LUX* South Ari Atoll

Quick Overview

From the moment you arrive, LUX South Ari Atoll captivates with its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and an ethos of spontaneous delight. This resort isn't just about luxurious accommodation; it's a destination where every detail is crafted to inspire joy and create lasting memories. Whether you're seeking thrilling marine adventures, serene wellness retreats, or gourmet culinary journeys, this Maldivian gem delivers.

The allure of LUX South Ari Atoll begins with its prime location within the South Ari Atoll, a region globally celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity. This particular atoll is renowned as a South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), offering an unparalleled opportunity for year-round encounters with majestic whale sharks, graceful manta rays, and various species of turtles. Guests frequently praise the fantastic location and the chance to spot marine life, such as blacktip sharks, around their water villas at sunrise.

Reaching this island paradise is an adventure in itself. Your journey to Dhidhoofinolhu Island commences with a scenic seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport. These transfers typically take between 25-30 minutes, providing breathtaking aerial views of the scattered emerald islands and sapphire lagoons below. Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is well-connected by international flights from major hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo, making the onward journey to LUX South Ari Atoll seamless. The seaplane experience, while standard for many Maldivian resorts, adds an element of excitement and offers a unique perspective of this stunning nation.

LUX South Ari Atoll boasts 193 exquisitely designed villas, offering a perfect blend of Maldivian charm and contemporary luxury. Guests can choose between idyllic overwater villas, perched directly above the shimmering lagoon, or serene beach villas, nestled amidst lush tropical foliage with direct access to the soft white sands.

Villa Types & What to Expect

• Beach Villas: Located right on the sand, these villas feature spacious interiors, outdoor decks with sunbeds, and often a large, freestanding bathtub in the bathroom. They provide direct beach access, allowing guests to step from their villa onto the pristine shoreline.
• Overwater Villas: Suspended over the turquoise lagoon, these villas offer unparalleled ocean views and direct access to the water from private decks. Many include glass floor panels for marine viewing, private infinity plunge pools, and luxurious amenities.
• LUX Villa: For the ultimate indulgence, the one-bedroom LUX Villa is located at the jetty's tip, offering unobstructed 360-degree sea views, a private infinity pool, dedicated butler service, and even a private buggy. These villas feature a blend of traditional thatched roofs and modern elements like floor-to-ceiling glass panes and see-through glass floors.
• Temptation Pool Water Villas: Described as a couple's paradise, these exclusive villas offer a 14-meter private infinity pool, a jacuzzi, and direct access to the lagoon. They come equipped with a round bed, a bathtub, and an outdoor deck with sunbeds and a bird's nest swing, providing a seamless blend of luxury and nature.

Across all villa categories, guests can expect elegant interiors with whitewashed walls, light and airy spaces, and bursts of color. Standard amenities include a minibar, espresso machine, tea bags, and an interactive TV providing resort information. Luxurious bath amenities, air conditioning, fans, and modern technology like WiFi are also standard. Privacy in water villas is often enhanced by wooden panels separating them.

Pricing

The price for a stay at LUX South Ari Atoll varies depending on the season and villa category. During the low season, a Beach Villa starts around $700 per night, while an Overwater Villa begins at approximately $1000 per night. In the high season, these prices typically increase, with Beach Villas averaging $1100 per night and Overwater Villas around $1600 per night. For those seeking a truly worry-free vacation, the all-inclusive package is available for approximately $2000 per night, offering exceptional value for a comprehensive luxury experience. Check Prices→

The culinary journey at LUX South Ari Atoll is nothing short of phenomenal, with recent guests consistently praising the quality, freshness, and sheer variety of food on offer. With eight distinct restaurants and several bars, the resort caters to every palate, ensuring a delightful gastronomic adventure throughout your stay.

Restaurant Overview & Cuisine Highlights

• MIXE: The main restaurant, offering an extensive international buffet. It's a vibrant hub for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a wide array of global flavors.
• SENSES: A sophisticated venue featuring tantalizing Mediterranean and Indian Ocean cuisine, perfect for those seeking exotic spices and fresh seafood.
• ALLEGRIA: Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, from classic pasta dishes to exquisite pizzas, all prepared with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
• EAST MARKET: Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of South-East Asia, with a diverse menu that transports you to the bustling markets of the region.
• UMAMI: A haven for Japanese cuisine lovers, serving up fresh sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese delicacies in a refined setting.
• BEACH ROUGE: This beach club and restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic ocean views, serving Mediterranean mezze, pizza, and turning into a popular hangout spot with a DJ and sunset cocktails in the evening.
• Café LUX: A highlight for coffee aficionados, serving island-roasted coffee. Guests frequently laud the excellent coffee, often grabbing a latte and cookies throughout the day.

LUX South Ari Atoll is a playground for both the adventurous and those seeking pure relaxation, offering an extensive array of activities and unique experiences that truly set it apart.

House Reef and Diving/Snorkeling

The resort is uniquely positioned within a South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), making it a prime destination for marine enthusiasts. The house reef and surrounding lagoon teem with fish, turtles, and manta rays. What truly distinguishes this location is the opportunity for year-round whale shark encounters, a rare and thrilling experience that draws visitors from across the globe. Snorkeling trips to the house reef are readily available, and for deeper exploration, the resort houses a 5-star PADI dive center. With access to over 50 dive sites, including the famous whale shark spots, divers of all levels can explore the vibrant underwater world. Even beginners as young as 8 years old can take diving lessons, and for those not quite ready for the open ocean, virtual reality diving sessions offer an immersive experience. While the lagoon is ideal for snorkeling, some sources suggest the coral itself may not be as vibrant as in other Maldivian areas, but the abundance of marine life more than compensates.

Spa and Wellness

The Forbes-awarded LUX Me Spa is a sanctuary of serenity and rejuvenation. It features luxurious overwater treatment villas, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your wellness journey. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments, consult with a wellness concierge, participate in ocean-view yoga sessions, and even experience unique Zhengliao Chinese medicine treatments. The spa also offers a special treatment menu for younger guests, and its peaceful private beach area with plunge pools and daybeds is a hidden treasure for relaxation.

LUX South Ari Atoll prides itself on offering distinctive experiences that create lasting memories:

• Floating Solar System: The resort operates one of the world's largest floating solar systems, generating over 30% of the island's energy, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability.
• Cinema Paradiso: An enchanting outdoor cinema experience under the stars, offering a magical evening for guests.
• Café LUX and ICI Ice Cream: Enjoy freshly island-roasted coffee at Café LUX and indulge in homemade ICI ice cream, a delightful treat on a warm Maldivian day.
• Tree of Wishes: A unique tradition where guests can hang their wishes on a banyan tree, adding a touch of magic to their stay.
• Spontaneous Delights: The resort is known for its pop-up music performances and other spontaneous, delightful surprises that add to the vibrant atmosphere.
• Complimentary Bicycles: Guests receive complimentary bicycles, encouraging exploration of the expansive island at their own pace.
• Marine Conservation: Beyond whale shark encounters, the resort is actively involved in marine conservation efforts, including coral planting initiatives.
• Game of the Day: The resort hides a secret bottle with a gift on the property daily, encouraging guests to explore and participate in a fun scavenger hunt.

Who Is This Resort Best For?

LUX South Ari Atoll caters to a diverse range of travelers, making it a versatile choice for a Maldivian getaway:

• Honeymooners & Couples: With romantic overwater villas, private dining options, and the serene LUX Me Spa, it's an ideal setting for romantic escapes. The Temptation Pool Water Villas, in particular, are designed as a couple's paradise.
• Families: The presence of a dedicated Kids Club, a variety of activities, and villa options suitable for families make it a great choice for those traveling with children. The special spa menu for little ones is also a thoughtful touch.
• Divers & Snorkelers: Its location within a Marine Protected Area with year-round whale shark encounters and a 5-star PADI dive center with access to over 50 dive sites makes it a dream destination for underwater adventurers.
• Eco-Conscious Travelers: The resort's commitment to sustainability, evidenced by its large floating solar system and marine conservation efforts, will appeal to environmentally aware guests.
• Foodies: With eight diverse restaurants offering phenomenal quality and variety, including homemade pastries and fresh seafood, culinary enthusiasts will be delighted.
• Active Travelers: From extensive water sports to fitness classes, tennis courts, and complimentary bicycles, guests who enjoy an active holiday will find plenty to keep them engaged.

While it offers a lively atmosphere with plenty to do, it might not be the top choice for those seeking absolute, undisturbed seclusion or a purely "fly and flop" experience, as it's a larger, more energetic resort.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional Hospitality & Service: Recent guests consistently laud the unmatched hospitality and courteous, friendly staff, highlighting excellent service throughout their stay.
• Phenomenal Food & Variety: The resort receives consistent praise for its phenomenal food quality, freshness, and variety across its eight restaurants, with homemade pastries, yogurts, and outstanding seafood as particular highlights.
• Unbeatable Marine Life Encounters: Located in a SAMPA, it offers year-round whale shark, manta ray, and turtle encounters, making it a premier destination for marine enthusiasts.
• Unique & Engaging Experiences: Features like the floating solar system, Cinema Paradiso, Café LUX (with island-roasted coffee), the Tree of Wishes, and spontaneous pop-up events create a distinctive and memorable stay.
• Luxurious & Diverse Accommodation: A wide range of beautifully designed beach and overwater villas, including those with private pools and butler service, cater to different preferences and budgets.
• Comprehensive Activities: An extensive list of water sports, diving opportunities, wellness programs, and land-based activities ensures guests are always entertained.
• Award-Winning Spa: The Forbes-awarded LUX Me Spa offers unique treatments and overwater villas for ultimate relaxation.

Cons:

• Coral Vibrancy: While the lagoon is excellent for snorkeling and rich in marine life, some sources suggest the coral itself on the house reef may not be as vibrant as in other Maldivian locations.
• Size and Busyness: As one of the larger Maldivian resorts with nearly 200 villas, it can feel more lively and less secluded than smaller, more intimate luxury islands, which might not appeal to all seeking extreme quietness.

Pricing & Value

Investing in a Maldivian escape is a significant decision, and LUX South Ari Atoll offers a compelling value proposition for its 5-star status and extensive offerings. As detailed earlier, prices range from approximately $700-$1100 for beach villas and $1000-$1600 for overwater villas, depending on the season. The all-inclusive package, at around $2000 per night, is often highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage of meals, drinks, and many activities, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves without worrying about incidental costs.

Overall, LUX South Ari Atoll is more than just a resort; it's a destination where luxury meets adventure, and relaxation blends seamlessly with vibrant discovery. It promises an idyllic Maldivian journey filled with unforgettable moments, making it a top contender for your next dream vacation.

For more insights into planning your ultimate Maldives getaway, explore our guides on Maldives Travel Tips and Choosing Your Perfect Maldivian Atoll.