News
Maldives in a new light at LUX* South Ari Atoll
World-renowned luxury resort and hotel operator LUX* Resorts & Hotels is known for a different style of holidaying – a lighter, brighter way of celebrating life – and its newest resort LUX* South Ari Atoll opened last week in the Maldives.
The brand’s latest five-star resort has been entirely reimagined, with a chic beach-house style. Innovative and trendsetting, it features a contemporary atmosphere while protecting the cocooned tropical-island atmosphere. LUX* South Ari Atoll is not just about luxury and aesthetics: it’s a resort with a soul. Playful, fun, modern this is paradise for travellers looking for a distinctive experience in the Maldives.
Dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of pure white sand beach and perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon, are 193 super-spacious pavilions and villas designed by P49 Deesign. The seductive flood-lit over-water villas promise freedom, privacy and intimacy. 46 Romantic Pool Villas each have private 7m suspended infinity pools, and three Temptation Pool Water Villas boast a 14m pool and this forms the resort’s adults-only sanctuary. These villas enjoy twin showers, private terraces incorporating a unique couples’ love nest, and a deck with steps down into the sea, perfect for enjoying the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

The spectacular range of eight restaurants and five bars includes a sophisticated take on a bustling night market; guests can head to East Market where they can enjoy flavours from Vietnam, Thailand and Sichuan among others. Umami promises fine dining from the open sushi kitchen, teppanyaki and robata counters as well as the Maldives’ largest selection of sakés and Japanese whiskies. Allegria, Senses and MIXE satisfy international palates with Mediterranean to Maldivian specialities and the new Beach Rouge introduces fresh beach-club dining experience to the island. Visit www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-
The LUX* Me spa and its overwater treatment villas set the tone for a Zen-inspired reboot of its own. The facility incorporates a traditional Chinese teahouse, a dedicated zone for brand new skin and body care experiences and an extended lagoon-view relaxation area. For those in search of the ultimate personalised spa experience, try the once-in-a-lifetime 10 hands massage. A Zen wellness pavilion accommodate 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. LUX* Me is all about a tailored approach to your wellbeing, whether it be spa, fitness, yoga, meditation, nutrition or a unique combination tailored especially to your needs.

Graced by one of Maldives’ most spectacular lagoon of crystal-clear waters, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers the finest choice of water sports of any Maldives’ five-star resort. LUX* was the first to offer flyboarding and hoverboarding and once again introduced the Maldives’ first: jet-surfboarding. No wonder the resort is referenced as #ThePlacetoBeMaldives.
LUX* South Ari Atoll promises a lighter, brighter, more enlightening holiday experience. Stay tuned for events worth travelling around the world for as Beach Rouge, the East Market, and even a sandbank hosting music and culinary celebrations. Where else can guests dance to a DJ with their toes dipped in the warm ocean or taste the best of South-East Asia in a suspended over-the-water night market?
Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels confides: “The focus around the creation of a newLUX* South Ari Atoll has been as much about the transformation of the property as it has been about the enhancement of the guests’ experiences. For this, our team has worked effortlessly on enriching the moments that matters, and we have created new and exciting Reasons To GoLUX*. I am convinced that places you remember are the ones that inspire you; those that have a soul and caring people. LUX* South Ari Atoll has this magical mix.”
LUX* South Ari Atoll will of course include all of LUX*’s popular features and Reasons To GoLUX* including a LUX* Me Spa, a dive centre with a property marine biologist, a Café LUX*, ICI ice-creams, a gym, a kids’ club, organic gardens, a Tree of Wishes and an outdoor Cinema Paradiso to name a few.

On top of that, the opening of this new resort was the perfect opportunity for the brand to present a series of more Reasons To Go LUX*. Stay at a conventional resort, and before long you know where everything is. That doesn’t happen at LUX*. Spontaneity and surprises are in our DNA with the new Reasons To Go LUX* making a debut at LUX* South Ari AtollM this month.
- LUX* Photo Fanatics — LUX* means light, and so it is also in spirit, so it should come as little surprise that LUX* is a brand that loves the art of photography. Introducing Photo Fanatics, a unique image-capturing experience that will help guests seeking to create and capture the moments that matter, using a smartphone or a traditional camera or SLR.
- Junkart Studio & Gallery — Many regret the lack of time during their everyday lives to learn a new skill or revive a forgotten hobby. LUX* believes that a vacation can be the perfect time to explore something new or revisit old skills and passions. Guests at LUX* are invited to have fun making one-off artworks and sustainable souvenirs from upcycled materials.
- Wanderlust Library — Make up for that last-minute pre-holiday book buy at the airport or magazine selection limited by how much your hand luggage can take. LUX*understands the desire to try new things, especially on holiday. To encourage thisLUX* has curated the ultimate collection of books and magazines, to be enjoyed in a cocooned air-conditioned place which will stimulate your travel senses and expand your horizons.
- Master Chef — The joy of cooking and the fun of the whole family getting involved is unrivalled. Cook with a professional chef and take home some new tricks.
The remodelling of LUX* South Ari Atoll doesn’t just mean a contemporary, characterful new look; guests can also expect a remarkable and insightful cultural calendar. Entirely new for the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll hosts short expert-led workshops throughout the year, with leading practitioners from diverse, creative and inspiring walks of life. It’s always a privilege to spend time with inspiring individuals who are happy to share their unique wisdom and skills.
The brand vision is to offer our guests different luxury hospitality experience; helping people celebrate life, by making each moment matter. In this context, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy themselves with a series of workshops which could reveal innate talents, hidden talents.
The workshops are as varied as they are numerous. There are painting lessons with Jeannine Platz, a motivation workshop with Ron Kaufman, food art with Samantha Lee and photography with world-renowned travel photographer Michel Freeman. For the ones looking for some healthy and fitness options, this has also been taken care of with masterclasses from fitness guru Anna Victoria, and also the opportunity to explore underwater with the freediving world record holder William Winram. For more information, visit www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-
What makes LUX* South Ari Atoll so special is its spirit, team members, and entirely different approach to helping you have the best-ever holiday. LUX* promises a journey for the senses, where – in true LUX* style – you can expect the unexpected.
Drink
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa secures three Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence
Kuredhivaru Resort and Spa has been recognised by Wine Spectator with the 2026 Award of Excellence for all three of its dining venues: Oak Lounge Wine Cellar, Bodumas and Latitude 5.5.
The Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants whose wine lists offer quality selections that complement their cuisine while meeting high standards for accuracy and presentation.The Award of Excellence is presented to restaurants whose wine lists feature at least 75 selections and provide guests with a well-balanced choice of producers, styles and price points.
Under the direction of Head Sommelier Sasho Petereski, the resort’s wine programme spans approximately more than 300 labels across the three restaurants. Each wine list has been carefully developed to complement the individual dining concept of each venue, while all wines are maintained in temperature-controlled storage to preserve their quality and character. The selections range from well-known international producers to rare vintages, offering choices for both casual wine enthusiasts and experienced collectors.
Each restaurant presents a distinct dining experience. Latitude 5.5 pairs Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an extensive wine selection, Bodumas specialises in Japanese-inspired cuisine complemented by wines from renowned wine regions, while Oak Lounge WineCellar focuses on curated wine experiences, including wine pairing dinners.
Receiving the Award of Excellence for all three restaurants highlights the resort’s commitment to maintaining internationally recognised standards in wine selection, storage and food pairing, while providing guests with wine lists that complement the unique character of each dining venue.
News
NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi unveils new under-the-stars wellness ritual
Th.ari Spa at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi has introduced Th.ari Under the Night Sky, a new signature outdoor wellness experience designed for couples seeking relaxation, connection, and memorable moments beneath the Maldivian stars.
Inspired by the serenity of the Maldives after sunset, the 90-minute experience invites guests to immerse themselves in a unique wellness journey surrounded by the sights and sounds of the island evening. Set on an open-air spa deck, the ritual combines soothing massage techniques, warm locally sourced Maldivian coconut oil, and the calming resonance of singing bowls to create an unforgettable experience of relaxation and wellbeing.
Set on an open-air spa deck, the ritual allows couples to relax beneath the stars while enjoying a thoughtfully curated wellness experience designed to calm the mind, ease physical tension, and encourage a deeper sense of wellbeing. As the day gives way to evening, the Maldives transforms into a peaceful sanctuary where gentle ocean breezes, starlit skies, and the calming rhythm of island life create the perfect setting for relaxation.
Th.ari Under the Night Sky was created to embrace this natural beauty, offering guests an opportunity to experience wellness in harmony with their surroundings. The experience begins with a welcoming foot ritual before continuing with a restorative full-body massage using nourishing Maldivian coconut oil. The journey concludes with the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, encouraging a deeper sense of calm, balance, and renewal.
By bringing wellness outdoors, the experience allows guests to fully connect with the atmosphere that makes the Maldives one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Modern luxury travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences that create lasting memories alongside traditional resort offerings. Th.ari Under the Night Sky responds to this desire by offering couples a shared wellness journey designed to foster relaxation, presence, and connection.
Ideal for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, romantic getaways, or simply quality time together, the experience encourages guests to slow down and appreciate the moment while enjoying the beauty of the Maldives after dark.
Combining wellness with the intimacy of a private outdoor setting, the ritual offers a memorable way for couples to celebrate special occasions or enhance their island escape.
Available exclusively at Th.ari Spa, Th.ari Under the Night Sky adds a distinctive dimension to the wellness and romance offering at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi. Created specifically for the resort, the experience reflects the destination’s commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences inspired by the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Maldives.
More than a spa treatment, the experience has been thoughtfully designed to combine wellness, romance, and a strong sense of place. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic getaway, couples are invited to reconnect beneath the stars while enjoying a unique wellness journey inspired by the island’s enchanting evening atmosphere.
For travel partners and luxury travel advisors, Th.ari Under the Night Sky offers an additional point of differentiation for couples seeking meaningful, destination-inspired experiences during their stay. The experience is available exclusively at Th.ari Spa by Mandara Spa at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll earns four AHEAD Asia 2026 finalist nominations
.Here Baa Atoll, the ultra-luxury private island retreat from Seaside Collection, has been named as a finalist at the AHEAD Asia 2026 Awards, earning recognition across four distinguished categories: Resort, Restaurant, Spa & Wellness and Suite.
The achievement places .Here Baa Atoll among Asia’s most exceptional hospitality design destinations and celebrates a project where architecture, interiors, landscape, and guest experience have been conceived as a singular, harmonious vision.
Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll presents a bold new interpretation of luxury in the Maldives. Comprising just nine extraordinary residences across two private natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere. The retreat is defined by its commitment to privacy, spatial generosity, and an immersive connection with nature. Eschewing scale in favour of exclusivity, the resort offers an experience where tranquillity, design, and the natural environment exist in perfect balance.
At the heart of the project is a remarkable collaboration between internationally acclaimed architecture practice KulörGroup, London-based interior design studio Muza Lab and landscape architects Topo Design Studio. Together, they have created a destination that reimagines contemporary island living through thoughtful design and a profound sense of place.
KulörGroup’s architectural vision embraces the natural contours of the islands, positioning each residence to capture both sunrise and sunset while maximising uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean. Designed with a strong commitment to environmental sensitivity, the architecture incorporates passive cooling strategies, responsibly sourced materials and a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor living. Expansive private residences, each complete with generous living spaces and infinity pools, are carefully situated to preserve the islands’ pristine beauty while offering unparalleled comfort and seclusion.
Inside, Muza Lab has crafted a sophisticated design narrative inspired by the Maldives’ rich maritime heritage. Through bespoke furnishings, artisanal craftsmanship, and a refined palette of natural textures, the interiors evoke the spirit of traditional dhonis, celestial navigation, and the ever-changing hues of the ocean. The result is an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Completing the vision, Topo Design Studio has seamlessly integrated landscape and architecture, preserving native vegetation while creating immersive outdoor environments that encourage meaningful engagement with the natural world. Every pathway, garden, and communal space has been carefully curated to strengthen the relationship between land, sea, and sky.
The AHEAD Asia 2026 finalist recognition reflects not only the excellence of the individual design elements, but also the strength of the collective vision that defines .Here Baa Atoll. From its expansive residential suites and transformative wellness offerings to SAFAR, the resort’s signature culinary destination, every aspect of the retreat has been thoughtfully designed to deliver a new benchmark in contemporary luxury hospitality.
As the newest addition to the Seaside Collection portfolio, .Here Baa Atoll represents a significant milestone in the evolution of ultra-luxury travel in the Maldives. This recognition celebrates the extraordinary collaboration between Seaside Collection and its creative partners, affirming a destination that continues to redefine luxury through exceptional design, immersive experiences, and a deep connection to place.
To learn more about .Here Baa Atoll, visit www.here-maldives.com.
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