Paradise on a private island: LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives

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Less than a year ago I mentioned during an interview that it was my dream to go to the Maldives and to stay in a super deluxe resort. That dreams can come true, I have experienced at firsthand this year. When I received the invitation to fly to the newly opened LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort I had to tell it myself a few times that it was real. That is why even until the day of departure I did not reveal to social media where I was going. I first had to see, before believing it…

Remember the name LUX*. This new luxurious hotel chain is working hard on the road to get a good reputation in the high segment of luxury resorts and hotels. On the world map, you will find LUX* already in Mauritius, Reunion, Vietnam, China, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and of course in the Maldives. In 2017 LUX* will open its second luxury resort in the Maldives called LUX* North Malé Atoll. I had the opportunity to take already a look at the new LUX* South Ari Atoll situated at one of the best diving locations in the Maldives.

Holidaying with LUX*

Once you arrive at the airport of Malé, you are welcomed by the host of LUX*. First, you are taken to the lounge to get a quiet break from your trip. Here a range of delicacies is awaiting you. You can taste homemade macarons and sandwiches, and you can as well try creams and scrubs of the LUX* body line. And while you are calmly waiting, your seaplane is already arriving.

With the seaplane heading to your private island

And then the party can start 🙂 Taking off for the first time with a sea airplane is a very exciting experience. The plane has a capacity of about ten people and two pilots. A flight attendant is superfluous; the captain himself explains very briefly where the emergency exits are located, and then the propeller engines get started.

In the plane the atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s funny to see that the pilots operate the pedals of the aircraft in bare feet. In no time the plane is in the air, and less than 30 minutes later it lands on its floats in a paradise that only seemed to exist in a dream!

And while you arrive at LUX* South Ari Atoll an entire delegation is waving and waiting for you on the dock.

Where does LUX* stand for?

The atmosphere of the LUX * Resorts can be best described as modern, bright, spacious and accessible. The word “chilling” has here a high priority. Most of all this atmosphere is reflected in the design of the resort. The beach villas are bright and have minimalist decorations with a modern touch. The brand new water villas have a “modern chic” interior and are finished with accessories in the color aquamarine that bring the beautiful color of the sea inside.

Discover this private island in the Maldives

LUX* South Ari Atoll is located on a private island in the south of the Ari Atoll in the Maldives. This area is also known as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world! What few people know is that right here you can spot whale sharks, regularly they swim nearby LUX* South Ari Atoll.

The island itself is not very large (1.8 km long and 200m wide), but large enough to entertain yourself because there is so much to see. You can go to the cozy lagoon bar, visit one of the nice pool terraces, or you can also retreat to the beach where you find yourself often all alone.

Hospitality that is called LUX*

Every guest who arrives at LUX* receives upon arrival a refreshment drink while they settle in the sofa of the lovely reception. Next, they are welcomed by a personal host. Depending on your type of stay, you get day-by-day a personalized printed program containing the options you can use as a guest. Your wishes are without a charge already included in the daily program.

So, no need to book a table at your favorite restaurant for the evening or to sign up for one of the many activities, because that’s all been done for you 🙂 Of course you are free to follow your own plan.

Restaurants LUX* South Ari Atoll

The resort has different types of restaurants from Italian, Asian to Fusion. Even for breakfast, you can choose between two different locations. And for lunch, you can select one of the various beach bars or just chill with your feet in the sand at the lagoon bar. Whatever you decide, they are all equally beautiful and delicious. My tip, try them all. One of my favorites was the Senses bar for lunch.

Reasons to visit LUX*

In total, there are 17 reasons to visit LUX*! I’ll not mention them all because otherwise there’s nothing left to discover. However, there are a few that I do not want to withhold because they make your stay here so special.

The tree of wishes

Each guest can write twice a week her or his wish on a red ribbon and hang it in the banyan tree. According to an ancient tradition, it is believed that these wishes will come true. All resorts pick at the end of the year one ribbon (with a wish) from the tree. The person who’s wish is drawn, will win a free stay of five days in a LUX* resort. How cool is that!

Café LUX*

Taste the various flavors of their roasted coffee at Cafe LUX* in the lobby of the resort.

Red telephone booth

Call home for free or to any other number in the world from the red telephone booth. Service from the house!

Activities at LUX* South Ari Atoll

At the resort, you won’t get bored. Those looking for tranquility can retreat in their water or beach villa, and those who cannot sit still can participate in plenty of activities. You can register for example for a whale shark excursion or if you want to stay around the resort join a snorkeling trip. Of course, LUX* also has a beautiful spa where you can pamper yourself.

I personally always like to join a yoga class, and there is no better place than here. You can choose a program in the afternoon, or wake up very early and greet the first rays of sunshine.

Enjoy LUX* in the Maldives

It’s true; the Maldives are beautiful! Before arriving here, I simply could not imagine that the water is so clear. All shades of blue glitter towards you. These coral islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean are one by one little gems. With my focus on infinity, I gaze into the distance, and I enjoy every moment I am here. It makes me truly happy.

A holiday to never forget

LUX* is an experience in itself. It was my first experience in a 5 star top resort in the Maldives, and I was hooked. Apart from the beauty of the island and the resort, it is above all its friendly people who make you feel at home. Like for example, the super friendly Sri Lankan chef-cook Derrick of Rouge bar. Far from his family, he works here with pleasure, and he demonstrates that with its fantastic cuisine and personalized service.

And then, of course, the whole team of LUX* South Ari Atoll, that is doing everything to make guests feel at their best. Island life in the middle of the Indian Ocean has its impact, and everyone is sincerely cheerful every day. And that is the way I’m going to leave this beautiful atoll -with a big smile on my face and with memories I’ll never forget.

Soon, a video compilation of my stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives will come online. If you don’t want to miss it, subscribe then to my newsletter and as soon as it’s ready, you will be among the first to see it 🙂