LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

We were traveling with our 1 yr old to celebrate our 7th anniversary. After landing at the Male airport we were informed about the covid outbreak in the resort 2 days ago. We were then told that we would be transferred to a resort which included a domestic transfer of 1 hour and additional 25 minutes boat journey. It was very discomforting for us and the 1 year old kid. We checked in at the hotel at around 6 pm in the evening and had to checkout early at 7:45 a.m. We spent a total of 6-8 hrs lesser than what we were supposed to. We paid for a seaplane transfer but that was ignored. Nobody informed us over mail or phone before our arrival at Maldives and were not given any option of refund or a choice to choose from other resorts. Till date nobody has gotten back to us regretting the inconvenience caused and jeopardising our vacation. It was a nightmare for us, won't recommend them to anyone.

Whaleshark paradise, Covid hideaway paradise! 11 days without a mask for the guests, life felt extra sweet! We were back after 5 years this time. The resort got even more fun! The water sports department is absolutely amazing! Head to this pace first when you land and book yourself a whaleshark trip. It is so popular I had to wait a week before there was a free spot. We did almost everything from whaleshark snorkel trip, parasailing, flyboard, fishing, to diving. On our whaleshark trip we spotted 2 whalesharks, a turtle and a pod of dolphins. They even sent their best underwater photographer to film us w Gopro 9. I also tried my first dive ever. After about 90 mins of theory and practice in the lagoon, I went down in a dive to 12m. It was quite nerve-racking, but thanks to Yuen, the dive master, she held my hand the whole 42 mins under water! It was the most surreal experience for me considering I wear a life jacket when snorkeling. There is so much to do on this beautiful island, play some tennis/badminton for free, practice your yoga stretches, visit the Wanderlust library for food for thought, unleash some creative juice in their Art Studio on the beach, grab a drink by the sunset bar at Beach Rouge, groove w live DJ, chill out at Surf Beach BBQ bar, reward yourself by looking for Message in a Bottle(my son found a free jetski session), pick up a free kayak or pedal boat for a ride in the lagoon, or walk to a sand bank for your instragrammable photo moments... definitely don???t miss the coolest toilet in their East restaurant over the water!!! There are 6 restaurants to choose from, covering pretty much a global palate. We loved the fish market day in Mixe on Valentine???s Day. It was absolutely worthwhile to pay the supplement, great sushi/sashimi, lobsters, shrimps, seafood on a portable grill for each table. The desserts were to die for. I thought I walked into a Parisian patisserie. In fact, kudos to the patisserie chef, whoever that might be. The cakes are artistic and delicious, the croissants are very much on the level of what one finds in France. The East restaurant was subpar 5 years ago, it is now one of our fav places to chill and eat. Try the overwater mat for relaxation, stop by the toilet!! I thought I walked into a nightclub. Thai Chef Pong even asked me what I would like for my dinner and cooked a roasted duck at my request. It was delicious. At Beach Rouge, one always finds great music during the sunset, and after dinner for a dance. I loved the tapas style served food. They even prepared a birthday cake for my son. I have to say it was bigger and better than the one we had in Four Seasons Langkawi the year before. Senses prepared a wonderful lunch of the fish we caught from our fishing trip the eve before. We also enjoyed the massage in the water villa watching hundreds of fish swim by. Maybe I just got luck, normally I don???t see so many fish during a massage session. They also provided free sauna and steam which we enjoyed daily. The beach is absolutely a joy to walk on. It is almost 2km long and for a round tour of the island, you would need a good hour to explore. Heart felt thanks to the resort manager Mamoun and his great team for making our stay so memorable! It was absolutely delightful to see you and the watersports manager after 5 years, what a warm surprise! I read some recent negative reviews on google. I feel obliged to tell you that before our departure that some Brazilian guests were tested positive for their departing PCR test. And according to the Maladivian regulation, the resort is not allowed to take in new guests in order to contain the virus. The resort was very transparent about the situation, closed down all the activities immediately and informed the staying guests. Everyone arriving on this island is tested negative and every staff member is quarantined 10 days before they are allowed to start their duty. Unfortunately this virus has a very long incubation period, I was also surprised to learn. But believe me it can happen on any island any resort. I can totally understand your disappointment if Lux has to put you up with another resort. Unfortunately traveling during Covid just requires all stars aligned. Keep your fingers crossed and I hope you will have as splendid a time as we did.

We were 2 families, beach pool villa. And it was our 4th stay at Lux. Of course world crisis affected, but it???s still our Lux) shady and colourful island with white sand and 50 shades of turquoise.... and lovely garden) we don???t use kids club, but it usually offers very nice activities. Restaurants - the friendly staff and cuisine 👌 we remember some guys from our first trip) Wanted to say thank you and mark Lux cafe with its all staff, Lagoon bar and Saju, East market-Umami-Bar and all the staff, of course Mixe with ALL the staff and the chef and the girl from egg station, and guys from the juices and Indian corner! And of course Veli bar with always on duty Khan, unforgettable Masud and Channa)) and Rouge with really everybody)) and you changed a DJ - good discos)) And of course Sences) And our lovely housekeeper Shlyiam) and of course wanted to say a BIG thank you to Inthi, our manager) Thank you guys) take care and hope to see you soon))) 🤘