Honest review
One of those rare resorts where a solo traveller, a family with children and a lively group of friends all fit equally well. Nova's motto is 'a calm place with soul', and everything here is built around living in the present: leave the 'musts' at home and get on with the 'wants'.
The setting is a secluded tropical island in South Ari Atoll, 94 km from Velana airport. Not the shortest journey — but these are waters where whale sharks and manta rays are met all year round: the resort runs snorkelling and diving excursions to them in any season.
The underwater world is interesting even without excursions: the house reef is full of rays, turtles and fish, and there are even shipwrecks.
The villas, with spacious patios, private pools and jacuzzis, keep to white minimalism — natural materials, designer furniture, plenty of daylight and endless views of the Indian Ocean.
On land: beach volleyball, the spa, the gym, and a look into local history and culture. A tip: if a whale shark is item number one on your list, you can tick it off here in any month of the year.
