Maldives – LUX South Ari Atoll Resort and Villas

The island is home to 36 Beach Pavilions, each 60 square metres. With an individual outdoor terrace this type of room is perfect for those who want to be as close to the beach as possible. The chic design is complete with a thatched roof to fully immerse yourself in the tropical island experience and with the possibility of interconnecting two units next to each other you can travel in a group as well as in a couple. Each unit sleeps 2 adults and 1 teen or 1 child or 1 baby. Additional amenities of this pavilion include a king size bed, fully stocked mini bar, furnished beach terrace, bathtub, AC, TV, Wi-Fi and a collection of bath amenities.

These beach bungalows offer you a private pool and are located on the sunset side of the island for nonstop views even as the day comes to an end. The chic design has its own tropical indoor-outdoor bathroom featuring a standalone bathtub  as well as a king size bed, outdoor deck, an AC, TV, Wi-Fi, bath amenities and a fully stocked bar. 116 metres squared of space, the room is perfect for 2 adults and 1 teen or 1 child or 1 baby. Direct access to the beach reminds you that you’re never too far from paradise.

With a terrace that faces the ocean, the beach villa allows you direct access to a secluded beach with sea views to enjoy from your own window. The villas makes up 95 metres squared of space and offer comforts such as king size beds, a reading nook, bathtub and shower as well as bath amenities included. The villa is complete with an AC, TV, Wi-Fi, indoor-outdoor tropical bathroom and a hairdryer. This villa is perfect for 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 teens or 2 children or 1 baby.

Designed with families in mind, this pavilion has direct access to the beach and ocean with a private terrace to face the stunning views. The unit compromises of two separate rooms to allow for privacy and all the comforts are included such as king size beds, indoor-outdoor tropical bathroom, a fully-stocked mini bar, bathtub, AC, TV, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and bath amenities. Spread over 130 metres squared of space the pavilions sleep 4 adults and 2 teens or 2 children or 2 babies. Alternatively they can sleep 2 adults and 4 teens or 4 children or 2 babies.

This villa sleeps two adults and is a luxurious over the water location featuring a private plunge pool and a private furnished deck. Located on the sunrise side of the island a flight of steps lead you down to the lagoon and the hanging bird’s nest swing is perfect for days lazing in the sun. With 110 square metres of space the villa stays intimate. A drop-down projector allows you to watch films from your king size bed and a fully stocked mini bar completes the experience. Other amenities include an AC, Wi-Fi, bathtub, shower, hairdryer and bath amenities included.

This villa is the perfect luxurious option for 2 adults. The spacious villa offers you a round bed, Jacuzzi with a view, 14-metre private infinity pool and deck. All this is located on the sunrise side of the island to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Maldives. With its own separate living room area the room makes up 220 metres squared of space. Amenities include a fully-stocked mini bar, coffee machine, AC, TV, Wi-Fi, bathtub, shower, hairdryer and a collection of bath amenities.

Located at the end of the jetty the presidential suite compromises of 360 metres squared of space, offering you unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean and a prime spot to watch the sunsets from the comfort of your private infinity pool. The living room features a glass floor and the villa includes its own dining room for your own dinner parties and nights in. Enjoy maximum privacy with access to your own private butler to ensure your stay is as luxurious as the suite itself. Perks include a private selection of spirits and wines, private buggy service and premium bicycle access, staircase to the ocean and a spacious bathroom. Amenities include an AC, TV, Wi-Fi, fully stocked bar, bathtub, shower and bath amenities. The presidential suite sleeps 2 adults and 1 teen or 1 child or 1 baby.

Offering a dinner service of Italian cuisine all food is prepared in an open kitchen, inviting guests to watch as their food is being made. A wide menu of pasta, pizza, gnocchi and fresh seafood is available which can be paired with a selection of wines from France and Italy. Dinner service is between 18:30 – 22:00.

A dinner service of Japanese cuisine, chefs prepare your food before your very eyes. Freshly caught fish is served on the day which can be paired with whiskies, connoisseurs and sakes. Dinner service  is between 18:30 – 22:00.
Please note that Unami is excluded from all meal plans. A 30% discount on the food invoice is given for guests on Half Board / Full Board / All Inclusive meal plans.

Fresh pizza is served from a wood-fire overlooking the Indian Ocean. Right on the beach, you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the freshest of ingredients simultaneously. Bar Service is between 10:30 – 00:00 and food Service is available between 12:00 – 22:00.

Signature coffees are available from 6:00 to 18:00 at Café LUX. Specialist baristas offer the latest coffees and freshly ground beans are made on-site, which can be explored on tours should you wish to see the behind-the-scenes.

A variety of tastes are on offer here. Enjoy Thai, Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Philippine flavours that are prepared in open cooking stations. From breakfast you can enjoy fresh fruits, baguettes, pasties and croissants. For dinner you can try stir fries, noodles, Dim Sum and a host of meats and vegetables. Breakfast  is served between 07:00 – 10:30 and dinner service is 18:30 – 22:00.

Located above the water, this picturesque spot is the perfect spot to indulge and socialise. A musical space is available for dancing or you can enjoy the swinging seats and loungers-for-two with a loved one. The choice is yours. Opening hours are between 17:00 – 00:00.

Guests can enjoy a meal from the sandy beach at Mixe underneath a thatched roof. Buffets are available at both breakfast and dinner and live cooking stations bring the food to life. Wood-fired pizzas, grills, stir fries and more awaits you as does the island entertainment performed by locals themselves. Breakfast is between 07:00 – 10:30 and dinner service is available between 18:30 – 22:00.

A bar and a lounge, Senses offers guests cocktails, rums, beers, spirits and liquers as well as Sri Lankan teas between 5pm and 7pm. Lunch is available in the shade with a view of the Indian Ocean or it can be enjoyed by the pool. Lounge & Bar 10:00 – 00:00
Lunch service 12:00 – 15:00
Dinner service 18:30 – 22:00

Located on the beach with a sunrise view, food and drink is available from 10am until 6pm. Right next to the water sports centre it’s the perfect spot to stop at after a day of activities.

Bar service 10:30 – 17:30
Lunch service 12:00 – 17:00

Climb aboard a traditional wooden Dhoni to scuba-dive or snorkel alongside manta ways, inside caves, shipwrecks. Feeling daring? Book a night dive! Alternatively learn to sail on a choice of Catamarans, maybe you will find a passion for the seas!

Lux Ari Atoll is home to its very own state-of-the-art dive centre that provides full training and PADI certification for those with reams of experience or just a beginner. The 50 dive sites are brimming with wildlife—rays, sea turtles, thousands of species of reef fish, dolphins and the notorious whale shark. Get up-close and personal with these giant, plankton-eating polka-dot creatures. A Marine Biologist will take you on a tour to meet Fernando, the gentle giant, and his friends. Bring your camera to help us collect data on this endangered species.

A host of water activities are available to guests at the resort. Jet skis, paddle-boards, hover boards, fly boards, wakeboards, water-skis, knee-boards, windsurfs, kite surfs, sailboats, but also fishing, parasailing and catamaran outings are available. With such a wide choice of fun to be had there is not much chance that you are going to run out things to experience.

On land, go for a morning jog around the island (1.8 km for those counting), take your yoga practice to new heights, play beach volleyball or tennis, or hit the gym if you’re feeling up to it. For those looking for a bit more ‘me’ time then head over to the ME Spa to indulge in bit of pampering and a wide choice of treatments.

LUX* Me Spa

Open – 09:00 – 21:00

• 15 exclusive spa villas including 4 overwater treatment villas
• Common relaxation area with sauna and hammam bath
• Plunge pools
• Showers and changing rooms with separate sauna and steam bath for ladies
• 1 beauty room, 1 spa boutique, Pedicure and Manicure facilities
• Hair Salon
• Yoga Grove

A fitness centre is also available at Lux Ari Atoll and offers two infinity pools, a Technogym and floodlit tennis courts.

The best way to experience the views that the Maldives has to offer is by taking excursions to see them for yourself. Perfect for the family or for those looking for a romantic trip, the guests service department are available to create excursions tailor-made to your liking.

Tread Lightly by LUX* initiatives include renewable energy projects, water saving devices, Energy Management Systems, LED light retrofits, locally sourced Earth & Dance waters, in house bottling, towel and linen reuse program LUX* Laundry Asterix, paper reducing technology LUX* Valet, Scrucap wines, Mamma Aroma organic spa treatments, among others.

On the biodiversity front, we collaborate with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to protect endemic flora and fauna, LUX*South Ari Atoll is preserving its native whale sharks through in house scientific study. In Reunion Island, LUX* Saint Gilles and Hôtel Le Récif support the NGO ReefCheck to study and protect the fragile coral reef and further sensitise locals and tourists.

LUX* Resorts and Hotels provides funding for a range of social-development and educational initiatives undertaken by South Ari Atoll’s Dhigurah School and the Youth Foundation Movement of Dhigurah.

The resort has its own herb and vegetable garden on site so that the guests are not only getting the freshest of ingredients but also reducing the consumption of air miles when providing for guests. In sourcing locally the resort can ensure that guests are being given the best quality whilst supporting the community. Fish is caught fresh on the day it is served, locally sourced by fishermen so that the resort knows where and how it is sourced.

LUX South Ari Atoll Resort and Villas engage in efforts to fight climate change such as planting corals with our very own marine biologist on hand to ensure the reefs are constantly attended to, banning single-use plastic and having our own water plant to save over 810,000 plastic water bottles. By growing a resort herb garden and vegetable patch the island resort has eliminated extra air miles and by launching the world’s largest floating solar platform at sea energy is being used harnessing natural elements. Providing guests with bicycles, island cruisers and solar-powered shuttles to get around once again reduces the resort’s climate impact and by doing good  they are encouraging guests to do the same with an ocean or island clean-up.

One of the defining characteristics and biggest attractions of the Maldives is its extraordinary aquatic ecosystem. The waters around Dhidhoofinolhu, home to LUX* South Ari Atoll, teem with marine life. To understand and protect it, LUX* has created a dedicated on-site Marine Biology Centre, with a special focus on the conservation of the world’s biggest fish: the whale shark.