Vibrant lagoon wonderland
Arriving by seaplane, guests step onto a two-mile private island of white sand beaches surrounded by a protected turquoise lagoon.
“Bright whites, turquoise blues, and beachy wood tones almost felt Balearic in aesthetic, and a glass window on the floor by the bed made spotting marine life each morning a joy.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Personalized arrival welcomes, staff remembering individual morning orders, and tailored childcare amenities across overwater and beach villas.
Remarkable
Two miles of white sand, guided whale shark dives, two infinity pools, floodlit tennis, and beach cinema.
Notable
Overwater treatment villas with sea-floor peepholes, a hammam, Chinese teahouse rituals, and lagoon stand-up paddleboard yoga.
What they say
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Indian Ocean
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
The all-inclusive beach resort exudes minimalist luxury accentuated by the inherent warmth of Maldivian hospitality, creating a place that feels like home…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the surrounding atoll waters offer year-round encounters with resident whale sharks and manta rays.
The rooms
Whitewashed timber and azure accents frame the villas, where glass floor panels reveal marine life and sun decks step into the water.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The beachfront infinity pool stretches toward the ocean horizon, lined with parasols and leaning palms.
The spa
Thatched treatment villas sit along wooden boardwalks over the lagoon for Zhengliao Chinese therapies and aromatherapy.
Yoga and fitness
The open pavilion hosts daily sunrise yoga and meditation, and the gym runs SP&Co functional training programmes.
At the table
Restaurants range from overwater sushi counters at Umami to open-air beach decks serving wood-fired fare.
How it began
The resort generates clean energy from the world's largest offshore floating solar panel installation anchored directly in the turquoise lagoon.
Good to know
Stay here
LUX South Ari Atoll
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Maldives
More like this
One&Only Reethi Rah
“Expansive island wonderland”
The Soneva Fushi
“Barefoot jungle hideaway”
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
“Three-island ocean refuge”
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
“Astronomical reef sanctuary”
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
“Coral lagoon showpiece”
Huvafen Fushi
“Submerged reef showpiece”
Velaa Private Island Maldives
“Bespoke island sanctuary”
Amilla Maldives
“Treetop canopy haven”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.