LUX* South Ari Atoll has it all this summer

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LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is set for this summer, offering guests a total escape from everyday life, in a relaxing private island setting where the atmosphere is beach house chic.This picture perfect island of Dhidhoofinolhu, home to LUX* South Ari Atoll, is one of the largest islands in the Maldives. A slice of tropical heaven, where laidback luxury blend itself with the warmth of traditional Maldivian hospitality, and complemented by sparkling events and experiences, LUX* South Ari Atoll is as ideal for families and groups of friends as it is for lovers’ romantic moments.

In addition to its stunning private villas with infinity pools, there is an almost unique wining and dining choice between eight restaurants and five bars, including a famous Beach Rouge bar and restaurant. Following a major refurbishment, LUX* South Ari Atoll has now brought fashionable island living to the Maldives for a real taste of the dolce vita.

Guests will be delighted, even amazed, by the wonderful avant-garde design style, the work of P49 Deesign, Thailand’s foremost interior designers. P49 Deesign has created to perfection a stylish atmosphere that is at once lively, playful and fun, delivering an unconventional atmosphere that integrates beautifully into LUX* South Ari Atoll island living. No detail has been overlooked – even small areas like the ladies and men’s restrooms have become attractive features in themselves, as the aim has been to create a bright, fresh feeling throughout the resort. There are particular spots on the island that have always enjoyed the most incredible sunrises and sunsets but LUX* South Ari Atoll now offers some really delightful moments and surprises everywhere guests turn.

The accommodation is an experience in itself whether guests choose to stay in rooms or villas dotted at the water’s edge alongside four kilometres of fine sandy beaches or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon. There is an astonishing range of choices, including heavenly Temptation Villas, suspended over the ocean with private overwater pools, and Beach Villas also with their own pools. Every room, suite and villa at LUX* South Ari Atoll has been designed to make the most of the enchanting surroundings. Light, airy and wonderfully spacious, decked with splashes of bright island colour and with sweeping views of the beach and sparkling lagoon, each room breathes understated luxury.

Staying at LUX* South Ari Atoll gives guests the feeling that they’re living in a picturesque village in the middle of the ocean. For those staying in a private overwater villa there’s no better way to explore the island than by hopping onto the bicycle with which each of them is equipped – or on foot, as in all secluded places.

LUX* South Ari Atoll delivers everything that a LUX* lighter, brighter holiday promises, including its dine around programme where halfboard, fullboard and all-inclusive guests can select from an amazing eight restaurants and five bars. The spectacular choice includes a sophisticated take on a bustling Asian night market – the spectacular East Market standing on stilts over the water. It provides a feast in itself, where guests can enjoy the savours and flavours of Vietnam, Thailand, Sichuan and more. Meanwhile, Umami is the place for fine wining and dining with its sushi open kitchen and teppanyaki and robata counters, as well as the Maldives’ largest selection of sakés and Japanese whiskies. For more international cuisine, guests can head to Allegria, Senses and MIXE with specialities ranging from Mediterranean to Maldivian specialities, while Beach Rouge offers beach club dining. There are even occasions worth travelling for from the other side of the world as Beach Rouge, the East Market and even a sandbank regularly host music and culinary events. Where else can guests dance to a DJ with their toes in the always warm waters of a tropical lagoon or experience a taste of the best of South East Asia in a night market standing suspended over the sea?

On top of all that, LUX* South Ari Atoll has many of the famous Reasons To Go LUX*. It’s not the kind of conventional resort where guests soon know where everything is. LUX* is all about the discovery of the unexpected like its LUX* Photo Fanatics studio, Junkart Studio and its Wanderlust Library.

LUX*’s vision is to offer guests a different kind of luxury which celebrates life and makes each moment special. Guests may discover talents they never knew they had by signing up for LUX*’s famous and innovative expert-led workshops. The range varies from painting lessons with Sally Conwell, the Art of Travel Writing with Juliet Kinsman and Tibetan Sound Healing with Phoebe Joel. For those looking for new kinds of health experiences, there are masterclasses in DIY Kombucha, the hottest trend in health beverages, and Health Tonics with Gillian Kozicki, as well as DIY Chinese Medicine Therapies with Moxa Punk.

LUX* South Ari Atoll is full of wonderful sensations, where guests can expect to revel in the unexpected. And of course what sets this and all LUX* Resorts apart is the fantastic helpfulness and warmth shown by LUX* team members, an entirely different approach to helping guests have their best holiday ever.

LUX* SOUTH ARI ATOLL – FABULOUS SPECIAL OFFER

For a limited period only, travellers intending to stay at LUX* South Ari Atoll can take advantage of some very special offers.

Guests who book by 31 August 2017 for stays between 10 June 2017 and 24 December 2017 get:

  • Up to 48% off for bookings made and confirmed in a Beach Pavilion
  • Up to 55% off for bookings made and confirmed in a Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa or Water Villa
  • Up to 60% off for bookings made and confirmed in a Romantic Pool Water Villa, a Temptation Pool Water Villa and a LUX* Villa

Details & conditions:

  • Applicable on Best Available Rate conditions
  • Booking period: from 10 to 30 June 2017
  • Stay period: from now to 24 December 2017
  • Blackout dates: 3 to 14 September 2017 and 20 to 28 October 2017
  • Quotations on LUX’s website already include applicable special offers and conditions
  • This offer is applicable per room type as above
  • All reservations have to be guaranteed at the time of booking by credit card.
  • This offer is valid subject to availability

For any further information required, please e-mail LUX* Resorts, [email protected]

 

 

Amazing exclusive offer to the Maldives with LUX* Resorts & Emirates Airlines

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LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives has partnered with Emirates Airlines to offer travellers from the Middle East the chance to holiday in what is reputed as the most exciting luxury resorts in the Maldives.

The offer: For bookings made at LUX* South Ari Atoll between 1st June to 31st August 2017, Emirates Airlines is offering a 40% discount on the booking of the second airline ticket in Business Class, for the Dubai — Malé route.

To complement this offer, LUX* Resorts is offering a 40% discount on reservations made during the same period. Book directly through Emirates Holidays.

Whether seeking a peaceful hideaway or active adventure, the picture-perfect island of Dhidhoofinolhu is home to the newly reinvented LUX * South Ari Atoll, a luxury resort where your fantasy of a laid-back, desert island paradise is about to come true. Combine your stay by travelling with Emirates Airline in the business class for the holiday of a lifetime.

For more information please contact Clinton Ross Harmon at LUX* Resorts & Hotels

E: [email protected] or Emirates Holidays E: emiratesholidays.com

See The Maldives In A New Light At LUX* South Ari Atoll

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World-renowned luxury resort and hotel operator LUX* Resorts & Hotels is known for a different style of holidaying – a lighter, brighter way of celebrating life – and its newest resort LUX* South Ari Atoll opened last week in the Maldives.

The brand’s latest five-star resort has been entirely reimagined, with a chic beach-house style. Innovative and trendsetting, it features a contemporary atmosphere while protecting the cocooned tropical island atmosphere. LUX* South Ari Atoll is not just about luxury and aesthetics: it’s a resort with a soul. Playful, fun, modern this is paradise ­­­for travellers looking for a distinctive experience in the Maldives.

Temptation Pool Water Villa, LUX* South Ari Atoll
Temptation Pool Water Villa, LUX* South Ari Atoll

Dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of pure white sand beach and perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon, are 193 super-spacious pavilions and villas designed by P49 Deesign. The seductive flood-lit over-water villas promise freedom, privacy and intimacy. 46 Romantic Pool Villas each have private 7m suspended infinity pools, and three Temptation Pool Water Villas boast a 14m pool and this forms the resort’s adults-only sanctuary. These villas enjoy twin showers, private terraces incorporating a unique couples’ love nest, and a deck with steps down into the sea, perfect for enjoying the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Temptation Pool Water Villa, LUX* South Ari Atoll
Temptation Pool Water Villa, LUX* South Ari Atoll

The spectacular range of eight restaurants and five bars includes a sophisticated take on a bustling night market; guests can head to East Market where they can enjoy flavours from Vietnam, Thailand and Sichuan among others. Umami promises fine dining from the open sushi kitchen, teppanyaki and robata counters as well as the Maldives’ largest selection of sakés and Japanese whiskies. Allegria, Senses and MIXE satisfy international palates with Mediterranean to Maldivian specialities and the new Beach Rouge introduces fresh beach club dining experience to the island. Visit www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-maldives/luxsouthariatoll for more information.

Umami, LUX* South Ari Atoll
Umami, LUX* South Ari Atoll

The LUX* Me spa and its overwater treatment villas set the tone for a Zen-inspired reboot of its own. The facility incorporates a traditional Chinese teahouse, a dedicated zone for brand new skin and body care experiences and an extended lagoon-view relaxation area. For those in search of the ultimate personalised spa experience, try the once-in-a-lifetime 10 hands massage. A Zen wellness pavilion accommodates a wide range of alternative wellbeing activities including yoga, meditation, pilates, tai chi and qigong, all of which are overseen by an expert wellness concierge. LUX* Me is all about a tailored approach to your wellbeing, whether it be spa, fitness, yoga, meditation, nutrition or a unique combination tailored especially to your needs.

Graced by one of Maldives’ most spectacular lagoon of crystal-clear waters, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers the finest choice of water sports of any Maldives’ five-star resort. LUX* was the first to offer flyboarding and hoverboarding and once again introduced the Maldives’ first: jet-surfboarding. No wonder the resort is referenced as #ThePlacetoBeMaldives.

LUX* South Ari Atoll promises a lighter, brighter, more enlightening holiday experience. Stay tuned for events worth travelling around the world for as Beach Rouge, the East Market, and even a sandbank hosting music and culinary celebrations. Where else can guests dance to a DJ with their toes dipped in the warm ocean or taste the best of South-East Asia in a suspended over-the-water night market?

East Market, LUX* South Ari Atoll
East Market, LUX* South Ari Atoll
Beach Rouge at sunset, LUX* South Ari Atoll
Beach Rouge at sunset, LUX* South Ari Atoll

Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels confides: “The focus around the creation of a new LUX* South Ari Atoll has been as much about the transformation of the property as it has been about the enhancement of the guests’ experiences. For this, our team has worked effortlessly on enriching the moments that matters, and we have created new and exciting Reasons To Go LUX*. I am convinced that places you remember are the ones that inspire you; those that have a soul and caring people. LUX* South Ari Atoll has this magical mix.”

LUX* South Ari Atoll will of course include all of LUX*’s popular features and Reasons To Go LUX* including a LUX* Me Spa, a dive centre with a property marine biologist, a Café LUX*, ICI ice-creams, a gym, a kids’ club, organic gardens, a Tree of Wishes and an outdoor Cinema Paradiso to name a few.

Café LUX*, LUX* South Ari Atoll
Café LUX*, LUX* South Ari Atoll

On top of that, the opening of this new resort was the perfect opportunity for the brand to present a series of more Reasons To Go LUX*. Stay at a conventional resort, and before long you know where everything is. That doesn’t happen at LUX*. Spontaneity and surprises are in our DNA with the new Reasons To Go LUX* making a debut at LUX* South Ari Atoll this month.

  • LUX* Photo Fanatics — LUX* means light, and so it is also in spirit, so it should come as little surprise that LUX* is a brand that loves the art of photography. Introducing Photo Fanatics, a unique image-capturing experience that will help guests seeking to create and capture the moments that matter, using a smartphone or a traditional camera or SLR.
  • Junkart Studio & Gallery — Many regret the lack of time during their everyday lives to learn a new skill or revive a forgotten hobby.       
  • LUX*  believes that a vacation can be the perfect time to explore something new or revisit old skills and passions. Guests at LUX* are invited  to have fun making one-off artworks and sustainable souvenirs from upcycled materials.
  • Wanderlust Library — Make up for that last-minute pre-holiday book buy at the airport or magazine selection limited by how much your hand luggage can take. LUX* understands the desire to try new things, especially on holiday. To encourage this LUX* has curated the ultimate collection of books and magazines, to be enjoyed in a cocooned air-conditioned place which will stimulate your travel senses and expand your horizons.
  • Masterchef — The joy of cooking and the fun of the whole family getting involved is unrivalled. Cook with a professional chef and take home some new tricks.

The remodelling of LUX* South Ari Atoll doesn’t just mean a contemporary, characterful new look; guests can also expect a remarkable and insightful cultural calendar. Entirely new for the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll hosts short expert-led workshops throughout the year, with leading practitioners from diverse, creative and inspiring walks of life. It’s always a privilege to spend time with inspiring individuals who are happy to share their unique wisdom and skills.

The brand vision is to offer our guests different luxury hospitality experience; helping people celebrate life, by making each moment matter. In this context, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy themselves with a series of workshops which could reveal innate talents, hidden talents.

The workshops are as varied as they are numerous. There are painting lessons with Jeannine Platz, a motivation workshop with Ron Kaufman, food art with Samantha Lee and photography with world-renowned travel photographer Michel Freeman. For the ones looking for some healthy and fitness options, this has also been taken care of with masterclasses from fitness guru Anna Victoria, and also the opportunity to explore underwater with the freediving world record holder William Winram. For more information, visit www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-maldives/luxsouthariatoll

What makes LUX* South Ari Atoll so special is its spirit, team members, and entirely different approach to helping you have the best-ever holiday. LUX* promises a journey for the senses, where – in true LUX* style – you can expect the unexpected.

LUX* Resorts & Hotels appoints Dominik Ruhl Chief Operating Officer

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Following the announcement of the re-opening of LUX* South Ari Atoll on the 1st September 2016 and the development of the new island LUX* North Male Atoll, LUX* Resorts & Hotels appoints former Regional Director Dominik Ruhl to his new role as Chief Operating Officer for the Group. He is responsible for the group’s properties in the Indian Ocean, Europe and in the Middle East.

DominikPassionate hotelier at heart, Dominik Ruhl spent the last 25 years in hospitality across the globe, but it was in the Maldives where his career path led him to his first General Manager role. ‘I believe that adding value to the time our guests choose to spend in our resorts is vital to create not only memories, but trust’ says Dominik Ruhl ‘that is why we continue to focus on our service culture both in the Maldives and across all the LUX* properties’.

Originally from Germany, Dominik Ruhl left his home country after his hotel studies and started his career in the United Sates, where he spent several years with Ritz Carlton, first in Cleveland and soon after at the iconic Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Hawaii. He then joined the Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita in Mexico before moving to the Maldives in 2000 where he lead the management teams of 5star properties such as Hilton Maldives (now Conrad), Mirihi and the Anantara Resort to name a few. Dominik joined LUX* Resorts & Hotels as General Manager in 2010. In 2014 he progressed to the role of Regional Director overseeing Maldives, Middle East and Greater China before being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2016.

“His many years of expertise in hospitality operations and his vast international experience will enable Dominik to support our ambitious growth plans as we will open several new properties in the next few years”, explains Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels.

LUX* South Ari Atoll Maldives receives prestigious International Travelife Gold Certification

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LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives has received international recognition for its sustainable tourism efforts by being awarded prestigious Travelife Gold Certification. Travelife – the international sustainability certification scheme – assesses a hotel’s performance in managing its social, environmental and economic impacts, and in supporting sustainability as part of its hotel marketing and operational strategies.

Travelife’s sustainability certification is a non-profit flagship programme that supports tourism destinations, businesses and travellers in implementing innovative solutions for the continuous development of sustainable tourism.  To gain Travelife Gold Certification, a resort must meet 150 sustainability criteria. This includes environmental issues, such as minimising waste and the use of energy, water and chemicals, as well as the taking of positive action on social issues, employee welfare, the protection of wildlife and in the support of the local community and local businesses.

In the process of this sustainability certification, all of the island-resort operations were assessed, including operational practices and procedures, guest communications and environmental management policies. The strong points in the assessment included the LUX* Resorts & Hotels carbon offsetting programme and the whale shark and marine protection programme, as well as the Resort’s energy, waste reduction and water saving measures.  The Resort goes further in protecting the environment by hosting its own on-site marine biologist, who works closely with the Maldives Wildlife Protection Authority. LUX* South Ari Atoll also encourages its guests to get involved in conservation activities, such as sponsoring the wildlife protection programme and joining in the volunteer tree-planting programme.

As Glenn Daniels, the Resort’s General Manager, says, “This certification rewards the dedication of the team at LUX* South Ari Atoll, who put all their energy and passion into daily tasks on the island.  Being a one-island resort, we can operate as a family community here at LUX* South Ari Atoll and this award is testament to the team’s continued commitment to sustainability. By collaborating with an organisation such as Travelife, LUX* South Ari Atoll continues to focus on helping people celebrate life and making each moment matter during their stay.”

Travelife Gold Certification is an operational standard that reflects the values and convictions of LUX* Resorts & Hotels with regards to sustainability.  Last year, all LUX* resorts operating in Mauritius (LUX* Belle Mare, LUX* Le Morne, LUX* Grand Gaube, as well Tamassa and Merville Beach which are Managed by LUX* hotels) also received Travelife Gold Certification. They continue to monitor the impact of their sustainability efforts, report on results and plan improvements to continuously help protect the unique natural and cultural characteristics of their resorts and the surrounding areas.

About Travelife

Travelife is an international certification system promoting sustainability within the tourism industry. It helps tour operators, hotels and accommodations to manage and monitor their social and environmental impacts, as well as communicate their achievements to stakeholders. Travelife for Hotels and Accommodations is the only certification scheme that works in partnership with tour operators, both in the UK and internationally, for these purposes.  It is an easy-to-use sustainability system which provides members with a practical framework to improve their businesses.  Travelife also provides a range of supports to help its members prepare for their independent audits. Hotel and accommodation members whose on-site audit shows they fulfil the requirements of the Travelife sustainability criteria will achieve a Gold award.  For more information about Travelife for Hotels and Accommodations please visit: www.travelifecollection.com

World champion freediver Christian Redl returns to LUX* South Ari Atoll – Maldives for the 5th edition of the island’s Underwater Festival

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To live a life where gravity and time are relative is every freediver’s dream. This year’s LUX* South Ari Atoll Underwater Festival gets up-close and personal with world record holder Christian Redl set to host apnea courses from the 3rd to 9th of April 2016 and reveal how this life-changing sport has irreversibly shaped his life. When the Austrian-born athlete is not engaged in action-packed underwater filming projects to raise awareness on the endangered population of sharks, he holds his breath during the low temperatures of lakes in the Austrian Alps partaking in ever-challenging extreme sports events. ‘Freediving changed completely my life’ says Christian, ‘and the Underwater Festival in the Maldives is where I am able to share what I love the most while being in my element’.

Christian Redl, Marc Hillsheim, LUX* South Ari Atoll

The resort’s diving center operated by Euro-divers enhances the weeklong event with the expertise of German photographer Marc Hillesheim. Underwater photography workshops, freediving photo sessions and guided photography dives are just few of the exciting additions to the Festival. But in today’s world no photo goes unnoticed! That’s why the Underwater Festival hosts an Instagram contest for guests wanting to share their underwater discoveries on the social network and invites in-house participants to tag their images with the hashtags #LUXUNDERWATER #LUXONEBREATH and #NOGRAVITYMALDIVES to win a great deal of prizes.

Besides being able to refer to the Marine Biology Center as source of information on the resident population of whale sharks, guests will also be involved in the exciting findings of Olive Ridley Project’s team and Senior Project Scientist Doc. Jillian Hudgins. Often appointed as marine consultant by the Maldivian Government, Doc. Hudgins co-founded O.R.P. in 2013 with the intent to promote marine ecosystem health and resiliency in the Indian Ocean and its sea turtles. ‘Sustainable tourism is a community effort that starts with small steps and goes a great length’ says General Manager Glenn Daniels, ‘this is why we endeavor to combine healthy water sports with light learning and offer a week of underwater adventures that is as exhilarating as it is enlightening’.

Christian Redl, Marc Hillsheim, LUX* South Ari Atoll

During the day, freediving classes, underwater photography courses and guided expeditions to responsible snorkeling with whale sharks and sea turtles enrich the fifth edition of the Underwater Festival. At night, our passionate experts conduct presentations and underwater-themed movies screened under the stars. Having recently unveiled the resort Signature Pool Water Villas, guests booking those adults-only overwater cocoons with infinity pools during the Festival period, are entitled to one complimentary freediving course per person.

Christian Redl, Marc Hillsheim, LUX* South Ari Atoll

For further information or queries, please contact Dolores Semeraro, Cluster Director of PR & Communications, Maldives [email protected]

LUX* South Ari Atoll announces charity initiative with Maldivian Blood Services

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‘By promising a luxury holiday with a difference, LUX* South Ari Atoll has heightened the festive spirits of its guests with the newly launched Tree of Wishes on the island. Inspired by an ancient Japanese festival, the weekly appointment at the LUX* Tree of Wishes offers not only a moment to gather feelings and emotions and turn them into wishes written on auspicious red ribbons, but also opens an opportunity to learn about the local communities and support them through various social initiatives.

LUX* South Ari Atoll CSR programs in the Maldives currently engage with several NGOs and among them, the Maldivian Blood Services (formerly National Thalassaemia Center). With the aim of improving the services provided to patients suffering from this hematological disorder, the resort and the Maldivian Blood Service team have signed an agreement allowing both parties to interact on a greater scale generating ways to foster cooperation among medical institutions. The charity support offered by the resort enables the Maldivian Blood Service to cater for more patients with dedicated initiatives to promote blood donation throughout the country.  

Aerial View, LUX* South Ari Atoll
LUX* South Ari Atoll

Guests staying at LUX* South Ari Atoll have the opportunity to contribute by placing a voluntary donation at the Tree of Wishes. All the offerings cumulatively raised by the resort are used to support local charities but by tying a ribbon to the branches of the banyan tree, each guest becomes part of the annual Tree of Wishes Lucky Draw. During the event, one ribbon is picked at random and the lucky owner wins a free holiday at any property within the LUX* Resorts and Hotels portfolio.

‘We are thrilled to have our guests participating in this important cause with us’ says General Manager Glenn Daniels ‘as we believe that holidays are not only a moment to relax and unwind, but also a celebration of life and that embodies our commitment to support local communities’. Keeping not only its guests’ wishes at heart but also the environment we operate in, LUX* South Ari Atoll aims to translate corporate responsibility into social development and continues to deliver an inspiring lighter holiday experience.

For further information or queries, please contact Cluster Director of PR & Communications, Maldives. Dolores Semeraro – [email protected]

LUX* South Ari Atoll

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LUX* South Ari Atoll (formerly LUX* Maldives), a luxury resort in the Maldives made for peaceful off-the-grid retreats.

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, the only settlement on the postcard-perfect island of Dhidhdhoofinolhu.

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.