South Ari Dive Center

First of all, it is important to know that the South Ari Dive Center is a Dive Center - and NOT a hotel. So you are accommodated at at one of a few other hotels on the island. You do NOT stay at the South Ari Center. I was accommodated at the Banyan Villa, which was quite a nice, but simple hotel. But they also use other hotels. So I'm actually reviewing the Banyan Villa here: The hotel is small and familiar, the host is very welcoming and staff is really caring and helpful. I booked "full board & all inclusive" and was a bit astonished that this only included water, tea and (instant) coffee. So I complained and after a short discussion I got all sodas for free. That was OK for me, but I believe it's important to know. The food was a bit repetitive and not too exciting, but OK. Again, service was good. Rooms are spacious, beds are all good and A/C is working well. (I had to change rooms once in between, so I know more than one room ;-)) The room was only cleaned twice over my one-week stay.

Booked with South Ari Dive, who were a fantastic dive centre with everything needed for a perfect diving holiday. Great friendly service, superb value and local dive site knowledge. They took us snorkelling with Mantas during our surface intervals which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience The accommodation is in a local guest house (not at the dive centre but 2 mins walk away). We stayed at Manta which was basic but pleasant and comfortable. Recommend B&B basis as the restaurants on Dhangethi are cheap and convenient. Service was okay though English could have been better and would have appreciated our towels to be changed for clean ones a couple of times during a 9 day stay.

Assad the manager is the Maldivian King of Hospitality! He treated me and my family so well I want to move there. I loved my stay there. We felt like we were are grandma’s house for the holidays absolutely outstanding service!

This was a fantastic choice! I researched for a very long time before finding these great deals at South Ari Dive center. I chose this island for it's superb diving. We spent 7 nights. We chose a large King room and half board (breakfast and dinner). The lodging for this type of room was the Mala Boutique hotel. It is perfect right by the beach meals were served on the beach! The room was comfortable with everything we needed, hot water, ac, toiletries wifi, tv. The staff is amazing, very helpful and accommodating. The food was delicious and properly preparedand varied. you could tell the chef has proper training. They were willing to accommodate any limitations. My understanding is they have several accommodation options they are all close together and meals are served at Mala. We added diving which was an exceptional value and experience. They are a safe and caring PADI 5 star resort. We saw whale sharks, mantas and some incredible reefs. This is some of the best diving in the world! I did a lot of research and the Maldives can be confusing. This lodging is on an inhabited island a 1.5 hour $35USD daily speedboat ride from Male. There is also a ferry a few times a week. The island can easily be walked around and is s all, there are some basic shops and restaurants. There was 4G reception.