10 Resorts in Southern Ari Atoll: Best hotel deals for 2023

May 10, 2023 Malia Yoakum

Discover the best Resorts in Southern Ari Atoll including LUX* South Ari Atoll, Constance Moofushi Maldives, Sun Island Resort & Spa, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Mirihi Island Resort, Diamonds Athuruga, Fiyavalhu Maldives.
Things to do in Southern Ari Atoll

1. LUX* South Ari Atoll

20033
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5499 reviews

LUX* South Ari Atoll

Dreamy atolls of tropical islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a kaleidoscope of colours and earthly pleasures. Get away from it all at LUX South Ari Atoll (formerly LUX Maldives), the only settlement on the postcard-perfect island of Dhidhoofinolhu. Fuss free and laid-back, the resort surprises with pop-up cinema screenings right on the beach, impromptu musical performances and strolls along secret pathways through the lush tropical gardens. Just steps from the thatch-roofed suites and ocean-perched villas, the island's unspoilt beaches are yours to claim. A prime spot for snorkelling and whale-shark spotting, the resort's unblemished lagoon is a diver's dreamworld. Back on land, island street food and fine dining await in the tempting restaurants and bars. In the shade of coconut palms, lounge by the two turquoise pools, luxuriate in the ocean-view spa and surrender to the charms of this castaway idyll.

Honeymoon

Reviewed By Ali17x

We couldn’t decide which island to go to for our honeymoon, after plenty of research we picked for Lux and definitely one of the best choices we ever made! This island is absolutely beautiful with plenty to see and do, lots of different events on daily - everyone gets their own host, ours was the lovely Elisa who messages every evening with updates. Friends were telling us 7nights in Maldives is too much (we done 7nights Maldives 6nights Dubai) but honestly I wish we spent longer here and cut Dubai short! A very special mention to Anvil who kept our romantic water villa immaculate everyday, what a lovely friendly hard working gentleman - Thank you very much for looking after us during our stay. The food in all the restaurants was fantastic as was all the staff, absolutely everyone on the island is so friendly and welcoming. We had the most memorable and amazing time here and will definitely be back ❤️ Mr & Mrs Ali

2. Constance Moofushi Maldives

00200
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 3310 reviews

Constance Moofushi Maldives

Barefoot chic, villas on dazzling white sand or on stilts that float above the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean; choose from one of the 24 beach villas, 56 water villas or 30 senior water villas at Constance Moofushi. Set on its own secluded island, the resort is a perfect combination of luxury and simplicity where everything is taken care of with our All-Inclusive Package - from premium drinks, exquisite cuisine to luxurious accommodation. And if you are not exploring one of the best diving sites in the world around the South Ari Atoll; try spa treatments for a more beautiful you. From ecological thatch roofing to crystal clear water, Constance Moofushi is one of our unique resorts with a soul. All villas are built and decorated with wondrous tones of nature with a hint of Constance chic. Feast on fresh seafood and treat your palate to the finest wines in our sand floored restaurant. The colourful aquatic world is also a must while staying at Constance Moofushi. From snorkelling exploration, sunset cruise with a traditional Dhoni to dolphin search and big game fishing Maldivian style, Constance Moofushi and its surrounding is a jewel!

A Gem hidden into Indian Ocean!

Reviewed By Anton I

Staying last day at this amazing resort, that made our vacation unforgettable. The hotel is a gem hidden into Indian Ocean: Comfortable villas that clean and fresh every day (Tanks to housekeeping Humaam), instagramic landscapes, delicious food and cocktails, very concentrated marine life on house reef. Separate note on personnel who made our feeling like at home: Management and Front office - Roula, Luthi, Ali, who was taking care of every request of every valued guest; Restaurant - Priyantha, Dilup, Susa, Binju, who was taking care of best class food and personnel approach to our kid. There is nothing to say more apart of this is must visit hotel in Maldives, and we will com back for sure!

3. Sun Island Resort & Spa

2100
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5787 reviews

Sun Island Resort & Spa

Sun Island measuring about 1.6 km in length and around 440 meters in width has 462 elegantly furnished guestrooms, including 72 water bungalows, out of which, 4 are Presidential Suites, 30 Sunset Villas, 218 Superior Beach Bungalows, 106 Standard Beach Bungalows and 36 Sun Villas. All Standard and Superior Beach Bungalows as well as Sunset Villas are built on the beach ensuring a direct view of the shore and sea. Water Bungalows are built on stilts in the lagoon overlooking the vast horizon of either the sunrise or sunset view, from your private deck.

Honeymoon

Reviewed By ShraddhaS225

Bikash was very nice and humble, he decorated the room for us..the service was good ..we had a good time in Maldives☺️☺️ will recommend Maldives to others too and will visit again with family for sure

4. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

20217
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2773 reviews

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Surrounded by the blue ocean of the South Ari Atoll, and distinctive with its timbered walkways and colonial-style buildings, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a barefoot paradise with a palm-fringed beach and shimmering lagoon that offers the perfect island holiday for everyone. With 112 spacious villas set over-water, and suites blending harmoniously with the natural setting, the island has a wealth of activities and superb facilities that makes this an ideal hideaway for couples and honeymooners, or a fun-filled destination for families. The over-water villas enjoy their own sundeck with steps down to the multihued coral reefs. Special villas for families have bunk beds in a children’s area, and you can also enjoy the option of an overwater villa with plunge pool. Champagne breakfasts are served at Reef Restaurant. Lunches and dinners are to be enjoyed at Azurri Mare Italian Restaurant, Suan Bua Thai restaurant or Reef Restaurant. There are two bars on the island. The island offers activities at the age-specific kids’ clubs, water activities like banana boat and tube rides, water sports, and pool games by the children’s pool. There are exceptional opportunities to discover the exotic life of Maldives underwater, with a house reef that is a kaleidoscope of colour for snorkellers, a shipwreck dive site just off the island, and easy access to some of the most famous dive sites in the world.

Review

Reviewed By divyam916

Great hospitality.Enjoyed our time with Centara,Maldives. Special thanks to Dr Ramsha for helping us out with an unwanted accidental injury. Shout out to the chefs and staff(Venky) at Reef restaurant, superb Indian food.

5. Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

Maafushivaru Island, 00130
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 465 reviews

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

Among resorts in Maldives, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is the typical island epitomizing all that one dreams of when thinking of the Maldives. Located in a private island in the pristine South Ari Atoll region, approximately 25-minute seaplane flight away from Malé International Airport. With its small island charm, lush vegetation surrounded by powder-white soft sand, and a house reef that a myriad of tropical fish call home, the island is just over 350 metres in length and can be walked in just 10 minutes and a bit! Thatch-roofed villas inspired by local architecture are set amidst verdant gardens or are poised over the turquoise lagoon. Deceivingly modest exteriors hide worldly comforts and indulgences and all villas offer direct access to the beach or to the sea. Designed for couples seeking to rekindle their romance or for families looking to spend quality time together, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort offers an experience that elegantly combines a Maldives from times-gone-by with the contemporary luxuries of the present, distinguishing it from other Maldives all inclusive resorts. At Maafushivaru, let us help you make memories that will be forever cherished.

Honeymoon of our dreams

Reviewed By naorins

We absolutely loved the 8 days spent at Outrigger Maafushivaru for our honeymoon. It seriously could not have been a lovelier time! The island and resort is beautiful! We had the waterpool villa which was stunning, and definitely worth the extra cost for our honeymoon. We requested a sunset pool villa which was provided, and we will remember the sunsets from here for many many years to come! The island is beautiful, and the resort is small giving it a boutique feeling. Maximum occupancy is 160 guests (80 rooms). Everyone was either on their honeymoon or a couple, no families or children at this time of year which we loved! Note - peak times/christmas likely to have families with children around! The spa (recommend visiting the sauna and steam room before treatments) and the gym are wonderful too. The most scenic view for a workout possible! We enjoyed the dine around all inclusive, opting for the A La Carte restaurants as we prefer these to a buffet. Note - you need to book in advance when you arrive, and not all restaurants are open every day (possibly as it is off peak atm)! Nargiza from reception had helpfully reserved the first few nights for us. We were also extremely pleasantly surprised that the Team had organised a luxurious beach intimate dining experience for our final night! This was a wonderful way to end our honeymoon and again memories for a lifetime. The most outstanding​ quality is the service at Outrigger Maafushivaru - the entire team are extremely friendly and helpful! We could list absolutely everyone - but a special thanks to Reesham, Chaitanya, Chara, Victoria, Prosop, Chris and Kim... apologies to anyone we cannot remember by name! Everyone went out of their way to make this a special trip for us, constantly asking us if we wanted any drinks or food. The team at the Water Sports Centre (Naim and Raquelle) were so friendly and amazing also! They taught us to kayak - which is something we had never done before!! Snorkelling is great also - we saw many different fishes and baby sharks close to the island! We also had an incident when my wife's gold bracelet fell in the restaurant and got stuck within the floor - and the team at Umi went over and beyond to retrieve it by going in to the water and collecting it from underneath!! We had the most amazing time and would be most fortunate to visit again.

6. Lily Beach Resort & Spa

20077 011 960 668-0013
Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 3578 reviews

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Located on the private island of Huvahendhoo in South Ari Atoll, Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been awarded Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Maldives and in Asia in 2019 and 2020 by TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards and #11 in the World. With its extensive Platinum Plan, the resort continues to reinvent culinary offerings to stay abreast of trends in dining experiences, beverages and presentation. Additionally, the island enjoys a renowned character for its pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and the unspoiled house-reef just a few meters away from its shores.

Lily beach experience

Reviewed By boltkatniss

I stayed in the resort for three nights in May. What an amazing resort. I was welcomed with such kindness and this went on through my stay. I booked in a water villa.the room was fantastic. Clean and had a fantastic view of the ocean.the room was big. I cant complain about this Resort. All the facilities were clean and modern.The buffet restaurant was excellent. The staff were exceptional. Really had a great time. Hands down to one of the best resort in Maldives..Lily beach resort

7. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

20077
Excellent
81%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3028 reviews

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an idyllic island paradise, with lush tropical greenery and unparalleled views of and access to the Indian Ocean. Lifetimes away from the outside world Conrad Maldives Rangali Island celebrates the Maldives as it was meant to be – pristine, peaceful and extraordinary. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, renowned for its abundant flora and fauna, the resort combines awe-inspiring surroundings and intuitive service that connects guests with the charm of the Maldives.

Conrad is the only choice when visiting the Maldives

Reviewed By NWilliams19

Everything and everyone is perfect at this hotel. You definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to come to this resort if you have the chance. Villa 130 is amazing you won’t be disappointed the sunsets are gorgeous!

8. Mirihi Island Resort

00190
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1441 reviews

Mirihi Island Resort

Mirihi Island Resort is located on a secluded tropical island in the South Ari Atoll, approximately 85 kilometres south of the capital Male'. A picturesque and breathtaking 30 minute seaplane ride from Male will bring you here. This emerald gem is just 350 meters long and 50 meters wide with a sparkling palm-fringed beach of fine white sand as soft as powder, inviting you to leave your shoes behind for the duration of your stay. Only a few meters from the beach, the house reef awaits you with a great variety of marine life.

Reassuringly the same

Reviewed By Mirihilover

Sixteen years to the day after our last very special visit (honeymoon) we have yet again spent time in paradise. Quiet, relaxing, friendly with outstanding quality of service from everyone. Barefoot from the moment we got off the sea plane to our return to it 10 days later. The food was good in 2006 but Chef Felix and Senna have taken the flavour experience to out of this world and there is the opportunity to experience something new and different each day. My first wing bean curry, banana flower curry, pea flower ice cream - all delicious. From Mohammed and Alexa who greeted us off the plane, Shane who chatted daily to us with the restaurant staff, (Hussain, Munnam, Shafraz, Mousa, Latheef - sorry if i missed anyone!), Thari at the Spa to Anja, Susan and Sameer at the dive centre and Kalheel who tidied our room, we could not have asked for more. Our 13yr old daughter had her first dives outside the UK and Susan guided her and reassured her throughout. I cannot thank her enough for increasing her confidence and ability under water, but also for the opportunity for my hubby and I to enjoy our diving too. There are plenty of boat trips and excursions but they are quite pricey. We didn't try these as we spent most of our time diving or snorkelling and chilling on the beach with a couple of visits to the amazing Thari at the Spa. There is plenty to see snorkelling - turtles, rays, reef sharks, powder blue sturgeon fish (Dory from Nemo) anenome fish, huge shoals of convict sargent fish and even some lovely new corals growing. This is truly a special place and somewhere you can switch off completely. Evenings are quiet with chilled out with jazz in the bar or informative presentations from the dive staff on Project Hope and the coral conservation work they are doing. The staff volleyball tournament final was also on whilst we were there and was good fun to watch (go Pink Eagles!). We were early to bed and early to rise so personally wouldn't want any more entertainment as it would change the ambience. Thank you to everyone at Mirihi for a perfect holiday. We are starting our holiday saving again and hope to see you before another 16 years have passed!

9. Diamonds Athuruga

00130
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1423 reviews

Diamonds Athuruga

Athuruga Island Resort is the twin island of its sister Thundufushi. The island comprises of a thick vegetation of coconut palms and surrounded by powdery beach which extends to one side of the island. The lagoon on this side is small and the superb house reef is within the swimming distance while on the other side the lagoon is very large, sandy and is ideal for paddling around. Athuruga Island resort is best described as an elegant and intimate holiday resort with a high standard of service which offers offer All Inclusive only. There are only 51 rooms, named as 46 Beach Bungalows and 05 garden Villas. Catamaran, laser boat, canoe, windsurfs offered free to guests who must be experienced & licensed for these activities. Snorkeling equipment are offered free against a deposit towards loss of damage. Free guided snorkeling on house reef daily. Free laundry service. Aerobic, stretching, water gym and dance lessons free of charge.1 sunset fishing and 1 fisherman island excursion per stay included free. Beach towels provided free. Free doctor's service and infirmary.

Superb Holiday ?

Reviewed By gixxerlynn

Having been to the Maldives on many occasions since 1996 we have tried quite a few islands. This is the first we have been to that we have felt completely comfortable at from the moment we set foot on it. Other than the rooms being quite close to each other we could not fault anything. All the staff were brilliant and cannot remember all of their names unfortunately as too many of them. However every single one of them that we came into contact with were polite, helpful, friendly and attentive and also had a sense of fun which we do like. Diego the manager certainly has a great team under him and should be extremely proud of them. Particulate mention to those I can remember - our room boy Ahmed, our waiter Ahmed, the pizza man, Titu on the BBQ, Sameeru (Curly hair) in the bar, the ice cream man. I don’t want to leave anyone out but it was impossible to keep track of all their names. It was also good to see Diego about every evening along with other staff don’t often see that in The Maldives. Fantastic snorkelling the best I have seen, did not expect to see Turtles, sharks, Eagle Rays and shoals of big fish every time we went out. Saw lots I had never seen before. If you want somewhere relaxed but with a very social feel to it, great staff, great food, great snorkelling but not too many rooms then this is perfect. One of the best holidays we have had.

10. Fiyavalhu Maldives

Mandhoo 00960
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 117 reviews

Fiyavalhu Maldives

Fiyavalhu Maldives offers an all-island experience that encompasses comfortable living spaces in a natural and private alcove of Mandhoo. The design takes into consideration the sublime surroundings of the beautiful environment of the island and the simple Maldivian lifestyle.

A Hidden Jewel

Reviewed By AndreafromPrague007

A week long stay in the Fiyavalhu resort exceeded all our expectations. From the first moment we arrived until we left. We stayed in one of the brand new and tastefully designed bungalow villas right on the beach. With a breathtaking sea view from our bedroom, with a private access to a long strip of pristine sandy beach, and most importantly, with the feeling that there’s no one else on the island. If you are looking for crowds and parties, this is not it. In a nutshell, Fiyavalhu is a boutique, luxurious and peaceful resort for reasonable money. All day long, you are pampered in a five star style. Starting with an opulent and long breakfast either served to your table or prepared in a buffet style in a beautiful restaurant wherefrom you can spot dolphins from time to time. For lunch, you can either go to a cafe at the infinity pool or have it served right in the sand on the beach. A five course dinner under the stars is simply a Michelin level experience. Thanks to the attentive staff, but mainly to Lasantha (Food and Beverages Manager) and the local chef who both regularly come to your table to check whether they can make you happier than you already are. Thanks to the brand new and perfectly equipped dive center, we did many snorkeling and diving boat trips observing sharks, mantas, sting rays, turtles and schools of fish. On other occasions, we tried windsurfing in the Fiyavalhu lagoon or rented jet ski for our two teenagers. We even tried karaoke or watched a movie on a big screen placed above the pool from a pool bed after dinner. And we cannot forget the Balinese massages provided by two lovely Balinese ladies in the wellness part of the resort. Maldives are full of large resorts looking alike. However, this one is truly different. Authentic. Owned by a Maldivian. And that’s why we are definitely coming back soon.

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