What we love: Villas upon the ocean 

Did you know that sea air and coastal living is good for sleep? At this hotel situated in the Indian Ocean, you can choose a villa or pavilion upon the sea, making the ocean itself your giant and boundless swimming pool!    

There are over 193 villas and pavilions at LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas in eight different categories, and every single detail has been considered to indulge guests to the max.  

The Family Lagoon Pavilion is a great option for those travelling with kids, featuring two bedrooms and direct access to the beach. While the Romantic Pool Water Villa has its own pool with floating breakfast tray, bird’s nest swing and a projector for watching movies in bed! 

What we love: Talented chefs recognised in international culinary awards 

From coffee to gnocchi, from wine cellars to stir-fry dinners, these are just some of the dishes you can devour at the LUX* Maldives South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas. 

Returning with nine awards from this year’s Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge, the talented culinary teams cook up a storm across not just one, but eight kitchens across the various bars and restaurants belonging to the resort. Competing in a variety of categories, from hot cooking to artistic showpieces, the team of resort’s chefs received one Gold, four Silver, and five Bronze medals. 

With eight restaurants and five bars, there’s a dish for every palate, and the venues never feel cramped or overcrowded, so guests never feel rushed when eating. 

The Group’s signature Keen On Green concept highlights delectable vegetarian and vegan specialties at every  outlet. 

What we love: Whale shark diving 

The LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas, Maldives is in a Marine Protected Area and is a special spot to witness the magical natural wonder that is: whale sharks. The resident marine biologist can take guests on a guided dip to see these incredible giants of the sea.  

Close to the resort, there is 4km of beach, where in a sheltered lagoon you can snorkel with coral fish, baby black tip reef sharks, and sometimes Manta Ray. Watersports for free include equipment for snorkelling, kayaking and pedal boats. There’s a world-class PADI dive centre, windsurfing, parasailing, SUP and kite surfing.  

With four treatment villas that are set on the water, the LUX* Me Spa 11 has a sauna, hammam and plunge pools - a little slice of paradise for parents who want to drop their kids at kids’ club for the day. 

At Kids’ Club, your little ones can follow the trail to the treasure on an exciting treasure hunt that makes it ways around the magical island of Maldives.