From the world-class dining to the overwater villas, bars, day trips and epic sunsets, the LUX* South Ari Atoll resort is one of the finest properties in the Maldives that continues to be popular with guests from across the globe. To find out more about what makes the resort so unique, Wayfarer’s James Wilkinson spoke with LUX* South Ari Atoll General Manager, John Rogers.

John, great to see you. What do you love most about LUX* South Ari Atoll?

What I love most about LUX* South Ari Atoll is the sense of freedom and discovery it offers. We are fortunate to have one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, surrounded by an extraordinary marine environment and year-round whale shark encounters.

Beyond the setting, what makes the resort truly special is the variety of experiences available to our guests and the genuine warmth of our team.

We are proud to welcome many returning guests year after year, often for longer stays, as the island offers space, choice and comfort in abundance.

Guests can enjoy a different rhythm each day, whether through wellness, marine adventures, family activities, dining or simply finding their own quiet corner of the island.

Tell us about the stylish villas on offer.

Our villas are designed around a contemporary and relaxed approach to island living. From beachfront retreats surrounded by tropical greenery to overwater villas with direct access to the Indian Ocean, each offers a distinct way to experience the Maldives.

Our newest addition, the Temptation Beach Pool Villa, further elevates our accommodation offering with an exceptional sense of space, privacy and contemporary beachfront living.

Across the resort, our villas combine understated luxury with the freedom to experience the Maldives in your own way.

Tell us about the fantastic food and beverage on offer, which is some of the best in the Maldives.

Dining is an integral part of the LUX* South Ari Atoll experience. With eight restaurants and five bars, our culinary offering gives guests an exceptional variety of choices throughout their stay.

From authentic Italian and Japanese cuisine to Indian Ocean flavours, international favourites and relaxed beachfront dining, each venue has its own distinctive identity.

This variety is one of the reasons guests enjoy longer stays with us, as there is always something new to discover without the experience ever feeling repetitive.

What’s your X-factor at LUX* South Ari Atoll?

Our X-factor is the combination of extraordinary nature, genuine human connection and the freedom to experience the Maldives in your own way.

LUX* South Ari Atoll is large enough to offer a real sense of space and discovery, yet warm enough to feel personal and familiar.

Many guests return because the island never feels the same twice – there is always a new experience, a new flavour, a new encounter or a new moment to enjoy.

From year-round whale shark encounters and eight restaurants and five bars to thoughtful service and unexpected moments across the island, our aim is to create experiences that go beyond a traditional island holiday and become lasting memories.

This is at the heart of our philosophy at LUX* South Ari Atoll: to make life extraordinary for every guest who stays with us.

GETTING TO MALÉ, MALDIVES

The best way of getting to Malé in comfort and style.

Malaysia Airlines’ brilliant Business Class cabin features one of the best seats in the air

Wayfarer recommends flying to Malé via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, one of the top carriers in Asia.

Malaysia Airlines offers twice daily flights to Malé from Kuala Lumpur and in business class, you can expect amazing hospitality, comfortable and spacious seats and top-quality inflight dining headlined by the airline’s legendary satay skewers.

It’s an exciting time for Malaysia Airlines at present, with the oneworld carrier continuing to launch flights across the globe.