South Ari Atoll hotels & places to stay

The Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa was amazing. It's in the south ari atoll in the maldives which means just pure postcard-esque beauty surrounds this tiny island. There was so much aquatic life surrounding the island so we saw reef sharks, a stingray, eagle rays and lots and lots of fish, right by the beach. you didn't even need to go snorkeling! Having said that, the snorkeling is fantastic, there are so many beautiful corals and so many different types of fish that there's always something to see. It's a good idea to bring your own snorkel though, as renting snorkels from the dive centre is us$9 a day, not including GST. The island has areas and trips that are adult-only, which is nice if you're looking for something romantic and couple-y. The spa is very lovely and is over the water, with windows on the floor so you can watch the fish swim by as you're lying face-down getting massaged. There is a very wide array of exceptionally delicious food but very little, if any, local food. So if you're looking for a true maldivian experience, this probably isn't quite the place for you. We started out on an inhabited island first and then moved to the resort island so felt like we got the best of both worlds. I was traveling with my sister and i think we were one of maybe three non-couples. The resort is perfect for relaxing and spending time getting away from the craziness of life and yet also has activities planned for people who would still like to "do something". The staff are so friendly and helpful and helped make our stay even better (not that hard to do considering how STUNNING the maldives are) Also, the easiest way to get here is by sea plane - a pretty amazing ride but expensive. Apparently you can also get here by ferry and speedboat, which is cheaper, but longer, and the details of how to do either were never really made clear!

we had booked a stay in lily beach resort after a tour through sri lanka, this was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the maldives, without having to worry about prices etc... the platinum plan was really worth it, as you can choose from everything they have, including a very good wine selection. even though we were only there for 4 nights, the staff did all their best to still have us in for complimentary excursion and a la carte dining, even though they were already fully booked!! that was very much appreciated!!! your holiday starts in fact already in male when you board the waterplane... incredible feeling to fly over the atolls!!

We spent two weeks at Sun Island and it was good time for diving only, which is main benefit for any resort at South Ari Atoll. We stayed 11 time at Maldives before and Sun Island was one of largest resorts where we stayed there but management and service there was so slow and so poor as I never seen before at Maldives. All bungalows were very old and with very basic facilities. Cleaning was for viasulusation of some activities only but it was never cleaned under bed or tables with change of bed sheets once in week. Main restaurant was with very basic food without any spicy food and with always sleeping walters.

if you're looking for a relaxing getaway, this is the place to be. i stayed at the mirihi island resort as a single traveler. knowing the maldives are notorious for honeymooners, i figured i would just hang on the beach or on the deck of my water bungalow. this was ok with me because i was looking for that type of holiday. but that was not the case at all. the staff and other guests were so friendly. i never felt out of place being the only solo guest on the island. the staff invited me to the events happening on the island, such as the daily football (soccer) game. it is mainly played by the staff, but guest are encouraged to join. the dive shop and staff are the best i have come across. i thought i would dive 1 day, 2 tanks. i wound up diving 4 days. it was amazing!! hassan is the best dive master! he's from the maldives and really knows the waters, fish, fauna and wrecks. i did not have the opportunity to eat in the restaurant over the water. this was mainly due to the fact that i was a single table and felt a bit odd (only within myself, not by the staff or guests). also the restaurant is not included in the stay, so i was being a bit frugal considering this trip was costing me a small fortune coming from america. the main restaurant that is included in the price was great. the chef came out every night and spoke to the guests, even telling them how things were made. i walked away with one of his recipes. it was stunning to have a table basically on the beach, watching the sunset. finally, i would hands down recommend staying in a water bungalow over a beach villa. if you have kids, the beach villa might be a better option, however if you are honeymooning or solo, the water bungalow is worth every bit. if you are debating which atoll to visit, the south ari is the best for diving. if you are contemplating between resorts in the south ari atoll, book mirihi. you won't be disappointed.

I was having honeymoon there. It is a very suitable place. The water is very beautiful. The villa is not colourful as other new resorts but I love the nautural feeling Moofushi provides. Thanks Moofushi and I have wonderful time there. I miss there now. The staff is friendly and I know they have tried their best to satisfy all my requirement. Nice job. The only thing I think required to improve is dining. hm...i don't see too much impression in restaurant. It is normal buffet like standard hotel. I am impressed that your hotel to have different theme every night. For the "Oriental" night, I like you provide quite many variety of food but some of the food is not in standard, especially the sushi, it is terrible. (I am an Asian so I know what is good=)). anyway, there are still some good food like curry. The drink are excellent. The overall comment is that the food can be improved. After improve, I believe your hotel is the best paradise in South Asia.

Beautiful tropical oasis located close to the best dive spot on South Ari Atoll. Dive staff extremely helpful. We had two bedroom beach pool room...could not ask for a better set-up what with gorgeous white sand beach outside our door and our own "private" mini-reef complete with reef fish (and a few small black tip sharks) swimming around...again, right outside the door. Food was excellent as were the drinks. And to top it off, the price was better than many of the other 5 star resorts.

this is my 2nd trip to maldives, and i am glad that i had choosen conrad. the resort has 2 islands and can only accessed by seaplane. the 30mins flight is a great experience with a lots of nice view from top. the breakfast is best taken at atoll market cos you will be spoil by the variety. a daily afternoon free tea break is provided at madhoo spa restaurant with a ocean sea view. one should not miss out the chance having a dinner at ithaa undersea restaurant, althought it is expensive but it is a wonderful experience to "talk" to the fish while u eating. :p i like the swimming pool @ quiet zone at the other island, with good privacy. i booked a spa water villa which come with a outdoor private jazcuzzi, a good way to relax. overall, i like to give it a 2 thumbs up.

We booked a water villa which had amazing views both from the room and the bathroom. The room was very clean and well equipped. The terrace was perfect for romantic evening dinners and for watching all the different types of fish including small sharks and sting rays. The house reef was better than expected and we had some of the best ever cocktails while watching the sun set. A small very romantic island that we will hopefully go back to one day.

This island is very small and calm. It seems very popular among european people. It took about 1hour from male to this island. This island has good snorkeling point, very close to drop off. This guest house interior is very nice. It seems it's a resort villa. Equipments are all good, refrigerator, Wifi, Hot shower, drinking water, A/C This guest house has a good staff, he is also a good chef.His name is Jahangir. He cooked nice soup for me. It was very delicious. I could enjoy sunset fishing also. As I could catch fish, he coocked fish soup for me. It was very delicious. There is a restaurant near guest house. We can have meal there. Nice beach is also near guest house. There are beach chairs. When I left from male to this island , the owner would have assisted to get on speed boat. It was very helpful. And quickly response when I sent messege from agoda. I could confirm questions before booking. Thank you very much for all the staffs. I could enjoy staying.

Pros- friendly staff who are very helpful, the food is excellent with a variety of local, south Asian & international options. The bikini beach nearby is clean and beautiful. Island divers is affiliated with TME; and the dive instructors were professional and knew their stuff. Would dive with them again if we have the opportunity. Cons No alcohol on the island & there are lots of hungry mosquitoes; but this is not Tme’s fault. Our connecting flight to male had to be 5 hours before our departure flight from the Maldives; so not the best connections available if you’re short on time

Me and my husband visited this beautiful island for 1 week and is happy that we found this hotel that focus on divers! The staff was so nice and really made everything to make our stay as one of the best holiday experience ever! We felt like you all in the staff team really loved your work and wanted the guests to have the best experience ever! We were sad to leave the island in the end of our week. The rooms was clean and nice decorated. We loved the open sky shower! The rooftop was lovely to visit in the sunset and also for dining and watching the stars in the evening. Lovely food, and the concept with all inclusive is a keeper! The white sand beach and the turquoise blue water is just amazing around the whole island. And nearly no tourists - this island is an unexplored pearl! The marine life is top 5 in the world, so much to see! Both me and my husband are divers and we normally dive for around 3 days on our holidays but the dive sites around this island is so good that we ended up diving every day expect for one day when we went on a daytrip to a beautiful sandbank close to the island. The diveteam is very good and listen to what you like and want to see; I wanted to see macro and my husband wanted to see sharks, whalesharks and mantas - and the team made sure that we saw all of that! Thank you! Some facts about this place that is good to know; since it's a local island there is forbidden with alcohol on the whole island but if you feel that you need a drink the hotel can arrange transport to a nearby resort island where you can take a drink. It's not allowed to wear bikini in the village but it's really not a problem since it's allowed on the beach on the other side of the island, quite close to the hotel. If you want a wonderful holiday and explore the real Maldives (not a touristy resort island) - this is absolutely the place to be!

From the moment we walked in the entrance Holiday Island Resort & Spa we were thoroughly impressed. The interior decor was upscale yet warm and inviting . My partner and I came for our honeymoon and we had the best time! Everyone was so kind and welcoming and helpful to us. Our bungalow was amazing very clean,spacious well appointed, comfortable, and offered a spectacular view of the ocean. Upon arrival,we found in our bungalow a chilled bottle of Prosseco and one basket with fruits such a nice touch. High marks to the staff who seemed very well trained and were full of smiling southern charm exceptionally people from the Housekeeping and F&B. The service was outstanding, and that is something that can really make or break a vacation. Nashid did a marvelous job of keeping our room clean and sweet smelling our entire stay. We would like to recommend him for special commendation. The next best part was the fantastic food and excellent service the buffet has a great variety of food choices and the preparation made for superior tasting I would like to thank to Chef and Sous Chef Mr Saed and rest of the Team from kitchen everyone was working very hard to offer the best food and service. Mr Waheed our Waitress was looking after us and was finding time to have a chat with us all the time . I would like to thank as well to the Housekeeping Manager and F&B Manager for all the effort looking after us and Congratulations to your team members for being so accommodating at all times. I will be recommending Holiday Island Resort &Spa to everyone I talk to and we will definitely be coming back! Regards, Alexandra Csomos

Small hotel, near the beach, very clean, excellent value for money, spacious rooms, breakfast and delicious meals (a little more expensive than in the local restaurant), a variety of excursions at a very competitive price and, best of all , the staff. All of them were very friendly, very professional, always willing to help you and form a big family. Thank you all for making us have an incredible experience. Hope to see you very soon!

Stayed 2 nights in early January 2019 and it was the best budget find in an otherwise expensive country that is known for luxury resorts. The staff are friendly and service is top notch, picking us up at the ferry dock and giving tips regarding transportation. They also provide free snorkel gear, with the beautiful beach 20 steps away. Room 104 and 105 had a renovated bathroom, though the hot water was not hot enough, making you not want to stay under the rain shower head. Breakfast was included, limited choice of pancakes, sausages and fried eggs. I would stay here again if I come back to Dhigurah Island in the Maldives.

We had a fabulous time staying here. Both Mazin and Aziz were helpful, resourceful, considerate, and played a huge role in helping us have the best possible holiday. The excursions were simply too good, the food was great and the hospitality splendid. The place is homely, comfortable and clean. The view is spectacular and proximity to the beach, restaurants, activities and pretty much everything is superb. The staff is also very good. Whether it’s the stay, the excursions or just general interactions everyone at Noovilu suites makes your experience personal and privileged. In a heartbeat I would choose and recommend Noovilu Suites over any 5 star resort in the Maldives.

Kalaafaanu Retreat: A charming guest house in an authentic village. The bedroom and ensuite are spacious and adequately furnished, evening meals are reasonably priced, home cooked to order and delicious. The hosts are very friendly and always happy to help, all the usual excursions are available at the going rate. Get left on a sandbank for a day, go to a deserted picnic island or go sunset fishing, but the highlight for us was whale shark watching in the south of Ari Atoll. Although it is a two hour round trip, they have a small nimble speedboat (the others running tours all had large, cumbersome boats) meaning they can drop you in the right spot to see the shark, pick you up and do it again. Because of this I was able to swim with a shark three times. We also saw a turtle and lots of dolphins on the same trip. We stayed in three different places on our stay including a resort but K Retreat were the only place to reach out to us to arrange transfers and everything worked out like they said it would. Excellent value for money and would stay again. Hangnaameedhoo Island: Small inhabited island that is yet to be colonised by tourism. There are only two small guest houses, one restaurant with a lovely garden but a limited menu, one cafe who proudly served us an espresso from their new espresso machine and a handful of shops which sell souvenirs but very little of practical use for tourists (make sure you buy your sun hats and sun tan lotion before you visit). Therein lies the charm of the place, it really feels like the real Maldives. There is a small bikini beach which faces the sunset and with so few other tourists you will have it all to yourself at times. The house reef is excellent for snorkeling with a large shallow lagoon with lots of coral fish nurseries and an easily accessible drop off where a myriad of adult tropical fish await. I saw a small Ray, another couple who were staying saw Rays, a turtle and baby sharks. Could go on, see Trip Advisor for more

maafushivaru Maldives Resort is located at South Ari Attol- 25 minutes by seaplane from Male. This is a small resort with 50 rooms-garden villas and water villas. We stayed at villa 203, facing the house reef and the sunrise side. The room is modern, big, clean and tidy, not much to complain about. Not much live coral at the house reef but there are variety of fishes. There is only one restaurant, serving buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food was good with lots of variety except the service. (The supervisor seems reluctant to serve asia from my observation). The nearby Lunubo Island is a must visit spot.

I loved the place as it was everything I was looking for in a place to stay on the island - brand new property, comfortable rooms, quietness and palms all around! We were very lucky to discover this new and sweet minty painted mini hotel in the middle of the island. The comfort and services they offer are a great value for money. Some rooms have balconies, and views are nice whichever side your choose. La cabana booked us a transfer to a neighboring resort island where we went for a day, and also booked airplane tickets back to Male at a special rate. The bikini beach is 2 minutes away by bicycle ( they have bicycles available for free so you could move around the island) or a 5 minute walk. All guest houses on the island only have 5 to 8 rooms - this one is not an exception - they only have 7 rooms so book in advance to enjoy. Oh, and what’s great is they can organize any snorkeling or diving trip to see the wonders of the Indian Ocean :)

Liberty Guest House staff are very hospitable and friendly! Our room was always clean and the staff always accommodated our requests. The food was sooo delicious and the chef was always explaining and recommending his best dishes. We went on the nearby local islands and it was amazing! We were on the beach by ourselves with the beautiful Maldives pristine water. Enzo became a friend and gave me some insider tips about Maldives excursions and looking forward to coming back again to the guest house. While at your stay we were able to use their SUP, kayak and snorkel gear included in our accommodations. Suggestions for faster wifi, is in the reception or in the dining area. Overall, if you want a quality stay, clean room, amazing staff, and delicious food...this is the place! Great value for the money but more importantly the quality of customer service is amazing and you have more to spend on the excursions.

The resort and the island were very beautiful. The overwater villa was spacious. The wifi in the villa was extremely slow, though. The house reef was simply the best we have seen so far in terms of sealife. The coral was kind of dead/bleached but the fish, rays, turtles, octopus, and etc. more than made up for it. We have been to three other resorts in the Maldives, two in Male atoll and another in the north ari atoll. We like Diamonds Athuruga the most.

Value for money In-house reef at the location Compact and clean rooms For a tropical place like this they provide unlimited drinking water which is an icing on the cake Highly courteous staff, a special mention about Mr. Senthil for his extra mile service He is an asset to the place 3 restaurants on offer around this place for folks looking for a change outside of Ocean Beach Inn If there is anything the place can improve on is, if the tap water in restrooms can have reduced salt content. Not sure about the feasibility considering it’s on local islands, however this doesn’t impact the experience anyways but just a suggestion.

We had amazing experience, staying 3 nights in the hotel. The hospitality and care have no limits. We tried several restaurants in the island but the food in our hotel was definitely the best, prepared with love and in time. The whole house is very new, super clean and tidy. Bikini beach is located 2 minutes from the hotel. We took two tours - night fishing and sandbank and they were just perfect. Really greatfull to the ownew and his crew

i stayed there 5 nights with my friend. Accomodation was cheap yet the service provided was excellent which i did not expect. housekeeping was done whenever i left my room (even just for 30 mins) . i had a really really great time there. And as a complimentary seaside candle dinner was provided on the last night. It was truly memorable. i highly recommend you to book this accommodation, it's value for money and you will have a good experience on the beautiful island.

everything there was amazing. staffs were very very helpful with all our needs. could never ask for more. snorkelling experience was amazing. staffs were very experienced in looking for whale sharks and mantas. unforgettable vacation. the island itself was amazingly beautiful. food was yummehhhh. very very recommended. definitely would like to go back. keep it up Athiri!

the lux maldives resort is a larger island, and due to this gives you more choice than some of the others we have stayed on. everything is of high quality in the resort and nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who coped admirably with my husbands constant requests for things not on the menu! service really is top notch here and i can highly recommend the teppanyaki at umami (you have to pay extra for this if on a meal plan) and the italian restaurant allegria. senses, the asian fusion restaurant is also very good. the extra daily touches in the resort - the hidden bottle, ice cream service at the pool, hidden bar etc are nice little extra touches. the spa is also very good and i can recommend the energising massage. diving is excellent and was a highlight of the trip, dirk and the crew in the dive centre are very professional and courteous and diving with the whale sharks that can be found all year round in the ari atoll was a highlight of our trip. we have been to the maldives 8 or 9 times now, mostly to different resorts, and have only found one other resort (soneva fushi) that we would (and have) returned to, but we would definitely return to lux maldives agains.