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

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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (6473)
  • Very good (387)
  • Average (88)
  • Poor (31)
  • Terrible (18)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Dream vacation with Dream people

Nov 24, 2024 Mi K

We had the best vacation in the Maldives you can imagine. And that's not because we saw what is probably the most beautiful place in the world, the Maldives, but because the people on this island are even more beautiful than the island itself. We enjoyed every second, even on days when the weather put a spanner in the works. We would like to take… Read more
We had the best vacation in the Maldives you can imagine. And that's not because we saw what is probably the most beautiful place in the world, the Maldives, but because the people on this island are even more beautiful than the island itself. We enjoyed every second, even on days when the weather put a spanner in the works. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who made our vacation unforgettable. First of all we would like to thank Sahhaf, Viaam and Imaad at the reception. We have never had such good service, such immense helpfulness and such friendliness. They always welcomed us with open arms and were always ready to have fun. Not far from the reception we would like to thank Viraas, who always prepared the coffee in a good mood and with a smile on his face. Our housekeeper Ismail also did an incredible job. He was on hand every day, always asked us about our wishes or questions and often surprised us with beautiful bed decorations. A very special thanks goes to Subbhubhi and Barun, who welcomed us with open arms every morning at Mixe. We actually liked the location at East Market better, but we still went to Mixe for breakfast every morning because we wanted to see Barun and Subbuhi. Both are incredible chefs whose food tastes fantastic. In addition, Subbuhi personally showed me the secret of his incredibly tasty butter chickens and gave me an incredible experience. I should also mention Perera, who is not only the best cricketer but also the best baker and showed me a lot of his work. I can't mention often enough how warmly we were welcomed at every turn. Maee from Senses also put a smile on our faces every time we visited and we are glad to have met her. She has a great sense of humor and you could laugh a lot with her. We would also like to thank the photo fanatic team Thaaseen and Co. who were super nice, warm and funny and took the best pictures! Not to go unmentioned Mizufil was not only the best driver, but also the best advisor and the best photographer. Thanks everyone for everything. We miss you already. Room 307 (14.11.24 - 23.11.24) Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Back Again

Nov 22, 2024 BackPacker311908

The resort was amazing. Friendly staff clean facilities, delicious food and a lot of activities for kids and couples. Thanks for Salwa (Lux Host) for making it memorable trip! The resort was amazing. Friendly staff clean facilities, delicious food and a lot of activities for kids and couples. Thanks for Salwa (Lux Host) for making it memorable… Read more
The resort was amazing. Friendly staff clean facilities, delicious food and a lot of activities for kids and couples. Thanks for Salwa (Lux Host) for making it memorable trip! The resort was amazing. Friendly staff clean facilities, delicious food and a lot of activities for kids and couples. Thanks for Salwa (Lux Host) for making it memorable trip! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise Island

Nov 22, 2024 TheoFrance France

From the moment the staff welcome you to the time they wave you goodbye from the pier, you are treated like royalty, They could not be more helpful and are amazing with children Eight incredible restaurants and bars serve delicious food and cocktails. The water is clear ,always warm, and white sand surrounds the island. What greater… Read more
From the moment the staff welcome you to the time they wave you goodbye from the pier, you are treated like royalty, They could not be more helpful and are amazing with children Eight incredible restaurants and bars serve delicious food and cocktails. The water is clear ,always warm, and white sand surrounds the island. What greater recommendation than to say we have been 7 times and have already booked for next year Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stunning island views

Nov 21, 2024 Tim D

Beautiful resort with stunning views. LUX offers a consistent great level of service, although of the 3 I’ve stayed at this one was the least enjoyable. The addition expenses can add up, so be mindful of that, although LUX do try to add value where they can. Lots of activities and food choices and everywhere is very accessible. Breakfast… Read more
Beautiful resort with stunning views. LUX offers a consistent great level of service, although of the 3 I’ve stayed at this one was the least enjoyable. The addition expenses can add up, so be mindful of that, although LUX do try to add value where they can. Lots of activities and food choices and everywhere is very accessible. Breakfast especially was top notch. Read less
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