LUX* South Ari Atoll Is Taking Eco-Conscious To The Next Level
Sunday 15th of May 2022
Experience the true luxury of Maldives with LUX* where you can enjoy the blissful surroundings of the unique Maldivian Island. Surrounded by the tranquil ocean and white sandy beaches along with lush greenery, the Maldives' family-oriented luxury resort leads by example, with a variety of sustainable initiatives to support the global conscious travel trend.
One of the most outstanding features LUX* has to offer to their guests is their ‘Empowered by the Sun’ feature. In collaboration with Swimsol GmbH, the property has installed one of the world's largest floating solar systems at sea. Including rooftops, the island's solar panels power up to 33% of the entire resort's use, powering all 193 guest villas during peak sun hours.
The island cruisers that transport guests around the resort are also powered by the warm Maldivian sun, saving over 260,000 litres of diesel per year. Using the resort's dedicated TV channel, guests can monitor real-time solar energy production and consumption from their villas.
Another to note is the planet-friendly resort experience provided by the crew. Plastic bottles and take-away cups are replaced at LUX* South Ari Atoll with glass and bamboo fiber alternatives, and the island's own water plant has saved approximately 810,000 plastic bottles since its inception in December 2011.
All bathroom amenities in the guest villas, spa treatment products, and skincare collection at the resort's LUX* ME Spa boutique are made of natural ingredients and are not tested on animals. Shirley Page treatments are cruelty-free spa experiences that use organic essential and body oils.
With the Maldives being a popular romantic destination, the resort goes above and beyond in terms of sustainability when it comes to couple travel. LUX* South Ari Atoll, named the Most Sustainable Wedding Resort in South Asia, is proud to offer a unique Zero-Waste Wedding concept.
Wedding packages are wrapped around sustainable island-chic style, with love for nature at the core, ensuring the coexistence of low-impact destination wedding and luxury. Furthermore, every wedding held at LUX* South Ari Atoll helps to fund a child's education at one of the local care homes.
More than 80% of Maldivian land is the ocean that surrounds. With special care for the ocean in mind, LUX* has come up with unique approaches to keep our marine life healthy and happy. LUX* South Ari Atoll, located in a Marine Protected Area, provides unique underwater experiences, such as swimming with whale sharks and manta rays and studying local reef life. The on-site Marine Biology Center is dedicated to advancing scientific research, protecting native wildlife populations, and restoring and protecting the local environment.
The resort organizes charity auctions, updates the existing database of ocean inhabitants, and offers Turtle and Whale Shark Adoption to its guests in collaboration with its long-term partners in research and nature conservation, Whale Shark Research Program and Olive Ridley Project.
When a new atoll resident is discovered, a guest has naming and 'adoption' rights, which are confirmed by a special certificate. The discovery of the resort's first 'adopted' female whale shark, LUXMAS, is significant for ocean life research, as the majority of sighted species in the area are male. Since 2018, the island's team has assisted in the discovery of over a dozen new 'gentle giants' around the atoll.
Another exciting activity that allows visitors to contribute to the health of the ocean is coral planting workshops. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in reef restoration efforts as well as learn more about the fascinating underwater life.
LUX* provides the Coral Frame Adoption program, a long-term initiative aimed at involving people from all over the world in the conservation of Maldivian marine life. Every guest who signs up for the program receives regular photo updates from the resort's marine biologist on the growth of their planted baby corals.
Moreover, the resort is famous for being extra Keen on their Greens! Every LUX* South Ari Atoll restaurant serves a wide range of plant-based, vegetarian, vegan, and raw dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
The Keen on Green concept encourages a healthy and creative culinary journey, promoting a sustainable approach to food and assisting in the reduction of carbon footprint. The resort's passion for clean and green food earned us the distinction of being the Maldives' first 'Vegan-Friendly Hotel' by Vegan Welcome.
The Herb Garden on the island cultivates fresh herbs and vegetables for plant-based restaurant dishes and Master Chef cooking classes. LUX* South Ari Atoll guests have plenty of opportunities to learn more about 'green' cuisine during their stay, from accessing an amazing selection of vegetarian dining options to learning how to regrow their own herbs back home and cook healthy meals for the whole family.
The resort has received numerous awards for its commitment to waste-free guest experiences and environmental stewardship, and it also holds a Green Globe certificate.
Excited to come yet? Book your slots and indulge in the luxuries the resort has to offer!