Featured
Nova Maldives introduces Community Street Food Festival on beach
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
Noku Maldives unveils long-term Sea Turtle Conservation Programme
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has announced the launch of a dedicated Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, developed in partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMCC). Beginning on 25 November 2025, this long-term initiative strengthens the resort’s commitment to the Vignette Collection pillar Means for Good, reflecting a considered approach to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality.
The waters surrounding Noku Maldives support a naturally thriving ecosystem, characterised by extensive seagrass meadows, coral-rich shallows, and warm lagoons that provide an essential refuge for sea turtles. In recent years, the island has recorded multiple nesting events along its shores — a rare and significant indicator of the health of its marine environment. The new programme aims to safeguard and enhance this natural heritage.
As part of the collaboration, a full-time AMCC marine biologist will be stationed on the island to lead a comprehensive portfolio of conservation activities. This will include monitoring the local sea turtle population, assessing reef and coral health, supporting long-term scientific research, and conducting fieldwork and outreach initiatives across neighbouring islands.
The programme will also enhance guest engagement through educational talks, guided snorkelling experiences, and hands-on conservation workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the underwater world in an enriching and meaningful way.
The initiative complements Noku Maldives’ growing suite of Means for Good activities, which already include reef conservation studies, coral restoration projects, cultural experiences, and community-led programmes. Together, these efforts underpin the resort’s commitment to delivering stays that are rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and deep respect for the natural environment.
“Our lagoon has always been a peaceful refuge for sea turtles and marine life,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager of Noku Maldives. “This partnership with AMCC reflects our dedication to protecting these waters and ensuring they continue to flourish. By bringing conservation, community involvement, and guest education together, we hope to create meaningful and lasting impact for the atoll.”
Featured
From spa rituals to sunrise yoga: Angsana Velavaru champions mindful living
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a holistic journey of renewal that nurtures both body and mind.
At the centre of this experience is the award-winning Angsana Spa, inspired by the timeless essence of Asian wellness traditions. Here, the healing power of touch, scent, and nature come together in harmony. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments designed for both relaxation and family bonding, including restorative massages, revitalising body polishes, and signature rituals that incorporate natural ingredients such as coconut, honey, and tropical herbs. Each therapy aims to rejuvenate, soothe, and restore a deep sense of inner calm that reflects the island’s natural rhythm.
Wellness at Angsana Velavaru extends far beyond the spa. The resort’s approach to wellbeing embraces movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Its modern tropical fitness centre provides a tranquil setting for guests to stay active while remaining close to nature. Activities such as aqua aerobics in the Kuredhi Pool and sunrise yoga on the beach combine physical vitality with mindful awareness.
Across the island, guests are encouraged to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. Guided meditation, breathwork sessions, and sunset yoga create opportunities for reflection and relaxation. These practices are seamlessly woven into the resort’s environment, offering a sense of serenity that lingers long after the stay.
Under the guidance of Wellbeing Director Artemasius Harefa, Angsana Velavaru’s holistic programmes align with Banyan Group’s Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, with a focus on rest, movement, mindfulness, and connection. The result is a collection of experiences designed to inspire balance and renewal, giving guests the opportunity to embrace a more mindful way of living.
“Modern travellers seek more than rest; they seek renewal,” said Artemasius Harefa, Wellbeing Director at Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal is to create experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world, turning wellness into a meaningful way of life.”
At Angsana Velavaru, wellbeing is not a moment but a continuous journey shaped by nature, connection, and the healing spirit of the Maldives.
Awards
Trans Maldivian Airways named World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again strengthened its position as a global aviation leader with new accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025. The airline was named the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025, acknowledging its continued contribution to air connectivity across the Maldives. The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards ceremony took place at Exhibition World Bahrain and was attended by more than 300 leaders from the international tourism industry.
Established in 1993, TMA has played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors. Operating the world’s largest seaplane fleet with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters and serving over 80 resort destinations, the airline provides vital connectivity across the archipelago with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Conducting more than 400 flights daily, TMA remains essential in enabling access to resort islands nationwide.
Commenting on the achievement, A.U.M. Fawzy, CEO of Trans Maldivian Airways, said: “This prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards, year after year, reflects the trust placed in our team by our partners and guests, and the responsibility we carry as the primary air service provider connecting resort destinations across the Maldives. At TMA, our focus remains on continuous improvement and building on decades of service excellence. As the tourism industry in the Maldives continues to evolve and grow, we will continue strengthening our operations and supporting the long-term development of the Maldives as a world-leading destination.”
TMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, infrastructure, staff training, and technology-driven improvements, ensuring it meets rising demand while maintaining its hallmark of dependable service.
As the Maldives prepares for further growth in visitor arrivals, Trans Maldivian Airways remains committed to working closely with industry partners, supporting national tourism objectives, and ensuring a seamless and reliable travel experience for guests visiting the country’s island destinations.
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