Review: LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Published Jan 22 2025, 9:09 AM, Updated Jan 28 2025, 8:31 PMLUX* Resorts & Hotels, founded in 2011, is a luxury hospitality brand known for its spirited, creative, and thoughtful approach to redefining the travel experience. Focused on making every moment extraordinary, LUX* properties celebrate the culture, people, nature, and flavors of their unique destinations. LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is one of their most stunning resorts offering a luxurious, island-living experience on a private tropical islet, perfect for fulfilling all your bucket-list dreams. Guests can enjoy activities like cycling along jetties, swimming with whale sharks, dining at eight restaurants, and engaging in marine conservation, all while embracing this exclusive Robinson Crusoe-style retreat.

LUX* South Ari Atoll sits alone on Dhidhoofinolhu island, at the lowest end of the South Ari Atoll, spreading across two miles of powder-white beaches edged by turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Location

LUX* properties spread across the Indian Ocean, China, Turkey, the UAE, and Vietnam. LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives, is perfectly situated in one of the Maldives’ most sought-after regions, South Ari Atoll. Known for its crystal-clear lagoons and diverse marine life, the atoll is home to the world’s largest congregation of whale sharks.

You get to the island from Male’s Velana Seaplane terminal. Just go to the LUX desk at the airport, and they will take care of you. Once checked in, you can use the LUX airport lounge, which offers plenty of food and drink and comfy sofa seats. Then, you board the plane (get a seat near the front for the best views) and enjoy a 30-minute seaplane flight that takes you to the island that houses the resort.

It’s worth trying to get a flight to Male that arrives during the day as seaplanes only fly during the day, so a late arrival means an overnight stay in Male. The price of the transfer is in the region of $500 USD per person. While this is not huge compared to room rates in the Maldives, it’s worth considering when planning your stay.

Style & Character

The island is around two kilometers long, with a path running from one end to the other, allowing a decent walk or even a morning jog. If you prefer to relax, a regular buggy service chugs up and down this path every quarter of an hour. The overwater villas fan out from each end of the island.

The resort’s design philosophy is rooted in understated luxury and a deep connection with nature. Almost two hundred thatched-roof bungalow villas sit on the sand or perch over the water with bright, airy interiors. Whitewashed walls are accented with bursts of tropical color, seamlessly blending modern comfort with traditional Maldivian charm.

Integrating natural elements—such as wooden decks, sandy pathways, and lush foliage—creates a sense of harmony that complements the resort’s pristine surroundings. Barefoot luxury reigns supreme at LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives, and guests can unwind and embrace the slower pace of island life.

Service & Facilities

This is a large hotel by Maldivian standards, meaning plenty of restaurants and activities are available. During the day, there are scheduled activities, including snorkeling and yoga. In the evening, guests can enjoy themed nights, shows, DJ sessions, and special dining events like barbeque buffets.

The LUX* Me Spa is a standout feature, providing holistic treatments that prioritize wellness and relaxation, all set against the stunning backdrop of tropical gardens and the lagoon.

Guests can also take advantage of a state-of-the-art gym, two tennis courts, a variety of fitness classes, and even unique offerings like floating yoga and meditation sessions.

For the adventurous, the resort’s dive center offers PADI certification and excursions to explore the surrounding reefs. Water sports enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with activities ranging from parasailing and flyboarding to stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing.

Families are well catered to with a modern kids’ club, teens’ program, and activities such as coral planting and beach cinema nights. There are two main pools within the resort. One is an infinity pool; the other circular pool is ideal for kids with a very shallow entry.

Water sports include everything imaginable, including stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling on the house reef, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and you can take fishing trips too.

Rooms

There are 193 villas and pavilions spread across ten categories, all with a minibar, an espresso machine, tea bags, and fluffy bathrobes, as you would expect from any luxury resort.

Beach villas offer direct access to the sand and are the best value room category on the island. The design of each villa emphasizes simplicity and elegance, with light, airy spaces that maximize natural light and ocean views.

Beach villas have white-washed walls, with large, comfortable beds covered in white linens and positioned to face the ocean. Natural light floods the room, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere, and minimalist decor blends modern aesthetics with beachy charm. There’s also a cozy seating area to the side of the bed with cushions in neutral and orange tones for guests to relax, plus this area offers an extra platform to spread clothes and other bits out on.

Each beach villa has glass doors leading to an outdoor patio, offering a clear view of the beach, ocean, and lush tropical trees. The patio includes seating furniture, such as a small dining table with chairs, perfect for relaxing outdoors. Step off your deck, and you will be on the sand and steps away from the water.

These beach villas are hidden in the island’s foliage and between the palm trees. They are secluded, and the surrounding trees provide shade. They are ideal if you bring your family, as the overwater villas are unsafe for young children.

Upgrade a level, and you’ll find yourself in a water villa with its own private deck with steps leading directly into the lagoon. There are three overwater villas to choose from: Water Villas without pools, Romantic Pool Water Villas with private pools which are ideal for honeymooning couples, and the Temptation Pool Water Villa, which is larger and features a significantly bigger pool.

Much like the beach villas, the overwater villas offer whitewashed walls, high ceilings with a fan, and wooden floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows in both the bedroom and the bathroom offer fantastic views over the turquoise ocean.

The deck outside has a table and chairs, two sunbeds, and a net to relax on that is set up over the water. You can access the ocean via wooden steps.

Food & Drink

With eight restaurants and five bars, the resort offers an incredible variety of cuisines. From the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia at East Market to the rustic Italian dishes at Allegria, guests are taken on a global culinary journey.

Senses provides a poolside setting for Moroccan-inspired tagines and Indian curries, while UMAMI showcases the best of Japanese gastronomy, complete with teppanyaki and an extensive sake selection.

Coffee lovers will appreciate Café LUX*, where baristas craft exquisite brews using house-roasted beans. For a sweet treat, the resort’s signature ICI ice cream delights both kids and adults alike. Vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully integrated into every menu, with the Keen on Green initiative offering plant-based dishes that don’t compromise on flavor.

Whether you’re enjoying a wood-fired pizza at Beach Rouge or a cocktail at the overwater East Bar, the dining options here are as memorable as the surroundings.

It’s worth noting that the full board package at LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives, excludes all drinks, so the all-inclusive option is usually a better deal even if you don’t drink alcohol.

Conclusion

LUX* South Ari Atoll enjoys a stunning location, stylish design, and diverse activities. Don’t miss a swim with whale sharks, as this is one of the most unique offerings at the resort, and you can do this at whatever time of year you visit. Whether lounging by your private pool, snorkeling with whale sharks, or savoring a gourmet meal under the stars, every moment at this resort is infused with luxury and joy.

Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2025. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.

Image(s) courtesy of LUX* South Ari Atoll.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.