This festive season, Nova Maldives invites travellers to embrace the magic of authentic island life with its curated programme, Maldivian Magic – A Festive Fusion. Running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, the soulful festive celebration draws inspiration from the Maldives’ 2,500-year cultural tapestry, rich with heritage, shaped by seafarers and storytellers, and steeped in rituals of connection and joy.
The year’s programme offers enriching experiences that combine the spirit of the sea with vibrant celebrations. Start your day off with a series of marine adventures, from Ocean Glides with Koamas, a thrilling jet ski ride to spot dolphin pods swimming in their natural habitat, to Whale Shark and Manta Snorkelling sessions, offering the chance to observe these majestic creatures of the sea in their hypnotic swim. Seafarers can also board a Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise, where gentle winds and golden light guide an unhurried sail across turquoise waters, perfect for couples or friends seeking calm connection.
In the evening, join marine lovers on a night snorkelling session to discover squads of nocturnal fishes, baby reef sharks and crustaceans, a sensory tribute to the ocean’s quiet magic.
Nova’s culinary offering for the season, themed around the Taste of the Atolls, introduces gourmands to a trio of intimate, flavour-led experiences. Each afternoon from 1:30pm to 2:00pm at Wink Bar, Elixirs of the Isles offers a playful mixology class featuring cocktails infused with Maldivian fruits and botanicals. As the sun sets, Mizu—Nova’s overwater teppanyaki restaurant—presents a refined, multi-course Ocean Umami dinner, artfully preparing the freshest catch from the sea with Japanese and Maldivian cooking techniques. Evenings at FLAMES are reserved for the indulgent Maldivian Fishermen’s Feast, where a beachside seafood spread with a curated menu, a splash of bubbles, and live island rhythms.
Bringing a distinct cultural note to the festivities, Malaafaiy Keyn, a seasonal item, offers experimental diners a rare taste of traditional Maldivian cuisine. This special dish is arranged on a handcrafted malaafaiy wooden platter, featuring fragrant rice, richly spiced curries, and time-honoured sides, and is served in a customised Mauloodh Haruge dining hall, bridging historical flavours with modern day community dining.
For those seeking a softer rhythm, whether alone, with a partner, or simply in search of quiet time to recharge and be present, a mid-day Private Finolhu Sandbank Escape offers a serene pause from the island’s energy: a white-sand retreat where time slows, waves whisper, and a bottle of chilled Prosecco with curated canapés sets the tone for an unhurried afternoon.
Nearby at EsKape Spa and available exclusively during the season, the Kaashi Naashi Ritual welcomes guests into a tender journey of release and renewal. Starting with the warmth of coconut oil and smooth coconut shells to guide the body into deep relaxation, it concludes with a soothing head massage that quiets the mind and softens the senses. Complementing this, the Soulful Healing through Dhivehi Beys treatment, which involves a deeply restorative oil massage that harnesses the natural power of locally sourced herbs, spices, and virgin coconut oil, draws on ancestral practices and therapeutic touch to bring the body into balance.
The season unfolds with a festive calendar designed to elevate celebrations through to the new year. Beginning with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting, a joyful gathering that brings the island community together beneath the stars, where carols are sung and traditions are shared in heartfelt company. On Christmas Eve, the shoreline comes alive with the rhythm and energy of a dazzling fire show and party, followed by a Gala Dinner where Maldivian flavours and festive favourites are savoured in celebration. Christmas morning brings its own kind of magic as Santa Claus makes a cheerful arrival at Wink Beach, greeted with handcrafted cocktails, sweet treats, and wide-eyed wonder.
As the year draws to a close, the final night of the year lights up with fireworks, a symbol celebrating fresh starts and new beginnings. The celebration carries into the night with live music, DJ sets, and festive cocktails that fill the air with rhythm and warmth. Welcoming the new year in soft contrast the next morning, the First Brunch of ’26 offers a leisurely gathering of palate-pleasing dishes and live cooking to start the year in a relaxed, sunlit setting.
“At Nova, we believe in celebrating more than just the season. Our festive offerings embrace our island’s deep cultural roots, offering an immersive experience where heritage, joy, and meaningful connections come to life,” says Abdulla Aboobakuru, Nova’s General Manager.
Let Nova’s island soul welcome you home to the heart of the Maldives this festive season, with Beach Villas sleeping up to three adults from £790 per night when booked direct at www.nova-maldives.com.
