The luxury island destination of LUX* South Ari Atoll, located in the Maldives, part of the renowned global hospitality company The Lux Collective, has received the prestigious award in three categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026. These include the best family resort, the best resort pool, and the best house reef. This is another confirmation of the leading position among the luxury islands of the Maldives, appreciated for its guest services, high-quality facilities and beautiful natural environment. This annual award is awarded by the prestigious magazine Travel + Leisure for the best hotels, resorts, destinations, and travel experience of the region, as chosen by the readers of the publication.
LUX* South Ari Atoll is located in the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, which is the only place on Earth for the year-round aggregation of whale sharks. It is a unique example of modern island luxury resort, which combines impeccable hospitality, exciting experiences and close connection with nature. The awards honor the rich tapestry of experiences that the resort offers, from carefully planned family-oriented experiences and two large swimming pools with views on the Indian Ocean to direct access to the resort's house reef with its amazing marine life in one of the most amazing underwater worlds.
Spreading on a two-kilometre-long island, LUX* South Ari Atoll provides 192 beach and overwater villas and pavilions designed specifically for couples, families and multi-generation travelers. Recently opened at LUX*, the resort's new accommodation option, Temptation Beach Pool Villa provides spacious indoor and outdoor areas, a private pool and access to the beach. LUX* offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as the PLAY kids' club, teens programme, island treasure hunts, creative workshops and marine-related activities. Guests are also offered 40 complimentary activities per stay, which cover a wide variety of leisure, wellness, sports and discovery options.
There are eight restaurants and five bars at the resort, providing a wide choice of dining concepts, starting from Italian and Japanese cuisine, ending up with Indian Ocean flavors and international menu. As an eco-luxury resort with its emphasis on sustainability and guided snorkeling and diving activities, whale shark experiences and LUX* Extraordinary Experiences, which include Swimming with Whale Sharks Maldives, can provide guests at the resort with the opportunity for unique whale shark sightings throughout the year and exploration of one of the most interesting marine environments in the Maldives.
John Rogers, General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll, said: “It is an honor for us to have been voted once again in three different categories by the readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia. This is a testimony to the passion and dedication that our team has towards offering unique and extraordinary experiences to our guests.”These awards add to the reputation of LUX* South Ari Atoll, the best luxury island resort in the Maldives, with unique hospitality and guest experience.
