Located on one of the largest islands in the Maldives, LUX*South Ari Atoll is the perfect destination for families or couples (it’s excellent value for money), providing a serene haven with its stunning natural surroundings, lush tropical vegetation and 4km of flawless beach.
With natural Maldivian style décor, choices of accommodation are exceptional, either located directly on the white sands or perched over the sparkling lagoon. For couples we love the Romantic Beach Pool Villas ideal for those wanting some privacy and seclusion. The Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilions, which accommodate up to six, are two interconnecting beach pavilions, a great option for larger families. There’s also the Family Lagoon Pavilions with direct beach access which also accommodate families perfectly (interleading rooms).
It’s the special touches that really delight guests here, from impromptu family games tournaments, to al fresco cinema screenings under the night sky or stargazing with your very own expert. Facilities around the resort are excellent, including two pools on the sunset side of the island, a LUX* Me Spa with 11 garden villas and four overwater treatment villas, a world class PADI diving centre, tennis courts and a very modern gym. It’s the place to be for water sport fanatics where you can dive off a dhoni and enjoy the colourful aquatic life including parrot fish, stingrays and whale sharks.
With eight restaurants serving authentic island delicacies, including the Beach Club ‘Beach Rouge’, the resort serves up culinary triumphs taking influences from Indian, Italian and Japanese dishes. The Premium All-Inclusive Package features luxury drinks and access to all the buffet and à la carte restaurants (UMAMI and Allegria are included once a week with a minimum stay of seven nights).
The Kids’ Club (PLAY) features a whole host of exciting and educational activities with a focus on the surrounding natural habitat, as well as a range of high-energy sports. The Teens’ Club (STUDIO 17) offers extensive activities including local dance and language classes, beach sports and exciting adventure trips around the island.
LUX* South Ari Atoll: 193 villas
Facilities
Spa
Swimming Pool
Gym
Room Service
Water Sports
Kid's Club
Interconnecting Rooms
PADI Dive Centre
Excursions
Babysitting Service
Transfers
LUX* South Ari Atoll is 25 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport - Seaplane operating times 06:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs
Food & Drink
LUX* South Ari Atoll has eight restaurants, five bars and a cafe.
Mixe
Embrace the essence of island living while sitting on the beach under thatched roofs with your feet sinking into the warm sand. At Mixe you can enjoy fresh buffets for breakfast and dinner, as well as live cooking stations serving everything from wood-fired pizzas and grills to locally-inspired cuisine.
Senses Restaurant
Inspired by North African, Lebanese, Indian and Indian Ocean cuisine, Senses never fails to delight with its tempting menu of tagines, tandoori prawns and unique tropical sorbets. Enjoy a light lunch of fresh salads, grills and local seafood, then take a seat at the water's edge overlooking the infinity pool for an exquisite à la carte dinner under the stars.
East Market
Suspended above the water, East inspires with its incredible view out over the lagoon. Rustic decks and old ship's riggings add to the nautical theme, while bright cushions and light fabrics provide a lively island feel. The menu features the best of Cambodian, Indonesian, Thai, Sri Lankan, Hong Kong and Chinese-style buffets.
Allegria
Vibrant Italian flair blends with the lively island ambience at Allegria. Located right on the beach, this open kitchen allows guests to watch our skilled chefs at work as they create pizzas, pastas and gnocchi dishes. For a more intimate atmosphere, Allegria`s wine cellar can be booked for private dinners. Exclusive arrangements can also be made for small parties to dine in the cellar and indulge in a range cheeses complemented by our exceptional selection of French and New World wines.
Umami
Perched on stilts over the water, Umami features a Japanese-style teppanyaki table where our chefs entertain guests with their culinary skills. Sit under beautiful silk paper lanterns surrounded by wooden latticework while you enjoy the simple yet delicate flavours of Kobe beef sushi rolls served with scallops or fresh seaweed and squid salad. N.B. Tables need to be reserved in advance.
Lagoon Bar
On the beach, facing the sunrise, close to the lobby and the boat house, this is your regular laid-back watering hole. Enjoy island music and reggae favourites while sharing your experiences from the last dive or your exciting water sports session.
East Bar
With swinging seats and loungers for two, East Bar offers a selection of cocktails, rums, liqueurs, beers and spirits.
Veli Bar
Located near the crystal clear swimming pool that extends out to sea, with shimmering views of the lagoon on three sides, Veli Pool Bar offers a casual menu of tasty pizzas, sandwiches and spring rolls, as well as Mediterranean-style tapas, meze and antipasti.
Beach Rouge
The best pizza, in the most relaxing setting, right on the beach. Crisp, thin crusts, topped with the freshest ingredients, baked to perfection and enjoyed with your feet in the sand, your eyes on the lagoon and the breeze in your hair. Heaven.
Senses Bar and Lounge
Senses Bar and Lounge offers a selection of cocktails, rums, liqueurs, beers and spirits, as well as a refreshing selection of Sri Lankan teas in the afternoon. It also offers light Indian Ocean lunches in the shade, or by the pool. Relish in a light snack in the evening while swaying gently in a giant hammock.
Café LUX*
Café LUX* offers guests the finest barista-made coffee. Great coffee begins with freshly ground beans that are roasted in LUX's own on-site roasting rooms, which can be explored on our aromatic behind-the-scenes tour. The specialist baristas keep up with all the latest trends and techniques.
Childcare
Children are welcome at the LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, with clubs covering ages two to 17. Babysitting is also available upon request.
PLAY Kids Club
For ages three to 11- years, PLAY offers children an opportunity to explore the many wonders and delights of island living. Supervised by a highly trained and enthusiastic team, kids are exposed to the nature and culture of the island's incredible surrounds, as well as a range of high-energy sports and outdoor activities. From art classes and treasure hunts to engaging and educational Teddy Tennis lessons, PLAY is everything your kids could hope for on an island vacation.
Studio 17 Teens Club
Young people aged 12 to 17 years can get together, explore the island or just hang out. Run by trained and enthusiastic LUX* supervisors, teens can make the most of their island holiday with loads of activities including local dance and language classes, beach sports activities and exciting adventure trips around the island.
Our Experts
LUX* South Ari Atoll
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Offers
30% Long Stay Booking Discount
Valid for stays between 06Jan24-22Dec24, 06Jan25-31Jan25
Minimum Stay : 12 Nights
25% Early Booking Discount
Valid for stays between 06Jan24-22Dec24
For reservations confirmed at least 180 days prior to arrival
Valid In : All Rooms & Suites (exc. LUX Villa)
15% Festive Booking Discount
Valid for stays between 23Dec24-05Jan25
For reservations confirmed at least 180 days prior to arrival
Valid In : All Rooms & Suites (exc. LUX Villa)
20% Booking Discount
Valid for stays between 16Dec24-28Feb24, 12Apr25-18Apr25
For reservations confirmed by 31Jan25
40% Booking Discount
Valid for stays between 01Mar25-11Apr25, 19Apr25-26Dec25, 06Jan26-31Jan26
For reservations confirmed by 31Jan25
Rooms
The LUX* South Ari Atoll has 193 villas to choose from.
Beach Pavilion
Take in all the sights, sounds and colours of authentic island living in the leisurely comfort of your Beach Pavilion. Sunlight filters through lofty thatched roofs, while the luxurious bathroom offers a private garden with a refreshing outdoor shower. The Beach Pavilions are also ideal for families with a baby or child. 60m².
Beach Villa
Light sand and ochre tones reflect the beautiful island setting beyond the terrace, while subtle décor echoes the ebb and flow of the ocean. All guestrooms enjoy en suite outdoor bathtub where the open sky, bright hibiscus and beautiful banana trees provide privacy in a natural setting. Each Beach Villa (95m2) has ample room for 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 Teens/Children.
Beach Pool Villa
Enjoy sensational views over the lagoon from your spacious, west-facing Beach Pool Villa. Light sandy tones bring the natural beauty of island living inside, while a private terrace unfolds into a luxurious living space outdoors. All guest rooms offer en suite bathrooms that open onto a private garden, along with a shower and separate bath. Relax in the privacy of your secluded garden with its sunken plunge pool, wooden deck, sun loungers and invigorating outdoor shower. 116m².
Romantic Beach Pool Villa
Enjoy a refreshing dip in a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean, which is just steps away from your villa. This upscale accommodation offers direct access to the beach and lagoon and all-yours swimming pool secluded in a lush garden under the swaying palm trees.
136m².
Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion~~~
2 x Beach Pavilions (interconnecting). Take in all the sights, sounds and colours of authentic island living in the leisurely comfort of your Beach Pavilion. Sunlight filters through lofty thatched roofs, while the luxurious bathroom offers a private garden with a refreshing outdoor shower.
Family Lagoon Pavilion
2 x Lagoon Pavilions interconnecting with a common entrance and a separate terrace. Wake up to the sounds of waves, sights of blues and white sandy beaches in the comfort of your own Family Lagoon Pavilion. Located adjacent to the lagoon with a common entrance area, enjoy private family bonding time on your terrace while kids run around the open space bathroom. Ideal for families with children (130m²).
Water Villa
The luxurious Water Villas are suspended on stilts over the water, offering incredible views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to the lagoon. With a spacious bedroom and king sized bed plus sofa bed, an over sized bathroom with a large bath tub and separate shower, plus a day bed and sun beds on the sun deck, the Water Villas make for the perfect romantic Maldives getaway. 98m².
Romantic Pool Water Villa
Suspended on stilts over water and boasting over 110 square meters, Romantic Pool Water Villas offer the ultimate in comfort and tranquil privacy. Beautifully crafted, the interior design combines contemporary aesthetics with traditional cabana architecture. Each villa features a stylish bedroom complete with LUX* signature ‘Sleep Tight’ bed, and a bright sunlit bathroom and separate double rain-showers. Experience state-of-the-art amenities including a 48 inch curved television or 110 inch projector screen with Home Theatre system. Guests can also enjoy their own luxurious terrace with private swimming pool, a cosy, shaded love-nest overlooking ocean and direct access to the turquoise lagoon.
Temptation Pool Water Villa
Designed for couples with unparalleled sunrise views over the Indian Ocean. A dedicated living space is framed by floor to ceiling windows infusing the villa with natural light. Outside, a spacious wooden deck terrace boasts a dining area and a cabana overlooking nothing less than a 14 metre infinity pool. Inside, sheer curtains adjacent to the marble-white Jacuzzi glass room freshen up the bedroom’s modern look surrounding a round shape master bed. 220m².
LUX* Villa
Featuring unparalleled views over the lagoon and island surrounds, the LUX* Villa is the ultimate in luxury island living. Sink into your infinity plunge pool that merges with the lagoon or watch the kaleidoscope of sea life swim beneath your feet through the glass floor in the living room. The villa features a master bedroom suite with handcrafted LUX* Sleep Tight bed and a spacious living room with direct access to the deck. 360m².
Reviews
A truly excellent barefoot luxury family holiday
Lisa Proctor
Posted on: 15th September 2022
A truly excellent barefoot luxury family holiday. Fantastic choice of activities for everyone. Excellent dive centre, superb restaurants and great accommodation. This was our second visit and we will be back!
The hotel was absolutely lovely…
Karen Meehan
Date stayed: January 2018
Posted on: 29th January 2018
The hotel was absolutely lovely. Rooms were idylic. Restuarants were very good.
Shame about the weather, 2 days of rain but we still had an amazing holiday.
Island was lovely, service very good…
Cluny
Date stayed: April 2015
Posted on: 4th May 2015
Island was lovely, service very good & friendly. Cleaning of rooms was really good & we loved coming back to find a new animal made out of towels on the bed every day. Snorkelling trip out to reef every day worked well, fish were amazing. It felt like there was plenty to do every day without feeling we were being pushed into things. Food was good, buffets much better than the usual.
We went all inclusive which felt very expensive – over £4k for 1 week, 2 adults, 2 children, but looking at menu prices made us think it wouldn`t have been any cheaper to go a la carte, & it was relaxing to have it all pre-paid.
Only grumble was that we had particularly asked via Travelbeam for twin beds for the children – we got a king size bed because hotel said there were no twin beds at our room level ( a downgraded room could have had twin beds). I thought Travelbeam should have told us that at booking, so we could have changed.
Excellent…
Ian Hargrove
Date stayed: January 2015
Posted on: 17th January 2015
It was an excellent recommendation of hotel for our family holiday, with plenty to do for us and our teenage children. The rooms, facilities and service were all excellent, with wonderful scuba diving and snorkelling and a huge array of fish. My only criticism would be the food which is good on the whole but somewhat boring and unimaginative.
