News
Jim & Cary Yanny’s Guide to Diving in the Maldives: Part 3
Part 3: LUX South Ari Atoll
Jim and Cary report on their trip to visit various resorts and liveaboards in the Maldives. In Part 3, they visit LUX South Ari Atoll…
As you know, there are many island resorts in the Maldives, the vast majority of which are pretty formulaic in design: bungalows dotted along the beach and a walkway extending off said beach with over-the-water villas with complementing pools, bars and restaurants. It’s fine and it works but with so many resorts following the same general layout and with each being almost indistinguishable from the next, the question arises, “how exactly do you choose the right resort?”
At first glance, LUX South Ari Atoll, located on Dhidhoofinolhu Island, follows the classic Maldivian layout. Yet it’s in a completely different price bracket to the other resorts we were visiting on our inspection trip, so we started to wonder how they would justify the price differential. In other words, we would be searching for ‘reasons to go LUX’.
They say that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Well, LUX Resort’s first impression came long unexpectedly before we even got close to the resort itself through their Guest Comfort Lounge at Male Airport. The charming representative who met us escorted us to a sumptuous air-conditioned space where we were offered cool refreshing towels, comfy seats, free WiFi, TV, sandwiches, delicious cookies, sweets, fruit, hot and cold drinks and a genuine smile. First impressions? Gooooood!
As our seaplane came in to land we could clearly spot the classic Maldivian resort layout I spoke of earlier. However, as we walked into the lobby the first thing that struck us was that LUX décor is quite different to most other resorts, in light pastels and whites and strikingly modern furniture. Opposite the reception counter was a thoroughly contemporary coffee house, Café LUX, reminiscent of London or New York’s most stylish morning ‘meeteries’. (They later informed us that they even import three different coffee beans and grind them right on-site!) Outside under a palm tree stood a red British phone box where you could make free phone calls home should you feel a need to make someone insanely jealous (which, of course, Cary did). LUXs’ strap-line is “Lighter, Brighter”. Very apt.
As we only had the pleasure of one night on this island, we immediately took a full tour of the resort starting with the top-category ‘Temptation Pool Water Villas’, which turned out to be a rather naughty, calculated move on their part. Wow! Just wow. The doorframe of the room they showed us now has scrape marks on it where we dug our nails in as they tried to force us back out. I won’t linger too long on this room because we don’t want to rub it in and also because (let’s keep it real) there’s not a whole lot of divers who are going to fork out for this one unless they’d just received a call from the National Lottery. However, just to give you a taster: enormous private infinity pool, Jacuzzi bath on wooden deck, outdoor dining area, floor to ceiling windows, round master bed….enough said? Yep! Moving on.
I will also describe our own middle category ‘Beach Villa’ below, but will not go into the rest of the room categories as there are just too many to go through here. However, we’ll soon be adding LUX to our website. If in the meantime you’re interested in a stay at LUX, please just ask us about it and we’ll happily provide you with full details on all available room options.
Our lovely Beach Villa for the night had French windows that opened straight onto a gorgeous white-sand beach. In the room there was a large outdoor bathtub for soaking under the stars and an indoor rain shower, whilst the main bedroom featured his-and-hers separate dressing tables, basins and wardrobes, a huge comfy bed and a brilliant interactive entertainment system through the smart TV, with mini-bar and WiFi completing the offering.
As mentioned, LUX South Ari Atoll Resort is set on Dhidhoofinolhu Island. The choice of island was a clever one – it’s long at about 1.8km from end to end and very thin. So every one of their beach villas has a sea view – two lines of villas stretched along the beach and just one path between them. Four electric buggies run a constant ‘bus’ service from one end of the island to the other, looping along the path in both directions, so you step outside the villa and simply hail the next passing buggy. This provided us with a really familiar and comforting feeling, like being residents of an island village. Of course, if you didn’t want to ride on a buggy, preferring instead to feel the sand between your toes, you could saunter down the path. Look left and you could see the beach and sea between the villas. Look right, same thing. Incredibly simply in design but a brilliantly effective result.
By now we were starting to see a few ‘reasons to go LUX’. Then our friendly tour guide stopped off at the home-made ice cream bar on one of the beaches – check another reason! Then the stunning spa with over-the-water treatment rooms, complete with glass floor to watch the fish below whilst the therapist massages your stress away – check! (No, sadly, this time Cary didn’t have time to test the spa service but from the look of the facility and talking with the Balinese therapists it was clearly in keeping with everything we’d seen so far at LUX i.e. special).
We enjoyed lunch at a Caribbean-style beach bar and a delicious dinner that night at ‘Beach Rouge’ restaurant, strikingly decorated in what we would describe as ‘Bali Modern’ style complete with Buddah Bar music and a red-lit jetty with frolicking reef sharks below. Breakfast the next morning was, simply put, one of the best buffets we’ve ever enjoyed. Foodies, take note. we’ve found an island resort paradise for you in the Maldives!
Oh yes, mustn’t forget to mention the disco toilet at one of the resort’s bars (sorry, wouldn’t be able to do it justice in a written description – you’ll just have to go there to experience it for yourself), the alfresco cinema, Message in a Bottle (free gifts secreted in bottles under the sand) and by now our list of ‘reasons to go LUX’ was beginning to acquire a bit of length.
And finally, the diving. Well, we didn’t actually dive during our short visit BUT we did look around the Euro Divers centre and meet with their manager. We did, however, dive on LUX’s local reefs the next day (with Euro Divers), from nearby Vilamendhoo Resort. This is the subject of our next report, so you’ll be able to read all about the diving around LUX very soon.
LUX clearly isn’t a resort for most divers. The price alone will account for that. What we would say is that for those with deep pockets, who seek an exceptional Maldivian holiday experience, there’s really no need to look any further than LUX South Ari Atoll. She’s classy, brave, different, memorable, cool, elegant, understated and extravagant, and it’s surprisingly easy to discover the many reasons to go there. But we could sum up our whole, lovely experience in just one word: unique.
Jim and Cary own and run UK-based tour operator Diverse Travel. To find out more about the Maldivian itineraries that Diverse Travel offer, visit www.diversetravel.co.uk/maldives.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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