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Lux South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

★★★★★

LUX* South Ari Atoll sits on Dhidhoofinolhu in South Ari Atoll, 25 minutes by seaplane from the international airport, where guests use a private lounge.

Island
Dhidhoofinolhu
Atoll
South Ari Atoll
From the airport
25 min by seaplane
Villa types
11
Meal plans
AI · AI Premium
Restaurants & bars
12
The island

A Maldives resort like no other A hotel in Maldives where you can experience island paradise like nowhere else The Maldives is one of those places that continue to pop up on travellers’ bucket lists. And for a very good reason. If you’ve fantasized about living a–lavish–Robinson Crusoe life on a faraway tropical island, you’re in the right place. At LUX* South Ari Atoll, you will ride your bicycle along the jetty, swim alongside whale sharks, hang out in your bungalow on stilts, dine at any of the eight restaurants, dance the night away, partake in marine conservation… Whatever it is you love, you’ll find it here at LUX* South Ari Atoll.

Overwater villasFamilyDiving
LUX* South Ari Atoll sits on Dhidhoofinolhu in South Ari Atoll, 25 minutes by seaplane from the international airport, where guests use a private lounge. Accommodation is a mix of thatched beach pavilions and villas and over-water villas, 73 of them with a private pool, spread along 4 kilometres of beach and an extensive lagoon. The resort is a year-round whale shark watching spot with over 50 dive sites around it including the renowned Kuda Rah Thila, and it runs an on-site Marine Biology Centre with coral planting and adoption programmes. Dining is a dine-around across buffets and a la carte restaurants, alongside the Forbes star-awarded LUX* Me Spa and the PLAY kids club.
  • A unique spot for whale shark watching all year round
  • 25 minutes by seaplane with a private lounge at the international airport
  • 4 kilometres of beach and an extensive lagoon
  • 73 villas with a private pool
  • Over 50 dive sites around, including the renowned Kuda Rah Thila
  • Forbes star awarded LUX* Me Spa with 15 spa villas, 4 of them overwater
  • Dine-around concept across all buffets and a la carte restaurants except Umami and Allegria
  • PLAY, a mindful and modern kids club with a dedicated kids swimming pool
  • On-site Marine Biology Centre with coral planting and adoption programmes
  • One of the world's largest floating solar systems at sea, powering up to 30% of energy use
In pictures

A look around Dhidhoofinolhu

Where you stay

11 ways to stay

Size bars drawn to scale against the largest villa. A = adult, C = child.

Beach PavilionBeach

Beach Pavilion

Beach
60 m²

Interconnected pavilion on the beach with individual outdoor terrace. Room sharing policy: 2 Adults + 1 Infant (in baby cot) or 1 child or 1 Teen. Possibility of connecting rooms. Bathroom is non air-conditioned.

22 on the island
Family Beach PavilionBeach

Family Beach Pavilion

Beach
120 m²

Two-bedroom pavilion on the beach with two entrances and separate terrace. Room sharing policy: 4 Adults + 2 Infants (in baby cot) or 2 Children or 2 Teens / 2 Adults + 2 Infants (in baby cot) or 4 Children or 4 Teens. Twin beds available; possibility of connecting rooms; bathroom is non air-conditioned.

6 on the island
Family Lagoon PavilionBeach

Family Lagoon Pavilion

Beach
130 m²

Two-bedroom pavilion on the beach with a common entrance and separate terrace. Room sharing policy: 4 Adults + 2 Infants (in baby cot) or 2 Children or 2 Teens / 2 Adults + 2 Infants (in baby cot) or 4 Children or 4 Teens. Twin beds available; possibility of connecting rooms; bathroom is non air-conditioned.

6 on the island
Beach VillaBeach

Beach Villa

BeachMagnificent sea view
95 m²

Villas offering a magnificent sea view and direct access to the beach and lagoon. Room sharing policy: 3 Adults / 2 Adults + 1 Infant (in baby cot) or 2 Children or 2 Teens. Bathtub and dressing room.

35 on the island
Beachfront Infinity Pool VillaBeach

Beachfront Infinity Pool Villa

BeachPrivate infinity poolDirect views of the swaying palm trees; private infinity pool overlooking the ocean
136 m²

Upscale villas with direct access to the beach and lagoon, direct views of the swaying palm trees and a secluded garden with lush greenery, plus a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean steps away from the villa. Room sharing policy: 3 Adults / 2 Adults + 2 Teens or 2 Children or 1 Infant.

10 on the island
Beach Pool VillaBeach, sunset facing

Beach Pool Villa

Beach, sunset facingPrivate plunge poolSunset side of the island; garden
116 m²

Villas with a private plunge pool, garden and direct access to the beach, on the sunset side of the island. Room sharing policy: 2 Adults + 1 Infant (in baby cot) or 1 child or 1 Teen.

12 on the island
Temptation Beach Pool VillaBeach

Temptation Beach Pool Villa

BeachPrivate pool
206 m²

Two luxurious bathrooms, a stylish living area and a sumptuous boudoir. Room sharing policy: 2 adults + 1 infant (in baby cot) or 2 Children or 2 Teens. Includes a lounge and a 48 inch curved satellite television with home theatre system.

1 on the island
Water VillaOverwater, inner lagoon

Water Villa

Overwater, inner lagoonDirect access to the lagoon
98 m²

Over-water villas offering perfect privacy and direct access to the lagoon. Room sharing policy: 3 Adults / 2 Adults + 1 Infant (in baby cot) or 2 Children or 2 Teens.

38 on the island
Overwater Infinity Pool VillaOverwater, inner lagoon

Overwater Infinity Pool Villa

Overwater, inner lagoonPrivate poolSunrise views and direct lagoon access
110 m²

Luxurious over-water villas with a private pool offering sunrise views and direct lagoon access. Room sharing policy: 2 Adults + 1 teen or 1 child or 1 infant.

46 on the island
Temptation Pool Water VillaOverwater, inner lagoon

Temptation Pool Water Villa

Overwater, inner lagoon14 metres long private pool, plus JacuzziSunrise views and direct lagoon access
220 m²

Luxurious, spacious over-water villas with a 14 metre long private pool, a bedroom, a separate living room with glass floor, a Jacuzzi, sunrise views and direct lagoon access. Room sharing policy: 2 Adults + 1 Infant (in baby cot) or 1 child or 1 Teen. Includes a lounge and a 48 inch curved satellite television with home theatre system.

3 on the island
LUX* VillaOverwater, sunset facing

LUX* Villa

Overwater, sunset facingInfinity poolPanoramic sunset view at the jetty's end
360 m²

Magnificent luxury villa with a panoramic sunset view at the jetty's end, a glass floored living and dining room, an extensive outdoor terrace and a lounge area with infinity pool. Room sharing policy: 2 Adults + 1 Infant (in baby cot) or 1 child or 1 Teen.

1 on the island
Meal plans

Choose how you dine

Every board basis this island sells. Open a plan for exactly what it covers and what it leaves out.

AI

All Inclusive Package

BreakfastLunchDinnerDrinks
What it covers
  • Dine around concept as per the resort's schedule
  • Buffet breakfast at MIXE and East Market
  • Lunch a la carte at Senses Restaurant, Veli Pool Bar, Lagoon Bar and Beach Rouge
  • Dinner a la carte at Senses and Beach Rouge; buffet at MIXE and East Market
  • A wide selection of beverages in all restaurants and bars (soft drinks, tea, coffee, beers, wines, sparkling wine, canned juices, water, cocktails and liquors) as per the scheduled opening hours
  • ICI: a variety of ICI ice cream flavours during the stay
  • Tea and coffee facilities in room
  • Mini-bar: water, juices, green tea, soft drinks, wines, vodka, gin, beers, sweet and salty bites, replenished once a day
  • Beach service and poolside service, available only at the Lagoon Bar, Senses Beach and Beach Rouge
  • Wellness as per hotel schedule: DIY Facial Workshop, Hair Consultation, Core Workout, Circuit Training, Pranayama and Meditation, plus access to the sauna, steam room, plunge pool and spa relaxation area
  • A credit of USD 30 per adult per day deductible on selected spa treatments at LUX* Me Spa
  • Water sports as per hotel schedule: daily use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks, pedal boats and stand up paddle boarding, and scheduled snorkelling trips on the house reef, dependent on weather and tide conditions
  • Café LUX*: complimentary coffee and pastry for adults and children during the stay
  • Reasons To Go LUX* as per hotel selection, subject to change
  • 10% service charge and 17% GST

Not included

  • Dining at Umami and Allegria (a credit of USD 30 per adult per meal is deducted on the invoice instead)
  • Signature dishes and the premium beverage menu in all restaurants and bars
  • In Villa Dining
  • Cigars, cigarettes and shisha
  • Laundry
  • LUX* Boutique and Jewellery Shop
  • Bicycle and beach cruiser rentals
  • Private lessons (tennis, sailing, kite surf, fitness, etc.)
  • Signature, hair, manicure and pedicure treatments (the spa credit does not apply to these)
  • Scuba diving
  • Motorised water sport activities
  • Excursions
  • Special evenings, events and dinners
AI Premium

Premium All Inclusive Package

BreakfastLunchDinnerDrinks
What it covers
  • One complimentary dinner at both Allegria and Umami during the stay (additional dinners incur a credit of USD 30 per adult deductible on the invoice)
  • Dine around at all buffets and a la carte restaurants except Umami and Allegria
Eat & drink

13 places to eat and drink

From breakfast on the lagoon to the last drink of the night.

Restaurants & bars13

MIXE · Inventive international cuisine

Buffet breakfast and buffet dinner venue, included in the All Inclusive Package.

Breakfast 07:00 - 10:30; Dinner 18:30 - 22:00
East Market · A culinary tour of South Asia

Buffet breakfast and buffet dinner venue, included in the All Inclusive Package.

Breakfast 07:00 - 10:30; Dinner 18:30 - 22:00
Senses Restaurant · Indian and Middle East fusions specials

A la carte lunch and dinner, included in the All Inclusive Package.

Lunch 12:00 - 15:00; Dinner 18:30 - 22:00
Senses Lounge and Bar · Flavourful food and colourful cocktails
09:00 - 00:00
Beach Rouge · Mediterranean

A la carte lunch and dinner, included in the All Inclusive Package. One of the three venues with beach and poolside service.

10:30 - 00:00; Lunch 12:00 - 15:00; Dinner 18:30 - 22:00
Allegria · Italian signatures and sunset vibesextra cost

Excluded from the All Inclusive Package; a credit of USD 30 per adult per meal is deducted on the invoice. Premium All Inclusive guests receive one complimentary dinner here.

18:30 - 22:00
Umami · Tastes of modern Japaneseextra cost

Excluded from the All Inclusive Package; a credit of USD 30 per adult per meal is deducted on the invoice. Premium All Inclusive guests receive one complimentary dinner here.

Dining 18:30 - 22:00
Veli Pool Bar · Poolside drinks and light bites

A la carte lunch included in the All Inclusive Package.

09:00 - 17:00; Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
The Lagoon Bar · Vibrant beach bar with reggae vibes

A la carte lunch included in the All Inclusive Package. One of the three venues with beach and poolside service.

10:30 - 17:00; Lunch 12:00 - 15:00
East Bar · Over-water bar service
17:00 - 00:00
Café LUX* · Signature coffees, roasted in-house

All Inclusive Package includes complimentary coffee and pastry for adults and children during the stay.

06:00 - 18:00
ICI · Ice-cream parlour

A variety of ICI ice cream flavours is included in the All Inclusive Package.

10:30 - 17:00
24 Hour In Villa Diningextra cost

In Villa Dining is listed as NOT included in the All Inclusive Package.

24 hours
Things to do

Days on Dhidhoofinolhu

Water sports

  • Snorkelling with equipmentIncluded
  • CanoeIncluded
  • Pedal boatsIncluded
  • KayaksIncluded
  • Stand-up paddle boardingExtra cost
  • WindsurfingExtra cost
  • Fun tube ridesExtra cost
  • WaterskiingExtra cost
  • Jet-skiingExtra cost
  • KitesurfingExtra cost
  • ParasailingExtra cost
  • WakeboardingExtra cost
  • FlyboardingExtra cost

Excursion

  • Whale shark safarisExtra cost
  • Private trips with speedboat or dhoniExtra cost
  • Morning and sunset fishingExtra cost
  • Excursions - island tours and trips by speed boat or dhoni, sunset cruise and moreExtra cost
  • Marine Biology Centre - coral planting and adoption programmesIncluded

Diving & snorkelling

  • Discovery Scuba Diving & Bubble MakerExtra cost
  • Open Water DiveExtra cost
  • Fun DivesExtra cost
  • PADI Scuba DiverExtra cost
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diving & Specialty coursesExtra cost

Land sports & gym

  • Table tennisIncluded
  • TennisIncluded
  • Pool tableIncluded
  • Bocce ballsIncluded
  • Beach volleyballIncluded
  • FootballIncluded
  • Bike and island cruiserExtra cost

Spa & wellness

  • Yoga (Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha)Included
  • HIIT YogaIncluded
  • Pranayama & MeditationIncluded
  • Core WorkoutIncluded
  • Circuit TrainingIncluded
  • DIY Facial WorkshopIncluded
  • Hair ConsultationIncluded
  • Floating YogaExtra cost
  • Reiki HealingExtra cost
  • Sunset YogaExtra cost
  • PilatesExtra cost
  • Functional TrainingExtra cost
  • LUX* Me Fitness CenterIncluded

Kids

  • PLAY kids clubIncluded
  • Kids at Studio treatmentsExtra cost

Entertainment

  • Daily entertainment programmes, local artist performances and themed eveningsIncluded
  • Photo FanaticsExtra cost
Included with your stay

The little things that come with it

  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas
  • Complimentary snorkelling equipment, canoes, pedal boats, kayaks and house reef snorkelling trips
  • Complimentary table tennis, tennis (2 courts), pool table, bocce balls, beach volleyball and football
  • Private lounge at the international airport before the seaplane transfer
  • Roll-away bed available for children under 12 years of age where maximum room occupancy allows
  • Furnished terrace
  • King size beds
  • Individual air conditioning
  • Ceiling fans
  • Bathroom with separate shower & separate toilets
  • LUX* bathroom amenities
Island life

Spa, children, reef and romance

Spa

LUX* Me Spa is open 09:00 - 20:00 and is for ages 16 and above. It has 15 exclusive spa villas including 4 overwater treatment villas, a sea-view outdoor relaxation area, sauna and hammam, plunge pools, showers and changing rooms, a spa boutique, pedicure/manicure facilities, a hair and bridal studio and a sea-view yoga grove. Bespoke treatments include a seed-to-scalp hair treatment using OWAY products with Tricho-Derm pre-diagnostics, the ultimate manicure and pedicure with Studio Révérence by Bastien Gonzalez, and Intraceuticals Oxygen Facials. Chargeable wellness classes are Floating Yoga, Reiki Healing, Sunset Yoga, Pilates and Functional Training; Yoga, HIIT Yoga, Pranayama & Meditation, Core Workout, Circuit Training, the DIY Facial Workshop and Hair Consultation are not marked as chargeable. All Inclusive Package guests receive a USD 30 per adult per day credit deductible on selected spa treatments, not applicable to signature, hair, manicure and pedicure treatments.

Children

PLAY is a mindful and modern kids club open 09:00 - 19:00 for ages 3 to 11. It has a spacious indoor area with arts and crafts, a library, a toddler's space and a mini kitchen, plus an outdoor lawn for free play and a dedicated kids swimming pool. Weekly activities cater to different age groups with themes such as gardening, cooking, swimming, yoga and storytelling. Babysitting service is available from 1 year old at a supplement. Age definitions used by the resort: infant under 2, child 3 to 11, teen 12 to 17.

House reef

The resort has 4 kilometres of beach and an extensive lagoon with an array of multi-coloured fishes, and is a unique spot for whale shark watching all year round. Scheduled house reef snorkelling trips are included in the All Inclusive Package, dependent on weather and tide conditions. Over 50 dive sites lie around the resort, including the renowned Kuda Rah Thila. An on-site Marine Biology Centre runs underwater wildlife research and coral planting and adoption programmes.

Weddings & celebrations

The Celebration Desk (10:30 - 18:00) elevates special occasions from vow renewals and birthdays to anniversaries and proposals, offering a symbolic wedding ceremony and renewal of vows plus private and customised dining. The spa has a hair and bridal studio. Contact the Guest Experience Team at gem@luxmaldivesresort.com.

Getting there

From the plane to your villa

  1. Velana International AirportOur team meets you on arrival
  2. Seaplane25 minutes, daylight hours only
  3. DhidhoofinolhuSouth Ari Atoll
The island map

Find your way around

Map of Lux South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas
At the resort

Facilities

SpaBarSeaplaneLaundry ServicesWater Sportsextra costConference hallPhotography Serviceextra costWedding Packagesextra costBoutiqueWiFiGymCinema Under the Starsextra costKids ClubTennis CourtSwimming PoolYogaKids Swimming Pool

Plan your stay at Lux South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

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