A Taste of Island Heritage: Nova Maldives Launches Limited Veganuary & Dry January Creations

Locally rooted vegan dishes and mindful mocktails celebrate the soulful flavours of the Maldives

From L to R: Nova’s Head Chef Sobah; Dhandi Alu Riha being prepared; Nova’s mocktail Dragon Fruit Cooler

London, UK, 6 January 2026: Nova Maldives is inviting conscious travellers and the culinarily curious to begin the year on a greener note with two limited-edition experiences crafted exclusively for Veganuary and Dry January. Rooted in Nova’s deep connection to Maldivian heritage and its commitment to locally inspired, mindful dining, the new offerings shine a spotlight on island flavours, plant-based craftsmanship, and zero-alcohol creativity.

Led by skilled Maldivian chef and tastemaker, Chef Sobah, the three-course Veganuary menu reimagines traditional recipes through a modern, nourishing lens, spotlighting locally sourced ingredients and the soulful simplicity of island cooking.

Guests are invited to journey through new and familiar flavours and dishes such as:

Kulhlhafilaa Faiy Salad – a vibrant composition of local rocket, snake gourd, cherry tomatoes, shaved coconut, and a bright coconut–lime vinaigrette. The recipe can be found here.
Dhandi Alu Riha (Cassava Curry) – a tender cassava curry simmered in fresh coconut milk with curry leaves, pandan, and island aromatics. To try this at home, you can find the recipe here.
Maldivian Classic Steamed Huni Hakuru – young coconut gently cooked with organic Maldivian honey, fragrant spices, and rosewater, wrapped in Canac leaf and steamed to release its natural perfume. Chef Sobah shares his recipe here to recreate this at home.

To accompany the menu, Nova introduces two vegan, alcohol-free cocktails, crafted with the same Nova philosophy: sun-kissed ingredients, pure notes, and a sense of place inspired by the pace of Maldivian island life. Guests can sip the Grapefruit Grove, a refreshing blend of grapefruit pulp and juice, curry leaves, pineapple, elderflower, and a touch of brown sugar, or enjoy the Dragon Fruit Cooler, featuring fresh dragon fruit, guava and lime juices, and a hint of coconut syrup, offering a refreshing complement to the delicious dishes.

Veganuary aligns seamlessly with Nova’s ongoing commitment to plant-based dining. Flames, the resort’s signature grill house restaurant, features a year-round dedicated vegan menu championing local produce and traditional cooking methods. Nestled on a petite island in the South Ari Atoll, the resort views plant-based cooking not as a trend, but as an opportunity for guests to discover a new dimension of Maldivian food culture - one that honours roots, sustainability, and wellbeing.

Nova is a true foodie’s paradise, where its connection-led philosophy shapes every dining moment - from the intimate overwater teppanyaki at Mizu, complete with a tailored plant-based tasting menu, to the nourishing, vibrant offerings at Soul Kitchen, designed for relaxed, all-day dining.

“At Nova, we believe that cuisine is one of the most meaningful ways to share the soul of the Maldives,” says Abdulla Aboobakuru, General Manager of Nova Maldives. “Our Veganuary menu celebrates the simple, honest ingredients our communities have cooked with for generations, thoughtfully reimagined into plant-based dishes that still feel deeply familiar and full of soul.”

The limited-edition Veganuary and Dry January offerings are available throughout the month for all guests seeking nourishment, discovery, or a mindful start to the year - whether eco-conscious, wellness-focused, or simply curious about the flavours of the Maldives.

For bookings and more information on the connection-focused island resort, visit the website here.

A Beach Villa at Nova Maldives this January starts at £620 per person on a Full Board basis, based on two adults sharing.

About 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. Smart, 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 Indian Ocean views, all designed for real connection. Set within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, Nova enjoys one of the most remarkable locations in the Maldives, renowned for its year-round manta ray and whale shark sightings; one of the few places in the world where these gentle giants can be seen in their natural habitat. Nourish the soul with good food and great company in the vibrant dining outlets, pool and communal spaces. Explore breathtaking nearby scuba diving sites, join coral planting and reef regeneration experiences, 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.