Alifu Dhaalu (South Ari) Atoll · Dhidhdhoofinolhu
LUX* South Ari Atoll photographer.
4 shoots on the island, every frame made there. Golden hour, unhurried, gallery in 48 hours.
- Atoll
- Alifu Dhaalu (South Ari) Atoll
- Island
- Dhidhdhoofinolhu
- Transfer
- seaplane · 25 min
- Villas
- 193
- Brand
- LUX*
- Travel fee
- US$580 · speedboat + domestic
- Sessions from
- US$320
Looking for a photographer at LUX* South Ari Atoll? The resort is on the island of Dhidhdhoofinolhu in Alifu Dhaalu (South Ari) Atoll — a large island of 193 rooms, with several beaches facing different directions — there is always one with the light. I am Maldivian, based in Malé, and I have spent thirteen years working sessions like yours on islands like this one.
The 4 shoots below were photographed at LUX* South Ari Atoll; the most recent in June 2018. Every frame is from the island itself — no stock, no other resort standing in.
The travel fee to LUX* South Ari Atoll is US$580 by speedboat + domestic, always quoted on its own line, so the package price is the package price.
Shoots at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
Films from LUX* South Ari Atoll
The light at LUX* South Ari Atoll.
At LUX* South Ari Atoll we start about an hour and a quarter before sunset on the western beach, move through the shallows as the light turns gold, and finish on the over-water walkway once the lights come on. Central atoll islands have the classic Maldivian sunset — long, gold, and over the water. Sunrise sessions are quieter still, and the water is at its clearest.
About the island
- Discover the Whale Shark — a unique spot for whale shark watching all year round
- Beach & Sea — Crystal sea, 4 kilometers of beach around the resort, extensive lagoon with multi-coloured fishes
- Extraordinary Experiences craftly curated by team to connect guests with the destination
- Keen on Green — Healthy and creative culinary journey
- Private Lounge at the international airport — only 25 minutes by seaplane
- Forbes Star Awarded Spa — truly integrated approach to wellbeing
- Luxury Accommodation: beach villas/pavilions and overwater villas, including 77 with a private pool
- Sustainable approach to resort life aligned with purpose "we care about what matters"
Sessions I photograph at LUX* South Ari Atoll
Kind words from LUX* South Ari Atoll
Our photo shoot with Asad was exactly one month ago today
Questions about LUX* South Ari Atoll.
How much does a photographer cost at LUX* South Ari Atoll?
Portrait sessions start at US$320 (Tropical Memories, 20–40 minutes) and run to US$4,250 for a full day with drone and a sunset cruise. The travel fee to LUX* South Ari Atoll is US$580, which covers the speedboat + domestic transfer from Malé. Weddings are quoted on the ceremony.
Can I book an outside photographer at LUX* South Ari Atoll?
Most Maldivian resorts welcome a photographer booked directly by a guest; a few have an exclusive in-house studio. I confirm LUX* South Ari Atoll's current policy with the resort before you pay anything — usually within six hours of your enquiry — and if the island is exclusive I will say so plainly.
What is the best time of day for photographs at LUX* South Ari Atoll?
The last seventy-five minutes before sunset, then the blue hour. Sunrise is the alternative if you want the beach to yourselves and the flattest water. Midday is for the drone, not for portraits.
How do you get to LUX* South Ari Atoll?
LUX* South Ari Atoll is a 25-minute seaplane from Velana International Airport in Malé. I book the same transfer through the resort and arrive on the day of the session.
When will we receive the photographs?
A sneak peek within 24 hours and the full edited gallery within 48 — often before you leave LUX* South Ari Atoll. Every image is delivered in full resolution with a personal licence to print and share.
Which season is best at LUX* South Ari Atoll?
Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has two monsoons: Iruvai (late November to early April) is the dry season with clear skies and still lagoons; Hulhangu (April to November) brings dramatic clouds, short showers and the best sunsets. The shoots on this page were made in Funoas, Miyaheli, Burunu, Fasbadhuruva.
Check your date at LUX* South Ari Atoll