Some 4km of unspoilt beaches ring this delightfully expansive island, which charms its visitors with a combination of exceptional natural beauty, fine-dining and superlative scuba diving.
Why you'll love it here
- One of the Maldives’ biggest resorts with plenty of activities
- Head to Blu Bar for a weekly DJ night and dancing
- Enjoy breakfast in the Asian Market with its own tea corner
- Take excursions to see the famed whale sharks that reside in nearby waters
Best For
- Honeymoon, Family, Kids (4-12), Teens (13+)
Sarah
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
This is the place for a real getaway.
LUX* South Ari Atoll was designed with a desire to preserve the natural environment and is a successful marriage of contemporary style with traditional Maldivian tones. This island jewel is home to some of the finest diving imaginable and offers guests a range of deluxe accommodation along 4 kilometres of white sandy beaches.
All accommodation is either located on the stunning beach, of which there is 4 kilometres, or perched over the sparkling lagoon. With eight restaurants, five bars & Café LUX*, guests are spoilt for choice and can enjoy a wealth of island-inspired & international cuisine. Why not enjoy a tailor-made spa treatment at the LUX* Me Spa, or simply relax by one of the two pools whilst enjoying a homemade ICI ice cream.
If activity is more your thing, watersports are plentiful and in a prime location for whale sharks, rays and other marine life, snorkelling, whale shark safaris and diving are not to be missed. Above the waterline and below, LUX* South Ari Atoll will always delight.
Room Options
Combining authentic island living with the ultimate in luxury, the resort’s 193 pavilions and villas feature understated décor with neutral tones, plush furnishings and stunning Indian Ocean views from their private terrace or balcony.
Beach Pavilion
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child
Alongside a luxurious bedroom and bathroom, the thatched Beach Pavilion offers a private garden with direct access to the beach, complete with an impressive outdoor shower.
Beach Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 2 Children
A private outdoor bathtub is surrounded by banana trees and overlooks the ocean. Inside, the spacious bedroom is joined by an elegant en suite bathroom.
Beach Pool Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child
Offering the same glorious facilities as the Beach Villa, this beautiful accommodation also features a sundeck with sunken plunge pool and luxurious loungers.
Family Lagoon Pavilion
Sleeps: 4 Adults , 2 Children
Designed with families in mind, this spacious pavilion overlooks the tranquil lagoon, featuring two comfortable bedrooms.
Water Villa
Sleeps: 3 Adults
Suspended above the crystalline Indian Ocean, the Water Villa comprises a king-size bedroom, huge bathroom and sun deck with oversized sun beds. Enjoy direct access to the lagoon.
Romantic Pool Water Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults
Luxurious and incredibly romantic, this aptly-named villa sits directly over the lagoon. A LUX* Signature ‘Sleep Tight’ bed, Home Theatre system, private pool on a secluded terrace, and a cosy ‘love-nest’ overlooking the turquoise ocean.
Temptation Pool Water Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults
Floor-to-ceiling windows light up the Temptation Pool Water Villa. Designed for couples, the accommodation includes an al fresco dining area, plush cabana, private infinity pool and luxurious round master-bed.Facilities/Amenities
LUX* South Ari Atoll features two stunning infinity pools, an over-water spa, a fully-equipped fitness centre and a yoga grove overlooking the Indian Ocean. A kids’ club, teen club and babysitting services are available for treasured younger guests, while eight restaurants and six bars ensure that you will never be stuck for choice when it comes to dining and entertainment.
For an active escape, tennis courts, a watersports centre and PADI dive centre are yours to enjoy. Meanwhile, the knowledgeable concierge service can recommend and arrange an array of incredible island excursions and activities. Allowing you to remain connected to the world outside of this Maldivian paradise, complimentary Wifi is offered throughout the resort.
Activities & Entertainment
Truly embracing its Indian Ocean location, the resort offers a selection of adrenalin-pumping watersports from its own fully-equipped centre – including windsurfing, wakeboarding, kite surfing, hoverboarding and flyboarding. The designated PADI dive centre provides full training, allowing you to discover the incredible marine life beneath the ocean’s surface.
On land, tennis, cycling and volleyball are yours to enjoy, while yoga from the beach-facing Yoga Grove ensures that you unwind, relax and connect with your surroundings. Continuing this feeling of calm, the LUX* Me Spa offers a menu of rejuvenating treatments in a tranquil over-water pavilion.
Not forgetting the little guests, the resort houses PLAY, a club for children aged three to 12 years, allowing them to discover the nature and culture of this enchanting island, while making new friends. Activities include treasure hunts, locally-inspired art workshops, sports classes and more! For those aged between 12 and 17 years old, Studio 17 also offers a great programme of enriching experiences – including language classes, beach sports and even (fully supervised) excursions around the island.
Sustainability Initiatives & Responsible Tourism
The picturesque South Ari Atoll is home to a cluster of beautiful islands. And the faraway tropical paradise that is LUX* Maldives South Ari Atoll is determined to support the global conscious travelling trend with an array of sustainable initiatives. Every plastic bottle is replaced with bamboo fibre alternatives and the island's own water plant has saved over 810,000 plastic bottles since 2011. The property even features one of the world’s largest floating solar systems at sea. While also powering the island cruiser bikes with the bright Maldivian sunshine, the eco-friendly measure helps save more than 260,000 litres of diesel per year.
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Maldives travel information
When to visit Maldives
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +5 GMT
- Flight time: 8 hours, 30 minutes
- Currency: Rufiyaa, US dollar
- Tipping guideline: A 10% service tax is added to most restaurant bills
- Health considerations: No major health risks
- Capital: Malé
- Population: 521,021 (2023)
- National languages: Dhivehi, English
- Electricity and plugs: D/G - 230v, 50Hz
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: You must complete a traveller declaration form (IMUGA) within 96 hours before your flight to or from the Maldives.
Other hotels nearby
Looking for more options? You might also like these hotels in a similar location.
Enquire about your stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll
Prices from £ per person for nights
Price is per person, based on adults sharing a double room for nights , including economy flights and transfers. Price includes relevant offers and is subject to availability.
Sarah
Travel Specialist
Maldives travel guides
Want some more help planning your holiday to Maldives? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.
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Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
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