LUX* South Ari Atoll

Wendy Tan Siew Inn

This is absolutely the best resort in Maldives. The people make all the difference - friendly, genuine and attentive. The experience and memories created are priceless, from island treasure hunt, immaculate coffee and movie nights. The food at all the restaurants are exquisite and delicious. It is amazing how many chefs this resort has. The beauty of the nature is stunning - from sunsets to blue lagoons and even the dancing sea grass. Highly recommended for families and couples.

Dimpy Agrawal

We came to Lux for my sisters 30th birthday and it’s sad to say that we had a very bad experience. The hospitality was very poor and the guest services too. We landed at 7 am in the morning which the staff had been informed prior but our sea plane was booked for 1030 am even though there were earlier departures, on landing we informed our guest service person to book us on all activities that involved snorkeling and we had even emailed them regarding that a week prior, while some activities got cancelled cause of the weather a lot of others we were told were already fully booked even before they letting us know about it. The manager and the team could barely help us with anything besides saying we’ve already mentioned you can’t be on it. We had also informed them regarding my sisters 30th but nothing was done for her on arrival.We were asked to go to the “celebration desk” which was either empty or super busy to even tell them to give us a cake for her bday, till we actually took this up and they later did arrange. I mentioned on arrival that I’m allergic to potatoes despite that on the second last day something was served to me which had potatoes and I got a proper hive attack and they had to summon a doctor to give me medicines and take down a report. Again the doctor was helpful but why must one have to go through this. Must say The staff at the restaurant and the spa were good, options overall in the resort were also very good. The all inclusive package includes the most basic alcohol like Smirnoff and absolute. Before coming we again kept emailing them and called them to let us know the complete beverages and food menu that comes in the inclusive deal since I was allergic and vegetarian but no one replied to that part and we come here and realize that it’s that basic. One comes to Maldives for great hospitality, water sports, beaches and to celebrate special occasions. Anything you call to request the front desk or the guest manager also, the only reply is we are sorry we can’t arrange for it. I booked a cycle one day and the cycle was given sans the code which they said you’ll get on what’s app but didn’t get that either. Either the staff was very busy taking care of others or just not interested, whichever it is, we we’re definitely expecting more from our experience and surprisingly extremely disappointed with the entire experience of being treated unfairly.

Shamsa Al mazrouei

We stayed at LUX South Ari Atoll* for six unforgettable days — and it was truly amazing! From the amenities to the wide range of activities, everything was thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, relaxation, and fun. The restaurants and food were exceptional — every meal was a treat! A special thank you to Mixe Restaurant for the wonderful dinners and the kind, attentive service every day — it really made our experience extra special. A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful staff who made our stay so memorable. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming. Special thanks to Shawkat, the baggy rider, who memorized every guest at the resort — mashallah, such a kind soul! Deep appreciation to the clinic team, especially Dr. Ali, for their care and support. Thank you to Ahmed from the Lagoon Bar for the great service. And a very special thank you to Dominic, who was with me on my first ocean dive — it was an unforgettable experience and I truly had an amazing time! Sorry if I missed mentioning more names — everyone we met was just incredible. Thank you all for making our trip so memorable. We hope to be back again!

HEDGER HEDGER HEDGER HEDGER

We have been to several other Maldives resorts. They have all been far superior to what we experienced at Lux. If your budget can stretch to other resorts, stretch it. Here is a sample of the nonsense we dealt with at Lux. At the suggestion of Lux staff, and with their guidance, we booked restaurants weeks before arriving. Upon arrival, we were told “oh [particular restaurant] is closed on Mondays which is when you’ve booked, so you need to book something else.” And then I was told the other restaurants – all of them – would only be bookable subject to other bookings. Surely when Lux screwed up by allowing us – ENCOURAGING us - to book a closed restaurant, Lux should be sorting out the problem, and Lux should be prioritising a replacement booking for us? We were given no information on activities. When we ASKED for information on “activities and prices” we were given some information on fishing, without pricing, and no other information. We then had to follow up a few times and were eventually sent a table showing the week’s scheduled activities and also pricing. Just bizarre that that wasn’t sent initially. Snorkelling gear must be returned daily – you can’t keep it overnight even if you’re there for eg a week. There are smokers and ashtrays everywhere. We asked at the ice cream shop how much ice creams cost. The employee went to the cash register, played with the screen for a long time, and then finally said “five hundred dollars”. He repeated that number when we asked him to clarify. We booked bikes in advance (something I would strongly recommend given the island is a mile long and the shuttle runs only “every 20-25 minutes”). But the bikes were not at our room when we got there. They only arrived much later and they were each locked up with a combination lock that we didn’t have the code for. We had to request the codes and finally got them – only to discover that the bikes are utterly atrocious pieces of junk. Despite that, and despite it being a private island, we were told we had to lock the bikes at all times. Doing so meant getting our hands filthy in the filthy wheels / chains. The kids club has a room which we watched some kids lock themselves in, followed by the sole employee then repeatedly demanding they unlock it - unsuccessfully so for quite a while. Some food costs are insane – eg US$25++ for two small rice paper rolls. We had a large charge on our account that we did not recognise and so queried. Bizarrely, our contact denied it was on the account. So WE then had to send her a copy of the account that Lux itself had issued to us (!!!). Our contact then said she would check the charge. We didn’t hear back. So the next morning, with checkout impending, we had to yet again follow up several times, after which we eventually received a copy of the items comprising the charge. It was not our charge. We have been to several other Maldives resorts. They have all been far superior to what we experienced at Lux. If your budget can stretch to other resorts, stretch it.

Gangangana Dharmasena

We recently visited the Maldives and had the pleasure of staying at LUX South Ari Atoll* — and what an unforgettable experience it was! From the stunning views to the warm hospitality, everything exceeded our expectations. A special shout-out to Chef Kalum, who truly made our stay exceptional. He went above and beyond to look after us throughout our visit, ensuring every meal was not only delicious but also tailored to our preferences. His attention to detail and kindness left a lasting impression on us. Also Housekeeper Afrat provide us an exceptional service with the room service.Overall the hotel ans the staff are providing an exceptional service. Thank you to the entire team at LUX* South Ari Atoll for making our trip so special — we can’t wait to come back!