NOVA Maldives
Ari Atoll
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Our Opinion of NOVA Maldives
The most recent Angelfish visitors to NOVA Maldives were Dan & Jo.
NOVA Maldives, formerly Vakarufalhi, opened for business in June 2022. The pretty island, surrounded by beautiful beaches, has been fully refurbished and re-branded, with a fresh new look and club style concept.
The location is ideal in the South Ari Atoll, and while historically the snorkelling has always been good here, we found that both coral coverage and marine life were sparse on the house reef.
The villas are a notable highlight: huge, spacious and with an unexpected feel of luxury at this level, and the quality persists in impressive new amenities, including the gym, dive centre, water sports centre, spa and new main pool with swim-up bar.
On our visit, we felt that both service and dining were a work in progress. The main restaurant has a distinctly canteen feel, and previous visitors to Vakarufalhi may miss the more traditional Maldivian atmosphere. On the other hand, those seeking a more active, buzzy holiday will enjoy the variety of entertainment on offer.
NOVA Maldives Summary
In their own words, NOVA Maldives is designed as a 'smart, playful, rooted and responsible' resort - the newest offering from the Pulse Hotels & Resorts brand that also includes Kandima.
NOVA has 76 villas in 10 different categories, both on beach and overwater including some interconnecting Family Beach Villas and one 2-Bedroom Beach Residence with Pool. All villas will have king-sized beds, rainfall showers, Apple TV, high-speed internet and, importantly, plastic-free and refillable luxury organic bath amenities.
Dining options will include the main restaurant 'Soul Kitchen', a speciality Grill 'Flames' and an overwater Teppanyaki restaurant 'MIZU'. There are two bars - WINK (main bar) and SOLIS (pool bar).
All rates are on Full Board Plus (inclusive of unlimited soft drinks, juice, water and tea/coffee during mealtimes) and there is also an All Inclusive package at a supplement for stays of 4 nights or more. Please ask us for details.
Snorkelling fans will be pleased to hear that NOVA's house reef is easily accessible and its location in South Ari atoll gives access to numerous renowned dive sites and the opportunity to encounter whalesharks and mantas.
A range of motorised and non-motorised water sports are available, and an all-purpose court ensures there are plenty of on-site activities and games to enjoy.
A spa (Eskape) and state-of-the-art fitness centre complete the facilities.
NOVA is reached by a 25-minute seaplane ride. The seaplanes will be scheduled to give guests more certainty of their transfer timings, and will be operated by Manta Air.
NOVA has 76 villas in 10 different categories, both on beach and overwater including some interconnecting Family Beach Villas and one 2-Bedroom Beach Residence with Pool. All villas will have king-sized beds, rainfall showers, Apple TV, high-speed internet and, importantly, plastic-free and refillable luxury organic bath amenities.
Dining options will include the main restaurant 'Soul Kitchen', a speciality Grill 'Flames' and an overwater Teppanyaki restaurant 'MIZU'. There are two bars - WINK (main bar) and SOLIS (pool bar).
All rates are on Full Board Plus (inclusive of unlimited soft drinks, juice, water and tea/coffee during mealtimes) and there is also an All Inclusive package at a supplement for stays of 4 nights or more. Please ask us for details.
Snorkelling fans will be pleased to hear that NOVA's house reef is easily accessible and its location in South Ari atoll gives access to numerous renowned dive sites and the opportunity to encounter whalesharks and mantas.
A range of motorised and non-motorised water sports are available, and an all-purpose court ensures there are plenty of on-site activities and games to enjoy.
A spa (Eskape) and state-of-the-art fitness centre complete the facilities.
NOVA is reached by a 25-minute seaplane ride. The seaplanes will be scheduled to give guests more certainty of their transfer timings, and will be operated by Manta Air.
