LUX* South Ari Atoll: Everything You Need to Know About This Luxury Resort 

Found in the glorious Maldivian archipelago, LUX* South Ari Atoll five-star resort is a must when it comes to booking an ultra-luxurious escape.   

This spectacular resort, on its own private island, offers a variety of lavish accommodation options, decadent gourmet restaurants and bars, an indulgent spa and wellness centre, as well as a selection of activities and excursions and a kids’ club. With its idyllic setting in the South Atoll of the Maldives, only 40 minutes south of Malé, LUX* South Ari Atoll is the perfect place to experience an unforgettable Maldivian getaway. Here’s everything you need to know about this stunning slice of paradise. 

Staying at LUX* South Ari Atoll 

Picture this for a moment. You step out of your bungalow onto your private terrace, sit down on your day bed and enjoy the warm afternoon breeze on your skin. You sip your freshly brewed coffee, perhaps stepping out onto the powder-soft sand and admiring the breathtaking lagoon views. Or maybe you’re in an overwater villa, listening to the water lapping gently around your deck, and you consider dipping a toe into your private infinity pool. Sounds pretty much like heaven, right? 

From opulent overwater villas to luxurious thatched-roof beach bungalows, there’s an accommodation option to suit everyone. Each uses clever architecture to make wide, airy spaces that blur the line between indoors and outdoors, all complete with roomy terraces. Depending on your choice of accommodation you’ll enjoy your own private infinity pool, or direct beach and lagoon access, so you’ll be able to swim in blissful privacy at any time of day or night. The decor and amenities are modern, yet homely, with bright interior colours and those amazing views you’d expect from a Maldivian retreat. 

Fabulous food  

With a whopping 12 restaurants and bars onsite, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice at LUX* South Ari Atoll resort. Whether it’s global cuisine at MIXE, served under thatched roofs, beachside, or fresh seafood by the infinity pool at Senses, your stay will take you on a delicious gastronomic journey. 

Each dining location is a feast for the eyes as much for the tastebuds. East Market brings all the flavours of Southeast Asian markets to an overwater bar – literally built on stilts – allowing you to gaze out over the lagoon. Beach Rouge club and restaurant offers up wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas and seafood bites right on the beach, while Lagoon Bar promises more of those idyllic turquoise water views, with a reggae soundtrack and extensive list of exclusive cocktails.  

You might be looking to sip perfectly brewed coffee, sample Maldivian fare, or simply let your hair down and savour a creative cocktail – no matter your preference, you’ll be well looked after during your stay.  

Lagoon leisure 

Laid-back experiences or adventures alike, the LUX* South Ari Atoll resort provides a mix of exciting and enchanting activities to fill your days with fun. Water-lovers and diving enthusiasts can snorkel or take PADI scuba training and be awed by the colourful tropical sea life of the nearby reefs. Those looking to get their heart racing and adrenaline soaring will be at home on the water with windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing and wakeboarding all available. For the true adrenaline junkie, challenge yourself to flyboarding and take a flight around the lagoon.  

If you’d prefer to stay dry, you won’t be disappointed with volleyball, tennis, cycling, beach yoga, tai chi, meditation and an onsite fitness centre to keep you active. Nature is, of course, one of the best medicines for relaxation: take a stroll around the island and spot some of the wildlife and flora that share the gorgeous island, or head out on a boat to watch the sunrise, go fishing and cook up your catch at the end of the day – the options are limitless. 

Tranquil treatments 

Nourish your body, mind and soul with a soothing spa treatment at the LUX* ME Spa. Let your stress melt away with a divine massage or heal your energy with a reiki session. Look and feel your best with a facial, manicure and pedicure for head-to-toe pampering. And to make sure you continue to feel amazing when you return home, enjoy the feeling and scent of the exclusive LUX* ME aromatherapy-based body and facial products available for purchase, to recreate island bliss wherever you are.  

LUX* South Ari Atoll’s skilled staff will pamper you in this breathtaking sanctuary, leaving you feeling nourished, aligned and totally relaxed. 

Green getaway 

LUX* South Ari Atoll resort is located on the stunning Dhidhdhoofinolhu Island, part of the South Ari Atoll Marine and Nature Reserve. This 2.5km-long pristine stretch of paradise features lush, tropical terrain, immaculate white sand beaches, crystal clear waters that must be seen to be believed, and an abundance of wildlife. So, don’t forget your camera because breathtaking photo opportunities are around every corner. 

Nature is at the heart of everything on offer at the resort – from beachside dining and floating yoga on the lagoon, to scuba diving and catamaran cruises – and you can feel safe knowing there are a number of sustainability strategies in place to ensure the island remains a thriving, pristine haven. These include the use of solar power, plastic-free initiatives and an on-site marine biology centre to look after and maintain the stunning coral reefs. 

 Discover our collection of exclusive Maldives offers here.  

Looking for more Maldives inspiration? Check out  Legendary Luxury: 5 Things to Know About Raffles Maldives.