Imagine your family walking along soft white sands on a private island in the Maldives, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. LUX* South Ari Atoll is more than just a luxury resort—it’s the best luxury resort in the Maldives for families, offering an unforgettable vacation experience for both adults and children.
With breathtaking Maldivian scenery, world-class amenities, and thoughtful family-friendly activities, LUX* South Ari Atoll provides the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. The resort is set amid pristine beaches and lush tropical greenery, creating an intimate and serene escape. For families seeking unique experiences, it’s located near the world’s largest year-round whale shark aggregation site, where you can enjoy safe and memorable excursions to swim alongside these gentle giants. Recognized for excellence in sustainability and service, LUX* South Ari Atoll is truly a top choice for a luxury family holiday in the Maldives
Table of contents
- How to Book Your Stay at LUX * South Ari Atoll
- Arrival and Check-In at LUX * South Ari Atoll
- Villa Options for Families at this Maldives Luxury Resort
- Dining Options at LUX * South Ari Atoll
- Resort Facilities for a Luxury Family Holiday
- Family-Friendly Activities at LUX * South Ari Atoll
- Service and Hospitality: Why LUX * Stands Out
- Frequently Asked Questions About LUX * South Ari Atoll
- Final Thoughts: Is LUX * South Ari Atoll the Best Luxury Resort in the Maldives for Families?
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How to Book Your Stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll
Booking a stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll, one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for families, is simple and straightforward. You can reserve your villa directly through the resort’s official website or via reputable third-party agencies. Feel free to consult a travel agent who specializes in Maldives family vacations, as they may offer access to special pricing, room upgrades, or additional amenities.
We emailed the resort directly to book, which gave us a slightly lower rate than booking through their website independently. While we didn’t use a travel agent, there are many who offer free services and can get you great rates with extra perks – definitely worth checking out!
One of the great perks of booking directly with the resort is flexibility: you can cancel penalty-free up to 30 days before your stay, which makes planning with kids much easier. Our travel plans and dates often change, so having a flexible booking was important to us.
Timing is Key:
For the best experience, book well in advance, especially during the peak travel season from November to April. LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a variety of packages tailored for families, couples, or all-inclusive stays. Families can enjoy packages that include special activities, dining deals, or occasional complimentary upgrades from half or full board to all-inclusive—perfect for saving a little while indulging in luxury.
Our all-inclusive stay included cocktails for mom and dad and fun mocktails for the kids (our 4-year-old loved this!)
Payment is hassle-free: the resort accepts most major credit cards, offers a secure booking process, and even allows direct bank transfers if that’s what you prefer.
To reach the resort, you’ll need a roundtrip seaplane transfer, which will be added automatically during online booking. Keep in mind this is an additional charge (and not cheap!), but it’s part of the seamless experience of arriving at one of the most family-friendly luxury resorts in the Maldives.
The seaplanes are very loud, but they do provide earplugs!
Arrival and Check-In at LUX* South Ari Atoll
After landing at Velana International Airport (MLE), you’ll be warmly greeted by a LUX* South Ari Atoll representative, who will assist with your seaplane transfer. They’ll meet you right at arrivals and guide you to the Trans Maldivian Airways desk, the largest seaplane operator in the world.
Make sure to provide the resort with your flight information at least 5 days in advance so your seaplane transfers can be arranged seamlessly.
Be prepared: Luggage allowances are strict
Each guest is allowed 20 kg of checked baggage and 5 kg of carry-on. Any extra weight is charged at $5 USD per kg, so pack acordingly.
Once your luggage is checked in, a short shuttle takes you to the seaplane terminal. Here, your representative will escort you to the complimentary LUX* lounge, where you can relax before departure. The lounge offers drinks, coffee, snacks, desserts, bathrooms, showers, and even a small kids’ play area—perfect for families.
Depending on the flight schedule, you may wait up to 2 hours in the lounge before boarding. On our trip, we only waited about 10 minutes, so we didn’t get to explore the lounge much.
When it’s time to board, you’ll be guided to your seaplane for an unforgettable 50-minute journey over the Maldives’ turquoise waters, atolls, and coral reefs. The aerial views set the stage for a luxury family vacation, and you may even spot other resorts along the way.
Upon arrival at LUX* South Ari Atoll, staff line the jetty with warm smiles to greet each family. Every family receives a personal staff member to guide them through check-in and escort them to their villa. Our wonderful guide, Yoojin, was our go-to person throughout our stay. In the reception area, we were welcomed with drinks, snacks, and popsicles for the kids, along with resort maps and restaurant information. Then, it was off to our villa, where the kids eagerly ran hand-in-hand with Yoojin to explore their new surroundings.
Check-in is quick, allowing you to start your family holiday in the Maldives immediately. Our luggage was already waiting in our room, and we even had time for a refreshing dip in our private pool before dinner.
Villa Options for Families at this Maldives Luxury Resort
LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort offers an impressive variety of villa options for families and couples, making it one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for families. Accommodations range in size, layout, and setting—from overwater villas to beachfront rooms with private pools—so you can choose what matters most for your family.
Room occupancy ranges from 2 to 6 guests, with many villas designed to comfortably accommodate families with children. Most standard rooms sleep up to 2 adults and 1 child, while larger family-focused villas offer significantly more space.
Room options:
- Beach Pavilions– These rooms offer direct beach and ocean access, king-sized beds, and approximately 60 square meters of space. Beach Pavilions sleep up to 2 adults and 1 teen, with the option to book interconnecting rooms if you’re traveling with a larger family.
- Family Lagoon Pavilions– Perfect for families, these spacious pavilions feature two separate bedrooms, direct beach access, two tropical indoor–outdoor bathrooms, king-sized beds, and about 130 square meters of space. These villas can accommodate up to 6 guests, making them one of the most family-friendly options at the resort.
- Beach Villas– Enjoy your own private stretch of sand with sunbeds, sea views from your terrace, a tropical indoor–outdoor bathroom with a stand-alone tub, and a king-sized bed. These villas offer around 95 square meters of space and have a maximum occupancy of 4 guests, two of whom must be children.
- Beach Pool Villas– If a private pool is a must, Beach Pool Villas deliver. These villas feature a private plunge pool, sunset views, indoor–outdoor bathrooms, king-sized beds, direct beach access with sunbeds, and about 116 square meters of space. They can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child or teen.
- Romantic Beach Pool Villas – These stunning villas offer the ultimate blend of privacy and luxury, with your own private beach, sunbeds, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, an outdoor terrace, and an indoor–outdoor bathroom with a stand-alone bathtub. With approximately 136 square meters of space, these villas can accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
- Water Villas– Wake up and step straight into the sea from your own overwater villa. These villas feature a private subdeck for sunset watching, a large catamaran net for lounging, glass floor panels for marine life viewing, and about 98 square meters of space. Maximum occupancy is 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children or teens.
- Romantic Pool Water Villas-Designed primarily for couples, these overwater villas include a private pool, sun deck, nest swing, and a drop-down projector for epic movie nights. Slightly larger than standard water villas, they offer around 110 square meters of space. Officially, they accommodate 2 adults and 1 child, though we were allowed to stay here with 2 adults and 2 children as long as our 2-year-old shared a bed with us.
- Two-Bedroom Beach Family Pavilions– For families needing more space, this option features two beach bungalows connected by a thatched roof. Each bungalow has a separate entrance for added privacy, along with king-sized beds. These villas offer around 120 square meters of space and can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children, or 2 adults and 4 children.
- Temptation Pool Water Villas-An upgraded version of the Romantic Pool Water Villa, these villas feature an enormous 14-meter infinity pool, sunbed, nest swing, and an indoor jacuzzi. With a generous 220 square meters of space, these villas are designed exclusively for 2 adults.
- LUX* Villa– The most exclusive accommodation on the island, the LUX Villa offers a truly next-level experience. Guests enjoy a private butler, buggy service, premium bicycles, and unobstructed ocean views from the end of the jetty. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels, see-through glass floors, and a private infinity pool complete the experience. With 360 square meters of space, this villa accommodates 2 adults and 1 child.
In-Villa Amenities & Thoughtful Extras
Every villa includes modern comforts like air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrooms. You’ll also receive complimentary toiletries, a beach bag, a hat, a beach cover-up, and LUX* flip-flops for every family member. Villas are stocked with umbrellas, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, body lotion, and cozy robes.
Mini fridges are replenished daily with sodas, juice, and beer, while snack drawers are filled with cup noodles, chips, candy, and nuts.
Honestly, the number of take-home freebies we received was astounding.
What We Took Home
- 1 adult ballcap (in-room on arrival)
- 1 beach cover-up (in-room on arrival)
- 2 beach bags (one from each room—we switched rooms mid-stay)
- 8 pairs of flip-flops (1 per person, per room)
- 2 kids’ hats (from the kids’ club)
- 2 kids’ t-shirts (also from the kids’ club)
- 2 whale shark plushies (kids’ club gifts)
- 1 turtle plushie and another whale shark plushie (kids’ stamp book completion prize)
- 4 bracelets (given to everyone on departure)
Dining Options at LUX* South Ari Atoll
Dining at LUX South Ari Atoll*, one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for families, is a standout part of the experience. With a wide variety of restaurants and bars, the resort offers something for everyone—from kid-friendly favorites like chicken nuggets and mac and cheese to elevated dishes such as Wagyu beef, oysters, and an impressive selection of fresh fish.
Meal Plans & All-Inclusive Dining
The resort offers several dining packages, including breakfast only, half board, full board, and all-inclusive. We highly recommend the all-inclusive option, especially for families. When ordering food or drinks, you’ll simply be asked for your room number to confirm your meal plan.
None of the meal plans include specialty dining at Allegria and Umami, or specialty menu items, which are clearly marked on the first page of each restaurant’s menu. That said, all-inclusive guests do receive a discount on specialty items ordered.
All-inclusive packages also include a wide selection of specialty cocktails and signature drinks at any restaurant or bar, and your villa comes stocked with a variety of liquors and wines.
Family-Friendly Dining
Children’s menus are available at all restaurants and include kid-approved options like mac and cheese and chicken nuggets. There’s even a dedicated baby menu that allows you to request freshly made baby purées of your choosing.
The resort truly caters to families at mealtimes. Staff consistently brought straws for kids’ drinks, along with child-sized cutlery and plates, and highchairs were always available when needed.
Where You Can Dine
Breakfast: East Market or Mixe
Lunch: Beach Rouge, Senses, Veli Bar, Lagoon Bar
Dinner: East Market, Mixe, Beach Rouge, Senses, Allegria ($), Umami ($)
Breakfast: East Market or Mixe.
Lunch: Beach Rouge, Senses, Veli Bar, Lagoon Bar.
Dinner: East Market, Mixe, Beach Rouge, Senses, Allegria ($), Umami ($).
Restaurant & Bar Highlights
East Market
Our favorite breakfast spot on the island, East Market is a spacious buffet with something for every palate. Options include yogurts, pastries, breads, meats, eggs, fruit, and traditional Maldivian dishes. Live stations serve made-to-order eggs and omelets, pancakes, waffles, and crepes. The setting is beautiful, with views of the ocean, island greenery, and overwater villas.
East Market is also worth visiting for dinner, where the buffet features excellent Asian cuisine. Fresh bao buns, stir-fry dishes, and wok specialties were our personal favorites.
Mixe
Mixe is the second buffet option, located on the opposite side of the island. Here, you’ll dine with your feet in the sand in a cozier, more intimate setting. It offers both breakfast and dinner buffets with menus similar to East Market, though with slight variations.
Beach Rouge
Open for lunch and dinner, Beach Rouge offers stunning ocean views and a diverse menu. Dishes include crab cakes, duck tacos, calamari, beef brisket, pasta, and pizza. Their Josper Grill menu, available at an additional cost, features elevated options like Wagyu beef and oysters.
Senses
Located poolside, Senses is a great choice for lunch or dinner. The menu includes traditional Maldivian dishes such as thali and curries, as well as burgers, salads, falafel, fish, and soups.
Veli Bar
After swimming in the nearby crystal-clear pool, Veli Bar is a convenient lunch spot. Menu items include burgers, soups, poke bowls, fish and chips, and traditional Maldivian snacks.
Lagoon Bar
Open for lunch only and located near the water sports center and island reception, Lagoon Bar serves burgers, fish, poke bowls, kebabs, and paninis.
Allegria
One of the two signature restaurants on the island, Allegria is open for dinner and serves authentic Italian cuisine with ocean views. Menu highlights include lobster risotto, duck ravioli, gnocchi, eggplant parmesan, Wagyu beef, pizza, and calzones.
Umami
The second signature restaurant, Umami is a tribute to Japanese cuisine. Here you’ll find gyoza, tempura, maki rolls, Japanese curry, nigiri, sashimi, sushi, Wagyu beef, salmon, and other elevated dishes.
Café LUX*
Located in the reception building, Café LUX* serves made-to-order coffee creations, including specialty lattes, along with sweet treats. Their locally sourced coffee beans are roasted on-site, and the coffee is genuinely excellent.
ICI Ice Cream
The resort’s own ice cream brand, ICI, can be found near Beach Rouge. They offer a solid selection of flavors, including sugar-free options, popsicles, and toppings.
Dietary Needs & Allergies
The resort caters well to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. All menus clearly mark common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. There’s also a dedicated gluten-free bread station with its own toaster, and we found the variety of options across all restaurants to be impressive.
For families, the all-inclusive plan makes dining easy, stress-free, and budget-friendly—one of the many reasons this resort works so well for a luxury family vacation in the Maldives.
Resort Facilities for a Luxury Family Holiday
One of the reasons LUX* South Ari Atoll stands out as one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for families is the sheer variety of resort facilities available. Whether your family loves adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, there’s truly something for everyone.
Water Sports & Diving Center
The resort offers an impressive range of water-based activities, making it ideal for families who want to take full advantage of the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters.
Snorkeling & Diving
The on-site PADI-certified dive center offers programs for both beginners and experienced divers, with all equipment provided and knowledgeable, experienced guides. Guided snorkeling trips allow you to discover vibrant marine life, and specific excursions include whale shark snorkeling, manta ray snorkeling, and sea turtle snorkeling—we did all three!
Adventure Water Sports
For families craving a bit more adrenaline, the resort offers a huge selection of water sports, some complimentary and others available for an additional fee. Options include jet skiing, paddleboarding, banana boats, flyboarding, hoverboarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, Topcat sailing, kitesurfing, pedal boats, and kayaks.
Snorkeling Equipment
Snorkeling gear can be rented daily at no cost, though it does need to be returned by 5:00 p.m. each day.
Fishing Trips
The resort also organizes fishing excursions for an additional fee, with all equipment provided.
LUX Me Spa
For a little pampering and relaxation, the LUX Me Spa is a must-visit. The wellness menu includes facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs, haircuts and styling, as well as personal training and yoga offerings. The spa also offers half- and full-day retreat packages for those looking to fully unplug.
What really stood out is how inclusive the spa experience is—they even offer a special spa menu for pregnant women and children, making it a great option for families traveling together.
Wanderlust Library
If you’re looking for a quieter escape, the Wanderlust Library is a lovely hidden gem on the island. The library is stocked with a wide selection of books, and you can choose to relax outside while enjoying the ocean breeze or head up the spiral staircase for a peaceful read with beautiful views over the water.
Gym & Fitness Classes
The well-equipped gym is conveniently located in the center of the island near the kids’ club, making it easy to squeeze in a workout while traveling with children. The gym features modern equipment, and several times a week, the resort offers complimentary fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, stretching, and HIIT.
PLAY – Kids Club
When the kids need some fun—or when you just need a break (yes, that’s totally okay!)—PLAY, the resort’s kids’ club, is a fantastic option. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., PLAY offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities, toys, and events, along with a shallow water play area for splashing and cooling off.
Children aged 3 and up can be dropped off independently, while kids under 3 require an adult to stay with them. Babysitting services are also available for $25 USD per hour, either in your room or at the kids’ club.
The Kids Club regularly organizes activities such as arts and crafts, beach games, Zumba classes, and cookie decorating. Some special events require an additional fee, but they’re clearly communicated ahead of time. It’s a great way for kids to stay entertained while parents enjoy some well-earned downtime.
Junk Art Studio
Another unique facility at the resort is the Junk Art Studio, which focuses on sustainability and creativity. The studio takes discarded materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill and transforms them into purposeful art. Guests can stop by during regularly scheduled workshops to get creative and make something meaningful during their stay.
Why These Facilities Matter for Families
From snorkeling with whale sharks to kids’ clubs and quiet spaces to unwind, the facilities at LUX* South Ari Atoll make it easy to balance adventure and relaxation. It’s one of the reasons this resort works so well for a luxury family vacation in the Maldives, offering flexibility for both parents and kids throughout the stay. Kids’ splash area at PLAY.
Family-Friendly Activities at LUX* South Ari Atoll
One of the highlights of staying at LUX* South Ari Atoll, and a big reason it works so well as one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for families, is the wide variety of excursions and special experiences available. Most excursions are offered at an additional cost, with the exception of daily House Reef Snorkeling, which is complimentary.
During our stay, we took part in Sea Turtle Snorkeling, Manta Quest, and Whale Shark Discovery, and all three were incredible experiences. Keep in mind that excursion availability can vary throughout the year, and trips may be canceled due to weather conditions or sea visibility.
Current Excursion Options
- Dolphin Cruise
- Jet Ski Safari
- Yoga and Sound Bath Aboard a Dhoni
- Divine Dinner
- Beginner Snorkeling
- Whale Shark Discovery
- LUX Manta Quest
- Sea Turtle Snorkeling
- Sandbank Picnic
- Morning Fishing
- Sunset Fishing
- House Reef Snorkeling (complimentary)
- Dhangeti Shopping
- Sunset Cruise
Snorkeling with manta rays at LUX* South Ari Atoll is one of the most popular experiences and a major draw for families visiting the area.
Special Events & Pop-Ups
In addition to excursions, the resort hosts a rotating schedule of special events and pop-ups throughout the week, offering something fun and different almost every day.
Movie Nights – Cinema Paradiso
Known as Cinema Paradiso, movie nights are held twice weekly at Senses Beach. Films are shown either directly on the beach or inside the Senses Bar area. Bean bags, drinks, popcorn, and ice cream are all included.
- Cinema Paradiso for kids: 19:30 – 21:30
- Cinema Paradiso for grown-ups: 21:30 – 23:00
Tree of Wishes
The Tree of Wishes is a fun and meaningful experience held twice weekly at 10:00 a.m. Staff help guests write their wishes on ribbons, which are then tied to the tree. The event includes music and complimentary refreshments.
At the end of the year, one ribbon is selected, and if it’s yours, you win a complimentary 5-night stay at the resort. It’s a lovely experience, especially for families.
DJ Sessions & Live Music
As the sun sets, the resort often comes alive with live music and DJ events. These include themed evenings such as white parties, 70s & 80s disco nights, and sunset discos. Schedules change weekly, so it’s best to check the resort app for upcoming events.
Complimentary Workshops & Activities
The resort also offers a variety of complimentary events throughout the week. These do require advance reservations but are free to attend. Options include:
- Coffee roasting and latte art workshops
- Coral planting workshops led by a Marine Biologist
- Occasional spa experiences
- Art events at the Junk Art Studio
- Sports activities like volleyball tournaments
Specialty Dining Events
For an additional charge, the resort hosts specialty dining experiences that rotate throughout the week. These include Maldivian Night (featuring traditional food, music, and dancing), Ama’s Kitchen (a Maldivian food immersion experience), and Garden BBQs, which offer a relaxed garden-party atmosphere with grilled specialties.
Little Explorers Passport
Upon arrival, our kids were given a Little Explorers Passport, which quickly became one of their favorite parts of the trip. As they completed activities around the island—like reading a book at the Wanderlust Library or taking a boat ride—they collected stamps.
Once all stamps were collected, they could redeem a prize at the reception. Our kids absolutely loved racing around the island to complete all the tasks, and it gave them a fun little souvenir to take home.
Message in a Bottle
One of the most unique experiences on the island is the message in a bottle. Throughout your stay, sealed glass bottles are hidden around the island each morning before sunrise. Inside each bottle is a “message” that awards a prize or experience—anything from a free massage to a bottle of wine or a dinner under the stars.
The bottles are surprisingly hard to find, even when waking up early. We tried at 6:00 a.m. and still came up empty-handed. You’re allowed to redeem one prize per villa, and if you’re not happy with what you find, you can rehide the bottle and keep searching.
Our kids eventually found one at the kids’ club. While the prize wasn’t the biggest, they thought it was incredibly fun to discover a secret message in a bottle.
Why These Experiences Are Perfect for Families
Between once-in-a-lifetime marine excursions, interactive kids’ activities, and nightly entertainment, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a balance of adventure and fun that works beautifully for a luxury family vacation in the Maldives. There’s always something happening, but never pressure to do it all.
Service and Hospitality: Why LUX* Stands Out
One of the biggest reasons LUX* South Ari Atoll is considered one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for families* is the level of service. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that hospitality here isn’t just a job—it’s something the staff genuinely take pride in.
Every staff member we encountered was friendly, attentive, and eager to help. And not in that forced, customer-service way—everyone truly seemed happy to be there. It created an immediate and genuine feeling of being valued, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family.
Traveling with kids can sometimes be stressful, but the hospitality at LUX made it effortless. Staff were patient, warm, and incredibly kind to our children, making them feel just as important as the adults. That alone made our stay unforgettable.
Help was always available when we needed it, whether it was for a room cleaning, a minibar restock, or simply asking a question. The team took care of us from start to finish, making sure all our requested activities were booked, keeping us updated on daily events, and ensuring we were comfortable throughout our stay.
Room service visited our villa two to three times a day. While that might sound excessive, it meant our space was always spotless—freshly made beds, clean towels, and the M&Ms fully restocked after our kids devoured them. The small touches really stood out: towel animals waiting on the bed, thoughtful messages made from fresh flowers and leaves gathered from the island, and on our final night, a warm bath drawn and filled with flower petals waiting for us when we returned to the room.
The staff truly go above and beyond to make your stay feel magical. LUX* South Ari Atoll simply wouldn’t be the same without the people who work there—and that genuine, heartfelt hospitality is what makes it such a special choice for a luxury family vacation in the Maldives.
Frequently Asked Questions About LUX* South Ari Atoll
If you’re considering LUX* South Ari Atoll as a luxury family resort in the Maldives, these are some of the most common questions parents ask before booking. We’ve answered them based on our firsthand experience to help you plan with confidence.
1. Is LUX* South Ari Atoll truly all-inclusive?*
Yes—and no. While the resort offers multiple dining packages (breakfast only, half board, full board, and all-inclusive), the all-inclusive option does have some limitations.
What is not included in the all-inclusive package:
- Specialty dining restaurants (Allegria and Umami)
- Specialty menu items marked as signature dishes, including the Josper Grill menu
- Takeaway coffee (coffee at Café LUX* is complimentary, but takeaway cups incur a fee)
- Babysitting services for children under 3 ($25 USD per hour)
- Optional excursions (the only included excursion is daily House Reef Snorkeling)
- Tips (not mandatory, but an additional cost to consider)
2. What’s the best time of year to visit?
The best time to visit is between November and April, during the dry season (we visited in January). This period offers the most reliable weather for beach time and outdoor activities. During the wet season, you may experience tropical storms and rain.
3. Is the resort good for babies?
Absolutely. LUX* South Ari Atoll is very baby-friendly. The resort provides highchairs and cots, children’s cutlery and cups at restaurants, and freshly made baby purées available at any dining venue. Babysitting services are also available in your villa or at PLAY (for an additional fee).
4. Can you bring a stroller?
Yes, you can bring a stroller. That said, the sandy paths around the island may make maneuvering more difficult unless you have an all-terrain or lightweight stroller. We personally wouldn’t recommend bringing one, though we did see plenty of parents who chose to do so.
5. What tips do you have for future travelers?
- Book popular excursions (like dolphin watching or diving) early. We recommend reserving excursions and babysitting services on the day you arrive to secure your preferred dates and times.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs. Complimentary sunscreen is available in many beach areas around the resort.
- Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially for kids—nights can get breezy and cool.
- Pack smart-casual clothing for dinner. While the dress code isn’t strictly enforced, it is requested for evenings, even at buffets. You may also want to bring something white for themed events like the white party.
6. Do they provide toiletries?
Yes. Each villa is stocked with high-quality toiletries, so you can pack lighter. Items include shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, combs, sandals, beach bags, and towels.
7. What if I forget diapers, snorkel gear, or a bathing suit?
The resort boutique carries essentials such as diapers, swimwear, toiletries, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, beach toys, clothing, and jewelry. The shop is small, and prices are high, so it’s best to pack everything you’ll need.
If you need diapers before arriving at the resort (like we did), there’s a shop inside the airport near the luggage storage area in Malé that sells diapers and other essentials.
Snorkeling gear can also be rented for free from the water sports center—just remember to return it by 5:00 p.m.
8. What if I have a late departing flight?
If your flight departs later in the day (ours left at 9:00 p.m.), you can continue enjoying the resort amenities until your seaplane transfer. While you can’t choose your seaplane departure time, the staff will do their best to schedule the latest possible transfer.
On your final morning, you’ll pack your belongings and leave them in your villa. Check-out is usually around 10:00 or 11:00 a.m., and staff will store your luggage at reception until departure.
You’re free to enjoy all resort facilities—including pools, beaches, and restaurants—even after checking out. Late villa use may be available for a fee, but we found the cost ($260 USD) too high.
Instead, we spent the day at the beach and then used the complimentary shower and bathroom facilities located behind reception before our flight. This area includes three showers, three bathrooms, sinks with mirrors, lockers, and complimentary toiletries such as razors, combs, and body lotion.
Final Thoughts: Is LUX* South Ari Atoll the Best Luxury Resort in the Maldives for Families?
So, why did we choose LUX* South Ari Atoll?
- It’s located near the world’s only year-round whale shark aggregation site (one of our bucket list items!)
- A fantastic kids’ club with babysitting services (giving mom and dad a break and the ability to go on excursions that were not kid-friendly)
- One of the best all-inclusive options in the Maldives (there were so many options!)
- A genuine and visible commitment to sustainability
- Thoughtful family-friendly touches like movie nights, a kids’ passport stamp book, hidden island treasures, a library, and well-designed kids’ menus
LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort truly delivers on its promise of luxury, adventure, and ease, especially for families. From the stunning overwater and beachfront villas to the wide variety of dining options and consistently warm, attentive service, it’s a place where unforgettable memories are made without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
There’s truly something for everyone, no matter your age or interests. Whether you’re snorkeling with whale sharks, enjoying a quiet moment in the library, or watching your kids light up during movie night, LUX* makes it all feel seamless. Yes, it’s a splurge—but one that offers incredible value in return, particularly for a luxury family vacation in the Maldives.
Would we go back? Without hesitation. Next time, we’re excited to dive deeper into the island excursions with our kids and explore even more of what this magical place has to offer. We wholeheartedly recommend LUX South Ari Atoll* to families, couples, and anyone looking to experience the Maldives in a truly special way.
Happy travels!
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