LUX* South Ari Atoll

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Virgin rating

The hotel

This stunning resort gives a true insight into island living. As well as being exceedingly laid back, there’s a spontaneous atmosphere with open air cinema on the beach, pop-up musical performances and much more. If you’re a water sport enthusiast you’re in for a treat, the diving here is spectacular, with plenty of underwater sites to explore for beginners to advanced divers. There’s also land sports aplenty, two pools (both fully serviced by poolside bars), two miles of sandy beach and the LUX* Me Spa, an oasis within an oasis. The kids, meanwhile, can engage in a variety of activities at PLAY, including decadent cake decorating and art classes. There are plenty of eateries to choose from: at the core of the island, MIXE offers everything from wood-fired pizzas to grills & stir fries, with a tempting island twist; for Italian cuisine, there is Allegria or head to East Market for Asian-inspired dishes.

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Tennis
  • Windsurfing
  • Babysitting service
  • Kids Club
  • Families
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access

Where is it

On the island of Dhidhoofinolhu in the South Ari Atoll. Transfer time from Malé International Airport: 25 minutes by seaplane (remember to pack light for the seaplane transfer as luggage allowance is 20kg plus 5kg hand luggage, per person).

Hotel information

Choice of thatched roof beach villas/pavilions and overwater villas, including 62 with a private pool. All with air-conditioning, private terrace or balcony, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, mini-bar*, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, hairdryer, iron and board (on request). Beach Pavilions are interconnecting pavilions on the beach with individual outdoor terrace, they have 1 king-size bed plus rollaway bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 infant (in baby cot) or 1 child or 1 teen.

Board basis options

Bed & Breakfast: includes breakfast in MIXE or East Market. Juices, coffee, and tea are included in the meal plan package during breakfast time.

Half Board option: includes breakfast in MIXE and East Market. Dinner in MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge or Senses. A credit of USD 30 per person per meal on the food charges at Umami or Allegria.

Full Board option: includes breakfast in East Market or MIXE. Lunch in Lagoon Bar, Veli Bar, Beach Rouge and Senses. Dinner in MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge and Senses. A credit of USD 30 per person per meal on the food charges at Umami or Allegria. Still water, sparkling water, soft drinks and Café LUX* coffee are included during your meal only.

All Inclusive option: includes buffet breakfast at MIXE and East Market. Lunch in Lagoon Bar, Veli Bar, Beach Rouge and Senses. Dinner in MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge and Senses. Pastries at Café LUX* and ice cream at ICI parlour. A credit of USD 30 per person per meal on the food charges at Umami or Allegria. Wide selection of beverages - soft drinks, tea, coffee, beers, wines, sparkling wine, fresh and canned juices, water cocktails, liquors and selected champagne by glass. Access to Wine library featuring 90 premium bottles. Tea/coffee facilities in the villas and coffee at Café LUX*. Mini-bar: water, juice, soft drinks, wines, vodka, gin, beers, sweet and savoury bites are included and replenished daily).

Room upgrades

Beach Villas enjoy magnificent sea views and direct access to the beach and lagoon, with 1 king-size bed, a sofa bed and single rollaway bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 teen.

Beach Pool Villas are on the sunset side of the island, and have a private plunge pool, garden and a direct access to the beach, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 teen or 1 child or 1 infant.

Family Lagoon Pavilions are a two-bedroom pavilion located on the beach with a common entrance and separate terrace, sleeping maximum 4 adults and 2 children/teens/infants or 2 adults and 4 teens/children/infants.

Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilions are located on the beach with two entrances and separate terrace, sleeping maxium 4 adults and 2 infants or 2 children or 2 teens , or 2 adults + 2 infants or 4 children or 4 teens.

Water Villas are located directly over the lagoon on the far sunset side of the island and offer optimal privacy and seclusion, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 teens.

Romantic Pool Water Villas are luxurious over-water villas with a private pool offering sunrise views and a direct lagoon access, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Temptation Pool Water Villas are ideal for couples, with a dedicated living space, spacious wooden deck with dining area and cabana, a 14-metre infinity pool, a glass Jacuzzi room and a circular king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 teen.

LUX* Villas feature panoramic sunset views at the jetty's end. Glass floored living and dining room, extensive outdoor terrace and lounge area with infinity pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 teen.

9 restaurants; MIXE (feet-in-the-sand international buffet, open for breakfast and dinner), Allegria Restaurant (Mediterranean cuisine, open for dinner), Senses Restaurant (Middle Eastern and Indian ocean cuisine, open for lunch and dinner), East Market (over-the-water Asian market-inspired restaurant, open for European breakfasts and authentic Asian dinners), Umami (Japanese fusion, open for dinner), Beach Rouge (beach club and restaurant, open for all day dining), Cafe LUX* (freshly ground coffee served all day), Veli Pool Bar (all-day poolside drinks, open for lunch), Lagoon Bar (sociable beach bar, open for lunch), Senses Bar and Lounge (cocktails, drinks, teas, light lunches and evening snacks), East Bar (hip over-the-water hangout, open in the evenings). Ice cream once a day from the ICI tricycle.

Daily programme for adults and children including performances by local artists and themed evenings. Cinema Paradiso - open air movies on the beach.

2 swimming pools. Spa*. Fitness centre. Complimentary snorkelling equipment, canoe, pedal boats, kayaks, snorkelling trips to the house reef. Water sports* including diving, tube rides, waterskiing, kite surfing, fishing, flyboarding and windsurfing. Whale shark safaris*. Access to volleyball court and tennis courts with complimentary rackets and balls (upon availability). Bicycles*. Beach yoga. PLAY kids club (3–11 years), Teens programme. Weekly activities cater to different age groups and include fun themes like gardening, cooking, swimming, yoga, storytelling, and more.

 Babysitting* (on request). Laundry service*. 24-hour room service*. Complimentary WiFi in public areas.

4 nights from the 31st December.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: to ensure our customer's safety, we are unable to offer over water accommodation to children under the age of 12.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (6469)
  • Very good (386)
  • Average (88)
  • Poor (31)
  • Terrible (18)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Ultimate Luxury

Nov 20, 2024 camchaaya

An absolutely stunning resort on an exceptional and exotic Maldivian Island. Where do I begin from the island and its remarkable waters, to the staff and their amazing service and also the wonderful facilities available, LUX* is truly one of kind. To top it off the vast array of food available made by expert chefs was in all honesty delicious… Read more
An absolutely stunning resort on an exceptional and exotic Maldivian Island. Where do I begin from the island and its remarkable waters, to the staff and their amazing service and also the wonderful facilities available, LUX* is truly one of kind. To top it off the vast array of food available made by expert chefs was in all honesty delicious and mouthwatering. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this property and can’t wait to be back there in the future. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lux island Resort Fantastic!!

Nov 19, 2024 Lainer K

I would like to say what a wonderful great place Lucy island Resort,. The staff was fantastic and could not do enough for you to enjoy your stay,,The pool staff the Restaurant staff and Room staff was Great!!!! Vijey.… Read more
I would like to say what a wonderful great place Lucy island Resort,. The staff was fantastic and could not do enough for you to enjoy your stay,,The pool staff the Restaurant staff and Room staff was Great!!!! Vijey. Zahir. Mode. Muaz they was Brilliant, Work hard to make our stay Special, Outstanding!!👌 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Happy Lux time

Nov 17, 2024 Yeonjoong C

I had such a great time at Lux. Our Butler AVAZBEK responded very kindly. Thanks to AVAZBEK, I was able to do the restaurant and all the activities easily. The food, lagoon, and room condition were all perfect. If I have a chance, I would like to come again next time.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Still special, even after our 6th years stay!

Nov 17, 2024 1kristian

We have just returned from our 6th stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll, and once again, it was an absolutely flawless experience. Each visit feels more special than the last, and this year was no exception. The attention to detail, the warmth and professionalism of the staff, and the overall atmosphere on the island continue to be unmatched anywhere… Read more
We have just returned from our 6th stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll, and once again, it was an absolutely flawless experience. Each visit feels more special than the last, and this year was no exception. The attention to detail, the warmth and professionalism of the staff, and the overall atmosphere on the island continue to be unmatched anywhere else. This year, the special celebrations truly stood out — Halloween, Diwali, and private dining experiences were all meticulously planned and incredibly vibrant, creating some of our most cherished memories yet. As divers, we were again amazed by the stunning marine life we encountered, including manta rays and whale sharks, and the exceptional team at Euro-Divers made every underwater adventure perfect. LUX* South Ari Atoll remains our go-to destination, and we are already looking forward to returning for another unforgettable stay. Whether it’s your first visit or your sixth, this island will leave you enchanted. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional Service and Hospitality at LUX South Ari Atoll - Maldives

Nov 17, 2024 Cathy J Singapore, Singapore

If you're looking for a truly amazing vacation, I would wholeheartedly recommend the LUX South Ari Atoll. We had never been to the Maldives but we had heard it was beautiful, and because we hadn't had a vacation in over a year, we decided to treat ourselves to the LUX Villa for our 5-night stay there. That was the best decision we've made in a… Read more
If you're looking for a truly amazing vacation, I would wholeheartedly recommend the LUX South Ari Atoll. We had never been to the Maldives but we had heard it was beautiful, and because we hadn't had a vacation in over a year, we decided to treat ourselves to the LUX Villa for our 5-night stay there. That was the best decision we've made in a long time. From the moment we arrived at the Male airport and the LUX Lounge there, to the morning we flew back home, we were treated to a seamless, delightful experience that I'm still thinking about. Throughout our stay, everyone displayed a clear love for their work, which meant we felt an exceptional level of service and hospitality. Each interaction felt warm and sincere, making us feel not just welcomed, but genuinely appreciated. The LUX Villa. It's huge – with a private swimming pool, a gorgeous bathroom, glass floor in the living room where you can watch fish swimming below, a bar that's stocked with mixers, fresh mint leaves, etc., outside space for relaxing, reading and meditation - and a stunning view of the Indian ocean all around. On top of all that they provide a 24-hour butler with the LUX Villa, and our butler, Ahmed, was an absolute gem. He drove us everywhere in the buggy, made all our meal reservations (8 restaurants there in all), let us know about special events and activities we might want to join, made a video of us at the villa with his drone and even put it to music (!),took us on a snorkelling trip where he and another team member pulled us through the water so we could see a giant sea turtle and a whale shark (the biggest fish on the planet). And he even made us special cocktails at our villa bar! There are a number of other complimentary add-ons besides the butler that come with the Villa (a massage for each person, private yoga sessions, sunset cruise, private movie screening (complete with popcorn, ice cream, etc.), laundry service, etc.), but I think our 24-hour butler – the exceptional care we got from such a gentleman as Ahmed, elevated our experience to new heights. This resort is a testament to the art of hospitality, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an unparalleled luxury getaway… Read less