LUX* South Ari Atoll

Overview

Accommodation

Dining

Our Opinion

LUX* South Ari Atoll has evolved through several chapters — once known as LUX* Maldives, before that Diva Maldives, and originally the humble Ari Beach. Today it is a polished, contemporary resort with the stylish, thoughtful personality that defines the LUX* brand.

The island itself is a long, slender strip — 1,800 metres by just 100 metres wide. That unusual shape leaves generous room for facilities without ever feeling crowded, and the distance from one end to the other makes for a pleasant bike ride. Across the resort you will find relaxed pool areas, well-stocked bars, a sizeable and modern gym, a first-class spa, and excellent clubs for children and teenagers.

The all-inclusive offering here is among the better deals for this tier of Maldives resort. Every menu across the eight restaurants and five bars clearly marks what is included in your plan and what carries a supplement. Food lovers will find plenty to explore — the East Market with its Asian street-food energy and the teppanyaki counter at Umami stand out, but the standard is consistently high throughout. A notably broad range of plant-based dishes also appears across the menus.

If there is a shortcoming, it is that the beach snorkelling directly offshore is unremarkable. That said, regular Dhoni trips run to the finest spots nearby, so unless a house reef right at the shoreline is a dealbreaker, LUX* South Ari Atoll delivers on almost every front.

Special Offers

2026-27 Fabulous Offer

Hello 2027 Offer

Honeymoon & Anniversary Benefits

Summary

Set on Dhidhoofinolhu — one of the larger islands in the Maldives — LUX* South Ari Atoll is a short 25-minute seaplane ride from Male. The island is ringed by four kilometres of powdery white sand, with the natural lagoon lapping in brilliant turquoise.

Guests have plenty of room to spread out across the resort’s extensive facilities, which include a 5-Star PADI Dive Centre, two tennis courts, a Technogym fitness centre, two swimming pools, and the LUX* Me Spa. Younger guests are well looked after with dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs offering activities and games.

Dining spans eight restaurants and five bars. Choices range from a Japanese restaurant to the in-house LUX* Café, which serves signature coffee blends, ensuring plenty of variety throughout the day.