Nova Maldives
Nova Maldives
South Ari Atoll · Seaplane 25 mins · Good Soul Days
tripadvisor
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
Water Villa
The iconic Maldivian overwater experience — your villa sits directly above the turquoise lagoon with a private deck and steps leading straight into the crystal-clear water below.
- Private overwater deck with lagoon steps
- Glass floor panel to view marine life
- Indoor & outdoor shower
- Daily housekeeping & turndown service
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
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
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
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
Co-Founder & Maldives Specialist
Meticulous attention to detail and deep resort relationships for seamless, personalised journeys.