There are countless ways to spark the joy this festive season at Nova, from white and full moon parties to underwater themed nights. Guests can toast to 2024 with a magical New Year Eve countdown party and witness the fireworks display that will illuminate the starry sky with dazzling colours. Moreover, incredible performances of LED and fire shows coupled with live band and DJ music will ignite the souls.
In the midst of all the celebrations, guests will be taken to a rejuvenating journey at Eskape Spa with bespoke spa treatments specially curated to awaken the spirit and dive into serenity while harmonising mind, body, and soul.
Nova promises all guests an awe-inspiring festive journey filled with enriched memories that will last for a lifetime. To discover more the magical Aqua Utopia celebration, please visit: https://nova-maldives.com/aqua-utopia/
Awards
Reethi Beach Resort wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

Reethi Beach Resort has announced that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025. This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travelers around the globe, earning great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year has been, Reethi Beach Resort stood out by continuously delighting guests in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
This recognition marks yet another consecutive win for Reethi Beach Resort, a testament to its longstanding legacy of excellence and the unwavering support of its global guest community.
“We are truly honored to be named among the top 10% of hospitality establishments worldwide,” said Valentin Osolos, General Manager of Reethi Beach Resort. “This award reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to every team member who made this possible. From the warm welcomes to the smallest thoughtful details, your commitment continues to shape magical moments for our guests.”
In a poetic turn of timing, this award announcement arrives on the final day of operating as Reethi Beach Resort before the property enters a temporary closure. The resort will reopen in December 2025 under its exciting new identity: NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. While the name may change, the heart of Reethi Beach — the team, the spirit, and the soul of hospitality remains unwavering.
“Congratulations to Reethi Beach Resort on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025,” said Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience.”
Featured
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo earns prestigious spot in TripAdvisor’s top 10% global hotels

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has been honoured with a prestigious accolade, being named among the top 10% of hotels worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and earning rave reviews from travellers across the globe.
Selected from hundreds of thousands of listings, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s inclusion in the prestigious list is a testament to its dedication to offering authentic, heartfelt experiences for its guests. The resort’s personalised service and its ability to deliver unique, memorable stays have made it a favourite among travellers seeking tranquility and authenticity.
Situated in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an adults-only boutique resort that blends local Maldivian culture with modern luxury. The resort features 68 beautifully designed villas that offer guests the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Known for its house reef teeming with vibrant marine life, the resort provides an immersive experience in the Maldives’ natural beauty. Guests can explore the coral reefs, enjoy a variety of international dining options, and indulge in a genuine sense of discovery.
With its focus on providing a serene escape for couples and solo travellers, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has become a cherished destination for those looking to unwind and recharge in an idyllic setting. Its recent recognition from TripAdvisor further underscores the resort’s exceptional reputation in the hospitality industry.
Featured
Americans dreaming of Maldives: honeymoon searches soar in 2025 rankings

Maldives has once again secured its place as one of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations, ranking second globally among Americans planning their post-wedding getaways in 2025.
According to a new study by UK-based swimwear brand Pour Moi, which analysed Google search data across the United States, the Maldives received 73,700 annual searches from honeymooning Americans eager to escape to its world-famous turquoise waters and luxury overwater villas.
The Indian Ocean paradise trails just behind Seychelles, which claimed the top spot with nearly 75,000 searches. Greece, Costa Rica, and Italy rounded out the top five.
The research examined over 490 global destinations to uncover where newlyweds are dreaming of heading this year. With its postcard-perfect beaches, serene lagoons, and opulent resorts offering private pools, spas, and gourmet dining, the Maldives continues to stand out as the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and indulgence.
“This stunning group of islands remains one of the most sought-after spots for couples who want an unforgettable start to married life,” said Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi. “The Maldives offers that rare combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and luxury that honeymooners crave.”
While entire countries were ranked based on interest, individual destinations within these countries also caught the spotlight. Santorini, Greece, emerged as the top individual honeymoon destination, followed by Bali in Indonesia and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. However, the Maldives’ reputation as an all-encompassing destination—offering entire islands as private resorts—cements its appeal to Americans looking for the perfect blend of privacy and pampering.
The Maldives’ second-place ranking highlights a continuing trend among U.S. couples seeking intimate, far-flung getaways. Pour Moi’s findings show a shift away from traditional city escapes toward nature-rich retreats that promise rest, romance, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Top 10 Countries for U.S. Honeymoon Searches in 2025:
- Seychelles – 74,960 searches
- Maldives – 73,700 searches
- Greece – 49,100 searches
- Costa Rica – 47,000 searches
- Italy – 36,900 searches
- Thailand – 25,800 searches
- Fiji – 25,600 searches
- Japan – 24,500 searches
- New Zealand – 18,300 searches
- Iceland – 15,180 searches
With the Maldives already a firm favourite among international travellers, this new data reaffirms its global status as a dream destination—especially for couples ready to celebrate the start of their forever.
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