Maldives Holiday
PLEASE NOTE: I paid for the holiday to the Maldives and was not gifted this product or paid by Voyage Privé or LUX to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.
We visited LUX resort on the Island of Dhidhoofindhu, South Ari Atoll in the Maldives.
In this blog post I will cover our time in the Maldives and the amazing LUX hotel, including restaurants, pools, bars and things to do.
Country Overview
The Maldives is a tropical paradise comprising 1,192 coral islands scattered across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. These atolls are categorised into two groups the North Atolls and the South Atolls, spanning approximately 871 kilo meters.
The country's rich history dates back over 2,500 years, with early settlers believed to have arrived from southern India and Sri Lanka around 500 BC. The islands have experienced various foreign influences since then, including periods of Portuguese occupation in the 16th century and British control from 1887 until independence in 1965.
Today, the Maldives is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and thriving tourism industry, which has become a cornerstone of its economy since the 1970s.
I can not write about the stunning Maldives without talking about this beautiful nation and how it is facing significant challenges due to climate change and rising sea levels, given that its highest point is only 2.4 meters above sea level.
Malé
Malé is the capital and most populous city of the Maldives, situated on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll. Covering an area of just 8.3 square kilometers, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a population of approximately 211,908 as of 2022.
Historically, Malé has been significant as the seat of government and was once known as the King's Island, where ancient royal dynasties ruled. The city features a blend of modern infrastructure and traditional charm, housing key landmarks such as the Hukuru Miskiy Mosque and the Maldives National Museum.
Malé serves as the commercial hub of the nation, with a bustling harbor and Velana International Airport.
Weather
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate all year round, with warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is typically dry with minimal rainfall, clear skies, and temperatures averaging between 28°C and 31°C.
October to April also provides excellent conditions for snorkelling and diving, with calm seas and high visibility.
We visited the Maldives during October and found the prices more affordable in the early part of the season and we only experienced one half a day of very light warm rain.
Voyage Privé
We always thought a holiday to the Maldives would be out of our price range but when we started doing some research we came across the holiday website Voyage Privè which is a luxury travel members club.
At first glance prices with Voyage Privè seemed too good to be true. So we called them and they were so helpful on the phone. The price was correct so we booked it up straight away over the phone and they did the rest.
Once we hung up the phone the excitement started, I just couldn't believe we were going to be lucky enough to visit one of these beautiful Islands in the Maldives.
We booked the LUX Hotel on the Island Dhidhoofindhu, South Ari Atoll in the Maldives.
Flights
All our flights were booked and arranged by Voyage Privè so that was very stress free. We flew From London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai (DXB) under 7 hours flight, Then from Dubai to Malè (MLE) just over 4 hours flight.
Then once we got to Malè Velana International Airport we had to then find the Trans Maldivia Airlines desk to get our transfer to the water taxi building to catch a small plane to our Island.
The Trans Maldivia Airlines desk was easy to find and staff were really helpfully. They directed us to a small mini bus for a 10 minute transfer to the harbour side to collect our water taxi.
Trans Maldivia Airline
Trans Maldivia Airline has a nice flight lounge with great facilities including nibbles and refreshments. We only had a short wait for our sea plane departure.
We decided early on when booking this holiday that we wanted to stay on an Island that you need to catch a sea plane to visit.
The reasoning for that is unfortunately I suffer very badly from sea sickness and knew that I would be very poorly on a ferry or speed boat.
Sea Plane Views
The sea plane flight took just 25 minutes to our Island from mainland Malè and what an amazing flight.
The birds eye view you get looking out of the sea plane window to the tiny Islands below was absolutely beautiful and breath taking.
LUX Hotel South Ari Atoll
Arrival
The arrival at the LUX hotel and Island was amazing. The sea taxi to the island was smooth and direct. It was very exciting and maybe a little scary to land on the water but it was lovely and smooth and nothing to worry about.
When you arrive on the fringes of this small island it really is mind blowing-ly beautiful (a perfect deserted island) It really is just like the photos online.
You are met on the floating platform straight from the sea plane by lovely smiling staff that meet you and take you a few meters to the large open sided airy beautiful reception area. Within this area is also the cafe and gorgeous chunky wooden long tables and seating areas.
After checking in you are then escort to an electric buggy and driver who then takes you across the island and to your accommodation. Your luggage has already arrived to your room before you get there.
Accommodation
We booked a Water Villa for our accommodation but there are also lovely beach bungalows available too.
It took just a 15 minute buggy ride to our water bungalow, our first glimpse of the island was truly amazing, we felt calm, relaxed and the island already felt special.
When we entered the water bungalow the large floor to ceiling windows looking out to sea were out of this world. Views from the bed and the bath, including glass second of the floor by the side of the bed and glass at the bottom of the shower wall so you also had under the water views. It felt like a dream.
The water bungalows are completely private and not over looked at any angle to help you feel almost alone, although you have neighbours close by.
As we booked early season we felt that we had our own private island as the island's accommodation wasn't fully occupied which is how we like it as we come away to totally relax in each others company and spend lots of quality time together just the two of us.
Inside Our Water Bungalow Bedroom
The bedroom accommodation was very clean and well laid out. It had a little area with a kettle, coffee machine and bottled water that was replenished everyday. It had a small sofa/sitting area, desk area and a large tv.
The tv had all the information about the island and the facilities available, the restaurants and room service was also handy and convenience if you didn't want to leave the villa (there was an extra cost to this service).
The bed was positioned in the middle of the room with views out to sea. Also the villa had plenty of clothes storage.
Inside Our Water Bungalow Bathroom
The bathroom was the same size or maybe even bigger than the bedroom, with a large perfectly positioned bath tub, a walk in large shower and separate toilet cubicle.
It had a lovely sink including side board for skincare and hair products to be placed.
The bath was so amazing!
A bath with a view. It was so nice to watch the sun go down while relaxing in a warm soapy bath tub.
The Space Outside Of Our Water Bungalow
With the water villas you get a generous size outside space that is completely privately positioned with many different seating areas and steps down into the sea below for a swim or snorkelling.
It had a netted hammock, a tucked away sofa area with cushions, two sun loungers and a small table and chairs.
Sunset views from our water bungalow
We had some amazing sunsets over the sea and the horizon from our stilted back terrance and we also saw sea turtles popping their heads up out of the water in the distance.
The Hotel's Small Touches
The hotel had lovely romantic and joyful small touches that greeted us everyday when we arrived back to the villa, including rose petals, messages and towel animals which made us feel special.
The monkey or sloth really made us laugh and is my favourite.
The islands Beaches
This island is absolutely paradise, heaven on earth with stunning deserted beaches.
You can walk around the entirety of the island in around an hour and seeing the sea wrap itself around the tip of the island is incredible. The sea is clear and shallow around much of the island apart from one section that is a little deeper, so very safe for non-swimmers and young members of the family. Great snorkelling off the beaches and enjoying lovely relaxing, romantic strolls along the coast line at night.
There is a regular electric buggy bus that you can hop on and off to get to and from the beach, restaurants, spa, pools and reception, if you don't want to walk.
The Island's Flora
Not only are the beaches stunning but the lush flora along the centre of the island is beautifully green and giving the Island shade along the sandy pathways.
Lots of massive palm trees, banana and coconut trees and vegetation with bright and beautiful flowers.
The Sea Views From The Island
The unbelievable sea views from the island was so relaxing. Being surrounded by the sea drifting in and out and the sound of the waves, I found so deeply relaxing and healing.
My husband and I both live stressful and busy life's running our own businesses and this holiday I felt completely different to any other beach holiday.
I find it hard to explain, I just felt deeply calm and my mind quiet for the first time in my life, I really feel this island is healing.
The Maldives really help you to stop, breath and slow the pace right down.
The Romantic Swings
Throughout the island there are lovely swings and romantic comfy areas to rest in, these also make wonderful little interests and photos from around the island.
The Sunsets And The Sky
The beautiful skies at night on the island were breathtaking.
Sea Life
The waters around the island are so shallow and beautifully clear that spotting sea life was easy. Juvenile black tipped reef sharks use the shallows as their nursery.
They are seen regularly swimming around the edges of the beach. I spent hours, standing alone on a deserted beach with the water up to my knees watching them swim around and taking photos of them.
It was absolutely magical. I found it hard to pull myself away from being with them. I fell in love with these handsome creatures.
More Sea life
I took these photos of fish while we sat eating our breakfast each morning at the East Market Restaurant.
Just off the side of the stilted veranda you can see many different fish swimming around and using the restaurants construction as shade from the very warm sun.
Other Wildlife
The lush vegetation also made great homes and food for fruit bats and other wildlife.
Swimming Pools
The island has two outdoor pools, both situated on the sunset side of the island with ocean views.
We found one more child friendly that was little busier and one very quiet and relaxing so there is something for everyone.
Facilities
The island has many facilities including:
- 5 star PADI diving centre
- Canoe and water sport hire
- Gym and fitness centre including classes
- Tennis courts
- spa (which I will talk about later)
- Eight restaurants (again more detail to come)
- Five bars
- Kids and Teens Clubs
- Marine Biologist Centre
- Gift shop
Marine Biologist Centre
The Marine Biologist Centre is were we met a really nice British man who had worked as a Marine Biologist on the island for 6 months working with the locals and visitors to educate and help with the endangered coral reefs and marine life. Offering regular talks and trips out to sea to see marine life. My husband went on two trips that I will talk about a bit later on in this blog.
Gift shop
Next to the reception and cafe building is a lovely shop selling little gifts, stylish beach wear and bags. I picked myself up a lovely zipped wash bag that I treasure to this day, and each time I use it, it takes my mind back to the Maldives.
Other Facilities
The Island also has a few wonderfully surprising activities like an old fashioned London telephone box with a functioning traditional phone that you can use to call home. Which we did and it was very special.
The island also had a Tree Of Wishes, you write a few wishes on a bright coloured ribbon and then hang it on the tree this was a very romantic and memorable thing to do.
The Wanderlust Library
Also the island has a library which is perfectly named THE WANDERLUST.
You can borrow a few books to take to a quite spot on the beach or sit in the relaxing cooled air-conditioned space.
There was a giant chess board tuck away on the beach for a bit of competition in the dappled sunlight.
Food And Drinks
The LUX resort has eight restaurants and five bars dotted around the island.
Including:
- MIXE - Main restaurant of the island serving a mixture of cuisines under the same roof. This eatery is on sand, so your toes are nestled in the sand while you eat.
- Senses - Restaurant, lounge and bar positioned poolside and offers a mixture of Moroccan and Indian style dishes from grilled seafood to curries. Open for lunch and dinner.
- Umami - Japanese cuisine
- Lagoon Bar - Right on the beach and close to the diving centre. Offering burgers, sandwiches and drinks. Open for lunch and dinner.
- Allergria - Italian cuisine. Dinner only.
More restaurants below.
Veli Bar
The Veli Bar is poolside and beachside serving drinks, small dishes and nibbles with sea views.
East Market - Day
The East Market offers breakfast, dinner and drinks. By day is so lovely for breakfast and we enjoyed breakfast here most mornings by the ocean watching the fish below.
The East Market - Night
By night the east market is Asia cuisine and has an amazing vibe for dinner and drinks with netted hammocks over the water and cool decor.
Beach Rouge - Day
Beach Rouge by day has a very relaxed and chilled vibe, it is right on the beach with plenty of seating inside or outside. Serves a mixture of dishes like risotto, nachos and arancini balls and truffle chips.
Beach Rouge - Night
Beach Rouge by night has a very cool, carnival and VIP beach party feel. You are met with cool music and the soft glow of red everywhere. DJ playing great music on the beach. Really interesting decor in the rest rooms, we loved it.
Beach Rouge - Sunsets
We enjoyed drinks and laying on comfortable loungers watching the sun go down.
Cafe LUX
Cafe LUX is situated in the open sided large reception building and serves great coffee, cakes and pastries.
My husband loved and highly recommends the AFFOGATO - double espresso and a scoop of vanilla ice cream (shown above)
ici Ice Cream Parlour
There is a great ice cream store on the beach close to Beach Rouge, Really lovely in-house homemade ice creams, Sorbets and Lollies in many different flavours, sauces and toppings. I loved the pistachio and hazelnut flavours. Open 11am - 6pm.
Boat Trips
Unfortunately I suffer badly from sea sickness so while my husband enjoys boat trips I spend my time having spa treatments.
My husband booked a boat trip to hopefully see whale sharks, it is not guaranteed you will see them although the guides do their utmost to find them. They use a traditional dhoni boat for the trips I guess these are more suitable for the shallows and coast line and also give the experience a traditional feel.
On his first attempt they sadly didn't see any whale sharks but he did swim with some turtles, stingrays and so many different types of fish.
On his second attempt to see whale sharks he was really lucky and got to see a juvenile whale shark swim past him while he was in the water, it was such a magical experience and worth taking that second chance to go out and find them.
It is a long day out in the boat looking for them, but my husband said the guides are brilliant and well worth the price.
Marine life
These photos were take by my husband on his boat trip.
Whale Sharks
Snorkelling
You can snorkel by just swimming off the beach and you will soon be met with lovely fish and other marine life in the shallows.
We also snorkelled off the back of our own stilted back terrance of our water bungalow.
We purchased new snorkelling gear before arriving and highly recommend these full face masks (shown below) they are so much more comfortable although if you have a beard or stubble then you may need to shave it off for the mask to sit fully water tight around your chin and neck area. My husband found this flaw with his mask so he had to wet shave before using it.
LUX Me Spa
The Spa was beautifully tucked away. It had a large reception were you are met with lovely staff offering you a drink while you take a seat and fill in your consultation form.
The reception was bright and fresh with neural decor. It also had a lovely dressing/changing room with lockers, showers, vanity sink units, hair dryers and everything you need or could wish for.
LUX Me Spa - Beach
As part of your treatment you have access to the spa's private and really peaceful beach area, cooling off pool, sun lounges Plus endless refreshments like lemon water.
This is a really relaxing place. I spend the whole day here before and then after my massage, the fact that they have lockers is really good as I could bring a change of swimming costume, snorkelling gear, hat, book and really chill out all day.
LUX Me Spa - Treatment Rooms
They offer two types of treatment room experiences.
Over the sea stilted treatment rooms that has floor to ceiling glass windows looking out to sea and a glass section in the floor for when you lay on your front with your face through the couch face hole you can see the fish beneath you.
The other treatment experience is the jungle rooms. These rooms are nestled in the flora amongst the flowers, these are really private and calming.
Both rooms are really relaxing and felt special, I enjoyed an amazing massage on two different days during my stay and I got to experience both treatment rooms.
My therapist, a lovely girl called Sunnie was an amazing masseuse so the treatments are really professional and customised to your needs and preferences, I drifted away somewhere calm and peaceful during my treatments.
I spent two very healing and calming spa days in this tranquil relaxing spa area on the spa's private deserted beach.
While I waited for my treatments I enjoyed watching juvenile black tipped sharks swimming in the shallows with not another person in sight.
Overall
As I wrote about earlier in this blog the Maldives and the LUX really is the most mind and body calming place I have ever been lucky to visit and enjoy.
The LUX has a great array of different restaurants to choose from, the spa and treatments were amazing. The staff were really joyful and attentive.
The over the water bungalow was a luxury and wonderful experience.
The wildlife and marine life were incredible. The Island, beaches and flora were just out of this world. It really was the most tranquil place on earth.
It really felt like our very own deserted Island (apart from the other holiday makers dotted around)
Thank you the LUX and the Magical Maldives
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and I hope you have found it informative and inspires you to visit the LUX and the Maldives.
If you have any questions or comments please leave a message below.