About LUX* South Ari Atoll

A lively island in South Ari Atoll with ten room types, from thatched beach villas to redesigned water villas. Eight restaurants, whale shark swims and a genuine commitment to sustainability.

Island life, done well

LUX* South Ari Atoll takes the barefoot Maldives seriously and adds polish. You cycle along the wooden jetty, swim with whale sharks, settle into a water villa and choose between eight restaurants. You can also take part in the resort's marine conservation work.

Luxury with a conscience

The resort built one of the world's largest floating solar plants, replaced plastic bottles with its own water plant and runs solar-powered bicycles. Guests can adopt a coral, and children learn gardening, yoga and cooking at the PLAY club. Every wedding package funds the education of a local child.

Redesigned water villas

Over the clear lagoon, the water villas have been reworked in soft colours and natural materials, with panoramic views on every side.

Where to stay

There are ten categories: thatched beach villas, water villas, family and signature suites. Designs are open to the tropical air and pared back without feeling plain. Solo travellers and large families will both find something that fits.

Accommodation

Rooms, suites and villas

6 LUX* Villa 2 adults and 1 teenager The villa at the very end of the jetty, with open views, real seclusion and the sunset from its private infinity pool. A butler, a private buggy and premium bicycles come with it. Thatched roofs, white-washed timber, floor-to-ceiling glass and glass floors. Details

8 Temptation Pool Water Villa 2 adults There are only three of these, built for couples. The hardest decision of the day is whether to use the 12-metre private infinity pool, the jacuzzi or the lagoon itself. Details

4 Two-Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion 4 adults and 2 teenagers Two connected thatched pavilions right by the sea, each with its own entrance. Ideal for a family with older children or friends travelling together. Details

7 Romantic Pool Water Villa 110 m² 2 adults 110 m² over the water with a private pool, a sun deck, a hanging swing and steps down into the lagoon. A projector above the bed turns it into a private cinema. Details

6 Maldives Water Villa 2 adults and 2 teenagers A villa on stilts above the Indian Ocean with every comfort of home, suited to couples or families who want both ease and adventure. Details

6 Romantic Beach Pool Villa 2 adults and 2 teenagers A private infinity pool facing the ocean, a few steps from the sand, in a tropical garden of swaying palms. Beach and lagoon are right outside. Details

4 Beach Pool Villa 2 adults and 1 teenager A stylish beach cottage with a private pool and an indoor-outdoor bathroom. Simple, and very good at what it does. Details

4 Beach Villa 2 adults and 2 teenagers A thatched villa on the beach, with a tub in an indoor-outdoor tropical bathroom and a terrace facing the ocean for long afternoons with a book. Details

3 Family Lagoon Pavilion 4 adults and 2 teenagers As close to the water as you can sleep, which is why it works so well for children who want to build sandcastles at breakfast. One unit, with a main entrance leading to two separate doors, so teenagers get some privacy. Details

4 Beach Pavilion 2 adults and 1 teenager You cannot get much closer to the sea. A thatched pavilion, simple and stylish, and two neighbouring pavilions can be connected for a family or friends. Details

Dining

At the table

Eight restaurants take you from Italy to Japan and South-East Asia, from live cooking stations on the beach to an Asian night market over the water.

MIXEThe main restaurant, on the beach for breakfast and dinner, with live cooking stations and everything from pizza to stir-fries. SENSESBold flavours and cool drinks on the edge of an infinity pool facing the sea. ALLEGRIAItalian cooking from an open kitchen, in a Mediterranean spirit. EAST MARKETAn overwater take on an Asian night market: spicy, fried and steamed. UMAMIAccomplished Japanese cooking across a range of techniques. CAFÉ LUX*For coffee lovers, with beans from the world's best origins. BEACH ROUGEA beach club and restaurant with music, fresh food and inventive drinks.

Wellness

Rest and renewal

The Keen on Green philosophy puts vegetarian, raw and healthy dishes on every menu, as part of a self-care approach built on sun, sea and wellbeing. Floating yoga, breathwork at sunrise, a well-equipped gym and full wellness journeys make it easy to build mindful moments into each day.