Nova
Overwater villas on a private island in Male
A private island in Male
Nova Maldives is a five-star resort hotel on Male in South Ari Atoll. It offers overwater villas, villas with private pools and a house reef for snorkelling and diving. Room types include the Water Villa and the Beach Villa. Guests rate it 4.7/5 across 335 reviews. It's about 97 km from Velana International Airport (MLE), reached by seaplane or domestic flight.
The honest verdict
Expect a five-star resort, guest scores around 4.7/5, seaplane or domestic flight.
Best for
- Honeymoons & special occasions
- Couples wanting a private-island escape
- Spa & wellness breaks
- Divers & snorkelers
- Families with children
Maybe not ideal for
- Tight budgets — private-island resorts carry premium rates
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
Overwater & beach villas
Choose from 8 room types — including the Water Villa, Beach Villa, Sunset Beach Villa. Rates start from $453 a night.
Your own pool, your own pace
Many rooms open onto a private pool — the slow mornings that make an island stay.
Around the island
Nova Maldives sits in Male, rated 4.7/5 by guests.
Rooms & suites
Water Villa
125 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed / 1 single bed AND 1 extra-large double bed
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Beach Villa
80 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Sunset Beach Villa
80 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Sunset Beach Villa with Jacuzzi
80 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Water Villa With Jacuzzi
125 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 single bed AND 1 extra-large double bed
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Water Villa with Pool
160 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 single bed AND 1 extra-large double bed
- Private pool
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
Sunset Beach Villa with Private Pool
160 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Private pool
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
Beach Villa with Private Pool
160 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Private pool
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Experiences on & off the island
Inside the resort
Amenities at the resort
Great for your stay
- 5 restaurants
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness centre
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Fitness centre
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun terrace
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities
- Garden
Activities
- Live sport events (broadcast)
- Live music/performance
- Cooking class
- Tour or class about local culture
- Themed dinner nights
- Beach
- Evening entertainment
- Water sport facilities on site
Living Area
- Seating Area
Food & Drink
- Coffee house on site
- Fruits
- Wine/champagne
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Snack bar
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Minibar
Getting there
Getting to Nova Maldives on Male in South Ari Atoll means covering about 97 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
On the map
South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
- Things to do0
- Restaurants0
- Public transit0
- Airport access0
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Nova Maldives from Malé airport?
Getting to Nova Maldives on Male in South Ari Atoll means covering about 97 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
How far is Nova Maldives from Velana International Airport?
Nova Maldives is approximately 97 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
Does Nova Maldives have overwater villas?
Yes — Nova Maldives has overwater accommodation, including the Water Villa, Water Villa, Water Villa With Jacuzzi.
Is Nova Maldives suitable for families?
Yes — Nova Maldives offers a kids' club and family-friendly facilities, with calm lagoon swimming suited to children.
Does Nova Maldives have a spa?
Yes, Nova Maldives has a spa offering treatments and wellness facilities.
Can you snorkel or dive at Nova Maldives?
Yes — Nova Maldives has a house reef for snorkelling, with guided diving and water-sports available.
What amenities does Nova Maldives offer?
Nova Maldives offers Airport shuttle.
What room types are available at Nova Maldives?
Room options include Water Villa, Beach Villa, Sunset Beach Villa, Sunset Beach Villa with Jacuzzi, Water Villa With Jacuzzi.
How much does it cost to stay at Nova Maldives?
Nightly rates start from around $453, varying by date and room type.
How much does the transfer to Nova Maldives cost?
Airport transfers in the Maldives are arranged by the property and charged separately from the room rate. Seaplane and domestic-flight transfers are priced per person and cost more than a speedboat, and fares are usually quoted per person, round-trip. Confirm the exact transfer fee with the property when you book.
Is there a minimum stay at Nova Maldives?
Many Maldives properties apply a minimum-stay requirement — commonly 2–3 nights, and longer (5–7+ nights) over the December–January peak and New Year. Check the rate conditions for your dates, as minimums vary by room type and season.
When is the best time to visit Nova Maldives?
South Ari Atoll is a year-round destination. The dry season (roughly November to April) brings the most sunshine and calm seas, while the quieter wet season (May to October) offers lower rates and excellent diving visibility.
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