Overview
For a stay that’s full of surprises, you simply can’t go wrong with LUX South Ari Atoll. Tucked away on a secluded jungle-clad island in the South Ari Atoll, the largest resort island in the Maldives, it’s the perfect place to escape from the everyday. Where else can you settle in with a movie night under the stars and swim alongside whale sharks all year round? Skirted by four kilometres of powdery beaches, fragrant tropical gardens and infinity pools seemingly overflowing into the ocean, you’ll find a collection of villas perched on stilts above the lagoon or nestled within the palms. Some come with private infinity pools and Jacuzzi whirlpools for that extra special treat.
At a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Dhidhoofinolhu Island, South Ari Atoll, Maldives |
| Transfer | Approx. 25‑minute seaplane from 「Velana International Airport (Malé) |
| Accommodation | 193 villas & pavilions ‑ 10 categories |
| Dining | 8 restaurants, 5 bars |
| Spa & wellness | “LUX* ME” spa plus gym, yoga, dive centre |
| Kids & family | PLAY kids‑club (ages 3‑11), teen programme, family villa options |
| Marine/resort highlight | Located in an MPA (Marine Protected Area) with year‑round whale shark aggregation |
| Meal‑plan options | B&B, Half Board, Full Board, All‑Inclusive (includes minibar + selected drinks) |
| Best travel season | Dry: October–April; wet season May–October (still snorkel/diving year‑round) |
Room Type
There’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning to pristine sandy shores on your doorstep. Thatched roof beach bungalows reminiscent of beach huts offer privacy at every corner, meaning children can play on the beach in the safety of their own secluded sanctuary while you unwind on chaises-lounges nearby. Villas surrounded by warm Maldivian waters are their own little haven, with light and airy spaces and vibrant splashes of colour. Curl up on the hanging bird’s nest swing with a good book, or take a few steps down the deck for a dip in the sea. Wherever you decide, get ready to experience comfort like never before.
Beach Pavilion
One‑bedroom villa set directly on the beach
60 sqm
Maximum 2 Adults + 1 Teen or 1 Child or 1 Baby
Direct beach & ocean access
Beach Villa
Spacious one‑bedroom villa with sea‑view terrace and direct beach/lagoon access
95 sqm
Maximum 3 Adults OR 2 Adults + 2 Teens or 2 Children or 1 Baby
Direct beach access & sea views
Beach Pool Villa
One‑bedroom villa on the beach with private plunge pool and outdoor deck
116 sqm
Maximum 2 Adults + 1 Teen or 1 Child or 1 Baby
Sunset ocean views & private pool
Direct beach access
Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion
Two interconnected beachfront pavilions with separate entrances
120 sqm
Maximum: 4 Adults + 2 Teens or 2 Children or 2 Infants OR 2 Adults + 4 Teens or 4 Children or 2 Infants
Direct beach & ocean access
Two Bedroom Family Lagoon Pavilion
Beach‑facing two‑bedroom villa with direct ocean access
130 sqm
Maximum 4 Adults + 2 Teens or 2 Children or 2 Babies OR 2 Adults + 4 Teens or 4 Children or 2 Babies
Direct beach & ocean access
Water Villa
Perched over the lagoon on stilts, with direct water access from your terrace
98 sqm
Maximum 3 Adults OR 2 Adults + 2 Teens or 2 Children or 1 Baby
Sunset ocean views & direct ocean access
Romantic Pool Water Villa
Over‑water villa with private plunge pool, sunrise views and direct lagoon access
110 sqm
Maximum 2 Adults
Sunrise ocean views, direct lagoon access & infinity plunge pool
Temptation Pool Water Villa
Ultra‑luxury over‑water villa with large 14‑metre infinity pool, glass‑floored living room, Jacuzzi
110 sqm
Maximum 2 Adults
Direct lagoon access & infinity pool, jacuzzi
LUX* Villa
The resort’s flagship villa at the end of the jetty: one bedroom, separate living and dining, infinity pool and glass floor
360 sqm
Maximum 2 adults + 2 children or teens or babies
Sunset ocean views & infinity pool
Temptation Beach Pool Villa
Step into island serenity at the exclusive Temptation Beach Pool Villa. Designed for couples or families, this intimate, white-washed villa blends coastal charm with elegant comfort. Inspired by the vibrant marine life, rich culture, and natural beauty of the Maldives, the villa is a sanctuary created for connection and relaxation.
206 sqm
Maximum 2 Adults + 2 Teens or 2 Children or 1 Infant
Sea view
Romantic Beach Pool Villa
Enjoy a refreshing dip in a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean, which is just steps away from your villa. This upscale accommodation offers direct access to the beach and lagoon and all-yours swimming pool secluded in a lush garden under the swaying palm trees.
136 sqm
Maximum 3 Adults OR 2 Adults + 2 Teens or 2 Children or 1 Baby
ocean views
Dining
This is the first resort in the Maldives recognised as a “Vegan Friendly Hotel” by Vegan Welcome, and it’s clear why. Plant-based foodies have their own “Keen on Green” menu across all restaurants, full of vegan and vegetarian options. So what’s on offer? There’s eight restaurants to choose from, but MIXE is their main one. With sandy floors and slow-spinning fans, the serene beach is always the star of the show. Local performers entertain at night, creating a real buzz. Tuck into masterful Japanese food at Umami, fiery Southeast Asian cuisine at East Market and fresh-from-the-sea fish at Senses. You’re spoilt for choice at Lux* South Ari Atoll Resort.
Mixe
International favourites and wood-fire pizzas & evening entertainment
Operating Hours: Breakfast: 07:00 am – 10:30 am | Dinner 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Senses Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Fresh-from-the-sea fish & grilled seafood, Moroccan-inspired tagines, curries inspired by the Indian Ocean, tropical fish-coloured cocktails, ice cold beers
Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Dinner 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Bar & Lounge 10:00 pm – Midnight
East Market
South-East Asian Restaurant & overwater Bar
Operating Hours: Breakfast: 07:00 am – 10:30 am | Dinner 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Bar 5pm – Midnight
Allegria Restaurant
Italian Cuisine
Gnocchi, homemade pasta, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, wood-fire pizzas.
Operating Hours: Dinner 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Lagoon Bar
Right by the beach, with a front-row view of the sunrise
Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Bar 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Umami
Japanese Cuisine
UMAMI is as chic as it is contemporary–the perfect setting for gastronomic Japanese cuisine
Operating Hours: Dinner 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Cafe Lux*
The finest barista-made coffee, day and night
Operating Hours: Café: 06:00 am – 6:00 pm
Veli Bar
shimmering views of the lagoon on three sides
Operating Hours: Bar 09:00 am – 5:30 pm | Lunch 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Beach Rouge
Beach Club & Restaurant
Mediterranean
Operating Hours: Lunch 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Dinner 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Bar 10:30 pm – Midnight
SPA
The resort’s wellness offering is anchored by the “LUX* ME” spa, one of only three Forbes Four‑Star spas in the Maldives. Facilities include:
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Full‑service treatment suites for face, body and holistic care
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Gym and fitness centre
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Yoga and sound‑bath sessions (including aboard a traditional dhoni)
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Dive centre (PADI certification) and water sports
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Family‑friendly spa treatments for younger guests via the PLAY kids programme
Gallery