A luxurious resort, a desert island paradise packed with surprises
Here you will find yourself surrounded by a fabulous lagoon, great for snorkelling and swimming. Whether you are seeking a peaceful hideaway or active adventures, there’s plenty to do – or not do!
Expect island-roasted coffee in Café LUX*, impromptu screenings at Cinema Paradiso and the chance to hang your hopes on our magical tree of wishes.
Why we love LUX* South Ari Atoll
Most of us fantasise about going away to a laid-back, desert island paradise, where the water is crystal blue, the sand soft and white with a slight breeze sweeping across you at least once in our lives. Well, here that fantasy will most certainly become a reality!
The Maldives for most is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, a bucket list experience and this resort will definitely give you a true, exclusive Maldivian experience. Somehow how it seems to marry authenticity with modern luxury, making you feel like you could stay there forever!
Facilities
Here, you’ll discover 193 private villas, dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of powder fine beaches and perched on stilts above a crystal lagoon. On land or above water, sunset facing or sunrise, these super spacious rooms and suites bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives.

Additional facilities include a 5-Star PADI dive centre, the resort’s limpid waters are a diver’s nirvana but there’s an equal abundance of snorkelling and opportunities to visit the resident whale sharks. Two infinity pools, floodlit tennis courts and a Technogym fitness centre while the LUX* Me spa is host to a wellness concierge and a menu of indulgent and stimulating treatments.
You also have the choice of eight eateries and five bars. East Market is a sophisticated take on a bustling local night market. Umami offers fine dining from separate sushi, teppanyaki and robata counters as well as the Maldives’ largest selection of sakes and Japanese whiskeys. Allegria, Senses and MIXE stimulate international palettes and the new Beach Rouge introduces the dolce vita of a fashionable beach club to the island.
Activities
This resort also hosts arguably the largest choice of water-sports of any of the 5-star resorts in the Maldives.

Adrenaline sports are taken seriously here and were the first to offer Flyboarding and Hoverboarding, and they promise to introduce a new water-sport activity each year to their collection. How cool is that!
You will also have a huge choice of land-based activities including;
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Beach Yoga
- Cycling
There is definitely something for everyone, even the most die-hard action junkie’s will be happy.
What to do
Goes without saying that any trip to the Maldives just wouldn’t be perfect without diving or snorkelling in the warm, clear waters of these majestic islands. This resort is a diver’s dream – from shoals of Butterflyfish and Oriental Sweetlips to whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and more. Top tip… you have to try the Fluorescent Night Diving – wait until the sun has set and you’ll discover a whole new underwater world. You get to come face to face with fluorescent corals, fish and other marine life that appear to glow, think of the magical effects in the movie Avatar and you’ll get the idea.

The 5-Star PADI IDC Dive Centre offers tailored programmes for all abilities and speciality courses led by the country’s most experienced instructors.