I’m not one to be easily swayed, but Claudia Winkleman’s account of her recent Maldives getaway had me yearning for a slice of paradise amidst the dreary UK weather last year. Her trip seemed like the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with highlights from pancake feasts to seaplane rides in pursuit of whale sharks. Despite my usual aversion to water-based activities, I was determined to embark on my own Maldivian adventure and experience the attractions and cuisine that Claudia couldn’t stop raving about. So, to escape the seemingly endless UK winter, I jetted off to Nova Maldives, a chic resort tucked away in the South Ari Atoll that epitomises laid-back luxury. From the moment I arrived, warmly welcomed by staff waving ‘welcome’ signs as I disembarked the seaplane, I was enveloped in a sense of tranquillity that lasted until I found myself back in the luggage drop queue at home. No wonder Claudia looked so radiant on this season of The Traitors. A mere 20-minute seaplane ride from Malé, the location is famed for its enchanting marine life, including manta rays, reef sharks and the elusive whale sharks – which I, inspired by Claudia, set out to find. Right on your doorstep
The main pool, equipped with a swim-up bar and panoramic sea views
(Image: Nova)
The island’s petite size ensures that everything is just a short, picturesque walk away. I made it a routine to take daily strolls around the island, each round taking roughly 12 minutes, reports the Mirror. The main pool, complete with a swim-up bar and sweeping sea views, provides a cool escape from the sun. The surrounding verdant greenery and immaculate beaches craft a serene setting, ideal for relaxing on a sunbed. Evening walks along the jetty to watch sting rays (another of Claudia’s Maldives highlights) and sharks glide beneath quickly became my favourite activity. Shell enthusiasts will easily spot exotic ones like giant Maldivian cowries along the sandy shores, although taking them home is prohibited. The villas
The resort features 76 villas
(Image: Nova)
The resort features 76 villas adorned with hints of the hotel’s sea-blue colour palette. I had the fortune of spending a few days in a water villa with a private hot tub hovering above the turquoise waters. Claudia’s photo of her own holiday water villa inspired me to try it out. The private deck, outfitted with sun loungers and direct sea access, became my personal sanctuary, as did the standalone bath with sea views. The more budget-friendly beach villas are also spaced far enough apart to offer a truly secluded island vibe and boast the most amazing open-air bathrooms. Eating and drinking
Mizu, the overwater teppanyaki restaurant
(Image: Nova)
Nova offers three dining options for those opting for full-board or all-inclusive packages, which include alcoholic beverages and access to all eateries. Soul Kitchen, the primary restaurant, serves buffet-style meals with live cooking stations for all guests. Breakfasts boast freshly made pancakes and omelettes, while dinners offer a range of grilled meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Flames, the grill house, sets a romantic mood under the stars, with the surf-and-turf set menu – featuring steak and lobster – being my top pick. Mizu, the overwater teppanyaki restaurant, blends culinary spectacle with fresh flavours. For post-dinner entertainment, I headed to Wink bar for a game of pool and live music. Book an adventure If you’re seeking a dash of adventure amidst relaxation like me, you can book additional excursions. Inspired by Claudia, I chose the whale shark snorkelling trip – an unforgettable 4-hour experience. Seeing the whales (from a safe distance in the water) made me feel like a real-life Moana. Other trips departing from the resort include visits to manta ray hotspots and daily instructor-led diving tours for both seasoned and novice divers. Relax and reboot
There are plenty of activities to do on the island to suit all tastes
(Image: Nova)
The water sports centre provides free paddleboards and kayaks, ideal for adventures in the nearby waters. There’s also an overwater spa with treatment rooms that have glass panels on the floor, allowing you to observe the aquatic life while indulging in a heavenly full-body massage. For those who prefer staying active, Nova boasts a football pitch, a tennis court, and a state-of-the-art gym. When to visit the Maldives The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, during the dry season. Expect minimal chances of extended rain, low humidity, and clear skies, with temperatures hovering around 30°C. Book it Rates for a beach villa on a full-board basis for two adults sharing start from £684 per night. Overwater villas begin at £858. Book directly at nova-maldives.com for offers and discounts, or through Booking.com or TUI to take advantage of their seasonal deals and packages. BA and Virgin Atlantic provide direct flights to Malé from London Heathrow, with fares starting from £567 return. Check your route here. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
