LUX* South Ari Atoll

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

The hotel

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    This is island living at its most magical. At LUX* South Ari Atoll, every day brings a new surprise, from cinema screenings under the stars to pop-up music performances and handcrafted ice cream by the beach. The vibe is effortlessly relaxed, with just the right touch of playful luxury. Whether you're snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, diving with whale sharks, or simply soaking up the sun by one of the two pools with cocktail in hand, you'll feel completely at ease.

    For wellness lovers, the Forbes-awarded LUX* Me Spa offers ocean-view yoga, overwater treatment villas and deeply restorative rituals.

    Families are warmly welcomed too, with a creative kids’ club offering everything from cake decorating to gardening. And when it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice, with 8 restaurants and 5 bars serving everything from Asian street food and Italian classics to fresh, plant-based dishes with a tropical twist. Sustainability is woven into every detail, from solar energy to a plastic-free approach.

    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

    Choose between charming thatched-roof Beach Villas and Pavilions or elegant Overwater Villas, including 62 villas with a private pool. All accommodations are equipped with air-conditioning, a private terrace or balcony, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, mini-bar*, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, hairdryer, and iron and ironing board (on request).Beach Pavilions are interconnecting units located directly on the beach, each with a private outdoor terrace. Bedding configuration: 1 king-size bed plus rollaway bed, sleeping a maximum of 2 adults and 1 infant (in cot), 1 child, or 1 teen. Board basis options 

    The current season until 31 January '26 

    Bed & Breakfast: includes breakfast in MIXE and East Market. 

    Half Board (Dinner) option: includes breakfast in MIXE and East Market. Dinner in MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge or Senses. You are entitled for a 40% discount on the food charges at Umami or Allegria. Beverages will be charged upon consumption. 

    Full Board (lunch and dinner) 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. You are entitled for a 40% discount on the food charges at Umami or Allegria. Beverage will be charged upon consumption. Still water, sparkling water, soft drinks, and Café LUX* coffee are included during your meal only. All other beverages will be charged upon consumption. 

    All-Inclusive 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. Pastries at Café LUX* and ice cream at ICI parlour are included in your meal plan. You are entitled for a 40% discount on the food charges at Umami or Allegria.Beverages: in all restaurants and bars, a wide selection of beverages - soft drinks, tea, coffee, beers, wines, sparkling wine, fresh seasonal or canned juices, water, cocktails, liquors and Taittinger champagne by glass- Wine library featuring 90 labels of wine bottles included in AIP. • Tea and coffee facilities in the villas and coffee at Café LUX* are included in your meal plan- Mini-bar: water, juice, soft drinks, wines, vodka, gin, beers, sweet and savoury bites are included and replenished once a day.


    Valid from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2027

    Bed & Breakfast : Includes buffet breakfast at MIXE and East Market restaurants.

    Half board (dinner) option Includes:Breakfast at MIXE and East Market.

    Dinner at MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge, or Senses

    Umami and Allegria: USD 30 credit per adult, per dinner (food only)

    Full Board (Lunch & Dinner) option

    Includes:Breakfast at MIXE or East Market

    Lunch à la carte at Lagoon Bar, Veli Bar, Beach Rouge, and Senses

    Dinner at MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge, and Senses

    Umami and Allegria: USD 30 credit per person, per meal (food only)

    Beverages not included, except still/sparkling water, soft drinks, and Café LUX* coffee during meals

    All-Inclusive option:

    Enjoy a flexible dine-around concept and broad beverage selection:

    Breakfast at MIXE and East Market

    Lunch à la carte at Lagoon Bar, Veli Bar, Beach Rouge, and Senses

    Dinner at MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge, and Senses

    Umami and Allegria are excluded, but you receive a USD 30 credit per adult, per mea;. Beverages: a wide selection of soft drinks, coffee, tea, wines, beers, sparkling wine, canned juices, water, cocktails, and liquors served in all bars and restaurantS. Café LUX* coffee & pastries and ICI ice cream included. Mini-bar included (replenished daily): water, juices, green tea, soft drinks, wines, vodka, gin, beers, sweet and savoury snacks. Complimentary non-motorised water sports: snorkeling, kayaking, pedal boats, stand-up paddle. USD 30 daily spa credit per adult (selected treatments only)

    Premium All-Inclusive option:

    All the benefits of the All-Inclusive plan, plus:One complimentary dinner at Umami and Allegria per stay.Additional dinners at Umami and Allegria: USD 30 per adult credit per meal.Beverage selection includes champagne by the glass. Daily access to wellness facilities: sauna, steam room, plunge pool, relaxation area.Café LUX* coffee & pastries and ICI ice cream included. Same dine-around lunch and dinner options. Daily minibar refilled (same items as above)Water sports, snorkeling, and spa credit also included



    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.

    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.

    Overwater Infinity Pool 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.

    8 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

    • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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    Traveller rating

    • Excellent (6787)
    • Very good (398)
    • Average (92)
    • Poor (36)
    • Terrible (19)
    Image of the Tripadvisor rating A trip to paradise.

    Aug 10, 2025 wanlessmarc72 Horndon-on-the-Hill, United Kingdom

    We enjoyed a week at this fabulous resort which was helped by the fantastic weather despite our visit being in the supposed low season. We stayed in a water villa which made for a great introduction to the Maldives. All of the staff at Lux made us feel extremely welcome but particular mention goes to Mophesa and Shawkat who shuttled us around… Read more
    We enjoyed a week at this fabulous resort which was helped by the fantastic weather despite our visit being in the supposed low season. We stayed in a water villa which made for a great introduction to the Maldives. All of the staff at Lux made us feel extremely welcome but particular mention goes to Mophesa and Shawkat who shuttled us around the resort whilst also being excellent guides with their recommendations. The pair of them seem extremely happy on the island. I also need to mention Harshan, in East Market, who produced wonderful stir fries even if not always on the menu. The three of them so friendly and caring. We made the most of the facilities including scuba diving, the spa and the fitness centre. On our first day we were offered the opportunity to rent a bike which, in my opinion, is essential for getting around the island the only surprise is that these come at a cost. Our sea plane was delayed by 90 minutes on departure so we spent a couple of hours in reception and the offer of a cold drink and a snack would have been appreciated. We’ll definitely be coming back to the Maldives for the tranquility. Read less
    Image of the Tripadvisor rating Magical stay in paradise

    Aug 9, 2025 Bridget B

    We had an INCREDIBLE experience, throughout our stay. The island is beautiful! Every day we were in awe seeing what marine life we would discover, and were fortunate to see a turtle, reef sharks, stingrays, and an abundance of fish, even from the boardwalks. Every detail has been thought of, from the warm welcome as you arrive by sea plane, to… Read more
    We had an INCREDIBLE experience, throughout our stay. The island is beautiful! Every day we were in awe seeing what marine life we would discover, and were fortunate to see a turtle, reef sharks, stingrays, and an abundance of fish, even from the boardwalks. Every detail has been thought of, from the warm welcome as you arrive by sea plane, to the wide range of restaurants to cater for different cuisines, along with buffet options. The food is delicious! There are various photo opportunities, with little hammocks and Swings looking out to sea, all scattered across the island to find, to the wide range of adventures and complimentary activities on offer, with plenty of spots to unwind and relax, including a Wanderlust library, with a view. From start to finish, the staff all across the island were welcoming, always friendly, attentive, and happy to assist. A big shout out to the following staff who made our stay extra special; Ravi and Kavin from East Market, Shawkat and Jaisham during the shuttle services, Reemah from Mixe, Charith from Umami, and the incredible sounds from the Ambrosia duo 🎶 Thank you for a magical stay, we highly recommend 💓 Read less
    Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise and Perfection in every way

    Aug 9, 2025 Sonia K London, United Kingdom

    We have just sadly left paradise. We have have stayed in many countries at some world leading resorts and hotels but nothing compares to Lux. Simply Paradise from the location, service, food, people, rooms, etc. perfection from start to finish. I would love to mention all staff, but not enough space, special mention to Roy at senses, all the… Read more
    We have just sadly left paradise. We have have stayed in many countries at some world leading resorts and hotels but nothing compares to Lux. Simply Paradise from the location, service, food, people, rooms, etc. perfection from start to finish. I would love to mention all staff, but not enough space, special mention to Roy at senses, all the chefs at East Market, Dom and Joya at the dive school, shokut our buggy driver, all the staff at luxury me spa and lux coffee, humuz and Bupinder at rouge beach bar, Abi the DJ and just each and everyone at lux. Their moto is celebrate life and everything they provide is about celebration Outstanding and perfect holiday. Thank you Lux, we will be back! Read less
    Image of the Tripadvisor rating Looking forward to coming back

    Aug 9, 2025 Sunshine48505059864 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Our second time visiting; this time with the Kids. An amazing resort with lots to do for both adults and kids. Food was fantastic and a special thanks you Alim and Natasha for the great service at Senses Restaurant. Overall the resort is beautiful, staff are friendly and the resort is very well maintained. An array of different cuisines will… Read more
    Our second time visiting; this time with the Kids. An amazing resort with lots to do for both adults and kids. Food was fantastic and a special thanks you Alim and Natasha for the great service at Senses Restaurant. Overall the resort is beautiful, staff are friendly and the resort is very well maintained. An array of different cuisines will keep your taste buds tingling. Look forward to coming back again. Read less
    Image of the Tripadvisor rating Warm Hospitality and Great Food at LUX Resort – Special Thanks to Mira and Chef Kelum!

    Aug 7, 2025 SUNGMIN H

    럭스 리조트의 가장 큰 장점은 리조트 내에 다양한 식당이 있고, 음식이 모두 정말 맛있다는 점이에요. 직원분들도 모두 친절해서 기분 좋게 머무를 수 있었고, 시설도 깔끔하게 잘 관리되어 있어 정말 편안했어요. 무엇보다 좋았던 건 한국어가 가능한 인도네시아 직원 미라(Mira) 덕분에 소통이 아주 편리했다는 점이에요! 카카오톡으로 활동 일정이나 예약 관련 문의를 쉽게 할 수 있어 정말 도움이 많이 됐어요. 아쉬운 점을 꼽자면, 라군에 산호보다는 풀이 많아서 스노클링을 기대하셨던 분들에겐 조금 아쉬울 수도 있을 것 같아요. 그래도 저는 이곳에서 거대한 가오리, 상어, 다양한 물고기들을 다 볼 수 있었답니다! 셰프… Read more
    럭스 리조트의 가장 큰 장점은 리조트 내에 다양한 식당이 있고, 음식이 모두 정말 맛있다는 점이에요. 직원분들도 모두 친절해서 기분 좋게 머무를 수 있었고, 시설도 깔끔하게 잘 관리되어 있어 정말 편안했어요. 무엇보다 좋았던 건 한국어가 가능한 인도네시아 직원 미라(Mira) 덕분에 소통이 아주 편리했다는 점이에요! 카카오톡으로 활동 일정이나 예약 관련 문의를 쉽게 할 수 있어 정말 도움이 많이 됐어요. 아쉬운 점을 꼽자면, 라군에 산호보다는 풀이 많아서 스노클링을 기대하셨던 분들에겐 조금 아쉬울 수도 있을 것 같아요. 그래도 저는 이곳에서 거대한 가오리, 상어, 다양한 물고기들을 다 볼 수 있었답니다! 셰프 Kelum과 Mira에게 특히 감사드립니다. 덕분에 더 특별한 시간을 보낼 수 있었어요! LUX Resort was amazing! Great variety of restaurants and all the food was delicious. Staff were super friendly and the facilities were clean and well maintained. A big plus was Mira, an Indonesian staff member who speaks Korean, she helped us with everything through KakaoTalk, which made things so easy. The lagoon had more seagrass than coral, so snorkeling wasn’t the best. But I still saw a manta ray, a shark, and lots of fish! Big thanks to Chef Kelum and Mira for their warm hospitality! Read less