This is the fifth time we have had the pleasure of visiting a LUX* Group resort, this time the LUX* South Ari Atoll. Previously, we thought that the experiences at LUX Le Morne in Mauritius could not be surpassed, but LUX* South Ari Atoll surprised us with its own enchanting beauty.
Arriving in Male, our adventure began with the relaxed atmosphere in the LUX* lounge before the seaplane flight to the island. The transfer from the airport to the resort and boarding for the seaplane were perfectly organized, and even the brief rain on landing couldn't dampen the anticipation.
Before our arrival, I had booked a Beach Family Villa on the Sunrise side directly with LUX*. INTHI, the deputy manager, made every effort to ensure that we were able to move into the villa from the second day. The furnishings, the comfortable bed, the bathroom with an open roof and the idyllic location of the beach villa under palm trees with its own sun loungers on the fine sandy beach - simply a dream!
INTHI regularly surprised us with WhatsApp messages when the majestic manta rays appeared at the jetty and was always on hand with immediate and straightforward help with any questions. Both the time in the Beach Villa and later in the Sea Villa offered a fantastic experience in their own way.
The various restaurants on the 2 km long island offered culinary variety. The MIX and EST MARKET restaurants with their buffets and the SENSE and BEACH ROUGE with their exquisite à la carte offerings were particularly impressive. The teppanyaki experience in the Japanese Umami Restaurant on my birthday will stay with us for a long time.
HAAM at MIX Restaurant was an asset not only with his beaming smile, but above all with his outstanding service. He made breakfast and dinner at MIX a real treat. The Maldives Night at MIX and the breathtaking sunset at Beach Rouge and Sense will also remain unforgettable.
The resort not only spoiled us with culinary delights, but also offered a wealth of sports activities. BRASANTA, the fitness trainer, made us work up a sweat during the morning Cyrcel training session, while PRAVEEN introduced us to the world of yoga. SHAWKAT, the shuttle bus driver, impressed us not only with his driving skills, but above all with his ability to greet and entertain guests in different languages.
The Watersport Center on the island also offered great opportunities, especially the free snorkeling tour to the house reef with an almost 100% guarantee of encountering turtles. Our initial reservations about the whale shark tour were rewarded with an unforgettable experience. In addition to the whale shark, we also saw a huge manta ray, turtles and Delphi. The tour is highly recommended.
Even the pools, especially the Sense Pool, were an oasis of refreshment with free service and an extremely attentive LUX* team. Face refreshing sprays and glasses cleaning included - pure vacation pleasure!
In conclusion and as a summary: it was not just a vacation; it was a journey into pure relaxation and beauty. A big thank you to the entire LUX* South Ari Atoll team, especially Inthi, Haam, Jaufer, Shawkat, Brasanta, Praveen and the two guys from the Watersport Center. You have made this our best vacation ever. We say with conviction: We will definitely be back!
Thank you for unforgettable days full of luxury and warmth!
