From Art to Architecture: Nova Maldives’ Festive Masterpieces
This festive season, Nova Maldives reimagines its Christmas tree and key photo spots through a creative, Maldivian lens, transforming familiar symbols into handcrafted expressions of island heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design, in line with the resort’s festive theme, “Maldivian Magic – A Festive Fusion”. The celebrations, inspired by the Maldives’ 2,500-year cultural tapestry, run from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026.
The Maldivian Christmas Tree
A centrepiece rooted in local materials and artisanal storytelling, the tree reflects Nova’s island-first philosophy through the following elements:
- Rooted Woods: The tiered base is crafted from cajon wood, a material sourced from coconut palm timber — a tree often called the “tree of life” in the Maldives for its fundamental role in island survival, craftsmanship, housing, and utilitarian objects; while driftwood is used to suspend and frame ornaments, symbolising the Maldives’ deep connection to the ocean.
- Signature crown: A two-foot neon Nova star logo, handcrafted in Malé, tops the tree, representing contemporary Maldivian brilliance, creativity, and local artisan skill.
- Traditional lighting accents: Traditional Maldivian lamps, paired with warm strip lighting between the cajon layers, cast an ambient glow that conjures the soothing light of island evenings and traditional gatherings under the stars.
- Cultural ornaments: Maldivian toddy taps (badhi) made from coconut shell and rope, are re-imagined as tree decorations and ribbon holders. In Maldivian culture, toddy sap is harvested in a practice known as raa veriyaa, a skilled tradition passed through generations that produced a sweet natural drink and syrup.
- Sustainable finishing touches: Palm-woven boxes and lanterns placed around the tree celebrate traditional weaving techniques using coconut palm fronds, a craft long embedded in island life for basket-and-roof thatching, and ceremonial decorations.
Maldivian-Inspired Festive Backdrops
Complementing the tree, Nova Maldives’ stage and photo backdrops are designed as visual celebrations of Maldivian art and architectural form, drawing inspiration from the islands’ rich decorative traditions. Maldivian lacquer (laajehun) motifs and hand-drawn island patterns feature prominently across canvas panels, truss details, and central circular elements handcrafted in Malé, translating traditional art forms into contemporary festive design.
The seasonal photo backdrop will also feature a traditional Maldivian swing, a familiar sight in island homes and communal spaces when friends and family gather for conversations.
