LUX South Ari Atoll
Overwater villas on a private island in Maldives
A private island in Maldives
LUX South Ari Atoll is a five-star resort hotel in South Ari Atoll. It offers overwater villas, villas with private pools and an infinity pool. Room types include the Beach Pavilion and the Water Villa. Guests rate it 4.8/5 across 1,065 reviews. It's about 104 km from Velana International Airport (MLE), reached by seaplane or domestic flight.
The honest verdict
Expect a five-star resort, guest scores around 4.8/5, seaplane or domestic flight.
Best for
- Honeymoons & special occasions
- Couples wanting a private-island escape
- Spa & wellness breaks
- Divers & snorkelers
- Families with children
Maybe not ideal for
- Tight budgets — private-island resorts carry premium rates
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
Overwater & beach villas
Choose from 7 room types — including the Beach Pavilion, Water Villa, Beach Villa. Rates start from $796 a night.
Your own pool, your own pace
Many rooms open onto a private pool — the slow mornings that make an island stay.
Rooms & suites
Beach Pavilion
60 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Bathrobe
- Safety deposit box
Water Villa
98 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Bathrobe
Beach Villa
95 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Bathrobe
Beach Pool Villa
116 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Bathrobe
Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion
120 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 single bed
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Bathrobe
Overwater Infinity Pool Villa
110 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Private suite
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Bathrobe
Temptation Pool Water Villa
220 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Private suite
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
- Bathrobe
Experiences on & off the island
Inside the resort
Amenities at the resort
Great for your stay
- 8 restaurants
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness centre
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Fitness centre
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
Bathroom
- Slippers
- Bathrobe
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
- Garden
Activities
- Bicycle rental
- Bingo
- Live sport events (broadcast)
- Live music/performance
- Cooking class
- Happy hour
- Themed dinner nights
- Movie nights
Media & Technology
- Telephone
Food & Drink
- Coffee house on site
- Fruits
- Wine/champagne
- Kid-friendly buffet
- Kids' meals
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Snack bar
- Breakfast in the room
Getting there
Getting to LUX South Ari Atoll on the island in South Ari Atoll means covering about 104 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
On the map
South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to LUX South Ari Atoll from Malé airport?
Getting to LUX South Ari Atoll on the island in South Ari Atoll means covering about 104 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
How far is LUX South Ari Atoll from Velana International Airport?
LUX South Ari Atoll is approximately 104 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
Does LUX South Ari Atoll have overwater villas?
Yes — LUX South Ari Atoll has overwater accommodation, including the Water Villa, Overwater Infinity Pool Villa, Temptation Pool Water Villa.
Is LUX South Ari Atoll suitable for families?
Yes — LUX South Ari Atoll offers a kids' club and family-friendly facilities, with calm lagoon swimming suited to children.
Does LUX South Ari Atoll have a spa?
Yes, LUX South Ari Atoll has a spa offering treatments and wellness facilities.
Can you snorkel or dive at LUX South Ari Atoll?
Yes — LUX South Ari Atoll has a house reef for snorkelling, with guided diving and water-sports available.
What room types are available at LUX South Ari Atoll?
Room options include Beach Pavilion, Water Villa, Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion.
How much does it cost to stay at LUX South Ari Atoll?
Nightly rates start from around $796, varying by date and room type.
How much does the transfer to LUX South Ari Atoll cost?
Airport transfers in the Maldives are arranged by the property and charged separately from the room rate. Seaplane and domestic-flight transfers are priced per person and cost more than a speedboat, and fares are usually quoted per person, round-trip. Confirm the exact transfer fee with the property when you book.
Is there a minimum stay at LUX South Ari Atoll?
Many Maldives properties apply a minimum-stay requirement — commonly 2–3 nights, and longer (5–7+ nights) over the December–January peak and New Year. Check the rate conditions for your dates, as minimums vary by room type and season.
When is the best time to visit LUX South Ari Atoll?
South Ari Atoll is a year-round destination. The dry season (roughly November to April) brings the most sunshine and calm seas, while the quieter wet season (May to October) offers lower rates and excellent diving visibility.
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