Showcasing a playful, fun and modern vibe, LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas differs itself from its resort counterparts by going further than just luxury and design. For adventure travellers, honeymooners, solo travellers and families seeking an eco-conscious island experience, LUX* provides the quintessential Maldivian retreat. Dive straight in with the resort’s many water sport options, or discover the marine life down below at one of many of the atoll’s world-famous dive sites. After a long day of watersport-filled adrenaline, wind down island-style at the LUX* Me Spa – the most restful way to end the day.
Accommodation
Whether suspended over the water or scattered along the beach, every room, suite and villa at LUX* South Ari Atoll is designed to make the most of its enchanting island surrounds. Light, breezy and ever so spacious with splashes of bright island colour, each room has a sophisticated sense of simplicity with sweeping views over the sparkling lagoon and beach.
There are 193 Pavilions and Villas which include:
- 36 Beach Pavilions
- 6 Family Lagoon Pavilions
- 45 Beach Villas
- 12 Beach Pool Villas
- 38 Water Villas
- 46 Romantic Pool Water Villas
- 3 Temptation Pool Water Villas
- 1 LUX* Villa
Dining
Light, fresh and ever so irresistible, LUX* restaurants offer everything that’s exceptional about luxury island dining, with none of the heavy, overly indulgent extras. Enjoy the very best dishes, flavours and textures that the island’s many cultures and influences have to offer at any one of our authentic dining environments.
Mixe
Savour the essence of authentic island living at MIXE. With tables set out on the beach under thatched roofs and slow turning ceiling fans, guests can sink their feet into the warm sand below while tucking into mouth-watering fresh buffets for breakfast and dinner. Live cooking stations offer everything from wood-fired pizzas and grills to stir-fries with a tempting island twist. In the evening, enjoy genuine island entertainment performed by talented local performers.
Senses Bar and Lounge
Senses Bar and Lounge offers a selection of cocktails, rums, liqueurs, beers and spirits, as well as a refreshing selection of Sri Lankan teas in the afternoon. It also offers light Indian Ocean lunches in the shade, or by the pool if you don’t feel like visiting one of our more formal restaurants. Relish a light snack in the evening while swaying gently in a giant hammock.
Senses Restaurant
Inspired by Middle Eastern and Indian Ocean cuisine, Senses never fails to delight with its tempting menu of tagines, tandoori prawns and unique tropical sorbets. Tastebuds tingling yet? Enjoy a light lunch of fresh salads, grills and local seafood, then take a seat at the water’s edge overlooking the infinity pool for an exquisite à la carte dinner under the stars.
East Market
The interactive stalls in our over-the-water Asian-market-inspired restaurant make it as fun to admire the action as it is to try authentic tastes from Thailand, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. Dim sum steam in bamboo mushiki. A parade of meats, vegetables and seasonings urges you to have noodle dishes or stir-fries whipped up in woks. A pushcart displays a perfect Peking duck. At East Market breakfast and dinner isn’t just about grazing from the live cooking stations – our terraces promise heart-stopping Indian Ocean views. In the mood for a classic European start to your day? Follow the scent of baking to croissants, baguettes, pastries and seeded loaves, fresh from that glass-fronted oven. Rustic baskets spill over with fruit and vegetables, next to sacks of intriguing spices, while skilled chefs stand by to make your culinary cravings come alive in front of you.
East Bar
A deck with swinging double seats and loungers-for-two on catamaran nets floating above turquoise waters – this hip little hangout is an atmospheric rendezvous. Sunset cocktail or low-key nightcap? Our above-the-water bar doesn’t just invite you to relax with exactly the chilled drink you wanted – we insist. Spend an evening socialising at this picturesque perch (we say ‘on the island twice’), and we suggest you stray from the deck that overlooks our island and the ocean to find the biggest surprise that awaits… Seek out the secret under-the-sea-themed musical space where you may be tempted to take your drinks and start dancing. Can’t see it? Or hear it? All we’re saying is this: it might be where you least expect it…
Allegria Restaurant
Escape to the Mediterranean embrace of Allegria, here on our deck or right the beach. Quality Italian ingredients, and authentic southern European recipes, all created with expertise in an open kitchen that invites guests to spy our skilled chefs creating pastas, pizzas, gnocchi and just-caught seafood. There’s also an à la carte menu which promises to wow to Italophiles and epicureans alike. Exclusive arrangements can also be made for small parties to dine privately and indulge in a range of cheeses complemented by our Scrucap wines and an exceptional selection of Italian, French and New World labels too.
Lagoon Bar
Right by the beach, with a front-row view of the sunrise, this sociable enclave is situated near our reception, right by the watersports centre. Unwind to an island soundtrack and reggae vibes, while sharing your experiences from the last dive or your exciting watersports session. No wonder you tell us this is one of your favourite laid-back watering holes in the world.
Umami
It’s not just about full flavours in a chic, contemporary setting – UMAMI is as dedicated to drama as it is delicious dinners. A bright-red coral reef artwork covers one wall, competing with the theatrics of the knife-wielding, grill-tickling chefs. Perch on benches at the cobalt-blue sushi bar and watch our masters crafting just-caught seafood into world-class sashimi, nigiri and maki. At a wood-smoky robata grill, see us barbecue Kobe beef or Australian lamb, just how the pickiest epicureans like it, right here in this elegant space. More visual thrills await thanks to the head chef’s entertaining teppanyaki skills. Drink connoisseurs have 30 sakés and nine fine Japanese whiskies with which to toast this remarkable dining experience.
Cafe Lux
Excellent coffee is a must, not a luxury; that’s why you’ll find a Café LUX* at the heart of LUX* South Ari Atoll. Café LUX* has revolutionised the world of hotel coffee, and our commitment remains clear: to offer our guests the finest barista-made coffee, day or 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 specialist baristas keep up with all the latest trends and techniques – including Cold Press, Pour Overs and Nitro coffee. Bespoke ‘pod’ machines and a variety of Café LUX* blends allow guests to enjoy an aromatic cup in their room, and even at home.
Veli Bar
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, and enjoy a refreshing drink as you soak up those incredible watery views.
Beach Rouge
You’ve heard the album, now enjoy the ambience as you eat, drink and make merry. Pick at delicious fresh pizzas straight from our wood-fired in the ultimate relaxed setting, right on the soft-sand beach – crisp, thin crusts, topped with the freshest ingredients, baked to perfection… And your feet in the sand, eyes on the lagoon view and the breeze in your hair. That’s a recipe for good times.
Spa and Well-being
At LUX* Resorts and Hotels, we have created a sanctuary for your health and wellbeing. LUX* Me is all about a personalised approach to your wellbeing, whether it be spa, fitness, yoga, meditation, nutrition or a unique combination tailored especially to your needs.
Sports and Leisure
Our dive center provides full training and PADI certification for all levels while the resort water sports center will have you snorkeling around remote sandbanks or trying any of their thrilling water sports. Kite surfing, windsurfing, wake boarding, flyboarding and hoverboarding will satisfy the thirst of any action-seeker. Add to the mix a huge choice of land-based activities including tennis, volleyball, beach yoga and cycling – fans of an active holiday have more than enough to keep them happy.
Families
PLAY and Studio 17
Island resort holidays aren’t just for grownups anymore.
At LUX* South Ari Atoll, we’ve made sure there’s always something for the whole family to enjoy.
PLAY offers children between the ages of 3 and 12 an opportunity to explore the many wonders and delights of island living. Supervised by a highly trained and enthusiastic team, kids are exposed to the nature and culture of the island’s incredible surrounds, as well as a range of high-energy sports and outdoor activities. From art classes to treasure hunts, PLAY is everything your kids could hope for on an island vacation.
Studio 17 is our complimentary teens’ club, where guests between 12 and 17 can get together, explore the island or just hang out. Run by trained and enthusiastic LUX* supervisors, teens can make the most of their island holiday with loads of activities including local dance and language classes, beach sports activities and exciting adventure trips around the island. Both PLAY and Studio 17 are open every day from 9am to 7pm, with meal options available.
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