Lux South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Dreaming about the Maldives? This resort has to be seen to be believed. 

Sprinkled like pearls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian islands promise the ultimate coastal getaway: white- sand beaches, soaring palms and blue skies stretching from one horizon to another. Soak up the sparkling views from one of Lux South Ari Atoll’s Water Villas. Suspended on stilts above the shallows, they feature a spacious sunlit bedroom, separate sitting area and a private deck with a plunge pool. Enjoy a dip here or strap on snorkelling gear and launch yourself into the tepid water to check out vibrant marine life such as iridescent tuna and vivid striped triggerfish. Later, make your way to the resort’s wellness centre, where the treatment rooms have a glass floor so you can be mesmerised by colourful reef fish while a massage therapist kneads away any knots. When it’s time to fuel up, there are seven restaurants, one café and three bars to choose from. Our favourite? East Market, for unforgettable Asian fare inspired by the markets of Thailand, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

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