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 snorkeling before, try snorkeling near the shore before the manta or whale quest.

W
Wholock MGuangzhou, China

An unforgettable experience

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

An unforgettable experience

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

An unforgettable experience

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 priceRs. 1.00
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Nova Maldives — Your Soul Place in the Maldives

Set in South Ari Atoll, in the whale shark zone, Nova Maldives is a soulful luxury resort that blends laidback island living with heartfelt hospitality. Just a scenic 25-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, Nova is designed for those who seek beauty, connection, and good soul days.

The Island

Nova Maldives sits on a lush private island surrounded by turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs. The South Ari Atoll is one of the Maldives' most biodiverse atolls — famous for year-round whale shark sightings, manta rays, and spectacular house reef snorkelling.

Accommodation

  • Beach Villa — beachfront with direct ocean access and tropical garden
  • Beach Villa with Pool — private plunge pool steps from the beach
  • Water Villa — iconic overwater villa above the turquoise lagoon
  • Water Villa with Jacuzzi — overwater retreat with private jacuzzi
  • Water Villa with Pool — private infinity pool merging with the Indian Ocean

Dining

Five distinct venues to feed the soul: Soul Kitchen (main all-day restaurant), Mizu (overwater Japanese), Flames (beachside grill), Solis (pool bar and cafe), and Wink (sunset cocktail bar).

Activities and Wellness

  • Aquaholics Dive and Water Sports Centre — diving, snorkelling, whale shark excursions
  • Eskape Spa — holistic treatments, yoga, and wellness rituals
  • Game Set and Match — tennis and beach sports
  • Muscle — fully equipped fitness centre
  • The Hub — entertainment and social space
  • Nova Heritage — Maldivian cultural experiences

Getting Here

Fly into Velana International Airport, Male. Our team will meet you on arrival and escort you to your seaplane transfer. The seaplane flight to Nova takes approximately 25 minutes. Seaplanes operate until 4:00 PM daily — please plan your international arrival accordingly. On landing at the Nova lagoon, a 5-minute speedboat ride brings you to the island.

Good to Know

  • Nova Maldives is a drone-free zone
  • Alcohol is available on the island but cannot be brought into the Maldives
  • Temperature year-round: 28-32 degrees Celsius
  • Download the Nova App before you travel for island maps, menus, and special offers

Contact our Maldives specialists at 360 Degree World to plan your Nova Maldives holiday.

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Reserve Your Villa

Complete the form below and our concierge team will contact you within 24 hours

Villa Categories & Rates

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.
₹0 Spacious beachfront villa · Max 3 adults
  • 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.
₹0 Spacious beachfront villa · Sunset aspect · Max 3 adults
  • 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.
₹0 Overwater villa · Max 3 adults
  • 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.
₹0 Overwater villa · Max 3 adults
  • 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, Beach Villas with Pool, 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

Co-Founder & Maldives Specialist

Over a decade curating luxury Maldives holidays with unmatched destination knowledge.

Amosha

Amosha

Co-Founder & Maldives Specialist

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

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