At a glance
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We handpick the properties we work with. Everything we do is tailor-made for our clients so when you speak to one of our team they will advise you on the best property for you.
LUX* South Ari Atoll occupies Dhidhoofinolhu, a private island on the edge of the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, 30 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport and the only year-round whale shark encounter destination in the Maldives.
193 villas and pavilions are spread across two miles of powder-fine beach and overwater positions above the crystal lagoon, with 10 accommodation categories ranging from beach villas to overwater pool pavilions. A South Ari Marine Protected Area location means the house reef holds over 50 dive sites, manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks within the lagoon year-round.
Eight restaurants, the Forbes Travel Guide-awarded LUX* Me Spa, a 5-Star PADI dive centre, and over 40 complimentary activities give the resort a breadth that makes it one of the strongest family and couple destinations in the Maldives.
Pop-up cinema screenings, impromptu live music, coral planting, and handcrafted beach ice cream bring an energy to the property that sets it apart from quieter island resorts.
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- World’s only year-round whale shark encounter destination, within the resort lagoon
- Eight restaurants, including Japanese teppanyaki at Umami, with the Maldives’ largest sake selection
- Forbes Travel Guide-awarded LUX* Me Spa with overwater treatment villas and ocean-view yoga
Accommodation
Beach Pavilion
Located right on the beachfront meaning you are only a few steps away from the beautiful ocean. These rooms are light and spacious making your stay very comfortable. Every detail is well thought through, and quality is very important. Enjoy the king size bed and beautiful en-suite bathroom.
Water Villa
Suspended on stilts above the seafront, you can roll out of bed in the morning and have your morning dip in the sea within seconds. The rooms are light, spacious and modern. The bedroom leads out onto a private terrace area, where there are sun loungers and steps which give you direct access to the sea.
Beach Pool Villa
Located right on the beachfront, these villas have the added bonus of a private pool built into the terrace area. The rooms also have a beautiful bedroom with even more space and a gorgeous en-suite bathroom. You are also rewarded with more living space for you to lounge around in.
Romantic Pool Water Villa
These water villas have a private pool which is built into the terrace, not only this, but you also have steps which lead down into the sea as well. These villas are perfect if you are looking for an intimate stay with your loved one. The bedroom is spacious and light and the interior in all the rooms at LUX South Ari Atoll are designed in a modern and authentic style.
Temptation Pool Water Villa
If you want all the above and more, then the Temptation Pool Water Villa is the one for you. Enjoy incredible views of the sun rising every morning whilst lying in bed with a cup of tea. Perfect if you want more living space as the bedroom is separated giving you more privacy. The wooden deck area is very spacious as well, giving you lots of room to sunbathe on. There is a good sized private swimming pool, along with steps leading down into the lagoon and beyond.
LUX* South Ari Atoll
LUX* South Ari Atoll
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Dining
Eight restaurants and five bars cover a range wider than almost any private island resort in the Maldives. East Market handles international dining from an open kitchen with lagoon views. Umami is a Japanese restaurant, specializing in sushi, teppanyaki, and the Maldives’ largest selection of sakes and Japanese whiskies. Beach Rouge delivers casual coastal cooking directly on the sand. Veli Bar extends poolside above the lagoon on three sides, and East Bar is an overwater cocktail bar with 360-degree views. Private beach dinners and 24-hour in-villa service complete the offering.
Wellness
LUX* Me Spa is a Forbes Travel Guide-awarded overwater facility with treatment villas above the lagoon, ocean-view yoga, and a wellness concierge programme covering deeply restorative massages, body treatments, and facial therapies. A dedicated spa menu for children runs alongside the adult programme. A Technogym fitness centre, floodlit tennis courts, and beach yoga complete the wellness and recreation offering.
Activities
The South Ari Marine Protected Area surrounding the island delivers over 50 dive sites with year-round whale shark sightings led by a resident marine biologist. A 5-Star PADI dive centre handles everything from beginner certification to expert reef dives, and flyboarding, jet ski safaris, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and kayaking cover the broader water sports programme. The PLAY Kids Club runs shell expeditions and ice cream labs for ages 3 to 11, while a dedicated teens programme, coral planting, and cinema screenings under the stars complete the family offering.
Our Experts
Maria Gardner
Luxury Travel Expert"The Maldives is a stand-out when it comes to luxury travel and our most popular destination. We are also proud to be able to work with properties that are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community."
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Jaike Rowe
Luxury Travel Expert"Staying in an over-water bungalow is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I'd recommend to any traveller. It's amazing to swim in some of the world's most impressive coral reefs and the sunset's divine."
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Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
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