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INSPIRED BY CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN'S EXOTIC GETAWAY TO THE MALDIVES, OUR HEAD OF SHOPPING ZOE CRIPPS WENT IN SEARCH OF WELLNESS AND WHALE SHARKS FOR HERSELF 10:00, 01 Feb 2025Updated 11:20,

03 Feb 2025 This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more I'm not that easy to influence, but when I read Claudia

Winkleman's summary of her recent trip to the Maldives, sitting in the rainy UK late last year, I decided I wanted to splash out on a trip to paradise just like hers. The itinerary she

describes was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with her highlights ranging from 'gorging on pancakes' to catching a seaplane and heading off in search of whale sharks.

Now I notoriously don't love water-based activities, but I made it my mission to set out on my own Maldives adventure so I could tick off the trips and foods Claudia raved about the

most. So, in a bid to break up the never-ending UK winter, I headed to Nova Maldives, a chic resort nestled in the heart of the South Ari Atoll that redefines laid-back luxury. From the

moment I arrived, greeted warmly by the staff waving ‘welcome’ signs as I stepped off the seaplane, I felt an immediate sense of relaxation that lasted a full week until I hit the luggage

drop queue back home. No wonder Claudia looked so well on this season of _The Traitors_. A 20-minute seaplane journey from Malé, the location is renowned for its magical marine life,

including manta rays, reef sharks and the elusive whale sharks – which I, like Claudia, went in search of. ON YOUR DOORSTEP READ MORE: ‘I went to Mauritius assuming it would just be a

relaxing ‘fly-and-flop’ holiday but I was wrong’ The island's compact size means everything is within a short, scenic stroll. I did daily walks around it, with each lap taking about 12

minutes to complete. The main pool, equipped with a swim-up bar and panoramic sea views, offers a refreshing respite from the sun, while the surrounding lush greenery and pristine beaches

create a tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding on a sun lounger. Evening walks along the jetty to watch sting rays (another one of Claudia's Maldives highlights) and sharks glide

beneath me quickly became my favourite pastime. And if shells are your thing, you’ll be able to easily spot exotic ones like giant Maldivian cowries along the sandy shores. Sadly, bringing

them home is banned. THE ROOMS The resort boasts 76 villas decorated with touches of the hotel’s sea-blue colour scheme. I was lucky enough to stay a few days in a water villa with a private

jacuzzi perched above the turquoise waters. Claudia shared a snap of her own holiday water villa and it's what made me want to experience it for myself. The private deck, complete with

sun loungers and direct sea access, became my personal haven, as did the freestanding bath with sea views. The more affordable beach villas are also spaced far enough apart to provide a

truly private island feeling and feature the most incredible open-air bathrooms. EATING AND DRINKING Nova offers a trio of dining experiences for those on full-board or all-inclusive

packages (this includes alcoholic drinks and access to all restaurants). Soul Kitchen, the main restaurant, serves buffet-style meals with live cooking stations for all guests. Breakfasts

featured freshly made pancakes and omelettes, while dinners offered a variety of grilled meat, seafood, and veggie dishes. Flames, the grill house, provided a romantic setting under the

stars, with the surf-and-turf set menu – complete with steak and lobster – being my standout selection. Mizu, the overwater teppanyaki restaurant, combined culinary theatre with fresh

flavours. For after-dinner hours, I headed to Wink bar where you can play pool and listen to live music. TAKE A TOUR For those, like me, seeking a touch of adventure to break up the

relaxation, you can book excursions for additional fees. Inspired by Claudia, I opted for the whale shark snorkelling trip – the most amazing 4-hour experience. Seeing the whales (admittedly

from a _very_ safe distance in the water) made me feel like a real-life Moana. Other trips departing from the resort include visits to manta ray hotspots and daily instructor-led diving

tours for both experienced and beginner divers. RELAX AND REBOOT The water sports centre offers complimentary paddleboards and kayaks, perfect for exploring the surrounding waters. There’s

also the overwater spa, with treatment rooms featuring glass panels on the floor to let you watch the marine life while enjoying a blissful full-body massage. If you’re feeling active, Nova

also has a football pitch, a tennis court, and an impressively modern gym. WHEN TO VISIT The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, during the dry season. There’s little

chance of prolonged rain, low humidity, and clear skies, with temperatures around 30°C. BOOK IT Article continues below Prices for a beach villa on a full-board basis for two adults sharing

start from £684 per night. Overwater villas start from £858. Book directly at nova-maldives.com to see offers and discounts, or via Booking.com or TUI to make the most of their seasonal

deals and packages. BA and Virgin Atlantic offer direct flights to Malé from London Heathrow, with prices starting from £567 return. Check your route here.