Highlights
- Large yet peaceful island resort
- Huge dining choice, gym, spa, tennis, yoga
- Adrenaline water sports e.g. hover boarding
- Snorkelling, diving, kite surfing, jet skis
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LUX* South Ari Atoll is a delightful paradise getaway accessed via a 25 minute seaplane flight from Male. Despite its large size, the resort has a peaceful and welcoming feel and offers a wealth of activities for all age groups.
There are no fewer than 193 private villas, some of which line the pristine beach, while others are set on stilts above the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. There are over half a dozen options for accommodation, ranging from the Beach Villa and the Family Lagoon Villa, to the Temptation Pool Water Villa and the LUX* Villa. All options are specially designed to make the most of their enchanting and unspoiled surroundings; they offer generous amounts of space and are decidedly light, bright and airy. The contemporary decor is minimalistic yet very comfortable.
There are no less than eight different places to eat. Japanese dishes are prepared out in the open, and there’s a range of cuisine from delicious Mediterranean favourites to Middle Eastern classics served up at informal dinner buffets accompanied by live entertainment shows. The bars offer an array of refreshing drinks in picturesque spots dotted across the resort. The Veli Bar enjoys a stunning poolside location, while the Lagoon Bar with its beachside setting is a top choice for watching the sunset. The East Bar is a unique over-the-water bar with double-sized loungers on the decking, as well as swinging double seats.
The dynamic range of water-based activities include stand-up paddle-boarding, windsurfing, jet skiing and kitesurfing, to name a few. For adrenaline junkies, fly boarding and hover boarding are strongly recommended. Those who want to explore the lagoon’s rich marine life can do so by going snorkelling or scuba diving from the 5* PADI diving centre. Luxury catamaran excursions are a top choice and are a great option for families looking for something all age groups can enjoy together. There are also many activities for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Yoga classes are worth signing up to and the spa is definitely worth visiting for those keen to enjoy soothing massages and relaxing treatments. Scattered across the island are a fully equipped gym, tennis courts and two infinity pools.
This all-inclusive resort is very welcoming, especially to families. PLAY is the resort’s designated kids club, which is open to children aged 3-12; for those aged 13-17 there’s Studio 17. Both offer a range of engaging, age-appropriate activities, along with several meal options. Parents are reminded that children must remain under constant adult supervision.
Thank you yet again for another meticulously organised and executed holiday (our 5th with you). Every aspect worked perfectly.
Please could you pass on our sincere thanks to your agent in Sri Lanka; Lakshita, our driver and guide, absolutely made the trip for us - he was so keen for us to have the best experience possible. He was organised, kind, interested, punctual, the car was always spotless, and he was an excellent driver. His extensive knowledge was really appreciated by us and was exactly what we had hoped for in a guide. I think the highlight for us was our day in Anuradhapura (7 hours of absorbing history and culture), but there was so much to learn and absorb every day. He also made several suggestions for things that he thought we might like that weren't in our itinerary, and then booked them for us. These included an ayurvedic massage after climbing Sigiriya, a cultural show (an hour of touristy fun!), reef snorkelling with turtles (a real highlight for me - I wish we could have stayed all day), a lagoon boat trip and visit to a cinnamon island, a turtle sanctuary visit, and a gemstone factory visit. He also managed to get us a private tour of Lunanguga, which Peter thoroughly enjoyed. We also really enjoyed the tea factory tour.
Our guide for the hike was also really excellent, and he and Lakshita made sure that our day was perfectly tailored to our (my) ability.
All our accommodation was also perfectly selected. Our favourite was the Ceylon tea trails bungalow (just perfect!), but The Villa Bentota came a close second as a perfect way to relax at the end of the trip. Our villa and the grounds at Uga at Ulagalla were also beautiful.
(Our only slightly disappointing day was the whale watching - no whales wanted to be seen on that particular day, plus I was very sea-sick despite taking meds! The tour organisers offered us a repeat day the following day, which we declined! Having said that, being out on the water was still enjoyable, up to a point...).
I'm sure I've missed out something - we basically loved it all and felt that the balance of the itinerary was perfect for us (we used the 'rest' day in Galle to do the snorkelling, lagoon, and turtles)
Thank you very, very much.
fiona g
reviewing Sri Lanka Highlights - Classic
on 27 March 2026
I just wanted to reach out and let you know what a truly outstanding trip we had.
The itinerary was perfect, the country, the people, the food.....wow, take me back!!!
Each of my family members made so many magnificent memories.
I cant thank you enough for all your help.
Maren B
reviewing Vietnam Northern Highlights and Tropical Beach
on 16 February 2026
We just wanted to thank you for an absolutely amazing holiday. Everything went exactly to plan and we were blown away with the quality of the guides, transport and accommodation. The itinerary was perfect for our family with a great mix of guided and free days and the different destinations complemented each other well. We will definitely be using Tourdust again for our next trip! Particular highlights were the Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi, and the morning cycle tour in Siam Reap
Jane P
reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families
on 14 May 2025