LUX* South Ari Atoll

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

Beach Villa
Beach Villa
Beach Pavillion
Beach Pool Villa
Overwater Infinity Pool 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
Overwater Infinity Pool Villas
Beach Villa
Beach Villa
Beach Pavillion
Beach Pool Villa
Overwater Infinity Pool 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
Overwater Infinity Pool 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

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.

From 1st February-31st January '27

Bed & Breakfast: At 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 USD 30 per adult per meal at Umami or Allegria

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. A credit of USD 30 per person per meal on the food charges at Umami or Allegria. Beverages are not included and 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. Allegria and Umami are excluded from the All-Inclusive Package. A credit of USD 30 per adult per meal will be deducted in the invoice.

Beverages: in all restaurants and bars, a wide selection of beverages - soft drinks, tea, coffee, beers, wines, sparkling wine, canned juices, water cocktails and liquors

- Wine library featuring 90 premium 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.

Premium 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. Guests will receive one complimentary dinner at both Allegria and Umani during their stay. Additional dinners will incur a credit of USD 30 per adult per meal deductible on the invoice.

Beverages: in all restaurants and bars, a wide selection of beverages - soft drinks, tea, coffee, beers, wines, sparkling wine, fresh and canned juices, water cocktails, liquors and selected champagne by glass

- Wine library featuring 90 premium 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.

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.

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 (6759)
  • Very good (398)
  • Average (92)
  • Poor (35)
  • Terrible (19)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Escape from Reality ! & the Staff make it even better :)

Jul 7, 2025 Doaa H

The stay at LUX South Ari Atoll was escape from reality that is much need. The island is just naturally beautiful with its turquoise water flowing to the deeper blue color that makes you forget the world around you. The differentiation factor at LUX is the staff. Their warmth and naturally friendly approach makes it feel home. If not done… Read more
The stay at LUX South Ari Atoll was escape from reality that is much need. The island is just naturally beautiful with its turquoise water flowing to the deeper blue color that makes you forget the world around you. The differentiation factor at LUX is the staff. Their warmth and naturally friendly approach makes it feel home. If not done already, LUX must introduce some perks to ensure retaining such talent (e.g offering a family stay for expat workers so they can enjoy the beauty of the island with the family just as they make the tourists stay unforgettable). Some staff that I would like to thank for making the stay extra special are: • Rimaah, Zahir, Nasser, Rauan and Basil – staff working at the restaurants • Rushan – from the water activities • Naufal – from the reception • Shawkat – the buddy driver Still, LUX can work more on the WOW factor that resonates more with the vibes of the Maldives. For example, there is a Phone Home idea to call back home for free. With all the free calling apps today, I do not see the value of it. Also, there is a free coffee from the LUX coffee. While that seems nice, I would have loved a more Maldivian vibe, offering Sai Tea with gulha and keemia for example. The outdoor cinema and the library are some nice experiences. Overall, it is recommended that LUX revisits its WOW strategy embracing it with the Maldivians vibes as the nature of the Maldives is by itself astonishing. Also, when a pest control is scheduled, the residents needs to be notified. I was on the pool when suddenly the smoke and smell was all over the place and had to rush inside. Usually, the pest control is notified to the residents so residents stay inside for a while. This is from a Health & Safety perspective. Lastly, introducing an app for the place would make it easier to track buggies, check and book activities and share feedback for the specific stay . Overall, a highly recommended place. The room was well equipped, clean and spacious. As for the restaurants, they were all top notch with various different styles of food. Lovely attentive staff 😊 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I really recommend Lux hotel

Jul 4, 2025 pom p

I stayed Lux hotel with total pax 3 families. Food and drinks are very high quality. Chef Pong, Thai chef took care of us very well. He did some special menus as our requirements. Anfal, a cleaner who clean our villas is superb. He is polite and very helpful. All staffs are excellent. They can remember everything we ate and drank. Hotel is… Read more
I stayed Lux hotel with total pax 3 families. Food and drinks are very high quality. Chef Pong, Thai chef took care of us very well. He did some special menus as our requirements. Anfal, a cleaner who clean our villas is superb. He is polite and very helpful. All staffs are excellent. They can remember everything we ate and drank. Hotel is beautiful. I really recommend Lux hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Maldev trip

Jul 3, 2025 Ayesha A

It was so amazing experience i will go there again and again thank for all stuff especially to mis Salwa she was helpful And nice person we wish her and all lux stuff all the best ❤️
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 初めてのモルディブ、最高の滞在でした

Jul 3, 2025 Hinaaaaaaaaaas

新婚旅行で4泊しました。プール付きの水上ヴィラに泊まりましたが、本当に最高でした。 お部屋は広くてきれいで、海にそのまま入れるデッキもあって、とても開放感がありました。滞在中ずっと感じていたのが、掃除がすごく行き届いていること。1日2回お掃除が入るので、海に入ってシャワーを浴びて、外出して戻ってきても、いつもお部屋もタオルもピカピカで、とても気持ちよく過ごせました。 食事はオールインクルーシブにしていたので、どのレストランも気軽に楽しめて、毎日違うメニューを楽しめました。どれも美味しかったです。 英語が少ししか話せない私たちでも、スタッフの皆さんがとても優しく対応してくれて安心できました。ゆっくり話してくれたり、ジェスチャーで伝えてくれたりして、言葉の壁はほとんど感じませんでした。担当… Read more
新婚旅行で4泊しました。プール付きの水上ヴィラに泊まりましたが、本当に最高でした。 お部屋は広くてきれいで、海にそのまま入れるデッキもあって、とても開放感がありました。滞在中ずっと感じていたのが、掃除がすごく行き届いていること。1日2回お掃除が入るので、海に入ってシャワーを浴びて、外出して戻ってきても、いつもお部屋もタオルもピカピカで、とても気持ちよく過ごせました。 食事はオールインクルーシブにしていたので、どのレストランも気軽に楽しめて、毎日違うメニューを楽しめました。どれも美味しかったです。 英語が少ししか話せない私たちでも、スタッフの皆さんがとても優しく対応してくれて安心できました。ゆっくり話してくれたり、ジェスチャーで伝えてくれたりして、言葉の壁はほとんど感じませんでした。担当のバトラー、ギャッツビーがとても丁寧で親切で、何でも相談できて本当に助かりました。 アクティビティでは、ジンベエザメとマンタのシュノーケリングに参加しました。ジンベエザメには会えませんでしたが、マンタとウミガメに出会えて大満足です！ 雨季の時期だったので天気が心配でしたが、ラッキーなことに滞在中はずっと晴れていて、海もプールも思いっきり楽しめました。 喫煙については、外なら基本的に吸える場所が多くて、愛煙家にも優しい環境だと思います。 また、海やプールの近くには必ずタオルが用意されていて、どこにいても快適に過ごせました。 高級だけど、堅苦しくなくて、あたたかい雰囲気のあるリゾートです。ハネムーンでここを選んで本当に良かったと思っています。 We stayed at LUX* South Ari Atoll for 4 nights on our honeymoon, and it was truly amazing. We had a pool overwater villa. The room was spacious, clean, and had direct access to the ocean. One thing that really stood out was the twice-a-day housekeeping. Even after swimming and showering a couple of times, the room was always tidy and the towels were fresh. It made us feel very comfortable. We chose the all-inclusive plan and really enjoyed it. We got to try different restaurants every day, and everything we had was delicious. We don’t speak much English, but the staff were very kind and patient. They spoke slowly, used gestures, and always made sure we were okay. Our butler, Gatsby, was incredibly helpful and always checked in with us. He made everything so much easier. We joined the snorkeling tour to see whale sharks and mantas. We didn’t see a whale shark, but we were lucky enough to swim with manta rays and a sea turtle. That was unforgettable! Even though we visited during the rainy season, we had great weather the entire stay. We were so lucky! Smoking is allowed in most outdoor areas, so that was convenient too. Also, clean towels were available everywhere—by the pool, at the beach, wherever we needed them. It’s a luxury resort, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. We’re really glad we chose this place for our honeymoon. We hope to come back someday. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating What an experience

Jun 29, 2025 Nicola P

Absolutely amazing experience, well above what was expected, from the moment we arrived we were treated with exceptional customer service by each and everyone. Our dining experience at the Italian restaurant was so special. thank you