Speak to us:
Monday: 9am – 5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 9am – 5:30pm
Friday: 9am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9am – 4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Call us 01483 445 621
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LUX* South Ari Atoll
A contemporary luxury island resort in the Maldives, set on a large natural island surrounded by four kilometres of white-sand beach and a vibrant lagoon.
why stay at LUX South Ari Atoll?
LUX South Ari Atoll is one of the largest resort islands and famed for year-round whale shark encounters.
LUX* South Ari Atoll
At LUX* South Ari Atoll, the amenities are designed to deliver a experience-led island escape. From diverse dining and wellness at the renowned LUX Me Spa*, to a wide range of water sports, family facilities and curated activities, every detail is tailored to enhance your stay. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or quality time together, the resort offers something for every guest.
Amenities & Services
2 main swimming pools
LUX Me Spa*
PLAY kids club (ages 3–11)
193 villas
Water sports and PADI dive centre
Large lagoon and house reef for snorkelling
Free Wifi
7 restaurants and multiple bars
Velana International Airport
25–30 minutes by seaplane
Activities
From diving and water sports to yoga, wellness experiences and marine encounters, LUX South Ari Atoll offers endless opportunities to explore and embrace the beauty of the Maldives.
Cinema Paradiso
Enjoy magical family movie nights at LUX* South Ari Atoll, with a giant outdoor screen set under the stars on Senses’ beach. Relax with popcorn and ice cream as the whole family takes in a memorable movie experience in a tropical island setting.
Fitness
Work out in the world-class gym with or without a personal trainer, or join indoor and outdoor classes ranging from cardio and functional training to toning and high-intensity sessions.
Diving & Snorkelling
At LUX* South Ari Atoll, the crystal‑clear lagoon and house reef make snorkelling magical, with easy access to coral gardens and abundant marine life. The on‑site PADI dive centre offers guided dives, courses and excursions to explore iconic atoll dive sites, including opportunities to encounter whale sharks, manta rays and turtles.
Watersports
At LUX* South Ari Atoll, guests can enjoy a wide range of water sports, from serene kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing to adrenaline-filled jet skiing and wakeboarding, all set against the crystal-clear lagoon and vibrant tropical waters.
PLAY Kids Club
The PLAY Kids Club at LUX* South Ari Atoll is a modern, mindful space for children aged 3–11. Open 9:00–19:00, it offers age‑appropriate activities, including yoga and Zumba, focused on movement, creativity, wellbeing and self-discovery. A nourishing kids menu complements the experience, ensuring little guests enjoy fun, learning and healthy meals in a safe, engaging environment.
LUX* ME Youth
At LUX* South Ari Atoll, the LUX Me Spa* welcomes younger guests with age‑friendly treatments, including manis, pedis and skincare tips. Parents can join for special Mother‑Daughter or Father‑Son sessions, making it a fun, shared wellness experience in a tropical setting.
One of only three Forbes Four-Star spas in the Maldives
At LUX* South Ari Atoll, wellness and fitness come together in a relaxed island setting tailored to your wellbeing. The LUX Me Spa* offers holistic treatments, massage rituals, Ayurvedic therapies and personalised programmes designed to restore balance. Yoga and meditation sessions are available to complement your spa journey, helping you relax.
Yoga & Sound Bath Aboard a Dhoni
Experience ultimate relaxation at LUX* South Ari Atoll with oceanfront yoga and sound‑bath sessions. Set against a golden sea, enjoy Tibetan sound bowls, breathwork and yoga, complemented by a detox drink and mood‑enhancing oils. Floating to the rhythm of the waves, guests reconnect with nature while restoring balance to mind and body in a truly immersive setting.
Jet Ski Safari
Enjoy the thrill of a jet ski adventure at LUX* South Ari Atoll, with snorkelling gear ready to explore the waters. Cruise across crystal-clear seas, and tides. Stop at a secluded sandbank or beach for a some private time.
Destination Dining
Experience a private beach dining escape at LUX* South Ari Atoll. Dine on a secluded stretch of sand beneath a starlit sky, with candlelight, a bonfire, and the sparkling lagoon as your backdrop. Enjoy a decadent chef-curated menu paired with champagne for the ultimate luxurious desert-island experience
highlight
Whale shark safaris
Located in South Ari Atoll, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers access to the world’s only year-round whale shark aggregation site, making it one of the best places on Earth to encounter these gentle giants. Guests can snorkel alongside whale sharks in their natural habitat, often accompanied by manta rays, turtles and vibrant marine life.
Rooms & Accommodation
LUX* South Ari Atoll features stylish beachfront and overwater villas, including spacious family retreats and private pool residences with direct lagoon access and ocean views.
Beach Pavilion
60 SQM
2 Adults
1 Child
The Beach Pavilion is a stylish one‑bedroom villa nestled right on the sand, combining chic thatched‑roof design with modern comforts.
Family Lagoon Pavilion
130 SQM
4 Adults
2 Children
The Family Lagoon Pavilion at LUX* South Ari Atoll is a spacious two‑bedroom villa ideal for families.
Beach Villas
78 SQM
2 Adults
1 Child
The Beach Villa at LUX* South Ari Atoll is a stylish, sun‑drenched beachfront retreat just steps from the sand and lagoon.
Beach Pool Villa
105 SQM
2 Adults
1 Child
The Beach Pool Villa is a spacious beachfront sanctuary with its own private pool and sun terrace just steps from the sand.
Beachfront Infinity Pool Villas
136 SQM
3 Adults
1 Child
The Beachfront Infinity Pool Villa is a spacious one‑bedroom villa with its own private infinity pool overlooking the ocean and direct access to a secluded beach.
Maldives Water Villa
98 SQM
2 Adults
1 Child
The Water Villa is a classic over‑water retreat set above the lagoon, offering direct ocean access via private steps and sea views.
Overwater Infinity Pool Villas
110 SQM
2 Adults
1 Child
The Overwater Infinity Pool Villa is a luxurious over‑water retreat with its own private infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Temptation Pool Water Villas
220 SQM
2 Adults
1 Child
The Temptation Pool Water Villa is a stunning over‑water sanctuary featuring a private plunge pool and direct access to the turquoise lagoon below.
Temptation Beach Pool Villa
206 SQM
2 Adults
2 Children
The Temptation Beach Pool Villa is a stylish beachfront hideaway with its own private pool and sun terrace just steps from the sand.
Restaurants & Bars
LUX* South Ari Atoll offers diverse dining experiences, from Japanese and Italian cuisine to Mediterranean beach dining, artisan coffee and stylish overwater bars.
View the gallery (16 photos)
Useful Information
Find out all you need to know about LUX South Ari Atoll.
Hotel Policies
What should I know about LUX South Ari Atoll?
Check In
Check‑in: From 14:00
Check Out
Check‑out: Usually by 12:00
Payment types at the property
Accepted payments include Visa, MasterCard, and Bank Transfer.
Tourism tax
Please note: Maldives Green Tax and government taxes are included in the final holiday price unless stated otherwise.
Hotel Policies
What to know before arriving
General Assistance
LUX* South Ari Atoll offers 24/7 staff assistance, which is particularly helpful for guests with disabilities who may require support navigating the resort, accessing facilities, or managing arrival and departure procedures.
Terrain & Movement Around the Island
The resort is situated on Dhidhoofinolhu Island, which features flat sandy terrain and long, open paths. These natural surroundings can make movement easier for guests who require assisted mobility; however, the sandy pathways may limit independent access for wheelchair users or those needing hard‑surface pathways.
Accommodation Accessibility
Despite not offering dedicated wheelchair‑accessible rooms, the resort provides ground‑level beach villas with direct beach access and spacious layouts. These rooms offer generous interior space and private terraces at the same level, making them easier for guests with mild mobility limitations or those accompanied by a caregiver.
Common Facilities
Key resort facilities—the spa, fitness centre, and outdoor swimming pool—are located on generally flat ground, allowing better access for guests who can manage short assisted distances.
Hotel Policies
How accessible is LUX South Ari Atoll?
General Assistance
LUX* South Ari Atoll offers 24/7 staff assistance, which is particularly helpful for guests with disabilities who may require support navigating the resort, accessing facilities, or managing arrival and departure procedures.
Terrain & Movement Around the Island
The resort is situated on Dhidhoofinolhu Island, which features flat sandy terrain and long, open paths. These natural surroundings can make movement easier for guests who require assisted mobility; however, the sandy pathways may limit independent access for wheelchair users or those needing hard‑surface pathways.
Accommodation Accessibility
Despite not offering dedicated wheelchair‑accessible rooms, the resort provides ground‑level beach villas with direct beach access and spacious layouts.
Common Facilities
Key resort facilities, the spa, fitness centre, and outdoor swimming pool, are located on generally flat ground, allowing better access for guests who can manage short assisted distances.
Hotel Policies
How sustainable is LUX South Ari Atoll?
Marine Protected Area Commitment
LUX* South Ari Atoll is located within a Marine Protected Area, and the resort explicitly states that living in such an environment “comes with responsibility.” The resort actively works to protect marine life, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the long‑term health of its lagoon ecosystem.
Coral Reef Restoration & Conservation
The resort engages in coral restoration projects, inviting guests to participate through coral adoption programs that help preserve and rebuild reef structures. This hands‑on conservation effort supports reef resilience and marine biodiversity.
Solar Energy Use
The resort is actively adopting solar energy solutions as part of its sustainability roadmap, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions across the island.
Cutting Out Single‑Use Plastics
The resort has implemented initiatives aimed at eliminating single‑use plastics, reducing waste and pollution within the fragile marine environment. This includes efforts tied to responsible drinking water systems, eco‑friendly guest amenities, and sustainable operations.
Hotel Policies
What are the room policies at LUX South Ari Atoll?
Additional Requests
Early check‑in / late check‑out: possible on request.
Extra beds or baby cots may be offered depending on room type (supported by occupancy details).
FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions about LUX South Ari Atoll.
LUX South Ari Atoll offer flexible meal plans to suit every type of foodie. The most popular choice is the All‑Inclusive package, giving you access to six restaurants featuring diverse global cuisines. Please note: In‑Villa Dining is not included in any meal plan.
All‑Inclusive – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, minibar items, water, soft drinks, coffee, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages from our All‑Inclusive selection
Bed & Breakfast – Breakfast only
Half Board – Breakfast and dinner
Full Board – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Please note that meal plans cannot be mixed within the same booking before arrival. However, you’re welcome to upgrade your meal plan during your stay, subject to availability.
For consistency and guest experience, all occupants of the same villa must be on the same meal plan.
Recognised as one of the Best Maldives Resorts for Families, we welcome children as very special guests. Our PLAY club offers engaging activities for ages 3–11, while teens can enjoy their own dedicated daily programme. Families can look forward to experiences like cinema under the stars, coral planting, and game nights, and even the LUX Me Spa* features treatments designed especially for younger guests.
Set within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the resort is surrounded by more than 50 stunning dive sites and a lagoon home to turtles, manta rays, and vibrant marine life. South Ari is also the world’s only year‑round whale shark encounter destination, offering unforgettable underwater experiences. For those new to diving, beginner lessons are available from age 8, and virtual‑reality dive sessions provide a fun, confidence‑boosting introduction to the ocean.
Maldivian seagrass is often mistaken for seaweed, but it’s actually a flowering marine plant that forms one of the Maldives’ three key natural habitats, alongside coral reefs and mangroves. These seagrass meadows play a vital role in the ecosystem by supporting coral reefs, providing food and shelter for countless marine species, and helping to protect the coastline from erosion.
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