Celebrating Island Heritage Through Veganuary and Dry January
At Nova Maldives, the start of the year is marked by a mindful celebration of flavour, balance, and island heritage through thoughtfully crafted creations for Veganuary and Dry January. Led by Nova’s tastemaker Chef Sobah, the three-course Veganuary menu reimagines traditional recipes through a modern, nourishing lens.
Locally sourced ingredients take centre stage, highlighting the soulful simplicity of island cooking while embracing a lighter, more intentional way of dining and sipping. Together, these limited-time offerings reflect Nova’s belief that good food should feel as good as it tastes.
Soulful Island Flavours for Veganuary
For Veganuary, Nova invites guests to experience the soulful simplicity of island cooking through a thoughtfully crafted, plant-forward journey. Rooted in Maldivian heritage, the menu brings together fresh, familiar flavours with a modern, nourishing touch. Highlights include Kulhlhafilaa Faiy Salad with local greens, shaved coconut, and coconut and lime vinaigrette, Dhandi Alu Riha, a comforting cassava curry simmered in fresh coconut milk and island aromatics, and Maldivian Classic Steamed Huni Hakuru, where young coconut is gently cooked with organic Maldivian honey, fragrant spices, and rosewater.
Mindful Sips Inspired by Island Life
For Dry January, Nova brings the same mindful approach to the glass with two vegan, alcohol-free cocktails designed to feel light, refreshing, and deeply rooted in island life. Crafted with sun-kissed ingredients and clean, natural flavours, these drinks reflect the easy pace of the Maldives while pairing effortlessly with the menu. Guests can enjoy the Grapefruit Grove, blending grapefruit pulp and juice with curry leaves, pineapple, elderflower, and a touch of brown sugar, or sip the Dragon Fruit Cooler, a vibrant mix of fresh dragon fruit, guava and lime juice, finished with a hint of coconut syrup.
Where Plant-Based Dining Feels Natural
At Nova, plant-based dining is woven naturally into everyday island life, making Veganuary and Dry January a seamless continuation rather than a seasonal addition. Across all dining outlets, including Flames, Mizu, and Soul Kitchen, vegan options are available throughout the year, allowing guests to enjoy flavourful choices wherever they choose to dine. Set on a small island in the South Ari Atoll within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Nova sees plant-based cooking as a way to deepen the connection between food, place, and people.
Rooted in Island Heritage, Guided by Mindful Living
At Nova, Veganuary and Dry January become a celebration of island heritage, where time-honoured Maldivian flavours are reimagined with care and intention. Through plant-based plates and mindful sips, these moments honour the rhythms of island life and the stories rooted in local kitchens. Guests can then deepen their journey through the ancient art of Dhivehi Beys, a time-honoured Maldivian healing tradition reimagined at Nova in collaboration with renowned local practitioner Dr Ali Rasheed, drawing on native herbs, coconut oil, and marine botanicals to restore balance and harmony. It is a gentle reminder that celebrating heritage can feel nourishing, inclusive, and deeply good for the soul.
Contact us today at [email protected] or +960 66 88 777 to book your Veganuary and Dry January vacation at Nova. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Soulful Tales newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive offers – including 20% off your next stay.
