News
Maldives in a new light at LUX* South Ari Atoll
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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.
News
Elevated island living with Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa’s new three-bedroom Kuda Estate
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The new Three-bedroom Kuda Estate at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa offers groups of up to six adults and three children the freedom to live the Maldivian dream at their own rhythm. Located on one of the purest gems in the Maldives’ pearl-like string of islands, the three-bedroom wonder is an oceanfront idyll for those who crave space, seclusion, and seamless service; above all, it extends Kuda Huraa’s renowned “at-home” vibe to a new generation of multigenerational families, groups of friends, and anyone ready to upgrade their holiday game.
The resort’s largest and most exclusive accommodation, the Kuda Estate combines luxurious privacy and playful togetherness. Three standalone bedroom villas are linked by communal indoor-outdoor living spaces around a 139-square-metre (1,500 square foot) infinity pool curved around a 140-square-metre (1,500 square foot) oceanfront deck. Combining the best of both vacation worlds, it exists as a heavenly hideaway within the wider embrace of Kuda Huraa’s enchanting and endearing village-island community.
Expansive Island Living
Just steps from shimmering turquoise waters, the Kuda Estate – a reimagining of the resort’s former Royal Villa – has undergone a complete transformation. The expanded 262 square metres (2,820 square feet) interior and 214 square metres (2,303 square feet) exterior layout now features three bedrooms, up from the original two, for greater flexibility and privacy. Redesigned living and dining areas maximise light and space, upping the ante on stylish settings for celebration and connection. Soaring ceilings of more than six metres (20 feet) – more than double the height of standard rooms – flood the Estate with golden light, while a new dining area skylight above enhances the airy, uplifting ambience.
To Infinity and Beyond
In the new Kuda Estate, boundaries between indoors and outdoors dissolve. A seamless flow of easy, breezy open living spaces invites effortless connection to the endless horizon. Versatile areas balance privacy with togetherness, framed by breathtaking views. The island’s only private sea-view gazebo, complete with a swing, offers the perfect spot to relax and soak up the beauty of the oceanic surrounds. The expansive sea-view deck – complete with a newly extended dining area and a sunken seating enclave – invites al fresco dining and intimate gatherings amid mesmerising Maldivian vistas. From sunset dips in blissful seclusion to cocktail soirees under the stars, the stage is set for playful tropical living.
Toes-in-the-Sand Style
A fresh design aesthetic and crisp palette mirrors the Estate’s luminous setting. Bright whites, vibrant aquamarines and deep violets reflect the adjacent sands and ever-changing seascape beyond. Designer pieces – including the iconic B&B Italia sofa – elevate the sleek, streamlined style. Interesting textures and organic lines segue into the island location to create a haven of relaxed elegance in harmony with Kuda Huraa’s fabled feeling of coming home.
Legendary Kuda Huraa Service
Renowned for its devoted team and warm, welcoming ethos, Kuda Huraa’s seamless service is delivered directly to the Kuda Estate via a dedicated personal attendant. From sunrise paddleboarding to starlit feasts, every detail of each dining, marine, spa or off-site experience is uniquely planned – affording Estate guests an elevated taste of the island’s legendary care.
Commenting on the launch of the Kuda Estate, General Manager Didier Jardin says, “The reimagined Kuda Estate raises the bar for luxury at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa. It’s the perfect fusion of privacy, space, and design – magnificent in scale, yet perfectly in tune with its natural island surrounds and the island’s warm embrace. We’re thrilled to welcome families and groups of friends to experience this one-of-a-kind retreat and create precious new memories in one of the Maldives most iconic resort settings.”
Awards
The St. Regis Maldives named BEST OF LUXURY 2025 by Stop Over Reisen
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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been honored with the BEST OF LUXURY 2025 award by Stop Over Reisen, a leading luxury tour operator with over 35 years of expertise in curating luxury Maldivian escapes. Chosen by 200,000 discerning travelers, this prestigious recognition reinforces the resort’s status as a top destination for luxury and exclusivity in the Maldives.
Renowned for its impeccable service and lavish accommodations, the St. Regis Maldives continues to set the standard in high-end travel. This award highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring every guest experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
The BEST OF LUXURY award is a symbol of prestige in the hospitality industry, celebrating properties that exemplify sophistication, innovation, and world-class service. As the demand for elite travel grows, the St. Regis Maldives remains a leader, offering refined accommodations, personalized services, and an unparalleled setting in one of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Nestled in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. Located on a breathtaking natural island, the resort is surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, white-sand beaches, and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, offering an unparalleled escape. Its 77 elegantly designed villas seamlessly blend with nature while providing modern comforts, including private terraces, pools, and breathtaking ocean or garden views.
Signature accommodations include the overwater John Jacob Astor Estate, featuring three bedrooms, a private gym, and massage rooms, and the beachfront Caroline Astor Estate, which boasts panoramic views, a 67-square-meter pool, and opulent living spaces. Guests can explore the vibrant marine ecosystem through snorkeling, diving, and a variety of water sports, or embark on an exclusive yacht excursion aboard Norma. Committed to sustainability, the resort also spearheads coral restoration programs under the guidance of its dedicated Marine Biologist.
Renowned for its signature St. Regis Butler Service and award-winning hospitality, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort seamlessly combines luxury, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Maldives.
Awards
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru awarded four-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide Awards 2025
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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has been honoured with a coveted Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, recognising the resort’s exceptional service, refined luxury, and world-class hospitality.
Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruise ships. Their anonymous inspectors evaluate properties based on up to 900 objective criteria, focusing on service excellence and overall guest experience.
Following an extensive renovation last year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru unveiled refreshed villas, enhanced guest experiences, and a dine-around concept featuring award-winning restaurants. This recognition underscores the resort’s dedication to providing an unparalleled luxury escape in the Maldives.
At Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, service excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated team is committed to providing consistently exceptional service, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and personalised stay. From warm Maldivian hospitality to meticulous attention to detail, we create an atmosphere of tranquillity and indulgence.
In addition to luxury and hospitality, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru remains deeply committed to sustainability. The resort’s newly renovated Marine Lab continues to serve as a pioneer in marine conservation in the Maldives, focusing on coral restoration, marine biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism practices.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this prestigious recognition from Forbes Travel Guide,” said Hery Kuswoyo, General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding service and authentic experiences that celebrate the natural beauty and culture of the Maldives. With our refreshed resort, we strive to offer our guests a unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and the essence of the original Maldives.”
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