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.
On 22nd February, in celebration of National Margarita Day, SO/ Maldives turns up the island energy with an exclusive Tequila Tasting, Margarita Experience and beachfront Bar Takeover reaffirming its position as the Maldives’ most modern lifestyle luxury brand. Vibrant, design-led and socially vibrant, SO/ Maldives transforms the occasion into more than a cocktail celebration it becomes a full-sensory journey set against turquoise waters and powder-soft white sands.
A Curated Tequila Journey with Adonai Reyna
Leading the experience is Adonai Reyna, MMI Spirits Ambassador and one of the region’s most decorated mixology talents. With 16 years of experience across Dubai’s most renowned venues and accolades including Winner Havana Club México, Top 25 World Class UAE, Silver Trophy CME UAE and Winner Crystal Head Vodka Mexico, Reyna brings world-class craftsmanship to the shores of the Maldives.
Guests will join him for an immersive tequila tasting experience that delves into the heritage of Mexico’s iconic agave spirit. From understanding the terroir and production secrets to discovering the nuanced flavour profiles of blanco, reposado and aged expressions, the tasting goes beyond the glass. It is a refined exploration of culture, craft and complexity a sensorial journey designed for modern luxury travellers.
The Lazuli Bar Takeover: Where Sunset Meets Spirit
As golden hour approaches, the celebration shifts to the iconic coloured pool bar at Lazuli Beach Club the social heart of the island. Framed by white sand beaches and endless ocean views, Lazuli delivers effortless barefoot sunset vibes with a Riviera-inspired twist.
Under glowing Maldivian skies, Adonai Reyna takes over the bar with a bespoke Margarita menu crafted using premium tequilas, fresh tropical ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Each cocktail is a statement balancing authenticity with contemporary flair, perfectly aligned with SO/ Maldives’ fashion-forward aesthetic.
The coloured pool bar becomes the centre of attention, drawing guests together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere where music flows, cocktails sparkle and the shoreline becomes the ultimate dancefloor.
At SO/ Maldives, experiences are designed to blend global culture with island glamour. The National Margarita Day takeover is a natural extension of the brand’s identity vibrant, creative and unapologetically stylish.
Whether guests are tequila connoisseurs, sunset seekers or social explorers, 22nd February promises an unforgettable celebration where Mexican heritage meets Maldivian rhythm.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is welcoming the holy month of Ramadan with a series of Iftar evenings at Lime Restaurant, inviting guests to gather in the spirit of reflection, gratitude and togetherness.
Recognising Ramadan as a time that brings families, friends and communities closer, the hotel has curated an Iftar experience designed to go beyond dining. The focus is on creating a welcoming environment where traditions are observed, conversations unfold naturally and shared moments are celebrated around the table.
Located in the heart of Malé, Lime Restaurant provides a warm and contemporary setting suited to a range of gatherings, from colleagues reconnecting after work to families and friends breaking fast together. Each evening reflects the generosity associated with Ramadan, featuring carefully prepared dishes, live cooking stations and a selection of sweet treats that balance traditional flavours with creative touches.
Iftar at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is shaped by attentive service and thoughtful hospitality. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere that blends comfort with understated elegance, allowing space for reflection while enjoying a relaxed dining experience. The hotel’s culinary and service teams work closely to ensure consistency, quality and authenticity throughout the season.
Whether for intimate gatherings or larger group celebrations, the venue offers flexibility supported by a culinary programme rooted in care and attention to detail. The Ramadan offering is designed to ensure guests feel at ease while enjoying a distinctive Iftar experience in the capital.
Throughout the holy month, JEN Maldives by Shangri-La invites guests to come together at Lime Restaurant to experience evenings defined by flavour, generosity and meaningful connection, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan.
Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a wine pairing dinner celebrating Provençal elegance and gastronomy on 4 March 2026 at the resort’s Shoreline Grill. The evening will feature wines from Château Minuty and will be hosted by Sébastien Nore, Global Strategy and Export Director of Château Minuty, offering guests insight into the winery’s heritage and approach to fine winemaking.
Originally from Limousin, France, Nore brings extensive experience in the international beverage industry. His career includes roles with Kronenbourg Wineries and PepsiCo France, followed by senior leadership positions at Diageo and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. He has played a key role in expanding Château Minuty’s global presence and currently oversees the winery’s strategy, sales, communication and marketing, with a focus on innovation and the refined character of Provençal rosé.
During the dinner, guests will enjoy a curated selection of Château Minuty wines, paired with a bespoke menu created by the Shoreline Grill culinary team. The featured wines include:
- Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé Magnum 1.5L – Artist Edition 2024
- Château Minuty Prestige Rosé 2024
- Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2024
- Château Minuty 281 2024
Beyond this event, the dinner reflects Milaidhoo Maldives’ wider commitment to gastronomy. The resort’s Gourmet Plan is designed for guests with a strong interest in food and wine, offering personalised, multi-course dining experiences throughout their stay. Each menu is crafted to highlight the relationship between carefully selected ingredients and complementary wines, with an emphasis on authenticity and balance.
The Château Minuty dinner marks the fourth wine-focused event hosted by Milaidhoo Maldives this year, underscoring the resort’s ongoing focus on curated culinary experiences. The evening is positioned as a sensory journey, combining refined flavours, thoughtful pairings and a convivial island setting.
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