LUX* South Ari Atoll

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

Beach Villa
Beach Villa
Beach Pavillion
Beach Pool Villa
Romantic Pool Water Villa
Veli Pool
Swimming pool - Senses
Spa
EAST Market
Beach Rouge
Beach Rouge terrace
Spa
Spa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
Temptation Pool Water Villa
East Bar
Romantic Pool Water Villas
Beach Villa
Beach Villa
Beach Pavillion
Beach Pool Villa
Romantic Pool Water Villa
Veli Pool
Swimming pool - Senses
Spa
EAST Market
Beach Rouge
Beach Rouge terrace
Spa
Spa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
LUX* Villa
Temptation Pool Water Villa
East Bar
Romantic Pool Water Villas

The hotel

This stunning resort gives a true insight into island living. As well as being exceedingly laid back, there’s a spontaneous atmosphere with open air cinema on the beach, pop-up musical performances and much more. If you’re a water sport enthusiast you’re in for a treat, the diving here is spectacular, with plenty of underwater sites to explore for beginners to advanced divers. There’s also land sports aplenty, two pools (both fully serviced by poolside bars), two miles of sandy beach and the LUX* Me Spa, an oasis within an oasis. The kids, meanwhile, can engage in a variety of activities at PLAY, including decadent cake decorating and art classes. There are plenty of eateries to choose from: at the core of the island, MIXE offers everything from wood-fired pizzas to grills & stir fries, with a tempting island twist; for Italian cuisine, there is Allegria or head to East Market for Asian-inspired dishes.

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

Choice of thatched roof beach villas/pavilions and overwater villas, including 62 with a private pool. All with air-conditioning, private terrace or balcony, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, mini-bar*, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, hairdryer, iron and board (on request). Beach Pavilions are interconnecting pavilions on the beach with individual outdoor terrace, they have 1 king-size bed plus rollaway bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 infant (in baby cot) or 1 child or 1 teen.

Board basis options

Bed & Breakfast: includes breakfast in MIXE or East Market. Juices, coffee, and tea are included in the meal plan package during breakfast time.

Half Board option: includes breakfast in MIXE and East Market. Dinner in MIXE, East Market, Beach Rouge or Senses. A credit of USD 30 per person per meal on the food charges at Umami or Allegria.

Full Board 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. A credit of USD 30 per person per meal on the food charges at Umami or Allegria. Still water, sparkling water, soft drinks and Café LUX* coffee are included during your meal only.

All Inclusive option: includes buffet breakfast at MIXE and East Market. 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. A credit of USD 30 per person per meal on the food charges at Umami or Allegria. Wide selection of beverages - soft drinks, tea, coffee, beers, wines, sparkling wine, fresh and canned juices, water cocktails, liquors and selected champagne by glass. Access to Wine library featuring 90 premium bottles. Tea/coffee facilities in the villas and coffee at Café LUX*. Mini-bar: water, juice, soft drinks, wines, vodka, gin, beers, sweet and savoury bites are included and replenished daily).

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.

Two Bedroom 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.

Romantic Pool Water 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.

9 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
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (6711)
  • Very good (397)
  • Average (92)
  • Poor (35)
  • Terrible (19)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best 50th bday present

May 20, 2025 Ana Cristina L Brasilia, DF

My stay at Lux Maldives was an unforgettable experience that exceeded my expectations in many ways. **The best part of my stay** was undoubtedly the stunning surroundings. The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water were simply dreamy. Spending my days soaking up the sun and exploring the vibrant coral reefs was an absolute delight.… Read more
My stay at Lux Maldives was an unforgettable experience that exceeded my expectations in many ways. **The best part of my stay** was undoubtedly the stunning surroundings. The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water were simply dreamy. Spending my days soaking up the sun and exploring the vibrant coral reefs was an absolute delight. Additionally and - what made the difference - the service from the staff was exceptional; they were alway willing to help, attentive and ensured that my experience was perfect. A heartful thank you to Salwa, Nawas, Masud, Pulkit, Rana and the lady in charge of Mixe. The **quality of the room** also deserves special mention. My villa was spacious, elegantly decorated, and equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The view from my private terrace was spectacular, making every sunrise and sunset a magical moment. However, there are a couple of things I would mention to improve: -Bicycle rent should be complimentary for all inclusive Water Villa guests -safe jacket should be mandatory during house reef snorkeling. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best resort ever

May 18, 2025 Jet61172910683

We have been 7 times to Maldives on 4 different 5stars resorts. Honestly LUX is the best . The staffs are amazing. Shawkat is a very good host. We love him. Ali from the houskeeping did a very wonderful job. Our room was always clean and hé thought of everything. Just named it and hé did it. Also hé filled our bathtub with flowers in hart form.… Read more
We have been 7 times to Maldives on 4 different 5stars resorts. Honestly LUX is the best . The staffs are amazing. Shawkat is a very good host. We love him. Ali from the houskeeping did a very wonderful job. Our room was always clean and hé thought of everything. Just named it and hé did it. Also hé filled our bathtub with flowers in hart form. So kind. At east market chef Pong took good care of us. Hé made us a special Thaise dish Pad kra prauw with fry eggs. Springroll and Thaise tea. We ordered a hotpots and he made an extra Thaise sauce for us. So thoughtfull. The hotpots is very delicious. Unfortunately the resort cancelled the seafood barbecue evening.All of the restaurants and bars are great. Good food and good drink. We stayed at watervilla which is a very good value . We had allinclusieve. You have to pay extra on signature drinks and dishes but we ordered only mocktail and there are plenty of dishes that you can choose with allinclusieve. There are movie nights at Senses bar and you can also go to bingo night there as well. Lots of cute spot for your foto’s. Beautiful library at Westpoint nearby watervilla. Diving center is very good. My husband has advance certificaat and went to dive with few dive instructors. JHANG and TOMOKO are such a great teachers. He went to beautiful dive sites . We were escort to checkin desk as soon as we arrive at the airport the way back home. The best service ever. Now I understand why Lots of guests return back because we will turn back next year and stay longer than this time. Thank you so much . Fam. Vanduijn Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice island but accommodation needs renovating

May 15, 2025 Jemma B

We have been to various Maldivian resorts and it was our first time at LUX. The service at LUX was incredible - special mention to Vijay who made the most amazing cocktails. Rachael our butler was also excellent. A huge thank you to the diving team as well! Restaurants were excellent, but I have coeliac and there was definitely some cross… Read more
We have been to various Maldivian resorts and it was our first time at LUX. The service at LUX was incredible - special mention to Vijay who made the most amazing cocktails. Rachael our butler was also excellent. A huge thank you to the diving team as well! Restaurants were excellent, but I have coeliac and there was definitely some cross contamination in East Market, as I was poorly every time we had dinner there. When the head chef was there she really did look after me, however I feel the allergens need to be “tightened up”. We were very disappointed in our room. We had a two room beach villa, however we didn’t realise that they are completely different rooms, requiring keys for the entrance. Not ideal with two children, we felt totally separated. The room was very tired and is definitely due refurbishment. In addition to this the front area leading to the beach was again separated with a white cement wall - dividing our family and it is quite a walk to the sea. It wasn’t the luxury we have experienced before. Overall we had a wonderful time and some lovely memories made, but we felt that the accommodation really let the island down, which is a-shame as you could not fault the service of all of the staff - they were excellent. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Most wonderful honeymoon vacation you can have!!!!!!!!

May 15, 2025 Joseph P

We had a wonderful time lux, Everything is planned so you will not to worry about anything but enjoy your stay there. The staff is amazing to all of them are very nice and there to help. And assist. Few of the staff people just made our honeymoon vacation even more great.mode from the cleaning room mofizul. Amazing driver.… Read more
We had a wonderful time lux, Everything is planned so you will not to worry about anything but enjoy your stay there. The staff is amazing to all of them are very nice and there to help. And assist. Few of the staff people just made our honeymoon vacation even more great.mode from the cleaning room mofizul. Amazing driver. Zahir form Mixe restaurant, our super friend and salwa the lovely hostess who helped us with everything we needed😊😊 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating LUX ISLAND RESORT FANTASTIC

May 13, 2025 Perry L

i would like to say what a wonderful place LUX island resort. The staff was fantastic and could not do enough for you to enjoy your stay. the bar staff. And restaurants staff was great. Huzam. Zahir. Vijey they was brilliant. Work hard to make our stay special. Outstanding!!!