Our beach house, in the middle of the sea
A refurbishment, and a re-naming. Formerly known as the LUX* Maldives, the resort has gone through six months of extensive refurbishment to emerge as LUX* South Ari Atoll, as the resort group gears up for the introduction of (and avoid confusion with) its second property in the Maldives, the LUX* North Male Atoll that is scheduled to open its doors (or rather, boardwalk) in the second half of 2017.
But back to the property at hand. LUX* South Ari Atoll maintains its pristine spot on Dhidhoofinolhu island in the South Ari Atoll, one of the many necklaces of picture-perfect atolls that form the Maldives. The water, of course, is the main attraction, with over 4km of the most perfect beaches surrounding the resort in a unique area where elusive whale sharks can be found all year round. Snorkel with these magnificent beasts with the resort’s Whale Shark Experience aboard a traditional dhoni or go deeper under the waves in a diving experience with the guides at the 5-Star PADI dive centre. Watch dolphins frolic in the water, or try out more challenging activities like jet surboarding.
Back on land, there are plenty of options as well for those that wish to stay dry. The resort’s 193 private villas – either beachfront or above water – have all been given a new gleam with the recent refurbishment, which can make it a challenge to leave the confines of your chic beach house. If you do make it out, then Lux* Me has 15 spa villas and 4 water treatment suites to cater to your every (wellness) whim. Two infinity pools, floodlit tennis courts and a comprehensive fitness centre complete the aerobic offerings, while the stomach can be satiated at one of the seven eateries and five bars, which includes East Market’s sophisticated take on a local night market and Umami’s elegant offering of fresh sushi. Island-roasted coffee is available at Café Lux*, while a magical tree of wishes invites you to hang your hopes in paradise. It makes us wonder just what LUX* North Male Atoll has in store for us, but perfection on the South Ari Atoll seems a good place to start.
