News
Nova Maldives unveils group brunching experiences for families, friends

Nova Maldives, the soulful community-based luxury island resort in the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, has introduced its new Group Brunching Experiences. In response to the booming trend of group brunching in the GCC, Nova is embracing this vibrant social phenomenon by introducing these specially curated culinary journeys. Recognising that friends and families travelling together seek to extend their holiday enjoyment with communal dining, Nova offers experiences that foster connections, create unforgettable memories, and provide unparalleled hospitality in stunning settings with a delightful fusion of flavours.
Guests seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives can now indulge in a variety of group brunching options at Nova Maldives. Thoughtfully crafted to cater to diverse tastes and preferences, these experiences invite groups of all sizes to come together and share memorable moments over exquisite cuisine.
The group brunching experiences at Nova provide an intimate setting for friends and families to bond while savouring delicious cuisine amidst the natural splendour of the Maldives. Whether celebrating a special occasion, reuniting with loved ones, or simply enjoying quality time together, Nova offers the perfect backdrop for creating cherished moments.
Guests can choose from a variety of picturesque settings for their group brunching experience:
- Sandbank Brunch: Indulge in a delightful feast on a secluded sandbank, surrounded by azure waters and soft sands. This unforgettable brunch experience offers breathtaking panoramic views, ensuring moments of serenity and luxury.
- Nava Over-Water Brunch: Enjoy an elegant brunch affair atop the crystal-clear waters. With a sumptuous spread of gourmet delicacies and uninterrupted views of the horizon, guests can create lasting memories while basking in the beauty of their surroundings.
- Beach Brunch: Revel in a laid-back dining experience with your toes in the sand and the gentle ocean breeze as companions. Feast on a variety of flavors while taking in the natural beauty of the Maldivian coastline, making for a relaxed and memorable gathering.
- Traditional Dhoni Brunch: Experience the charm of Maldivian culture with a picnic-style brunch aboard a traditional Dhoni (Maldivian sailing boat). Set sail on the tranquil waters surrounding Nova and enjoy a unique culinary adventure amidst stunning marine vistas.
Speaking about the concept, Abdulla Aboobakuru, General Manager of Nova Maldives said, “At Nova Maldives, we are dedicated to providing our guests with unforgettable experiences that celebrate the natural beauty and rich culture of the Maldives. Our Group Brunching Experiences offer friends and families travelling together the perfect opportunity to connect and create lasting memories in paradise.”
These experiences are available on a request basis only and are subject to weather conditions. The offerings and menus are completely bespoke, with pricing dependent on guests’ menu preferences and group size.
To discover Nova’s latest special offers and book your stay, visit www.nova-maldives.com.
Excursions
Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

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

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

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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