Lux* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas, Dhidhoofinolhu ~ Reviews, Room Choices & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

Dhidhoofinolhu, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives

LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas is a luxury resort located on Dhidhoofinolhu Island in the Maldives, renowned for its chic beachfront bungalows and villas. This resort features a striking combination of thatched roofs and contemporary design, set against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters. As a leading destination for island living, it is part of a unique ecosystem offering exclusive whale shark sightings and extensive water sports activities. The resort has been awarded the Leading Food & Beverages Hotel by South Asian Travel Awards, showcasing its commitment to exquisite culinary experiences.

Location

The resort is located just a short 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé Airport, providing easy access for guests. Surrounded by the South Ari Marine Protected Area, it is situated near several renowned dive sites and offers an immersive experience in Maldives' rich marine life. The tranquil setting along two miles of powder-fine beaches ensures guests enjoy pristine natural beauty.

Rooms

The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including beach bungalows, water villas, and luxurious suites, catering to couples, families, and solo travelers. Each villa is designed with modern elegance, featuring amenities such as a private infinity pool, spacious terraces, and stunning ocean views. The Presidential Suite, for example, includes a private butler service and a glass floor in the living area, allowing guests to experience the lagoon from their room.

Eat & Drink

The resort boasts eight restaurants, including MIXE and Allegria, offering diverse cuisines from around the world, such as Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean. Guests can enjoy signature dishes like wood-fire pizzas and fresh seafood, enhancing the culinary experience. Breakfast is served daily in an inviting setting, while the vibrant atmosphere is complemented by local performances during dinner service.

Leisure & Business

LUX* South Ari Atoll offers extensive leisure activities, including the LUX* Me Spa that provides holistic wellness treatments and fitness classes. Guests can partake in various water sports such as snorkeling, sailing, and diving, as well as relaxing amenities like private beach access and outdoor lounging areas. Additionally, family-friendly activities are available, making it an ideal destination for both adults and children.

“The hotel's stunning location on a pristine island, just a short seaplane ride from the airport, made our beach getaway truly unforgettable!”view full review

View resort on map

“A breathtaking paradise with extraordinary, welcoming staff!” view full review

Top location:Highly rated by recent guests(9.7)

Check-in/Check-out

from 14:00-23:59

until 11 am

Amenities

No parking available.

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Other information

At the hotel Lux* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Pets are not allowed.

English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Korean, Hindi, Bahasa Indonesian

Number of rooms:193

Former name

Diva Maldives

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Select your room type

The resort provides a range of accommodations, including double rooms, family rooms, and suites, all with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Romantic Beach Pool Villa

Max:

2 persons

113 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Air conditioning

room details

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Beach Pavilion

Max:

3 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Air conditioning

room details

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Water Villa

Max:

3 persons

98 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Air conditioning

room details

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Centre

Dhidhoofinolhu100 m

Airports

Villa International Maamigili (VAM) 7.2 km

Facilities

Enjoy a range of amenities at the resort designed for your comfortable stay and remarkable experiences.

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
No parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Locker room
Private beach
Hairdresser
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Wind surfing
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Cycling
Tennis court
Badminton
Billiard tables
Darts
Table tennis
Yoga class
Fishing

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Board games
Children's play area
Kids club
Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Massage
Pool with view
Shallow end
Make up services

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Location

Dhidhoofinolhu, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives

Map view

Dhidhoofinolhu, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives

City landmarks

Island

Didu

3.8 km

Nearby

Dhiddhoofinolhu

240 m

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience. <br />

90%

liked the resort and would come back

Attentive service

Luxurious rooms

Slow check-in

Buffet options

9.0/10

Perfect

Rooms

9.9

Location

9.7

Service

10.0

Dining

8.9

John

United States, January 2025

9.8/10

Our stay was absolutely incredible! The resort offers a perfect blend of fun for families and relaxation. The spacious villas are a highlight, each equipped with beautiful amenities and lovely views. Dining was a gourmet experience with a variety of options, although sometimes the wait for certain restaurants can be a bit long. Overall, it felt like a little slice of paradise, but I wish we could have enjoyed the Japanese restaurant without booking in advance.

Rooms

10.0

The villa we stayed in was fantastic, spacious, and included a private infinity pool with beautiful views. It was clean and well-maintained.

Service

10.0

The service was exceptional! From the moment we arrived, we felt valued and well looked after. The staff were attentive and friendly, always ready to assist with any requests.

Location

9.0

Situated on a stunning island with breathtaking beaches, the location truly felt like paradise. However, certain dining spots, like the Japanese restaurant, were frequently booked, requiring advance planning.

Dining

10.0

Dining was a highlight of our trip. Every restaurant we tried offered a unique menu filled with delicious options. The chef's table was a must-do, and I particularly enjoyed the Indian restaurant.

Facilities

10.0

The facilities were outstanding, with plenty of amenities for relaxation and fun, including pools, a spa, and various entertainment options.

Leo

United Kingdom, December 2024

9.2/10

My stay at LUX was absolutely amazing! The service was top-notch, making us feel welcomed and cared for. The family-friendly atmosphere combined with the luxurious surroundings created a perfect getaway. However, the buffet dining options could be improved, and the check-in process was a bit slow. Overall, LUX offers an unforgettable experience amidst stunning beaches and exceptional staff.

Rooms

10.0

The overwater bungalow was spacious and featured a fantastic outdoor bathroom. The decor was elegant, and the overall amenities were very luxurious.

Service

10.0

The staff provided personalized service that truly made our stay special. They were attentive, warm, and went above and beyond to celebrate occasions like my daughter's birthday.

Location

9.0

Situated on a beautiful island with pristine beaches, it felt like a slice of paradise. The accessibility to various areas of the resort was good.

Dining

8.0

The dining was generally good, especially breakfast with a vast array of choices, but the buffet styles left something to be desired.

Facilities

9.0

The resort offered fantastic facilities, including a lovely spa and a variety of water sports, making our stay even more enjoyable.

Attentive service

Slow check-in

Terry

United Kingdom, November 2024

9.4/10

This resort offers an incredible stay with stunning beaches and exemplary service from the staff. The rooms are well-kept and provide a beautiful view of the lagoon, while dining options are diverse and delicious. However, we did encounter some noise from other guests that occasionally disrupted the serene atmosphere. Despite this, the experience was overall fantastic and worthwhile.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were impeccably clean and comfortable, featuring an outdoor bathroom with a view of the lagoon.

Service

10.0

I was truly impressed by the 5-star service from the staff, particularly Mr. Faig at the reception who handled special requests with a warm and helpful manner.

Location

10.0

Situated on a beautiful island with breathtaking beaches, this resort feels like paradise. It's also close to the South Ari Atoll Marine Park, which is ideal for diving enthusiasts.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was excellent, with a great variety of fresh and creative dishes that were a delight for the palate.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities are modern and well-maintained, contributing to a luxurious stay.

George

United States, October 2024

9.4/10

Our stay was nothing short of spectacular! The resort was gorgeous, surrounded by stunning blue waters and beautiful beaches. The rooms were spacious and well-appointed, offering fantastic views. The staff provided exceptional service, making us feel truly valued as guests. However, the dining could be pricey if you opt for the buffet restaurants, and there were occasional issues with seating availability at the a la carte places.

Rooms

10.0

The Beach Pavilion Villa we stayed in was spacious, featuring an outdoor bathroom and direct access to the sandy beach. It was beautifully decorated and well-kept.

Service

10.0

The service throughout our stay was impeccable, with well-trained staff who were always smiling and ready to assist with anything we needed.

Location

10.0

The resort is located in a breathtaking area with clear blue waters and stunning beaches. It’s a relaxed and secluded environment that enhances the overall experience.

Dining

8.0

Dining options were plentiful, but prices could be high, especially at the buffet restaurants. We enjoyed quality meals, though some experiences were better than others.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were excellent with a beautiful infinity pool and various activities available. We loved the beach access and the range of water sports.

Dominic

United Kingdom, September 2024

7.2/10

Our recent stay at the resort was nothing short of magical. The breathtaking surroundings made us feel like we were in a slice of paradise, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life just steps away. The service was outstanding, with staff going above and beyond to cater to our needs, but the dining could have seen a bit more consistency, especially during peak hours. Overall, it offered excellent value for a luxurious getaway, but it was slightly disappointing that we had to deal with some waits at the restaurants during busy times.

Rooms

We stayed in a stunning water villa that provided mesmerizing views of the lagoon, complete with a spacious bathroom and an outdoor bath, which was a fabulous touch for relaxation. Rating: 10

Service

The service was exceptional from the start to end, with attentive staff who helped set up a romantic dinner for us one evening and the general manager frequently checking on guests to ensure everything was perfect. Rating: 10

Location

The location is simply unbeatable, nestled on a picturesque island with stunning beaches and direct access to a vibrant house reef, just a short boat ride from the whale shark reserve. Rating: 10

Dining

While the quality of the food was generally high, we experienced some discrepancies in service during peak dining hours which affected the overall dining experience. Rating: 7

Facilities

Facilities were top-notch, including a fantastic pool and a variety of water sports, which added to our enjoyment. However, we found some common areas could benefit from additional seating during busy times. Rating: 9

Beautiful lagoon views

Dining service inconsistencies

Robin

United States, September 2024

7.2/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

Rosie

United Kingdom, August 2024

9.8/10

My stay at Lux Maldives was nothing short of spectacular. The villas are beautifully designed, providing a paradise-like atmosphere with stunning ocean views. The staff truly made a difference with their personalized service, making us feel valued throughout our stay. The food offerings were exceptional, from fresh seafood to delightful cocktails, although there were moments the dining options could have been a bit more varied for certain dishes. Overall, it surpassed my expectations and I left with cherished memories.

Rooms

10.0

The water villas were a dream, featuring luxurious amenities and breathtaking views right from the bathroom. Stepping onto the terrace with a hammock overlooking the serene lagoon was my personal highlight.

Service

10.0

Service is where Lux Maldives shines. Mamoun, the general manager, seemed to be everywhere, ensuring we had everything we needed. Organizing a romantic table for our special evening was a fantastic touch.

Location

10.0

Located on a stunning island surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal clear water, it felt like a slice of paradise on earth. It’s also not far from the airport, making it a convenient getaway.

Dining

9.0

Dining was a culinary delight! From fresh seafood to mouth-watering dishes customized to our preferences, every meal was a memorable experience. However, a broader selection of international cuisine could have enhanced it even more.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities, including an infinity pool and various recreational options like yoga and paddleboarding, were impressive, adding to the overall luxury feel of the resort.

Stunning water villas

Limited dining variety occasionally

Mike

United States, August 2024

9.6/10

Our stay at the resort was nothing short of a dream! The stunning views of the ocean and the warm hospitality of the staff made every moment special. The service was impeccable, and although the dining options were a bit pricey, they were well worth it for the quality. The only downside was that it was sometimes a challenge to catch the shuttle late at night. Overall, we loved our experience and can't wait to return!

Rooms

10.0

We stayed in a water villa that offered breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean. The room was luxurious with beautiful amenities, making it a comfortable retreat.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding! Every staff member greeted us warmly and went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. From personal touches in our room to assistance with activities, they truly made us feel valued.

Location

10.0

The resort is perfectly located on a serene island with direct access to crystal-clear waters. The views from the beach and our villa were just incredible.

Dining

9.0

Dining options were fantastic, with a diverse range of cuisines showcased at the buffets. Each night had a different theme, and the quality of the food was top-notch.

Facilities

9.0

The resort's facilities were extensive and well maintained, including a beautiful beach and snorkeling gear available for guests. I particularly enjoyed the snorkeling experiences offered.

Joshua

United Kingdom, August 2024

9.6/10

Our stay at Lux Maldives was absolutely magical! The resort is stunning, the attention to detail is impeccable, and the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel special. The rooms are perfect, and even though the snorkeling wasn't the best we've experienced, the overall experience was unforgettable. A few minor drawbacks were the accessibility of the house reef and the few closed restaurants during our visit, but they didn't overshadow our fantastic time here.

Rooms

10.0

We stayed in a beach villa and later a romantic pool villa, both beautifully appointed and very private. The outdoor bathroom was a lovely touch, and fresh flowers on the bed made it feel extra special.

Service

10.0

The service was outstanding! Every staff member was pleasant, well-trained, and always eager to assist. It felt like they genuinely cared about making our experience perfect.

Location

10.0

The resort is located on an idyllic island surrounded by turquoise waters, making it a paradise for beach lovers. The various sides of the island provide different experiences based on your preference for calm waters or more active tides.

Dining

9.0

Dining was a delight! Every meal was delicious, with lots of choices across several restaurants. The chefs even accommodated my husband's dietary restrictions with great attention.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were top-notch, from the stunning spa to the free activities for kids. Overall, everything was well-maintained and contributed to a luxurious experience.

Outstanding service

House reef access