Skip to content
LUX* South Ari Atoll — Dhidhoofinolhu Island, South Ari Atoll

Dhidhoofinolhu Island, South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll

seaplane · Approximately 25 minutes from Velana International Airport

The IM take

Why we'd send you to LUX* South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll occupies the long island of Dhidhoofinolhu, approximately 25 minutes from Velana International Airport by seaplane. Its 193 beach pavilions, villas and overwater retreats stretch along two miles of shoreline and across ten accommodation categories, including family pavilions and private-pool beach and water villas.

The villas

9 villa categories at LUX* South Ari Atoll

We'll talk you through which one suits you best when you send your dates — for most travellers the sunset-facing overwater categories are the easy pick. Below, the full lineup.

  • Beach Pavilion

    Chic beach bungalow with private terrace and direct access to white sand.

  • Family Beach Pavilion

    Two interconnecting beach pavilions with separate entrances for families or friends.

  • Beach Villa

    A 95-square-metre standalone beach villa with indoor-outdoor bathroom.

  • Beach Pool Villa

    A 116-square-metre beach villa with private plunge pool and furnished terrace.

  • Beachfront Infinity Pool Villa

    A 136-square-metre beachfront villa with infinity pool and direct ocean access.

  • Water Villa

    A 98-square-metre overwater villa with lagoon steps, deck and catamaran net.

  • Overwater Infinity Pool Villa

    A 110-square-metre water villa with private infinity pool and direct lagoon access.

  • Temptation Pool Water Villa

    A 220-square-metre couples' water villa with infinity pool, Jacuzzi and living room.

  • LUX* Villa

    A 360-square-metre flagship water villa with infinity pool, butler and private buggy.

The food

8 restaurants at LUX* South Ari Atoll

  • MIXE

    International

    Main sand-floor restaurant serving varied global cuisine.

  • Senses

    Indian and international

    Infinity-pool restaurant, bar and lounge with flavourful dishes and colourful cocktails.

  • Allegria

    Italian

    Mediterranean restaurant with Italian dishes and an open kitchen.

  • East Market

    South-East Asian

    Overwater market-style restaurant and bar with bold Asian flavours.

  • Umami

    Japanese

    Japanese restaurant exploring sushi, hot dishes and diverse cooking techniques.

  • Beach Rouge

    Beach club dining

    Social beach club and restaurant combining food, drinks and music.

  • Café LUX*

    Coffee and pastries

    Brand-signature café dedicated to freshly roasted coffee and light treats.

  • Senses Bar and Lounge

    Cocktails and light bites

    Poolside oceanfront lounge for drinks and relaxed daytime dining.

The island in pictures

Aerial view of LUX* South Ari Atoll and its Maldivian lagoon
LUX* South Ari Atoll official resort view 2
LUX* South Ari Atoll official resort view 3
LUX* South Ari Atoll official resort view 4
LUX* South Ari Atoll official resort view 5

What to expect

On the island, and off

  • 193 accommodations along a two-mile island
  • Eight restaurants and five bars
  • Ten beach and water villa categories
  • Marine-biologist-led whale-shark trips

Considering LUX* South Ari Atoll for a special occasion?

Common questions

About staying at LUX* South Ari Atoll

How do you get to LUX* South Ari Atoll?

+
LUX* South Ari Atoll is reached by seaplane. Approximately 25 minutes from Velana International Airport Transfers are arranged after your flights are confirmed and included in any package we put together for you. See our guide to Maldives transfer costs for context on what to expect.

How many villas does LUX* South Ari Atoll have?

+
LUX* South Ari Atoll has 193 villas across 9 categories — including Beach Pavilion, Family Beach Pavilion, Beach Villa. We'll recommend the right one based on your dates, view preference, and whether a pool or direct lagoon access matters to you.

What's the dining like at LUX* South Ari Atoll?

+
There are 8 restaurants at LUX* South Ari Atoll — MIXE, Senses, Allegria, East Market. Meal plans range from breakfast-only to full board depending on the booking.

Is LUX* South Ari Atoll good for honeymoons?

+
LUX* South Ari Atoll is one of the resorts we send honeymooners to regularly. We can put together a honeymoon package with the right villa, dining, and any added touches you'd like. See our Maldives honeymoon planning page for examples.

Is LUX* South Ari Atoll family-friendly?

+
Yes — LUX* South Ari Atoll is set up for families, with kids' programming, family-suitable villas, and dining options children enjoy. We'll recommend the villa configuration that works best for your family size.

What's the diving like at LUX* South Ari Atoll?

+
The atoll around LUX* South Ari Atoll is known for marine life encounters. See our Maldives diving guide for atoll-by-atoll detail.

How much does a stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll cost?

+
Pricing depends on season, villa category, meal plan, and length of stay. Send us your dates and we'll come back within 24 hours with the right villa for your trip and the all-in price including transfers, meals, and any current offers. For broader context, see our real cost guide.

When is the best time to visit LUX* South Ari Atoll?

+
The Maldives is a year-round destination. The dry season (November–April) brings the calmest seas and clearest skies, while May–October sees occasional showers but better rates and fewer crowds. We'll guide you on the right window based on your dates flexibility.

Destination

South Ari Atoll

LUX* South Ari Atoll sits in South Ari Atoll. Browse every curated resort in the atoll, compare locations, and read what makes the area different.

Explore South Ari Atoll resorts →

Send your dates

A tailored proposal within 24 hours.

Tell us when you're travelling and how many. We'll come back with the right villa for your trip, the all-in price, and any current offers — no obligation.

Travellers

Adults
2
Children
0
Or chat on WhatsApp