News
LUX* South Ari spices up Maldivian holiday experience
Maldives.net.mv – LUX* Resorts & Hotels unveils exciting developments for LUX* South Ari Atoll, and the thrilling experience that awaits guests, upon its re-opening on the 01st September 2016. Surfacing from a complete refurbishment, LUX* South Ari Atoll, the largest of the rapidly expanding LUX* Resorts & Hotels’ portfolio, is being entirely reimagined in stunning beach house chic.
Nestled on one of the Maldives’ most generously proportioned and picture-perfect islands, LUX* South Ari Atoll will not force adventurous epicureans to choose between a peaceful hideaway and an active adventure. Here, waiting to be found will be a luxury resort that will fulfill the ultimate fantasy: a laid-back, cozy and refined atmosphere, uncompromising in privacy, ready to delight sun-starved, relaxation-seeking globalistas during the forthcoming winter season and beyond.
Dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of powder-fine beach and perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon teeming with colourful fish, reside the 193 pavilions and villas. On land or water, sunset or sunrise facing, the top-tobottom redesign of these super-spacious rooms and suites by renowned design studio P49 Deesign, will introduce a cool nautical vibe to the property. Award winning landscape architect Stephen Woodhams has also ensured that the tree and plant life abounds with fragrance everywhere.
On the island’s east side, 46 Romantic Pool Villas each with private 7m pools, and 3 Temptation Pool Water Villas each featuring a 14m infinity pool will form the resort’s adults-only sanctuary. These villas will enjoy twin showers, private terraces incorporating a unique couples’ love nest, and small steps to the lagoon, perfect for lounging with a drink.
Two kilometres to the west, 38 Water Villas and a two-bedroom LUX* Villa will complement 105 Beach Villas, 12 of which featuring private pools. Both villa types are designed to become an excellent home base for families or small groups.
Once settled, food and drink quickly becomes a way of island life at LUX* South Ari Atoll. The resort’s unparalleled offering of seven restaurants and five bars are all undergoing a major conceptual upgrade under the expert and caring hands of Corporate Chef, Walter Lanfranchi, and the design collaborators from P49.
New Asian flavours will abound at East Market, featuring a contemporary take on a bustling local night market. Umami sets itself to become an elegant and sophisticated setting for beautifully refined Japanese dining. Highlights will include dedicated sushi, teppanyaki and robatayaki counters accompanied by the largest selection of sakés and Japanese whiskies in the Maldives.
Beach Rouge will be the latest incarnation of the LUX* brand’s dynamic beach-club concept, first seen at flagship LUX* Belle Mare in Mauritius. Injecting the laid-back energy of a fashionable Mediterranean beach club to this private Maldivian island, Beach Rouge will become a favourite to the winter jet set. Expect ceviche, carpaccio and grilled fish, washed down with chilled rosé and lazy afternoons danced away to chilled island beats.
Rounding out the beachside dining options, Allegria (Italian), Senses (Indian and Arabic) and Mixe (International Buffet) will stimulate every palate.
As for wellness, the LUX* Me spa and its overwater treatment villas will experience a Zen-inspired reboot of its own. The facility intends to incorporate a traditional Chinese teahouse, a dedicated zone for brand new skin and body care experiences and an extended lagoon-view relaxation area. A Zen wellness pavilion will accommodates a wide range of alternative wellbeing activities including yoga, meditation, Pilates, Tai chi and Qigong, all of which are overseen by an expert wellness concierge. An updated treatment menu will offer the full range of LUX* Me signature treatments.
Of course, LUX* wouldn’t be LUX* without a surprise or two and the new LUX* South Ari Atoll will be the setting for a fresh collection of Reasons to Go LUX* – guest experience innovations from a trailblazing brand that never ceases in its quest to create “Lighter, Brighter” luxury in the world’s most desirable holiday hotspots.
To mark the occasion, six new Reasons To Go LUX* are in the starting blocks, to be premiered at the resort, heralding yet another round of product revolution, which will be rolled out across the entire portfolio of LUX* properties in Mauritius, La Réunion, the Maldives, China, the Middle East and Turkey. Get set to be surprised!
To spice the guest experience, LUX* South Ari Atoll will introduce a series of Expert-Led Workshops. Each month the resort will host a residency with leading practitioners from diverse, creative and inspiring walks of life. Guests will be able to brush up on their watercolouring skills with painter Corinne Dalle Ore, focus on their framing and lighting with world-renowned travel photographer Michael Freeman, breathe more deeply and master the art of meditative therapy with Bhavnath Gansam, to name a few.
Glenn Daniels, General Manager comments: “After being recognised among the top ten resorts in the Maldives by both industry leaders and consumers, LUX* South Ari Atoll is now ready to take the resort’s experience to the next level by introducing not only a fresh and exciting new look but most importantly an incredible team committed to deliver world class service to our guests.”
Despite all that is new and exciting at LUX* South Ari Atoll, what remains unchanged is the passion of the people who work here and the heartfelt service they provide because, ultimately, LUX* will always be about its people and their spirit. At the new LUX* South Ari Atoll, 650 Team Members, rested and retrained, are primed and pumped to showcase their revitalised resort. They cannot wait to deliver the shining service of LUX* to their guests and to help all of them to celebrate life! Intuitive, friendly and unpretentious, they create an atmosphere that is as soulful as it’s sybaritic.
“The brand vision is to offer our guests different luxury hospitality experience; helping people celebrate life, by making each moment matter. I have no doubt LUX* South Ari Atoll will become a real spot in the Maldives, with its fresh and exciting new look and its incredibly passionate team, getting ready to welcome guests. We have a winning combination” shares Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels.
Villa Nautica has been recognized among the world’s top 150 resorts, receiving the esteemed Red Star Quality Award 2024 from DERTOUR Group. This accolade, reserved for hotels that uphold the highest standards of guest satisfaction, highlights the resort’s commitment to excellence in service, hospitality, and overall experience.
A maritime celebration of quayside life, Villa Nautica blends urban sophistication with the spirit of the open sea. Inspired by the sleek elegance of a superyacht, its interiors reflect a polished, modern aesthetic, where crisp nautical lines meet understated luxury. The resort’s lifestyle is equally refined, offering guests a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure. With world-class scuba diving, exhilarating water sports, and direct access to some of the Maldives’ most stunning marine landscapes, Villa Nautica captures the essence of the seafarer’s dream with a glamorous twist.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Villa Nautica stands apart for its authenticity. Unlike many international hospitality brands in the Maldives, Villa Resorts is one of the few locally owned and operated groups. This deep connection to the destination shapes its ethos, offering guests more than just a holiday, but an experience rooted in genuine Maldivian warmth. Every element, from its personalized service to its commitment to sustainability, reflects a philosophy of meaningful hospitality, one that seeks to leave guests feeling enriched and restored.
The Red Star Quality Award is DERTOUR Group’s top recognition, given to only 100 resorts in long-haul destinations and 50 in Europe, based on guest feedback and key performance metrics. For Villa Nautica, this acknowledgment highlights its consistent ability to provide a well-rounded and memorable experience, where service and atmosphere come together to offer guests something truly special.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has on April 1 officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive introductory offer. Guests are invited to experience this tranquil island retreat with special privileges and premium benefits, including Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, upgrades, and more, for a limited time only.
Representing the final piece in Centara’s vision of offering extraordinary experiences across four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each catering to unique traveller preferences, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. This private island sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian allure, inviting guests to indulge in world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, and experience rejuvenating wellness journeys at the serene Spa Cenvaree Retreat.
The opening of this stunning property also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives this April,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara invites guests to take advantage of its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Book from now until 30th June 2025 for stays between 1st April and 15th October 2025 and enjoy the privilege of staying 4 nights while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. This offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary champagne and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.
For more information about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites families to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting line-up of activities and themed experiences from 18 to 24 April 2025. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, the resort offers the perfect setting for a memorable tropical Easter escape.
A Week of Wholesome Adventures at Kandoo Kids’ Club
The Easter celebrations centre around the Kandoo Kids’ Club, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for children aged 4 to 12. Supervised by a caring and energetic team, it will offer a rotating schedule of themed activities, including nature exploration, wellness-focused fun, traditional Maldivian experiences, Easter celebrations, and ocean discovery that little VIPs will surely enjoy.
Island-Wide Easter Fun
Families can enjoy a week full of island-wide Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, 20 April, guests can participate in Easter card making, egg painting and decoration, and a festive Easter Egg Hunt. The evening will conclude with an International Easter Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, showcasing a diverse selection of global flavours, from roast lamb and seafood to bunny-themed treats and indulgent desserts.
Throughout the week, guests can also participate in various recreational activities, including sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, volleyball matches, and an Easter-themed movie night under the stars.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared: “Easter is a time for families to come together, and at Kandooma, we’re proud to offer a setting where guests of all ages can connect, celebrate, and create special memories. Our team puts great care into crafting meaningful experiences, especially for our younger guests, and we’re excited to welcome families for a truly unforgettable Easter week.”
Plan the Perfect Family Escape
Families looking to make the most of Easter at Kandooma Maldives are encouraged to take advantage of the Family Getaway package. This special offer includes family-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, memorable island experiences, and the added benefit of kids staying and dining for free. Terms and conditions apply.
For bookings and more information, visit https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/hotel-offers/family-getaway/. For the full Easter 2025 Brochure, visit https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_EasterBrochure.html.
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