LUX* South Ari Atoll

Rising like a phoenix out of the Indian Ocean in the Maldives, Dhidhoofinolhu is a tropical island oasis that is home to LUX* South Ari Atoll resort – a floating paradise of glistening, palm-lined beaches, pristine white sands and lush, tropical vegetation. Capturing the very essence of luxurious island living, the island is paradise found, where exotic fauna and flora abound. Crystal clear waters beckon you to snorkel or dive along the untouched coral reefs while adventure-lovers can enjoy snorkeling with turtles, swimming with whale sharks, or sea-kayaking on tranquil waters. White-sailed dhonis float by on gentle sea breezes as the golden sun dip below the horizon while you sip fine champagne on a sunset cruise.

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Beautifully appointed Crusoe-esque style chalets to offer every comfort, with airy, elegantly furnished rooms, extensive timber terraces flowing out onto decks with private gazebos and breath-taking sea views. Designed to blend seamlessly with the shimmering landscapes of tropical jungle, sand and sea, sun-bleached wood and sculptured stone echo a distinct Maldivian flavor. Beautifully appointed villas possess all the charm of rustic, castaway and colonial architecture without compromising on comfort and modern amenities abound, including air-conditioning, satellite television, and spacious en-suite bathrooms.

Experience a fusion of local Maldivian and Indian ingredients and global food trends with award-winning cuisine and fine-dining experiences at one of eight restaurants and five bars on the island. Savor delicious breakfasts overlooking the beach, take lunch by the swimming pool as you soak up the spectacular views, or sip colorful cocktails with your toes in the sand as you watch the sun sink into the horizon.

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

The perfection of lazing on your private villa’s wooden terrace overlooking the water vies for your attention with the underwater paradise just offshore. Explore the coral kingdom on daily reef dives or by snorkeling in the crystal waters, or above water, enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, hover-boarding or sailing, as well as scenic walks or cycling around the island. Salute the setting sun from the deck of a dhoni at the end of a glorious day in this barefoot paradise where warm hospitality, pampering massages, and thoughtful touches add up to ‘paradise found.’

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll Suites and Villas

Epitomizing luxurious island-style living, 193 beautifully appointed contemporary Crusoe-esque style suites and luxury villas are set right on the beach or suspended over the water ensure an intimate and unforgettable experience. Designed for elegant comfort and style, suites and villas boast modern décor that echoes the surrounding accents of this island oasis.

Elegantly furnished to enhance the creature comforts of home with special extra touches, living areas have deluxe amenities such as air-conditioning throughout, fully-stocked mini bar-fridges and flat-screen satellite televisions, DVD players, iPod docking stations, and international dial telephones. Beautiful en-suite bathrooms enjoy lavish Jacuzzi baths and unique outdoor showers surrounded by verdant gardens, while broad timber terraces with private swimming pools offer magnificent ocean views.

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Beach Pavilions

Beach Pavilions exude authentic island living, set right on the sand with stunning ocean views. These family-friendly villas boast thatched roofs, spacious, airy living spaces, beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms, and private gardens with outdoor showers.

Beach Pavilions. Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Romantic Pool Water Villas

Suspended on stilts over water and offering over 110 square meters of luxurious living space, Romantic Pool Water Villas are beautifully crafted and stylishly appointed with traditional cabana architecture and contemporary interior design aesthetics. Each villa features designer bedrooms with LUX* signature ‘Sleep Tight’ beds, en-suite bathrooms with separate double rain-showers, elegant living with state-of-the-art amenities, including a flat-screen curved television and a home theatre system with a projector screen. The villas also have private terraces with private swimming pool, sun decks, and direct access to the turquoise lagoon.

Beach and Lagoon Villas

Designed to reflect the spectacular surroundings with subtle décor in light sand and ochre tones, Beach Villas ooze style and comfort. The villas feature stunning bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor tubs surrounded by beautiful banana trees and bright hibiscus and airy living spaces that seamlessly connect with the exterior and boast breathtaking views of the beach.

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Water Villas

These luxurious abodes are suspended on stilts over the water, offering extra levels of privacy and seclusion and awe-inspiring views of the Indian Ocean. Spacious bedrooms boast king-size beds dressed in designer linens, over-sized en-suite bathrooms have large soaking tubs, and walk-in rain showers and ample sundecks have day beds and sun beds for relaxing.

Family Lagoon Pavilions

Ideal for families with babies or children, the Family Lagoon Pavilions are set next to the lagoon with a shared entrance area and feature airy living spaces, comfortable bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, and private terraces with plenty of space for the kids to play.

Temptation Pool Water Villas

For unparalleled luxury, the Temptation Pool Water Villas are a must. Designed for couples wanting extra levels of privacy and seclusion with unfettered sunrise views over the Indian Ocean, the magnificent villas float over the surface of the ocean on stilts. The villas feature floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding door that seamlessly blends interior and exterior spaces and bathes indoor spaces in natural light. A spacious wooden deck terrace offers the perfect place for alfresco-style dining under the stars, a 14-meter rim-flow infinity swimming pool, and a private poolside cabana.

Temptation Pool Water Villas. Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

LUX*Villa

Featuring unparalleled views over the lagoon and island surrounds, the LUX*Villa is the ultimate in luxury island living. The opulent retreat affords every luxury from a private infinity plunge pool that merges with the lagoon, a glass-floored living room where the underwater world comes to life, a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and an open-plan living area that flows onto sun decks floating over the lagoon.

LUX* South Ari Atoll Restaurants, Lounges, and Bars

Boasting no less than eight restaurants and five bars, dining is an experience on its own at LUX* South Ari Atoll. Savor authentic island cuisine of light stir-fry or seafood broth on the beach under thatched roofs at MIXE or be tempted with a Middle Eastern and Indian Ocean menu of rich tagines, tandoori prawns and tantalizing tropical sorbets at Senses Restaurant. Head to the Senses Bar and Lounge for post-dinner drinks cocktails, rums, and liqueurs, which can be sipped while swaying gently in a giant hammock.

MIXE. Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Escape to the Mediterranean with freshly caught seafood, hand-spun pasta, and other epicurean delights at Allegria, or lounge on catamaran nets floating above turquoise waters as you sip sunset cocktails at the hip East Bar with its secret under-the-sea-themed musical space for dancing the night away. Watch knife-wielding, grill-tickling chefs prepare fresh sushi and world-class sashimi at the chic and contemporary UMAMI or unwind to laid-back reggae vibes with a front-row view of the sunset at the sociable Lagoon Bar.

Eastern Market. Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Enjoy light bites of hand-tossed wood-fired pizza and fresh salad with your toes in the sand and the lagoon breeze in your hair at the casual Beach Rouge or sip chilled cocktails or a glass of bubbly while soaking up shimmering lagoon views from the poolside Veli Bar. Coffee aficionados will delight at Café LUX* where they will find the finest barista-made coffee, including Cold Press, Pour Overs and Nitro coffee, day or night.

LUX* South Ari Atoll Spa and Wellness

A stay at the LUX* South Ari Atoll is all about indulgence and what better way to begin than with a range of pampering spa treatments, massages, yoga and meditation and facials. Overlooking the water with spectacular views, the resort’s exclusive LUX* Me Spa offers a holistic, integrated approach to relaxation and tranquility with a wide range of massages, treatments and pampering sessions.

LUX* Me Spa. Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Enjoy yoga and meditation sessions, signature Shirley Page or Balinese massages, pampering facial and body treatments with a world-class body or facial range, or indulge in an authentic Zhengliao Chinese Medicine Treatment, exclusive to LUX*. Stay fit with an SP&Co personal trainer who will personally create a tailored fitness program just for you.

LUX* South Ari Atoll caters for health nuts with a range of healthy menu choices offering delicious, organic and natural food options, such as high-quality virgin, cold-pressed olive oil, sea and mineral salt, unrefined whole grains and flour, and fresh local fruit and vegetables. Guests can choose from wholesome vegetarian menus with vegan dishes, to gluten-free and lactose-free options, and more.

LUX* Me Spa. Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll Sports and Leisure

Close your eyes and imagine. Palm-trees leaning over dazzling powdery-sand and lapped by luxuriously warm waters… this is the Maldives, and every island in the archipelago dons beaches of the same ethereal quality.

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Crystal clear waters call you in to snorkel or scuba dive along the pristine coral reefs, which teem with brightly colored fish and a plethora of marine life. Adventure-lovers can take to the skies above the water on hover and fly-boards, explore the tranquil waters on sea-kayaks, or take to the ocean for some catch-and-release deep-sea fishing.

The delightfully warm and clear waters surrounding LUX* South Ari Atoll are a snorkeler and diver’s dream where swimming through an aquarium of brightly colored fish, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and more is the norm. Learn how to dive at the resort’s 5-Star PADI IDC Dive Centre, which offers tailored programs for all abilities and specialty courses led by the country’s most experienced instructors. Take an unforgettable trip on a traditional dhoni with the resident marine biologist and swim with whale sharks, an experience that will leave you with lasting memories for a lifetime.

Diving with whale sharks. Photo credit: I Dive Travel

Adventure-lovers and sports enthusiasts will be hard pressed to stay still with the wide variety of water sports to enjoy at LUX* South Ari Atoll. Boasting the most significant choice of water-sports of any five-star resort in the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll has something for everyone from kayaking, canoeing and sailing to fly-boarding, windsurfing, hover-boarding, and jet-surfboarding. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming are standard, and land-lubbers can choose to play volleyball, tennis, do some beach yoga or take a bike and explore the island.

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll Wedding Facilities

Could there be a more beautiful place to exchange your wedding vows than on a white sandy beach bordered by swaying palms with a backdrop of shimmering, gin-clear water? LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a spectacular setting for romantic weddings with a stretch of desert beach to call your own and intimate ceremonies steeped in island traditions. In true island style, the groom and bride are blessed with a shower of colorful and fragrant flower petals as they walk down the aisle to the sound of Bodu Beru drums.

Wedding in the Maldives. Photo credit: Asad’s Photography

Special words are exchanged, two different types of sand are blended in a vase to symbolize their lives are merging into one, and vows are placed in a coconut and thrown into the ocean, where secret promises are kept forever. In a final act of solidarity, they plant a baby palm tree that will blossom and bloom as a token of their most memorable day.

LUX* South Ari Atoll Family Facilities

Island resort holidays aren’t just for adults anymore, and LUX* South Ari Atoll has a variety of fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy. The resort has an exclusive children’s club called PLAY, which offers children between the ages of three and 12 years an opportunity to explore the many delights and wonders of island living under supervised care.

Led by a team of highly trained childcare professionals, kids are shown the rich culture and spectacular natural beauty of the island, as well as given a chance to enjoy some high-energy sports and outdoor activities, ranging from art classes and treasure hunts to snorkeling and educational Teddy Tennis lessons.

Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Teenagers are also catered for at LUX* South Ari Atoll with the resort’s complimentary Studio 17 teens’ club, where guests between 12 and 17 years can get together, explore the island or just hang out, under the supervision of highly trained and enthusiastic LUX* supervisors. Teens have a chance to enjoy a wide range of activities from learning the local language and dances to taking part in beach and watersports or going on exciting adventure trips around the island.

LUX* South Ari Atoll Special Extras

• Beach Rouge Club with sunset sessions by international resident and guest DJs
• Island-roasted coffee in Café LUX*
• Impromptu screenings at Cinema Paradiso
• The chance to hang your hopes on the magical tree of wishes

Beach Rouge Club. Photo credit: LUX* South Ari Atoll

Why LUX* South Ari Atoll?

Nestled on ivory white sands overlooking an azure ocean, LUX* South Ari Atoll is a luxurious and seaside haven. Exquisitely secluded and boasting sensational accommodation options, this sensual abode is ideal for romantic couples, honeymooners, and discerning travelers wanting a private and peaceful escape.

Don’t miss an opportunity to experience this spectacular getaway – click here to book now. 

Article by Mia Russell©