LUX South Ari Atoll
SOUTH ARI ATOLL · MALDIVES
Net B2B rates on agent login
The resort
LUX South Ari Atoll sits on the long, narrow island of Dhidhoofinolhu in South Ari Atoll, reached by a 25-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport with lounge access included on arrival. The resort runs 193 villas and pavilions along roughly two miles of beach and out over the lagoon, paired with eight restaurants and a cluster of bars covering beach grills, pan-Asian, Italian, fine dining and all-day venues; meal plans range from Bed and Breakfast through to All Inclusive. The surrounding atoll waters are among the most reliable in the Maldives for whale shark sightings, with encounters possible throughout the year, and the resort runs dedicated marine-biologist-led excursions alongside a full PADI dive programme. The house reef supports snorkelling directly from the beach, and guests also have access to a broad watersports base, a large spa and dedicated kids' and teens' clubs. Rated 4.8 from 1,006 reviews, LUX South Ari Atoll stands out for pairing consistent year-round whale shark access with a large villa inventory and broad dining choice, making it one of the few larger-scale luxury resorts in the atoll that still delivers full private-island amenities across families, couples and serious divers.
Why we love it
LUX South Ari Atoll sits on the long, narrow island of Dhidhoofinolhu in South Ari Atoll, reached by a 25-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport with lounge access included on arrival.
Best for
The accommodation
From beachfront hideaways to overwater villas above the lagoon — each one curated and personally checked by our Maldives team.
A 60-square-metre beachfront pavilion set beneath a thatched roof, opening directly onto the sand of South Ari Atoll. The king-bedded interior leads to a furnished private terrace and an indoor bathtub, with a fully stocked minibar and coffee machine to hand. Sleeping up to three, it suits couples or a small family seeking unhurried, sea-facing days steps from the lagoon.
A thatched-roof bungalow set right on the sand, this 95m² Beach Villa opens directly onto a secluded stretch of beach dressed with sunbeds. A king bed and a quiet reading nook sit within, while the furnished terrace faces the ocean for unhurried sea views. The tropical indoor-outdoor bathroom centres on a standalone tub.
If postcard perfect holidays are your motto, you'll love our chic bungalow on the beach. A beach bungalow. The prettiest private pool. Amenities perfectly attuned to the traveler looking to unwind. The dreamiest indoor-outdoor bathroom there could be. Welcome to your home in the Maldives. Highlights include the private pool and outdoor shower on the backside of the villa, the sunset side of the island location, the villa's chic design, the tropical indoor-outdoor bathroom with a spacious standalone bathtub, and direct access to the prettiest beach with sunbeds.
Raised on stilts above the lagoon on the resort's sunrise-facing flank, this 110 m² overwater villa pairs a king bedroom with a sun deck, private infinity plunge pool and a bird's-nest swing set over the water. Steps descend straight into the Indian Ocean, while a drop-down projector turns the bedroom into a private cinema after dark.
One of just three over-water villas, the Temptation Pool Water Villa spans 220m² and faces the sunrise across the lagoon. A glass cut-out in the living-room floor frames the water below, while the deck holds a roughly 12-metre infinity pool, jacuzzi, cabana and a bird's-nest swing. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw in light, and steps lead straight to the lagoon. Sized for two.
A 130 sqm beach pavilion set right on the sand — two interconnecting bedrooms with their own separate entrances, each opening to a private terrace facing the beach. An indoor-outdoor tropical bathroom adds to the sense of space, and direct beach access puts the sea a barefoot step away. Configured for families, sleeping up to four adults or two adults with children.
Two thatched-roof beach bungalows interconnect to form a single 120 sqm retreat, each with its own entrance, bathroom and furnished terrace opening directly onto the sand. A king bedroom and a twin pair sleep up to six, suiting families or two couples travelling together along South Ari's beachfront.
Compare
A side-by-side look at every room category — view, pool, size and who each one suits best.
| Villa | View | Pool | Size | Access | Best for | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Pavilion | Beach | — | 60 m² | Beachfront | Couples | On request |
| Beach Villa | Ocean | — | 95 m² | Beachfront | Couples | On request |
| Beach Pool Villa | Sunset | Private pool | 116 m² | Beachfront | Couples | On request |
| Overwater Infinity Pool Villa | Sunrise | Private pool | 110 m² | Overwater | Honeymooners | On request |
| Temptation Pool Water Villa | Sunrise | Private pool | 220 m² | Overwater | Honeymooners | On request |
| Family Lagoon Pavilion | Beach | — | 130 m² | Beachfront | Families | On request |
| Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion | Beach | — | 120 m² | Beachfront | Families | On request |
Net B2B rates available on agent login.
MIXE is our main restaurant serving global cuisines. It caters to all palates thanks to its variety. Set on a sandy beach under thatched roofs with slow-spinning fans for that salty breezy effect, the variety of cuisines and dishes will have your head spinning. Tuck your toes into the cool sand and your fork into your food for a delicious meal for breakfast and dinner. The chefs busying behind their stations dishing up wood-fire pizzas and stir-fries make for a buzzing atmosphere. At night, local performers add to the buzz.
Allegria takes you from the Maldives to the Mediterranean. As for the open kitchen, it lets you take a peek at the chefs busying behind the stoves. Italian cuisine truly is the ultimate comfort food. Dinner is served on our gorgeous deck, and right on the beach. And if you’d like an intimate, private dinner table, we’ll arrange that. Maybe it’s the quality of the ingredients or the skills of our chefs, but Allegria really hits a sweet spot.
South-East Asia’s night markets are bustling. The scents, sounds, and sights overwhelm the senses in the best possible way. EAST Market gathers in one place the many culinary influences of Asia. Wander through the market-style restaurant where cooks dish up vibrant dishes at breakfast and dinner time and dig into one of the world’s favourite cuisines. The food is bursting with flavour, featuring fiery hot, fried, frizzled, and steamed options.
It’s all in the name, Senses. The food is flavourful, and the cocktails colourful. And yes, its location at the edge of the infinity pool by the sea is a treat for the senses. Fresh-from-the-sea fish and grilled seafood, Morroccan-inspired tagines, curries inspired by the Indian Ocean, tropical fish coloured cocktails, ice cold beers… The bar will ensure you stay hydrated. Hungry? Take a seat poolside for lunch or under a starry sky at dinnertime.
Café LUX* has revolutionised the world of hotel coffee, and our commitment remains clear: to offer our guests the finest barista-made coffee, day and night. Great coffee begins with freshly ground beans, so we roast our own in our on-site roasting rooms, which can be explored on our aromatic behind-the-scenes tour. Our baristas keep up with all the latest trends and techniques.
Ice cream parlour offering creative frozen treats and indulgent dessert options.
GLOW Bar is a creative cocktail bar with breathtaking lagoon views, a firm sunset favourite where mixologists craft signature drinks. The perfect spot to watch the sky change colour with a cocktail in hand.
Senses Lounge & Bar is a vibrant lounge serving flavourful bites and colourful cocktails in a stylish, social setting. An easy place to gather for drinks, music and light dining through the evening.
Here, near the crystal-clear swimming pool that extends out to sea, with shimmering views of the lagoon on three sides, pause at the Veli Pool Bar next to the water. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you soak up those incredible watery views.
East Bar offers over-water bar service with cocktails and sundowners above the lagoon. A breezy spot perched over the water, perfect for a relaxed drink as the sun sets across the Indian Ocean.
Right by the beach, with a front-row view of the sunrise, this sociable enclave is situated near our reception, right by the water sports centre. Unwind to an island soundtrack and reggae vibes, while sharing your experiences from the last dive or your exciting water sports session. No wonder you tell us this is one of your favourite laid-back watering holes in the world.
An ode to Japan, and its incredible variety of cooking methods, flavours and textures. UMAMI is as chic as it is contemporary–the perfect setting for gastronomic Japanese cuisine. Take a seat at the cobalt blue bar to watch the chef handle a knife with such grace, cutting the freshest fish and seafood into sashimi, nigiri and maki. Kobe beef and Australian lamb are cooked to perfection at the robata grill, while another chef fires up the teppanyaki. Saké fans rejoice–we have 30 or so to pick from, as well as a curated selection of fine Japanese whiskey. Now that’s a way to toast to a fabulous dinner!
Pick at delicious fresh pizzas straight from our wood-fired oven in the ultimate relaxed setting, right on the soft-sand beach–crisp, thin crusts, topped with the freshest ingredients, baked to perfection. But there’s more. Salads, grilled seafood. We bring the Mediterranean to you. And your feet in the sand, eyes on the lagoon view and the breeze in your hair. That’s a recipe for good times.
The LUX* ME Spa, walking you through the crystal-clear blue lagoon and lavish tropical gardens, is a sacred space where you will begin your journey to a healthier, happier you. At LUX* Resorts and Hotels, we have created a sanctuary for your health and wellbeing. Our holistic approach means your vacation can be as full with yoga, fitness classes, and meditation as it is with nourishing Keen on Green dishes, vitamin D from the sun rays on your skin, and time outdoors. Because we know how limiting a one-size-fits-all mindset is, we offer individual consultations and bespoke programmes. Our therapists are trained to tune in to what your body is craving: total relaxation, detoxification, healing, or strengthening.
Plan your stay
Concierge
Our team has stayed at and personally vetted the Maldives' finest islands — we know LUX South Ari Atollroom by room, transfer by transfer. Tell us your dates and travellers, and we'll shape the right villa, board and seaplane timing around them, with net B2B rates on agent login.
Replies within hours, 7 days a week.
LUX South Ari Atoll is located in South Ari Atoll. South Atoll, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives
LUX South Ari Atoll is a resort that is typically located on its own private island and offers exclusive amenities and services.
LUX South Ari Atoll offers: Free Wi-Fi, Free breakfast, Parking, Outdoor pool, Air-conditioned, Laundry service, Business center, Beach access and more.
LUX South Ari Atoll offers 7 accommodation categories, including Beach Pavilion, Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa, Overwater Infinity Pool Villa, Temptation Pool Water Villa, Family Lagoon Pavilion and more. Of these, 2 sit over the water and 3 have a private pool.
LUX South Ari Atoll has 13 restaurants and bars, including MIXE, Allegria, East Market, Senses Restaurant, Café LUX*, ICI Ice Cream Parlour and more. Cuisines span International, Italian, South Asian, Indian Fusion.
Yes — LUX South Ari Atoll features LUX* ME SPA (by LUX* ME), with signature treatments such as Araamu Dhathuru.
South Ari Atoll
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