By Donna Richardson
The Maldives is a stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its luxurious hotels and breathtaking natural beauty. With innovative offerings like the world’s first underwater restaurant and exclusive private islands with personal butlers, the destination epitomises luxury. Visitors, including famous athletes and health experts, often start their days with floating breakfasts, then enjoy snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs or lounging in exquisite overwater villas. Each idyllic island resembles a scoop of ice cream, adorned with lush greenery that melts into turquoise lagoons against the deep indigo ocean. From the soft, powdery beaches, you can admire the mesmerising fifty shades of blue where sea meets sky, while inland paths invite exploration through verdant jungles. Though famously a romantic honeymoon spot, the Maldives is equally perfect for solo travellers seeking tranquillity and inspiration amidst its captivating beauty.
A Rising Global Movement
The 2024 Forbes Travel Trends Report found that 76% of Millennials and Gen Z are planning solo trips this year, fuelled by a growing hunger for travel that supports wellness, purposeful living, and mindful experiences. This growing preference for slower, more intentional travel naturally aligns with Nova’s commitment to offering mindful experiences to travellers.
Nova Maldives
Nova Maldives, the soulful island resort nestled in the South Ari Atoll, believes in a greater calling than simply a lifestyle holiday destination. A modern All-Inclusive Community Concept, this laidback, all-natural island offers countless ways to spark joy. Intelligent, playful, rooted and responsible, Nova embodies the very essence of the Pulse Hotels & Resorts brand. Reached by a scenic seaplane flight, Nova features 76 land and overwater villas with private terraces and seemingly endless views of the Indian Ocean, all designed for genuine connection. Nourish your soul with good food and great company in our vibrant dining outlets, pool, and communal spaces. Explore the dazzling rainbow world of coral and sea life, play beach volleyball or immerse yourself in the local art and culture. At Nova, it’s all about taking the time to do what makes your soul happy.
Introducing the Flow Retreat: 15–21 September 2025
This September, Nova Maldives invites solo travellers to reconnect with themselves and each other through the second edition of its Solo Traveller Month — a month dedicated to solo travel experiences and personal wellness. Building on the success of its inaugural Solo Traveller Month last year, the island resort is set to unveil a restorative, weeklong Flow Retreat this September, crafted for curious souls, creative spirits, and those seeking meaning in stillness.
Rooted in Nova’s all-inclusive community lifestyle concept, the retreat offers something rare in the Maldives: space to connect with yourself without feeling isolated, and the freedom to move at your own rhythm in a setting designed for discovery, presence, and belonging.At the heart of Solo Traveller Month is the Flow Retreat — a week-long curated wellness journey led by Nova’s resident yogi and guest practitioner, Yasmina Cherquaoui. A renowned international wellness facilitator, Yasmina brings a soulful, grounded energy to the retreat, fusing yoga, breathwork, meditation, and creative healing modalities.
Each day begins with a complimentary sunrise session to gently open the body and anchor the mind — from somatic movement and reiki to mindful manifesting and yin aromatherapy. As the sun sets, guests are invited to take part in immersive, energy-shifting sunset experiences, including cacao ceremonies, ecstatic dance, sound healing, and a silent disco beneaththe island’sstars. Two wellness talks — one on healthy nutrition, the other on yoga philosophy — will also be offered, alongside optional 1:1 private sessions for guests wishing to deepen their individual practice.
These moments of reflection and release offer the opportunity for guests to slow down, reflect, and tune in with their inner landscape. Whether seeking clarity, emotional release, or centeredness, the retreat’s holistic approach fosters a sense of calm and renewal that can carry well beyond the island — offering not just rest, but the foundation for lasting transformation.
Participation is buildable, meaning attendees can engage as lightly or deeply as they wish. Whether they are seeking a fully immersive wellness experience or simply looking to explore a few curated sessions, the programme is designed to be flexible and intuitive — empowering each guest to shape their stay in a way that feels most nourishing to them.
Enhance Your Journey: Restorative Add-ons for Inner Renewal
For solo guests looking to enrich their itinerary beyond the core Flow Retreat schedule, Nova offers a range of wellness-enhancing add-ons designed to inspire exploration and deepen self-connection. The recently introduced Wellness Diving Offering facilitates meditative underwater journeys. Through buoyancy workshops, underwater yoga, and guided dives at Nova’s PADI-certified dive centre, guests can discover a sense of inner stillness in the ocean’s embrace.
Meanwhile, the tranquil EsKape Spa invites individuals to indulge in bespoke treatments inspired by Maldivian botanicals and marine elements, all enjoyed against the backdrop of panoramic sea views. Together, these experiences round out a solo stay that is as adventurous as it is restorative.
A Place to Travel Slowly, Together
Featuring holistic activities like Inner child healing, heart opening yoga, guided nature walks, authentic immersion in the local Maldivian culture and music scene, and shared meals around communal tables at Soul Kitchen and Flames, Solo Traveller Month invites travellers to embrace personal growth and collective connection through the transformative act of travel. The Flow Retreat is a thoughtfully crafted programme for those who travel solo, but never alone.
Yasmina Cherquaoui is a renowned international wellness facilitator and retreat business owner with over 20 years of practice and teaching experience and clients including Soho House, Sandals Resorts, and Ace Hotel. Her approach is deeply informed by her own experience in the fast-paced world of corporate PR, where she witnessed firsthand the toll of burnout and the importance of sustainable wellbeing. Through her company, Amana Retreats, she delivers science-backed programmes that blend yoga, meditation, mindset coaching, nutrition, EFT, and breathwork—supporting guests in building resilience, clarity, and joy in their everyday lives.
W Maldives
W Maldives, the acclaimed luxury resort set in the breathtaking North Ari Atoll, has reopened following a stunning transformation led by Miaja Design Group. Commencing in 2023, this
ambitious refurbishment marks a new era of design for W Resorts, blending the brand’s audacious, colourful, and playful spirit with a more refined and meaningful interpretation of luxury.
Gone are the days of excessive opulence; today’s luxury travelers seek experiences that connect with nature. W Maldives has adapted to this trend by transforming its 77 villas and public spaces into immersive sanctuaries that highlight the natural beauty of the Maldives.The resort’s design reflects the ecosystems above and below the atoll’s surface, featuring seamless public areas with bridges and hybrid pods that promote connection. Customizable furniture encourages gatherings, all set against the stunning Maldivian backdrop.The Premier Overwater Villas are inspired by whale shark patterns and coral reefs, while the Escape Beach Villas showcase the textures of mangroves. The new Oasis Beach Two-Bedroom Villas offer spacious living areas, private pools, and fun features like water slides.W Maldives is committed to environmental conservation, emphasizing the symbiotic relationships among coral reefs, mangroves, and local wildlife. The resort supports initiatives for coral reef restoration, mangrove reforestation, and whale shark conservation.
Sun Siyam World
Sun Siyam Resorts has a tour operator and six luxury resorts owned by Mr Ahmed Siyam Mohamed since 1990. Mr Siyam has six resorts and counting. Sun Siyam Resorts boasts a collection of five luxury properties, under Maldivian ownership and one on the east coast of Sri Lanka, founded by Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed in the 90s.
His journey began as a tour operator, leading him to create an impressive portfolio of resorts dedicated to sustainable tourism. The flagship hotel, Vilu Reef, launched in 1998, followed by Sun Siyam Olhuveli in 2002, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in 2008, Sun Siyam Iru Veli in 2018 and Siyam World in 2021. They had a boutique retreat in Sri Lanka called Sun Siyam Pasikudah which opened in 2014. Each property reflects the signature Sun Siyam ethos, with a fresh aesthetic that features white decor accented by vibrant colours, harmonising beautifully with the striking blue of the Indian Ocean.
The water villas offer breathtaking views and infinity pools, some of which are complete with personal butler service. While most resorts are five-star, Olhuveli stands out as a four-star option. All the resorts are all-inclusive meal plans, making them an attractive choice for travellers. Vilu Reef is particularly renowned for its exceptional house reef and is situated just a 35-minute seaplane flight from Malé. It boasts 103 luxury villas, including both water and beach villas, and features facilities for children, such as the Turtle Kids Club.
The onsite spa offers a variety of wellness treatments, while various excursions provide opportunities for snorkelling, dolphin watching, and local island experiences. Dining options at Vilu Reef range from casual to gourmet, with five venues including The Nautilus for cocktails and Well Done & Wine Cellar for seafood and fine wines. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, situated in the serene Noonu Atoll, is a sprawling tropical paradise spanning 52 acres, offering a variety of accommodations, including beach and over-water villas. Guests can enjoy a private beach cabana with ocean views and luxurious amenities, including outdoor Jacuzzis, in the deluxe villas. The resort offers an exciting range of activities, including scuba diving, windsurfing, and children’s programming, as well as diverse culinary offerings across multiple restaurants, from French to Maldivian cuisine.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli in Dhaalu Atoll offers 120 villas overwater and on pristine white sands, renowned for its dolphin sightings and all-inclusive packages featuring diverse dining options. Siyam World, one of the Maldives’ largest resort, offers a range of accommodations, multiple restaurants, bars, and a vibrant atmosphere with diverse activities. Sun Siyam Olhuveli, offers luxury and comfort just 45 minutes from the capital by speedboat transfer, featuring spacious rooms, infinity pools, family-friendly amenities, diverse dining options, and recreational facilities. They recently added the Maldives longest swimming pool to its range of facilities as well as newly refurbished sunrise and sunset pavilions.
Private islands
Staying on private islands is an invaluable experience. Still, when it comes to booking one of the most luxurious hotels, The Mukara stands out as one of the most exclusive residences on the island. Part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, the Mukara is a unique two-level residence featuring an underwater master bedroom beneath a curved dome. This is a pioneering, luxury two-storey residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean, within the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. Above water, enjoy spacious living and dining areas befitting one of the world’s most distinguished residences. It includes two bedrooms and a bathroom with an ocean-facing tub, an outdoor deck with an infinity pool, and private 24-hour butler service.
Kudadoo Maldives is also a small island with just 15 overwater villas and is entirely powered by solar energy. Imagine this: your very own private island. Its philosophy is “Anytime Anywhere” with a 24-hour butler to tend to your needs.
