Nova Maldives will welcome the festive season with The Garden Within, a thoughtfully curated programme taking place from 19 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. Inspired by Nova's enduring spirit of connection, the festive programme brings together meaningful celebrations, restorative wellbeing, creative expression and shared experiences designed to feel warm, effortless and good for the soul.

The Magic of Christmas brings the island's community together beneath twinkling lights for the Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Claus' arrival. On Christmas Day, celebrations continue with the storytelling, music and craft of the Grand Holhuashi, a tradition dating back to the seafaring villages of old Maldives. As the year draws to a close, cocktail parties and gala dinners carry guests into New Year's Eve, culminating in a spectacular firework display at midnight.

To tend to what's within, EsKape Spa will welcome guests with limited-time rituals including Reikilogy, blending Reiki with foot reflexology, and Abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic warm oil massage. Beneath a canopy of stars, a quieter invitation unfolds at the Soma Nāda Sound Journey beneath the Cold Moon of Christmas Eve. Visitors can also craft their own herbal potli in the Arogya Potli Workshop.

By night, diners can choose between two special menus at Mizu, Nova's overwater restaurant: the Japanese feast Nova Sora Umi: Blooming Ocean, and the six-course Umi no Sachi: Bountiful Harvest of the Sea. Couples can opt for a beachside feast of grilled lobster and sparkling wine, or sail out to a sandbank for a Castaway experience of Prosecco and canapés under the stars.

For ocean-lovers, Whale Shark Snorkelling and Manta Quest outings offer front-row seats to South Ari Atoll's gentle giants and manta rays. Guests can also become a patron in the resort's Coral Garden Sponsorship, planting a coral frame of their own under Nova's marine team's guidance.

Travellers can let their soul take root at Nova this festive season, villas from £457/night on Full Board when booked direct at the resort's website.