Milaidhoo Maldives Celebrates 10 Years of Island Soul
Milaidhoo Maldives marks a defining milestone this year as it celebrates 10 years of barefoot informality, heartfelt hospitality and deeply personal island stories in the heart of the Maldives.
To mark the occasion, the Milaidhoo Family invites guests, friends and loyal patrons to join a week-long anniversary celebration from 23 to 29 November 2026, a carefully curated journey through the experiences, people and traditions that have shaped the island over the past decade.
Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo was conceived as a sanctuary of reinvented luxury, where connection matters more than convention and every experience is shaped by nature, culture and human warmth. Ten years on, it remains a place defined not by grandeur, but by meaning – a home for those who seek the true Maldives.
This anniversary celebration reflects the essence of Milaidhoo: intimate, soulful and guided by the rhythm of island life. Each day has been thoughtfully designed to honour the pillars that define the island – ocean, well-being, gastronomy, culture and community – bringing them together in a week of shared moments and meaningful encounters.
Days begin with champagne sunrise cruises aboard Saima, the traditional dhoni, followed by guided snorkelling across the flourishing house reef and immersive marine conversations that reflect Milaidhoo’s long-standing commitment to ocean stewardship. Coral planting experiences invite guests to make a lasting contribution to the reef that sustains the island.
At Serenity Spa, restorative rituals unfold throughout the week, from breathwork journeys to sound healing, embracing the island’s philosophy of well-being, where stillness and simplicity are considered the greatest luxuries of all.
Culinary experiences take centre stage, celebrating both Maldivian heritage and global artistry. Highlights include a Maldivian night at Azure, a traditional Malaafaiy feast at Ba’theli, and a 10-course Japanese-inspired wine-pairing dinner at Chef’s Table. The celebrations culminate on 29 November 2026 with the “10 Years, 10 Food Stalls” gala dinner, followed by live entertainment and fireworks over the Indian Ocean.
“This milestone is not only a celebration of Milaidhoo but also of every guest, colleague and friend who has become part of its story,” said General Manager Paul van Frank. “Milaidhoo has always been shaped by genuine connection, and this week is a way of honouring the shared memories that have brought this island to life over the past 10 years.”
Exclusive anniversary experiences will also be available throughout 2026, including A Decade of You, a romantic celebration designed for couples marking milestone wedding anniversaries in decades – 10, 20, 30 years and beyond – with meaningful island moments reflecting their journey together; and 10 Years, 10 Nights, 10 Privileges, an immersive Milaidhoo journey featuring a collection of bespoke experiences personally curated by the Milaidhoo Family.
As Milaidhoo enters its next chapter, its essence remains unchanged: a sanctuary of island soul, where guests arrive as visitors and leave as part of something far more enduring.
Milaidhoo invites the world to return home and to celebrate not just 10 years of history, but the beginning of many more stories still to be written.
Explore the full programme of celebrations and experience 10 years of Milaidhoo island soul, beautifully brought to life – Celebrate with us.
London’s iconic bar Satan’s Whiskers arrives at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort welcomes Kevin Armstrong, owner of London’s acclaimed Satan’s Whiskers Cocktail Bar, for an exclusive two-day appearance this December as part of the resort’s celebrated Tastemaker Series.
A globally respected figure in modern cocktail culture, Armstrong brings more than 25 years of beverage, business, and operational expertise to the Maldives, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the philosophy and precision behind one of the world’s most influential cocktail bars.
Events will take place at the resort’s signature Whale Bar, a striking overwater destination inspired by the form of a whale shark and set above the turquoise lagoon with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Known for its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, Whale Bar provides the perfect setting for Armstrong’s meticulous, method driven approach to cocktails.
On 7 December, guests are invited to a Master Gin & Martini Class, a complimentary session exploring the elegance, balance, and technique behind two of cocktail culture’s most enduring styles. Drawing on his deep knowledge of classic preparation and modern execution, Armstrong will guide guests through flavor, structure, and best practice, offering insight into how simplicity, when done well, becomes exceptional.
Across 8 and 9 December, Armstrong will take over the Whale Bar for two evenings, presenting a Satan’s Whiskers Bar Takeover. Guests can enjoy a specially curated menu of cocktails inspired by the bar’s celebrated ethos, focused on quality, consistency, and method, while experiencing the energy and craftsmanship of a true London institution reimagined in a Maldivian setting.
Kevin Armstrong is the founder and owner of Satan’s Whiskers, a multi award winning cocktail bar in East London, consistently recognized among the best bars in the world. An entrepreneur, educator and consultant, he is co author of Round Building, a respected guide to practical bartending technique. His career includes senior beverage and operations roles with some of London’s most influential hospitality brands, including Milk & Honey, as well as extensive experience across restaurants, street food markets, festivals, and large scale events.
Armstrong’s work in bar design, consultancy, and bartender education has seen him deliver seminars in over 30 countries and contribute to the opening of more than a dozen venues worldwide. Fiercely passionate about beverage quality and execution, his approach continues to champion clarity of flavor, disciplined technique, and exceptional guest experience.
Set on a private natural island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is renowned for its Iconic design, bespoke St. Regis Butler Service, and exceptional hospitality. The resort offers an all villa experience, with both beach and overwater villas featuring private infinity pools and uninterrupted ocean views. At its pinnacle sits the John Jacob Astor Estate, the Maldives’ largest three bedroom overwater villa.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential global talents in mixology, gastronomy, fine wine, wellness and culture to one of the Maldives’ most captivating private island destinations, offering guests rare access to the world’s leading creative voices.
Event Details
Master Gin & Martini Class | Whale Bar 7 December | 15:00 – 16:00
Bar Takeover | Whale Bar 8–9 December | 17:00 – 20:00
For more information and details, please visit www.stregismaldives.com
Sun-kissed festive escape at The Standard, Maldives: Get ready for your year-end ho-ho-holiday
This festive season, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to escape to a sun-drenched celebration where island spirit meets holiday magic. Set against the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort presents an effortlessly vibrant lineup of experiences designed for all ages, bringing together joyful moments, lively entertainment, and exceptional culinary offerings in one unforgettable setting.
The celebrations begin on 20 December 2026 with a beachfront Tree Lighting Ceremony, where festive tradition meets laid back natural island charm. Set against the glow of the ocean at dusk, the evening is brought to life with sounds from the resident DJ and live performances, adding a contemporary pulse to the occasion. Guests are then invited to continue the night with a Fire & Grill Dinner, a curated dining experience at Kula. Across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the resort embraces a lively blend of activity and indulgence. Days start on a playful note with energizing sessions by the pool and engaging classes, before easing into relaxed, flavour-forward dining experiences in the afternoon. As daylight fades, the atmosphere shifts, sunset cocktails set the tone, followed by immersive dinners and upbeat celebrations that stretch into the night.
Families and younger guests can enjoy beloved festive traditions reimagined with a tropical touch, while adults are invited to soak up the island’s vibrant social scene, think beachside gatherings, live acts, and high-energy performances that turn the shoreline into a dynamic backdrop of music, light, and movement. Throughout the festive period, Lil’ Shark Kids Club offers a variety of engaging activities, bringing together the warmth of Christmas with a playful island spirit.
Adding to the festive spirit, New Year’s Eve promises a dazzling grand finale. The seasonal celebrations culminate in a spectacular New Year’s Eve theme: Reveal Your Glow. The much-anticipated glow-up party will set the tone for the year ahead, headlined by internationally acclaimed DJ Kessaé Kimmi. Known for her magnetic stage presence and electrifying sets, the Thailand-based artist will take over the island with her signature sound, delivering vibrant beats, immersive visuals, and dance-floor euphoria that keeps the energy high until sunrise. Bringing the same high-octane energy that lights up full moon festivals, luxury hotspots, and global stages, she arrives with a suitcase full of irresistible beats, flawless mixes, and pure countdown magic. The night unfolds from an abundant gala dinner into an electrifying beach party, where music, fire performances, and captivating rituals ignite the shoreline. A midnight fireworks display lights up the Maldivian sky, creating a vibrant and unforgettable welcome to the new year.
Whether seeking relaxed holiday indulgence or high-energy celebrations, The Standard, Maldives offers the perfect balance of both, where good food, great company, and unforgettable moments come together in true island style.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi embraces the festive season with its 'Bohemian Reverie' theme and curated experiences
Celebrate the festive season at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi with Bohemian Reverie, an island-wide programme inspired by the spirit of barefoot luxury and bohemian elegance. Guests can enjoy curated culinary experiences, live entertainment, wellness rituals, family activities, beachside celebrations, wine experiences, and New Year festivities, creating an unforgettable holiday in the Maldives.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef: New Water Adventures
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef expands its watersports portfolio with curated ocean experiences that combine adventure and relaxation. Highlights include:
- Private Speedboat Journeys – daily excursions for 1–4 guests exploring hidden gems of Dhaalu Atoll, with 4–5 hour or full-day options and a fresh BBQ lunch.
- Signature Full Day Adventure – explore Vaavu Atoll’s Coral Garden, Turtle Point, and Nurse Shark Point, ending with a secluded sandbank lunch.
- Waves of Adventure & Calmness – combine a private snorkelling or Jet Ski safari with a restorative full-body massage.
Part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, these experiences invite guests to connect authentically with the Maldives, balancing exhilarating marine exploration with moments of island serenity.
Fine-dining beneath the ocean: Introducing BUBBLE Underwater Restaurant at Meyyafushi Maldives
Meyyafushi Maldives invites guests to discover an exclusive culinary destination nestled six metres beneath the surface and surrounded by coral reefs and the vibrant marine life of the Maldives, BUBBLE offers an immersive dining experience where culinary excellence meets the wonders of the underwater world.
More than a restaurant, BUBBLE is a journey - one where guests can savour carefully curated menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner while watching tropical fish, sharks and other marine species glide past panoramic underwater views. Combining innovative gastronomy, elegant design and the natural beauty of the ocean, BUBBLE has quickly become one of Meyyafushi's most captivating experiences.
At the heart of this culinary concept is Chef Shiv Negi, Culinary Director of Meyyafushi Maldives. With over two decades of international culinary experience across some of the world's most respected hospitality brands, Chef Shiv brings a wealth of expertise, creativity and leadership to the resort's dining. Having held senior culinary positions with renowned names including Oberoi Hotels, Taj Hotels and other international five-star properties, Chef Shiv is known for creating memorable dining experiences that blend innovation with authenticity. Throughout his career, he has successfully led multicultural culinary teams, developed award-worthy dining concepts and championed exceptional guest experiences.
"BUBBLE represents everything we love about dining in the Maldives," says Chef Shiv Negi, Culinary Director at Meyyafushi Maldives. "The setting is naturally spectacular, but our goal is to ensure that the cuisine is equally unforgettable. Every dish has been thoughtfully crafted to complement the experience, combining premium ingredients, refined techniques and a sense of discovery that mirrors the underwater world surrounding our guests."
Sun Siyam Olhuveli elevates the honeymoon experience with thoughtful inclusions and exclusive add-ons
Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection, introduces a fresh take on the honeymoon experience, designed for couples who want to celebrate their story in a way that feels personal, relaxed and full of life. Set across three interconnected islands in the Maldives, the new concept blends curated romantic touches with flexible, made to measure experiences, giving newlyweds the freedom to shape every moment, from effortless beginnings to unforgettable highlights.
At the heart of the experience are a series of complimentary romantic touches, thoughtfully prepared to make each stay feel personal. Couples are invited to select from a collection of intimate gestures; from a heartfelt love letter awaiting their arrival to personalised notes shared during evening turndown. A playful treasure hunt adds a sense of discovery, while a private sundowner moment offers time to unwind together as the sky turns gold. A mini photoshoot captures these memories, and even a simple “Just Married” bicycle ride becomes a joyful keepsake.
Beyond these thoughtful inclusions, the journey opens into a world of enhanced experiences available as add-ons, designed for those who wish to celebrate in their own unique way. Imagine beginning the day with a floating breakfast in the privacy of your villa or sharing a quiet lagoon breakfast surrounded by endless hues of blue. Evenings can unfold under the stars with a private beach cinema, while deeper relaxation awaits with a tandem spa ritual crafted for two.
For couples seeking something truly unforgettable, exclusive moments take centre stage, whether it is a castaway escape on a secluded sandbank, a beautifully styled private dining experience by the ocean, or a personalised villa setting that transforms the space into your own celebration. For those who dream beyond the ordinary, even an underwater ceremony offers a remarkable way to mark the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
Every element of the experience is designed to feel easy, genuine, and deeply personal. There is no fixed way to celebrate here, only the freedom to create moments that reflect each couple’s rhythm, whether that means quiet mornings by the lagoon, afternoons drifting between island spaces, or evenings filled with soft music and sea breeze.
“Honeymoons should feel effortless and true to each couple,” said the resort’s General Manager, Hassan Adil. “We wanted to create something that allows love to unfold naturally through simple gestures, beautiful settings, and moments that stay with you.”
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unfolds as a haven of abundant romance, where every corner invites couples to indulge, explore, and linger a little longer. Here, honeymoons are shaped by a richness of moments, effortless, intimate, and deeply felt; an invitation to begin your forever in a place made for just the two of you.
Whether newlyweds or celebrating a romantic milestone together, guests can discover the Honeymoon Offer and begin planning their escape at Sun Siyam Olhuveli by booking through, https://www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-olhuveli/offers/honeymoon-offer/
Upcoming events
Autumn ocean exploration: Nova Maldives and PADI unite for Project AWARE Week this September
This September, Nova Maldives will once again partner with PADI, the world’s leading organisation for scuba diving education, to co-host Project AWARE Week, running from 16 to 20 September 2026. Brought to life by the resort's marine team, the week gives resort guests, from first-time snorkellers to seasoned divers, the chance to combine wildlife observation with hands-on conservation work, turning a week in the water into an educational escape.
The timing carries extra weight: this year's AWARE Week coincides with PADI's 60th anniversary, and lands as the resort marks its own fourth year of operation in the South Ari Atoll. Now in its eighth global edition, PADI AWARE Week has grown into one of the dive world's most significant citizen-science movements, and has rescued over 41,000 entangled marine animals to date. Four years into its own story, Nova continues to contribute to this ongoing commitment, focused on building a growing alumni of ocean advocates who leave AWARE Week already counting down to the next.
Coco Bodu Hithi Celebrates PADI Women's Dive Day with a Purpose
Women of the Ocean Reef Clean-Up Dive
In celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day on 18 July 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi invites certified women divers to come together for a meaningful morning beneath the surface, combining marine conservation with the joy of exploring the ocean in one of the Maldives; most vibrant natural environments.
Inspired by this year's global theme, "Celebrate Community. Create Change", the resort's Women of the Ocean Reef Clean-Up Dive encourages to connect through shared passion for the underwater world while making a positive impact on the environment. Designed exclusively for certified women divers, the guided reef clean-up dive offers the opportunity to explore Coco Bodu Hithi's biodiverse house reef while helping remove debris and protect its delicate ecosystem.
- Location : 09:00 – 11:30 | Meet at the Dive Centre, Coco Palm Bodu Hithi
- Requirements : Open to Certified Women Divers only. Standard Single-Dive rate applies. (includes Personalised Certificate of Participation & Complimentary video of your dive).
(Subject to weather and sea conditions. Other Terms and Conditions apply. The resort reserves the right of final discretion. For enquiries or reservations, please visit the Dive Centre).
Dive free in the Maldives: Kandooma unlocks access to top South Malé Atoll dive sites
Diving enthusiasts staying at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives can experience some of the Maldives’ most respected dive sites with added value, thanks to the resort’s Dive Free programme.
Named Maldives’ Leading Dive Resort last year by World Travel Awards, Kandooma is located in the South Malé Atoll and is just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. The resort offers direct access to a diverse collection of dive sites known for strong currents, healthy reef systems and consistent marine life encounters. Many of the area’s most sought-after sites are located just 10 to 30 minutes from Kandooma by boat, allowing guests to maximise time in the water and multiple dives each day.
From coral-rich pinnacles to channel dives that attract larger pelagic species, the surrounding waters deliver a varied experience suited to both progressing and experienced divers.“What makes diving here so rewarding is the combination of proximity and variety,” said Ibrahim Shaan, Dive Centre Manager. “We can reach sites like Kandooma Thila in just minutes, and within half an hour, guests have access to everything from relaxed reef dives to more advanced channel dives with sharks and rays. It allows divers to spend more time underwater and really experience the diversity of the atoll.”
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing & Sustainability added,“Kandooma has always been known for its accessibility, and the Dive Free programme builds on that by making world-class diving part of the stay. It removes both the time and cost barriers, giving guests a straightforward way to experience the Maldives through diving, whether they are returning divers or newly certified.” With warm waters year-round and visibility often exceeding 20 metres, the area offers consistent conditions for diving across the seasons. Among the standout sites:
Kandooma Thila
Widely regarded as one of the top dives in the atoll, Kandooma Thila is a coral covered pinnacle where currents attract grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks and eagle rays.
Guraidhoo Corner
A classic channel drift dive, Guraidhoo Corner is known for nutrient-rich currents that draw in schools of fish, reef sharks and passing pelagic species.
Cocoa Corner
Combining reef and open-water diving, Cocoa Corner offers steep walls and drop offs where divers may encounter sharks, tuna and rays, depending on conditions.
Kuda Giri Wreck
A more relaxed dive site with generally mild current, Kuda Giri features a small wreck and adjacent reef that support a thriving mix of reef fish and macro life.
Kandooma Caves
Characterised by large overhangs and caverns, this visually striking site is home to sponges, soft corals and reef species, with occasional sightings of larger marine life along the reef edge.
Additional sites within easy reach of Kandooma include Manta Point, Lhosfushi, Medhu Faru, and Waggiri, offering a mix of reef, channel and seasonal manta encounters.
With a PADI 5-star Dive Centre, experienced guides and a broad range of dive sites accessible by boat, Kandooma is well placed for travellers planning a dedicated Maldives diving holiday.
The Dive Free programme offers guests staying three nights or more up to two complimentary scuba dives per day for up to two certified divers per villa, providing a straightforward way to experience diving in the Maldives.
For divers looking to maximise time in the water without the need for domestic transfers, Kandooma offers a practical and rewarding island base close to the action.
For more information, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com
Diving brochure:https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_DiveBrochure.html#page/1
Into the blue after sunset: a new manta experience at Sun Siyam Olhuveli
As part of its evolving lifestyle collection under the House of Siyam, Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils a captivating new way to experience the Maldives after sunset with the launch of Night Snorkelling with Mantas, an immersive encounter that brings guests face to face with one of the ocean’s most graceful wonders in their natural rhythm.
Set against the stillness of the island’s house reef, this guided experience reveals the quiet drama of the underwater world at night. As darkness falls, powerful underwater lights draw in phytoplankton, creating a glowing stage that attracts manta rays as they arrive to feed. Guests float comfortably at the surface, watching as these gentle giants glide, loop, and turn beneath them in an effortless underwater ballet.
Led by the professional team at Sun Diving Dive Center, this experience is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and confidence in the water. Guests are guided through each step, and snorkelling vests provide ease and stability, allowing even first-time night snorkelers to relax. The result is a serene yet exhilarating encounter where time seems to slow and nature takes center stage.
“Night snorkelling with mantas is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you leave the water,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “There is a quiet magic in seeing these incredible creatures up close, moving so effortlessly through the light. Our team is there every step of the way to make guests feel safe, relaxed, and fully present for what is truly a remarkable encounter.”
What makes this experience particularly remarkable is the proximity and clarity it offers. As manta rays perform their signature feeding loops, often turning belly-up just below the surface, guests are given a rare and unobstructed view of their unique spot patterns, markings so distinct they are used by researchers to identify individual mantas. It is both a visual spectacle and a quiet lesson in marine life.
Understanding Manta Ray Behaviour and Anatomy
Manta rays are among the ocean’s most intelligent and graceful creatures, known for their wide wingspan and gentle nature. Unlike many marine species, they feed on microscopic plankton, using coordinated movements to funnel food into their mouths. Their looping and barrel-rolling behavior during feeding is both efficient and mesmerizing to witness. Each manta carries a unique pattern on its underside, much like a fingerprint, offering insight into ongoing conservation and research efforts across the Maldives.
Experience Highlights:
- Night snorkelling with manta rays in one of the most consistent viewing locations within the house reef
- Guidance and support from professional instructors at Sun Diving Dive Center
- Snorkelling Vest provided for ease and comfort in the water
- Full snorkel gear included, with prescription masks available for guests requiring vision support
Taking place between 19:00 and 20:00, this one-hour guest activity invites a discovery of a different side of island life, one that feels quieter, deeper, and profoundly moving. This new guest activity is available for experience at a special rate. Bookings can be made at the Dive Centre or through each guest’s Island Host.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to craft meaningful, story-rich experiences, such as Night Snorkelling with Mantas, connecting guests to the natural beauty of the Maldives in unexpected and unforgettable ways. The resort remains dedicated to curating immersive island moments that feel both effortless and extraordinary. To explore the various programmes offered by Sun Diving at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, visit their website at https://sundiving.com/sun-siyam-olhuveli/
Her ocean, her moment: Nova Maldives to celebrate Women's Dive Day with barrier-breaking Maldivian diver
Every July, the diving world pauses to celebrate the women who have made the ocean their own. This year, Nova Maldives marks Women's Dive Day with a three-day programme from 17 to 19 July 2026, brought to life by Zoona Naseem, the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director, alongside Jenna Lehocki, the resort's resident marine biologist.
Despite making up nearly 40% of divers worldwide, women still account for just 20% of PADI Pros, a gap that a 2025 peer-reviewed study attributes in part to the male-centric portrayal of the sport, with constraints that foster stigma and self-doubt that continue to create barriers for women at every level – a pattern that Nova is determined to help change.
A Weekend for Beginners & Avid Divers
True to Nova's belief that the ocean belongs to everyone, the weekend will draw together resort guests and a group of participants from the neighbouring Dhangethi community for a shared journey into the water.
Guests and participants can embark on guided Discover Scuba dives and open water exploration led by Zoona, and an intimate fireside discussion joined by Jenna, where tales of the reef – memorable dives, marine encounters, and a shared wonder for the ocean, flow freely as the currents of the sea.
Guests and participants can embark on guided Discover Scuba dives or try dives led by Zoona, alongside open water exploration and enjoy an intimate fireside discussion hosted with both Jenna and Zoona — where tales of the reef flow freely: memorable dives, marine encounters, and a shared wonder for the ocean.
Zoona's journey to becoming a PADI Course Director, and the first Maldivian woman to ever hold this title, is an inspiration for women seeking to carve out space in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Alongside her, Jenna brings a different but equally profound connection to the ocean: one built not in the pursuit of firsts, but in the patient, daily work of understanding and protecting the reef that Nova calls home.
"Growing up in the Maldives, the ocean was always there, but a seat at the table was not. I hope that every woman who enters the water this July leaves knowing that it was always hers to claim," said Zoona.
Drawing on her lived experience from working with stakeholders from within the marine research sector and in hospitality, Jenna added - "Living and working on this island, you come to understand the reef not just as a place to dive, but as something that breathes and changes with the seasons. Sharing that with people, whether they are first-time snorkellers or seasoned divers, is the part of this work that never gets old.”
"There is something about the ocean that has always belonged to women. Its depth, its quiet power, its ability to hold everything at once. Women's Dive Day is a celebration of every woman who has ever felt called to the water, and our commitment to making sure every woman who wants to experience that, whether for the first time or the hundredth, has every opportunity to do so." said Abdulla Aboobakur, General Manager of Nova Maldives.
A Setting Unlike Any Other
Nestled on a natural island within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the largest marine biodiversity reserve in the region, diving is one of the things that consistently draws travellers from around the world to the island. With 35 dive sites on its doorstep, and whale sharks and manta rays a quiet, year-round presence in the waters beyond its shore. Guests here do not simply visit the ocean, they can observe and truly live alongside it.
An active coral nursery sits at the heart of Nova's marine offering, where seafarers are warmly invited to take part in coral planting to contribute to the reef's ongoing restoration. The resort also holds a long-term partnership with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), to run educational and conservation-focused experiences for researchers, local school pupils, and the wider community throughout the year.
For those seeking a more introspective connection with the sea, Nova also offers a unique Wellness Diving experiences, one that introduces mindfulness with marine exploration through floating meditation, buoyancy workshops, underwater yoga, and breathwork. Research has found that recreational diving can be more effective at reducing stress and boosting mental wellbeing than other sports, with the slow, controlled breathing required underwater naturally stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, evoking a sense of deep calm that so many divers describe as unlike anything they have found on land.
The water is waiting. Join Nova Maldives for Women's Dive Day from £301/night in a villa on Full Board Plus basis. Visit nova-maldives.com to find out more.