Deluxe in Every Way: LUX Resort, Maldives

No matter where you are in the Maldives, you’ll see it: the color, the ambience, the pure pampering experience that characterizes holidays in these islands. And, as the only settlement on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu in South Ari Atoll, the LUX Resort promises “real insight into unspoiled island living.” They boast a “spontaneous atmosphere” that can bring you anything from movies on the beach to musical events. The lagoon at LUX is made for snorkeling and whale or shark spotting; their two pools and spa offer pampering of yet another variety. Whether you’re rambling through tropical gardens or sampling authentic island food at one of the resort’s restaurants, they assure you, as a guest, that you can “expect to be pleasantly surprised.”

Arrive via the colorful “Maldives Air Taxi” seaplane and you’ll see the resort’s villas, stretching out like a chain of individual islands themselves. A boardwalk from the landing site brings you to the lobby, from which point you’ll be directed to your accommodations — choices range from spacious guest rooms to a multi-bedroomed villa on stilts in the lagoon. All rooms feature air conditioning and ceiling fans; baths with deep tubs and separate showers; satellite TV and DVD players; minibars, private sunbeds, and Wi-Fi Internet access — if you really want it. But with complimentary reef snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boats, not to mention beach volleyball, tennis, and a library at your fingertips, you’ll find plenty to do away from the “outside world” — which is only as it should be, at a world-class escape like LUX.