We Love —
- Our travel experts, here to help you plan your perfect escape to paradise. Call 0800 988 000 on weekdays from 11am - 7pm and say hello.
- Reconnecting with nature in a place where coral gardens bloom beneath your villa and the stars shine brighter than ever above.
- Spending each day in effortless bliss, with every detail taken care of by your fantastic all inclusive package.
Customer reviews —
Enjoy this recent establishment: the abundance of whale sharks (harmless) and rays in this little paradise for divers will make your stay unforgettable.
A first glimpse of your holiday —
Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives 5* —
Just for you:
- Roundtrip seaplane transfers included
Find yourself at Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives 5*, where luxury and natural beauty harmoniously converge to create an unforgettable escape in the heart of the Maldives. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and lush tropical greenery make for an enchanting paradise on earth, providing blissful serenity for those seeking to leave behind the stresses of everyday life.
Step into the opulent villas, meticulously designed with elegance and comfort in mind. Each room and suite exudes a contemporary style, blending seamlessly with the natural elements of the island to create a comfortable and tranquil space so you can unwind in style.
Your room —
Choose between a stay in a Sunrise Beach Villa, an Upgraded Sunset Beach Villa, an Upgraded Sunset Water Villa or Best of Both (equal time in both Sunrise Beach Villa & Sunset Water Villa).
Sunrise Beach Villa (78 m²)
Unpack your bags in your Sunrise Beach Villa, a serene sanctuary where the first rays of dawn gently dance across the ocean. Step outside onto your private terrace and feel the soft Maldivian sand beneath your feet as you listen to the whisper of the waves
Sunset Beach Villa (78 m²)
Immerse yourself in the tropical surroundings of your stylish Sunset Beach Villa where you can enjoy modern amenities and an outdoor bath. The beautiful terrace space provides the perfect excuse to sunbathe throughout your stay as you admire the captivating sea views.
Sunset Water Villa (85 m²)
Let the breathtaking sunsets from your exquisite Sunset Water Villa gently lull you to sleep each night. Step down the villa's private stairs and dip your toes into the refreshing sea, just moments after basking in the sun on your spacious terrace.
Best of Both (equal time in both Sunrise Beach Villa & Sunset Water Villa) (78 m²)
Can’t decide between the serene sands of a beachside retreat and the heavenly horizon of an overwater haven? Don’t, and choose both to savour the best of the Maldives, from sun-kissed mornings on the shore to mesmerising views over the lagoon.
Choose your preferred length of stay:
8 nights: 4 nights in Sunrise Beach Villa + 4 nights in Sunset Water Villa
10 nights: 5 nights in Sunrise Beach Villa + 5 nights in Sunset Water Villa
12 nights: 6 nights in Sunrise Beach Villa + 6 nights in Sunset Water Villa
14 nights: 7 nights in Sunrise Beach Villa + 7 nights in Sunset Water Villa
16 nights: 8 nights in Sunrise Beach Villa + 8 nights in Sunset Water Villa
The order of accommodation is flexible and will be confirmed at check-in, depending on availability and your preferences.
Your dining choices
This is an all inclusive stay. Your breakfast, lunch, and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant, with a selection of snacks and drinks. Please see the ‘details’ tab for more information.
Admire the show cooking areas in Sea Salt where chefs skilfully prepare food with passion, and sample diverse flavours from around the world at the buffet, all to the backdrop of a glittering lagoon. If you prefer Mediterranean fusion food, Aqua boasts a tempting seafood menu as well as meats, pasta and salads. When you want spend an intimate moment with friends or have a romantic candlelit dinner, head to the restaurant's two private palm-covered palapas, which offer perfect seclusion. Retire to Breeze for an expertly crafted cocktail as the sun sets to mark the end of another day in paradise.
Your time
Just for you:
- 1 x house reef snorkelling session per room during your stay (must be booked in advance upon arrival at the resort and will be subject to availability and weather conditions)
- Complimentary use of kayak and stand-up paddleboard for 1 hour per room per day
- Complimentary snorkelling equipment
Begin each day with a refreshing swim in one of the hotel’s two infinity pools, followed by a visit to the Mandara Spa, a sanctuary of well-being offering traditional Balinese treatments and massages designed to reconnect body and mind.
For thrill-seekers, the hotel offers an array of exciting water sports and recreational activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. And don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the crystal-clear waters, just a short distance from the protected South Ari Marine Protected Area. You’ll have the chance to witness manta rays, whale sharks, and other marine wonders in this renowned diving paradise.
Your included extras —
3GB of included mobile internet data, to keep you connected on the go
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for the modern traveller. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy a connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family, with no risk of going over the limit.
Note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Your Journey to the Maldives —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Transfers:
Sit back and enjoy the ride with included transfers to and from your beautiful hotel. The type of transfer is dependent on your hotel location and can be a domestic flight, speedboat or seaplane transfer (or a combination). Additional information for seaplane transfers:
If you choose one of our non-flight inclusive offers and wish to book your own flights to the Maldives, please plan to arrive in Malé before 3pm and depart after 10am, in order to take advantage of the seaplane/ speedboat transfers. If you plan to book your own flights outside the above-suggested times, you may need to source your own overnight accommodation (at your own expense).
- The seaplane transfer provider imposes a maximum luggage allowance of 20kg per person for hold luggage, and a maximum of 5kg per person for hand luggage. Additional weight will be charged per kg.
- Luggage for children under 2 years of age is not included in the luggage allowance. A supplement of $5 per kg will be payable on the spot.
- The hotel and transfer provider cannot be held responsible for any claims arising from missed international flights, delays in seaplane transfers caused by adverse weather conditions, or force majeure.
- Seaplanes operate during the day only. If you arrive in Malé on an international flight after 3pm, hotel transfers will be provided the following day and you will be responsible for arranging and paying for your overnight stay in Malé.
- In order to organise your airport/hotel/airport transfers, please provide us with your flight schedule within 96 hours of your booking by filling in the dedicated form in your member account. Without this information, your transfers cannot be carried out.
South Ari Atoll —
South Ari Atoll, or Alifu Dhaalu, is one of the Maldives’ most captivating regions, a sanctuary of turquoise lagoons, sugar-white beaches, and world-renowned marine life. Stretching across the Indian Ocean, this atoll perfectly blends barefoot luxury with raw natural wonder, making it a dream for divers, honeymooners, and sunseekers alike.
Must-sees / Must-do:
- Maamigili & Dhigurah: The gateway islands for spotting whale sharks, where guided snorkelling trips offer encounters with these gentle giants year-round.
- Kudarah Thila: A protected marine site brimming with soft corals, turtles, and reef sharks, one of the Maldives’ most famous dive spots.
- Sunset dhoni cruise: Drift across the glowing horizon as dolphins leap alongside your boat.
Culinary culture:
South Ari’s resorts showcase fresh island flavours, from grilled reef fish with coconut sambal to aromatic curries infused with Maldivian spices. Dine on the beach beneath the stars, or enjoy sandbank picnics where the ocean meets the sky. Don’t miss a glass of fresh coconut water straight from the palm.
Dive deeper:
Explore coral gardens alive with parrotfish and rays, take a seaplane over the atoll’s emerald lagoons, or unwind in a private villa suspended over the sea. Adventure and serenity intertwine here, whether diving into the blue or simply soaking in the stillness of island life.
Good to know:
Accessible by seaplane from Malé, South Ari Atoll is one of the best places in the Maldives to see whale sharks year-round. It offers a perfect mix of luxury, nature, and authentic island charm.