LUX* South Ari Atoll, the award-winning Maldivian resort operated by global hospitality group The Lux Collective, has been recognised among the Top 10 resorts in three categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. The resort secured prestigious placements in the Best Resorts for Families, Best Resort Pools and Best House Reefs categories, further strengthening its standing as one of the Maldives’ leading luxury island destinations.
Presented annually by Travel + Leisure, the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific recognise outstanding hotels, resorts, destinations and travel experiences across the region. The winners are selected through votes submitted by the publication’s readers, making the recognition an important reflection of international traveller preferences and confidence in the quality of the region’s hospitality industry.
The three distinctions highlight the broad range of experiences available at LUX* South Ari Atoll, including thoughtfully designed family programmes, expansive swimming facilities overlooking the Indian Ocean and direct access to a vibrant house reef. Guests can explore an exceptional underwater environment featuring colourful coral formations and diverse marine life within one of the Maldives’ most celebrated natural settings.
Located within the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, LUX* South Ari Atoll benefits from its position in an internationally significant marine ecosystem known for year-round whale shark sightings. The area is recognised as the world’s only known location where whale sharks consistently gather throughout the year, offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe these remarkable marine species in their natural habitat.
The resort combines contemporary island luxury with attentive hospitality, nature-based experiences and carefully curated activities for guests of different ages and interests. Its location, accommodation options and extensive recreational facilities make it particularly suitable for couples, families and multi-generational travellers seeking a well-rounded Maldivian holiday.
Extending across a two-kilometre-long tropical island, LUX* South Ari Atoll features 192 beach and overwater villas and pavilions. The accommodation portfolio is designed to provide privacy, comfort and direct connections to the surrounding lagoon, beaches and tropical landscape.
Among its latest accommodation offerings is the Temptation Beach Pool Villa, which features spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, a private swimming pool and direct beach access. The villa is designed for guests seeking an enhanced level of privacy while remaining closely connected to the island’s natural surroundings and recreational facilities.
The resort’s recognition in the Best Resorts for Families category reflects its comprehensive approach to family travel. Younger guests can participate in programmes at the PLAY kids’ club, while teenagers have access to activities specifically designed for their age group. The resort also organises island treasure hunts, creative workshops and marine-based educational experiences that encourage children and families to engage with the environment.
Guests may also participate in 40 complimentary activities during their stay, providing a varied programme of leisure, sports, wellness, cultural discovery and island exploration. The extensive activity selection enables families and individual travellers to personalise their stays while experiencing different aspects of the island and the surrounding marine environment.
The resort features eight restaurants offering a diverse selection of culinary experiences, including Italian and Japanese cuisine, Indian Ocean-inspired dishes and international menus. This variety enables guests to explore different dining concepts throughout their stay while enjoying settings that range from relaxed beachfront environments to refined island dining experiences.
LUX* South Ari Atoll also offers its award-winning LUX* ME Spa, where guests can access personalised treatments, wellness rituals and holistic therapies. The resort’s wellness offering is complemented by Keen On Green, a curated healthy cuisine concept designed to provide nourishing and thoughtfully prepared dining options.
Sustainability and marine conservation form an important part of the resort’s operations and guest experience. Guided snorkelling and diving excursions provide opportunities to discover the surrounding coral reefs, while marine conservation initiatives help raise awareness of the importance of protecting the Maldives’ delicate ocean ecosystems.
Signature LUX* Extraordinary Experiences include swimming with whale sharks, enabling guests to encounter the species throughout the year under professional guidance. These experiences combine recreation with environmental awareness and allow visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of South Ari Atoll’s biodiversity and ecological importance.
The resort’s achievements also contribute positively to the Maldives’ international tourism profile, reinforcing the country’s position as a premium destination distinguished by exceptional hospitality, natural beauty and diverse travel experiences. The recognition reflects the continued success of the Maldives’ tourism industry and supports the government’s efforts to promote quality tourism, environmental responsibility and sustainable economic growth.
General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll John Rogers expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that the three award categories represented the diversity of experiences available at the resort. He said the honours reflected the passion and dedication of the resort team and its commitment to creating extraordinary experiences that enable guests to celebrate life.
The latest accolades further enhance LUX* South Ari Atoll’s reputation as a leading luxury resort in the Maldives, recognised for distinctive hospitality, family-friendly experiences, outstanding aquatic facilities, access to an exceptional house reef and a long-term commitment to service excellence and sustainability.
Reservations and further information are available through luxresorts.com, by email at [email protected] or by telephone at +960 668 0901.
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