LUX* South Ari Atoll

I have never written a single review in my life, but now I want to because Lux deserves it. I don't know where or how to start because just thinking about everything I experienced brings tears of joy to my eyes every time. I cried on the way out, and even a few days after, it's hard to get back to normal life after this... of course the journey is long, but it's stupid to write about it at all because you know you're traveling to the other side of the world and nothing is difficult for you because of the excitement. But if you are a person who finds it all too tiring, I can only tell you IT'S WORTH IT. As soon as you land, you go to the Lux lounge and all your "problems" about the trip disappear. You can already feel the Lux magic here. And then even greater excitement and adventure begin. Riding in a seaplane is a cinematic experience. Those images of the ocean, islands and other resorts that you see through the window at the very beginning make you cry with happiness right then and there. In my opinion, even the 25-minute flight is too short because I enjoyed it to the max, but when you start approaching the Lux resort and from the plane you see the natural beauty of the island, a huge sandbank that connects to another island, your heart starts to flutter and beat 100 per hour with indescribable happiness because this is the island where you will spend the most beautiful days of your life. When you land, you are greeted by the manager and numerous smiling faces of the staff from the island. They wave at you and wish you a warm welcome. They immediately give you fragrant wet and cold towels for refreshment, fresh juices, ice cream... basically, they fulfill your every wish and thought without you having to ask. They know exactly what we need and when. They are always one step ahead of you. We personally stayed in the middle of the island in a beach villa instead of a water villa because of our two small children and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. The impeccable cleanliness, layout and appearance of the villa, the intimacy and peace due to the well-maintained vegetation, and the entrance to the sea and to the private part of its beach is priceless. The island itself has many facilities, so I thought I would just lie down and enjoy the sea and the sun, but honestly, this island has so much to offer that you won't have time to enjoy everything. I think I was the only one running around the island in order to experience everything that surrounds me as much as possible. Facilities, food, natural beauty, events, sun, sea, pools, kids club, spa, staff... At the same time, this island is the cleanest and holiest thing I've ever seen in my life. We spent the whole day and night barefoot. The island itself is naturally beautiful, but also because of the staff who take care of it with so much love 24/7. Gardeners take care of and clean the island even in the middle of the night so that you wake up and enjoy the purity of the sand, plants and turquoise that surrounds you again. The entire resort is designed so that each guest has the intimacy they need, and yet you are not even aware of how many people are sharing the same island with you at the same time and it is responsible for your peace and zen. Speaking of the staff, I truly believe that every worker has indescribable love, warmth and happiness in their DNA and does their job with a smile because they were born that way. There are no fake smiles... that doesn't exist there. Even after the shift is over, these people still radiate the same joy as when they serve us… Read less

This was our first time in Maldives but second at a LUX resort. Wow, it did not disappoint. The villa was clean and well maintained as was the whole resort. The food exceptional, but what makes this resort truly special is the staff. There is nothing they won’t do for you! From the restaurant to the kids club it was the stuff that made our time in Maldives one to remember. I will always choose and recommend a Lux resort over any other and cannot wait to return Read less

The most amazing holiday I've ever had. Myself, my wife and my 3 year old daughter had an amazing 8 nights. The food and facilities were simply incredible. The staff were so friendly and our golf cart driver ShawKat in particular made our daughter feel very special everytime he seen her, he really did make her so happy so I can't thank him enough for that. The water villa was exceptional with amazing netting for us to chill and overlook to ocean with so many different fish swimming by. Trying to find a fault I struggle , but perhaps the kids club staff could have been slightly more enthusiastic to play with the kids and encourage them in to the play centre. That feels a little harsh because they were good but compared to 5 star everything else I'd give them 4 star. Couldn't recommend this island and company Lux more. Simply outstanding overall 5* Read less

This place is nothing short from heaven. From the moment I stepped my foot on the resort. The attention to the details has no equal, the staff here are super friendly , everyone greet you , everyone smile. Must be something in the water or in the weather. The people are as warm as the Maldives. We were lucky we had wonderful weather. I booked directly with the property and upon arrival they were waiting for us at the airport. They took us to the lounge while waiting on the seaplane and they treated us like royalty. After short period we arrived at the resort where we were greeted and shown to our room. They let us have early check in. The room has smell of lemon grass , it was pristine , the villa was the cleanest and the best place I ever stayed in. I will be honest to say I have never stayed in a better place. It is hard to get back to reality . Thank you to the house keeper Mohamed who made sure my bed is always decorated, thank you to everyone who made sure my stay in the Maldives was the best experience I ever had in my entire life, one more thing , the food was divine and yes I did see a whale shark and I will never forget all the wonderful fish and the black tip sharks who keep showing up and making our stay memorable . I will come back to this place. Read less

Our second visit and likely our last, what a difference a year makes. The reason for a 2 is that the team overall still provide great attention to detail and exemplary service, Still excellent quality and choice of food. With some standout customer service from Vjay and Hamdoon in particular. Having booked almost 11 months ago, we were specific over which part of the resort we expected to stay. Suffice to say our request was ignored. Our Romantic Beach Villa with private pool was far from romantic, sandwiched, as it was between families with young kids on both sides and the resorts play area right out front. Our request for a room change was greeted with distain. Our Villa was on the wrong beach and looking in general need of refurbishment, as indeed much of the resort does. Annoyingly, and unlike the other Maldivian islands that we have stayed we did not witness any attempt at fogging, we were regularly eaten by mosquitos. Since last year, LUX* are obviously on a profit boost with noticeable penny pinching. Bottles in the mini bar had shrunk by 50% and the NYE party for which you must pay extra in our otherwise all inclusive package was seriously low budget; singers’ who could not sing, synchronised dancers’ who could not synchronise and a firework display that if you blinked you would have missed it. Breakfast chatter amongst other guests confirmed our feedback. Finally, and on a personal note the GM John Rogers was largely absent and on the occasion that we did meet him during the NYE welcome reception he was unnecessarily rude to wife. Sadly, there will not be a third time lucky for us, LUX* has lost its magic. Read less