On the picture-perfect island of Dhidhoofinolhu, in the heart of a magnificent sheltered lagoon, stands the enchanting LUX* South Ari Atoll, a hotel that has won countless awards as one of the world's most outstanding island beach resorts. Ideal for families, with calm shallow waters and coral reefs, it combines the tropical outdoor lifestyle, amid stunning natural beauty, with the most refined elegance and luxury. The resort certainly fulfils the dream of an idyllic island escape, yet with enough surprises to make it truly unique.
The atmosphere of the unexpected is indeed what gives this place its special character, with surroundings full of secrets and surprises, including impromptu cinema screenings and music performances on the beach. You could come upon a red phone box where you can phone home, a message in a bottle hidden anywhere, promising the finder a free pizza or bottle of wine, or a bar suddenly popping up in a palm-fringed cove, where you can help yourself to a cocktail. Children love finding an unexpected ice cream cart, coconut stand, or hidden stash of goodies.
There is no shortage of dining choice at the seven alluring restaurants, including the main restaurant East Market, on stilts over the water, with interactive stalls inspired by Asian night markets. The beautiful Allegria, with its gushing fountains, stands on the sandy beach, serving Italian specialities from open kitchens, while Umami, also on stilts over the lagoon, brings a unique flavour to Japanese cuisine with its dramatic show cooking. The delightful Mixe, with tables on the sand under a thatched roof, provides genuine island entertainment in the evening, from local performers, and at Beach Rouge, the exciting new beach club, you can enjoy delicious grilled fish and chilled wine by day, and dance at night on a floating dance floor.
As well as relaxing at the Spa, or at one of the two palm-shaded turquoise pools, you can experience the amazing marine life at one of the spectacular dive sites, or on a dhoni trip to a snorkelling reef. This is one of the best areas in the Maldives for spotting whale sharks, and you could also spot turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, stone fish, clown fish or parrot fish. You can even go on a boat trip to catch your dinner, which is then barbecued for you while you watch - and don't miss the daily sting-ray feeding off the jetty.
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The 193 villas, either on the beach or over the water, all have local Maldivian furnishings and flooring, and decor inspired by lagoon colours. All feature private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, WiFi, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, safe, hairdryer.
Measuring 65 square metres, thatched roof, bedroom with king-size bed or twin beds, luxurious bathroom with tub and separate shower, terrace with refreshing outdoor shower.
Measuring 95 square metres, edging the lagoon with small area of private beach, large bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bath and separate shower and toilet, opening up to private garden area with outdoor shower, sitting room extending to private terrace creating expansive living area, wooden deck.
Measuring 98 square metres, suspended on stilts over the water, spacious bedroom with king-size bed and sofa bed, expansive bathroom opening to lagoon, with large tub and separate shower and toilet, large ocean-facing furnished terrace with steps down to sea, furnished with day bed and sun beds.
Measuring 116 square metres, direct access to beach and unobstructed lagoon view, large bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bath and separate shower and toilet, opening up to private garden area with outdoor shower and private pool, sitting room extending to private terrace creating expansive living area, wooden deck.
Measuring 110 square metres, suspended on stilts over water, designed with traditional cabana architecture, stylish bedroom with LUX* signature Sleep Tight bed, sunlit bathroom with separate double rain showers, home theatre system, luxurious terrace with private pool, outdoor shower, shaded love nest overlooking lagoon, direct lagoon access.
Measuring 220 square metres, designed for couples, modern bedroom with circular bed, marble white Jacuzzi glass room, spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling window and glass floor, expansive wooden deck terrace with dining area and cabana, overlooking 14-metre pool.
Measuring 360 square metres, at far end of jetty for complete seclusion, master bedroom with handcrafted LUX* Sleep Tight bed, second guest bedroom, both bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, spacious living room with glass floor and direct access to large terrace, infinity plunge pool that merges into lagoon.
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0800 820 2000
