Featured
LUX* South Ari Atoll: where ‘lighter, brighter’ luxury comes with ‘surprises’

The moment I entered the brightly lit, heavy on white lounge of LUX* South Ari Atoll at the Maldives’ main airport, I felt lighter. The comfortable and relaxing atmosphere was complemented by the friendly staff who offered LUX* signature coffee. A few sips of the freshly brewed authentic coffee, and I was taken to the seaplane terminal for boarding.
After a 35-minute scenic seaplane flight above the Maldives’ stunning islets, the LUX* experience continued with the very first step on the resort’s arrival jetty. Greeting me and a couple who had arrived in the island for their dream vacation was none other than Glenn Daniels, the energetic General Manager at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
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. The seductive flood-lit over-water villas promise freedom, privacy and intimacy. Forty-six 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 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.
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.
LUX* South Ari Atoll, run by Mauritius-based hospitality group LUX* Hotels and Resorts, has been entirely re-imagined in a chic beach-house style, and reopened late last year. The relaunched resort adopts a “Lighter, Brighter” theme, which in itself pays homage to a rare combination of elements found only in the Maldives; tropical warmth, white sand, pristine reefs, teeming marine life and a great unimpeded vault of sky. With these vast Maldivian panoramas of aquatic purity coupled with the LUX* experience, the soul begins to lighten.
But every resort in the Maldives boasts similar natural characteristics such as white sand beaches and turquoise waters as well as world-class facilities such as overwater villas and so on. This is where LUX* South Ari Atoll is making a difference by offering more Reasons To Go LUX*. Spontaneity and surprises are in the resort’s DNA with LUX* South Ari Atoll presenting a unique range of Reasons To Go LUX*.
“… It is the small surprises that truly set us apart. I want to surprise my guests. Guests can go to a resort operated by a big international chain, which deliver on their promises every single time. But as a guest, I do not want to go to a place that delivers exactly what I expect. I want to be surprised,” Glenn tells me over coffee at the resort’s beachside cafe.
“The reality is that the success of any property here in the Maldives depends on making small differences that add up to an entirely unique, personal experience for the guests. We all have turquoise waters and white sand beaches. So what is gonna differentiate us from our competitors?”
At two kilometres long and only a few hundred metres wide, the island is large enough to offer freedom and variety. Everyday, four bottles bearing messages are placed around the resort entitling the finder to a small gift: a facial, a bottle of good wine, a linen shirt or sarong, a jet-ski ride. A small, light-filled and air-conditioned Wanderlust library offers more than 120 travel books. A squat banyan “wish tree” is garlanded with the hopes of hundreds of guests inked on strips of weatherproof vermillion cloth.
The lighter and relaxed feel of the relaunched LUX* South Ari Atoll extends to the experiences offered for the artist in you as well. The resort has introduced a service called Photo Fanatics, a unique image-capturing experience that helps guests seeking to create and capture the moments that matter using a smartphone or a camera. The new Junkart Studio and Gallery, meanwhile, invites guests to have fun making one-off artworks and sustainable souvenirs from upcycled materials, providing the perfect opportunity for everyone to explore something new or revisit old skills and passions.
The reimagining of LUX* South Ari Atoll does not end with just the look and feel. The resort is one of the first properties in the LUX* portfolio to offer a unique calendar of expert-led workshops designed to inspire creativity and boost guest health and well-being. Designed in partnership with Sydney-based organisation Work-Shop, these workshops mirror latest research revealing everyday creative activities such as performing music, painting or drawing, writing short stories, songs and poetry can ward off stress, leading to an upward spiral of increased emotional well-being.
As well as being exceedingly laid back, there is very much a spontaneous atmosphere seen everywhere at the recently renovated LUX* South Ari Atoll with impromptu cinema screenings on the beach, pop-up musical performances, surprise secret bars and much more. This marrying of contemporary Maldivian hospitality with little surprises creates a new brand of “lighter, brighter” luxury, which will continue with the launching of LUX* Hotels and Resorts’ second property in the Maldives, the LUX* North Male Atoll in November.
Awards
Atmosphere Kanifushi named Best Family Resort in Indian Ocean for sixth consecutive year

Atmosphere Kanifushi has once again been recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort’ at the World Travel Awards 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year the island has received this prestigious accolade. This continued recognition highlights the resort’s unique appeal to both romantic couples and adventure-seeking families.
Commenting on the achievement, Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, noted that the island’s charm lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between tranquillity and excitement. “While some Maldivian resorts cater to serenity and others to a more vibrant, active scene, Atmosphere Kanifushi is all about equilibrium—offering peace and relaxation alongside engaging, family-friendly experiences,” he shared.
Nestled on a long, naturally beautiful island with lush vegetation and surrounded by a stunning turquoise seascape, Atmosphere Kanifushi owes its success not only to its natural setting but also to the dedication of its team. According to Bhoyroo, the recognition is a result of the team’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for guests of all ages. “By intuitively understanding the needs of each guest, we ensure a seamless blend of high-touch service, relaxation, and fun, all while offering the true feeling of a castaway escape in paradise,” he said.
With one of the highest guest repeater rates in the Maldives, the resort continues to innovate in order to surprise and delight returning visitors. From refreshed culinary offerings to vibrant live entertainment, there is always something new to discover.
Most recently, Atmosphere Kanifushi unveiled its new Essens Spa, a concept that redefines relaxation and wellbeing. The spa features immersive wellness journeys, yoga and detox sessions, traditional healing rituals, and a full suite of salon services. In keeping with the resort’s inclusive approach to family wellness, the spa also offers a Kids Spa Experience, complete with playful treatments for children and specialised teen wellness rituals that nurture growing bodies, youthful skin, and emotional balance.
This latest award reinforces Atmosphere Kanifushi’s reputation as a premier destination for families seeking both luxury and adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Awards
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI wins ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at 2025 WTAs

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has been named ‘Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa’ at the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards, marking a third consecutive win and reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinguished villa experiences.
At the heart of this achievement is the resort’s crown jewel – the Royal RESERVE. Spanning 3,000 square metres, this exceptional villa redefines ultra-luxury in the Maldives. It features a private beach, expansive pool, personal spa treatment room with dedicated therapists, and opulent living spaces adorned with intricate handcrafted detailing. Guests are offered an array of exclusive privileges, including 24-hour private butler service, a personal chef for bespoke dining at the in-villa restaurant, and a private bar serving tailored beverages. The villa also boasts direct lagoon access and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, all enhanced by the signature RESERVE Experience – a promise of seamless, discreetly curated service.
This latest accolade continues a tradition of excellence for the resort, following its debut year that saw it claim multiple titles including ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Villa’.
Monica Coppetta, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, expressed her gratitude, “It is with heartfelt pride and deepest appreciation that we receive this coveted accolade from the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary distinction celebrates our passionate pursuit of crafting unforgettable journeys, where visionary design dances with gracious service amidst the Maldives’ breathtaking serenity. To be honoured by both our esteemed industry colleagues and cherished guests fills us with immense joy, strengthening our commitment to pioneering bespoke moments that linger in the memory long after departure. Every day, our team finds inspiration in turning dreams into reality, and this recognition fuels our devotion to perfecting the art of meaningful luxury.”
The 2025 win builds on a long-standing legacy of recognition for the resort, which was also recently nominated at the World Spa Awards 2025 as Maldives’ Best Wellness Retreat, thanks to its transformative ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa – a sanctuary renowned for innovative wellness practices and holistic rejuvenation.
The RESERVE Plan™ at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI sets the benchmark for all-inclusive luxury. It includes catamaran transfers, unlimited treatments at the award-winning ELE|NA spa, and elevated dining across seven distinctive venues. Guests also enjoy premium Champagne, curated ocean excursions, and personalised experiences with Best Dives. This seamless integration of indulgence and service exemplifies ‘abundant luxury’, making OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and thoughtfully crafted escapes.
Awards
Baros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at 2025 World Travel Awards

Baros Maldives has been honoured as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a recognition that underscores the resort’s enduring dedication to delivering heartfelt and intimate experiences that are quintessentially Baros.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, the Baros Water Villas are a refined expression of effortless luxury and seclusion. Each villa has been thoughtfully crafted to offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon, spacious sun-drenched decks ideal for peaceful reflection, and, in select accommodations, private pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Every element is designed to foster connection—with nature, with oneself, and with the timeless essence of Baros.
Beyond the villas lies Baros’ legendary house reef—teeming with vibrant marine life and coral gardens. Guests are invited to explore this underwater wonder through serene morning swims or sunset snorkelling sessions alongside turtles and schools of colourful reef fish.
Proudly Maldivian-owned and welcoming guests for over five decades, Baros Maldives has built a legacy of authentic hospitality and understated elegance. With just 75 villas, a team known for its warm, personalised service, and curated island experiences, the resort continues to offer stays that feel deeply personal and memorable.
Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros Maldives, expressed gratitude on behalf of the resort, “Our heartfelt thanks go to our guests, partners and the entire Baros team. This recognition is an honour and a wonderful reminder that the spirit of Baros continues to resonate with those who return to our shores time and again.”
As Baros celebrates this milestone, travellers are warmly invited to experience—or rediscover—the quiet magic that makes the island an enduring favourite in the Maldives.
-
Featured1 week ago
Global recognition for InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort at 2025 T+L Luxury Awards
-
Awards1 week ago
Sirru Fen Fushi secures top spots in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025
-
News1 week ago
JW Marriott Maldives & Resort, Korres launch sustainable summer
-
Awards1 week ago
Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific awards Villa Nautica Best Resort Pool in Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Kuda Villingili’s iconic pool honoured in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards
-
Featured1 week ago
Elevated wellness: Aerial Yoga launches at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives
-
Action7 days ago
Hideaway Beach Resort unveils new indoor pickleball court for wellness enthusiasts
-
Featured6 days ago
SO/ Maldives unveils restorative wellness journey with Holistic Healer Karan Kumar