Nova Maldives

South Ari Atoll · Seaplane 25 mins · Good Soul Days

Your Soul Place in the Maldives

Where the ocean meets the soul — Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll

Whale Shark Atoll

South Ari Atoll is one of the world's best spots for year-round whale shark encounters and manta ray sightings

25-Min Seaplane Arrival

Arrive in style — a scenic seaplane flight from Velana International Airport straight to the Nova lagoon

5 Soulful Dining Venues

Soul Kitchen, Mizu, Flames, Solis & Wink — every meal an experience, every sip a memory to savour

Eskape Spa & Wellness

Holistic treatments, sunrise yoga, couples rituals and rejuvenating therapies to restore body and soul

4.9

Based on 1,186 reviews

Travellers' Choice 2024
Excellent
92%
Very Good
6%
Average
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%

What Our Guests Say

Rated Travellers' Choice on TripAdvisor

An unforgettable experience

Excellent experience with comfortable rooms, astonishing views, delicious food and hospitable service. If you are not so good at swimming and never tried snorkelling before, try snorkelling near the shore before the manta or whale quest.

W
Wholock MGuangzhou, China

A soul place we keep returning to

5 stars are not enough for this soul place!!! Incredible service! The island has a fantastic flair and staff with warmth and kindness you rarely find anywhere. We have been to Nova for the second time and I am already trying to book for next year.

B
BernhardGabiVienna, Austria

Beautiful nature and a fantastic team

Amazing place with beautiful nature and a fantastic team! It gives you full relaxation. Nova Maldives is truly a place like no other.

I
Irina M

A wonderful resort for a quiet rest

A wonderful resort for a quiet rest. The staff is polite, working clearly and quickly on requests. The food is quality with a great choice of dishes. The Holhuashi event was really interesting and enjoyable. Thank you Gulnur for helping!

C
Companion26500215304
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — beach villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — overwater villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — overwater villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — overwater villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — overwater villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — overwater villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — overwater villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — overwater villa exterior
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — the house reef
Nova Maldives, South Ari Atoll — villa private pool

Nova Maldives

Regular price₹ 305,900
/
Double occupancy, full board plus, return seaplane transfers, all taxes included except TCS · valid until 30 Sep 2026

There is no check-out time here. The villa is yours for 24 hours from the moment you arrive, which on an island where the seaplane schedule decides your day is worth more than it sounds. Nova also sits inside the South Ari whale shark zone, 25 minutes out.

From ₹305,900 for two, three nights on full board plus, seaplane and green tax included. The 15% early bird on November and December travel closes on 30 September 2026.

What this actually costs

Pick a villa and a length above and the price covers the whole stay for two adults: the villa, full board plus, return seaplane transfers, green tax and every other tax. Nothing further is added at check-out.

  • The seaplane is ₹97,800 of the entry price, the same on three nights as on ten. That is nearly a third of a short trip and under a fifth of a week. Two extra nights in a Beach Villa cost ₹138,700, less per night than the first three.
  • Book by 30 September and November costs less than it looks. The 15% takes ₹52,400 off a four-night Beach Villa and ₹99,400 off a Water Villa with Pool. Even then the winter window runs 4% to 12% above September and October.
  • The ladder flips in winter, and the beach wins. To 31 October the Water Villa is ₹24,700 cheaper than the Beach Pool Villa over four nights. From 1 November it is ₹8,700 dearer, because the overwater stock reprices upward for high season.

Not on the dropdown, but we will price it: Premium All Inclusive at US$120 per adult per night, about ₹98,700 on four nights for two. It needs four paid nights, so it cannot be bought on a three-night stay.

Who this isn’t for

Anyone set on three nights who wants a drink with lunch. Full board plus covers soft drinks at mealtimes only, and the upgrade needs four paid nights. Families of four, too: the eight single categories take up to three adults, or two adults and a child, so four means an inter-connected villa or the two-bedroom residence.

Nervous swimmers, and anyone planning to snorkel off the beach with small children. The house reef is a good one, with strong fish density and better coral regrowth than most of South Ari, but the current runs and the reef sits a long way out in places. Sheltered stretches exist. Ask us which.

Before you book

  • 30 September 2026 is the deadline for the 15% on November and December travel. Prices run to 10 January 2027. Seaplanes fly in daylight only, so land after 15:00 and you overnight in Malé at your own cost.
  • Cancellation. Payment falls due in full 15 days before arrival. On winter stays, 50% inside 30 days and 100% inside 14. To 31 October, 50% inside 14 days and 100% inside 7.
  • Festive, 26 December to 10 January, is not sold here. Seven-night minimum, no check-out on 31 December, compulsory galas at US$285 on Christmas Eve and US$425 on New Year’s Eve. The first lands on 24 December, so a stay ending on the 25th still attracts it.

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and which airport you fly from, and we will send a costing that separates the villa, the seaplane and the green tax, with Premium All Inclusive priced alongside so you can see what it is worth on your dates. Message our Maldives specialists on WhatsApp or send us an enquiry. We reply within 24 hours.

House reef 4/5 Strong

Worth choosing the resort for. One or two caveats on entry point or current.

A serious reef with a genuine catch. Fish density is excellent, with big sharks, rays and real variety, and coral regrowth is better than most of South Ari. Marked passages get you out to it. But it sits a long way out in places and the current runs, so swimming the whole island is for confident swimmers only. There are sheltered stretches if you would rather not. Watch for patches where soft sand turns to coral rubble, and for jellyfish in the wet season.

How we score house reefs, and every island ranked →

Getting there

Route Seaplane
Journey 25 min, airport to island
Last arrival that works 15:00

Land at Velana after 15:00 and the last transfer of the day will have gone, which means a night in Malé before you reach the island.

Shared seaplane, daylight only. Land at Velana in the evening and you spend a night in Malé first, so send us your flights and we will check the connection before you book.

Transfer details last checked August 2026. We re-check yours against your actual ticket before we quote. See what your flight can reach →

We were last here October 2022 Inspected in person · 3 yr ago

Nova Maldives has a really easy-going feel to it. We loved the combination of its clean, contemporary overwater villas and the more natural, thatched-roof spaces around the island. The lagoon is beautifully clear, and there’s...

Read the visit note →

Choose Your Villa

Find your soul place at Nova Maldives — beachfront and overwater villas surrounded by turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs in South Ari Atoll

Beach Villa

A serene beachfront retreat with direct access to the ocean and a lush tropical garden. Wake up to the sound of waves and step straight onto the white sand beach.
  • Direct beach & ocean access
  • Private tropical garden terrace
  • Indoor & outdoor shower
  • Daily housekeeping & turndown service
Enquire Now

Sunset Beach Villa with Jacuzzi

A premium beachfront villa facing the spectacular Maldivian sunset, with a private jacuzzi on your terrace. Unwind in warm waters as the sky turns gold each evening.
  • Private jacuzzi on sunset-facing terrace
  • Direct beach access
  • Indoor & outdoor shower
  • Daily housekeeping & turndown service
Enquire Now

Water Villa with Jacuzzi

An elevated overwater retreat combining the magic of lagoon living with a private jacuzzi on your deck. Soak under the stars with nothing but the Indian Ocean stretching before you.
  • Private jacuzzi on overwater deck
  • Glass floor panel to view marine life
  • Indoor & outdoor shower
  • Daily housekeeping & turndown service
Enquire Now

Water Villa with Pool

The pinnacle of overwater luxury at Nova — a private infinity pool that appears to merge seamlessly with the Indian Ocean horizon. The ultimate soul-restoring escape.
  • Private infinity pool merging with the ocean
  • Overwater deck with lagoon steps
  • Glass floor panel to view marine life
  • Daily housekeeping & turndown service
Enquire Now

Where in the Maldives?

Frequently Asked Questions — Nova Maldives

Where is Nova Maldives located? +
Nova Maldives is located in the South Ari Atoll, one of the most biodiverse atolls in the Maldives, renowned for year-round whale shark sightings, manta rays, and vibrant coral reefs.
How do I get to Nova Maldives? +
Fly into Velana International Airport in Malé. Our team will meet you on arrival and escort you to your seaplane transfer. The scenic seaplane flight takes approximately 25 minutes. Seaplanes operate until 4:00 PM daily — please ensure your international flight arrives before this time.
Is Nova Maldives all-inclusive? +
Yes — Nova Maldives operates on a full board plus plan, which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected beverages. Many activities and non-motorised water sports are also complimentary.
What villa categories are available at Nova Maldives? +
Nova offers Beach Villas, Sunset Beach Villas with Jacuzzi, Water Villas, Water Villas with Jacuzzi, and Water Villas with Private Pool — all with stunning Indian Ocean views.
Can I see whale sharks at Nova Maldives? +
Yes! South Ari Atoll is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. Nova's Aquaholics dive centre organises whale shark excursions throughout the year.
Is Nova Maldives suitable for families? +
Absolutely. Nova Maldives is a welcoming resort for families, with a range of activities, water sports, and a relaxed island atmosphere that guests of all ages enjoy.
Are drones allowed at Nova Maldives? +
No — Nova Maldives is a drone-free zone to protect the privacy and freedom of all guests. Please leave your drone at home.
What dining options are available? +
Nova has five dining venues: Soul Kitchen (main all-day restaurant), Mizu (overwater Japanese), Flames (beachside grill), Solis (pool bar & café) and Wink (sunset cocktail bar). The full board plan covers meals at Soul Kitchen.
Is alcohol available at Nova Maldives? +
Yes, alcoholic beverages are available at the resort's bars. However, you cannot bring alcohol into the Maldives — it is strictly prohibited by Maldivian law.
What is the cancellation policy? +
Cancellation policies vary by package and travel dates. Please contact our team at 360 Degree World for full details on your specific booking.

Curated by Maldives Specialists

Every resort we feature is personally vetted by our founders — so you book with confidence.

Pranjal

Pranjal

Founder & Maldives Specialist

Selling the Maldives since 2004. He will tell you when a well-known name is not what it used to be.

Amosha

Amosha

Co-Founder & Maldives Specialist

Meticulous attention to detail and deep resort relationships for seamless, personalised journeys.

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