South Ari Atoll
Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives is a 5-star resort located on Bodufinolhu Island in the South Ari Atoll, just 25–30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport. Opened on August 15, 2023, the resort features 100 villas including 63 Beach Villas, 30 Water Villas and 7 Beach Suites with private plunge pools. Strategically positioned adjacent to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the resort offers year-round whale shark and manta ray encounters. Two infinity pools — one with sunset views and one with panoramic Ari Atoll views — complement three restaurants, three bars, Mandara Spa with 6 treatment rooms and a full dive centre. The resort transitioned to a fully all-inclusive experience on November 1, 2024.
Published packages
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Transfers and meal plans
- Seaplane — 30
Meal plans in source: Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, All Inclusive.
Villas
- Sunset Beach Villa — up to 2 guests
West-facing beach villa with the most impressive sunset views. Direct beach access, outdoor and indoor shower, bathtub, terrace with sun loungers, minibar, AC, free WiFi, in-room safe, TV, bathrobes, hairdryer.
- Water Villa — up to 2 guests
Overwater villa with direct lagoon access. Outdoor and indoor shower, bathtub, terrace with sun loungers, direct stairs to lagoon, minibar, AC, free WiFi, in-room safe, TV, bathrobes, hairdryer.
- Beach Villa — up to 2 guests
Villa with direct beach access and stunning sea views. Outdoor and indoor shower, bathtub, terrace with sun loungers, minibar, AC, free WiFi, in-room safe, TV, bathrobes, blackout curtains, hairdryer.
- Sunset Water Villa — up to 2 guests
Premium west-facing overwater villa with breathtaking sunset views and direct lagoon access. Outdoor and indoor shower, bathtub, private terrace, direct stairs to lagoon, minibar, AC, free WiFi, in-room safe, TV, bathrobes, hairdryer.
- Beach Suite with Pool (Sunset Suite) — up to 2 guests
Premium beach suite with private plunge pool and stunning sunset views. Rainfall shower, bathtub, terrace with sun loungers, minibar, AC, free WiFi, in-room safe, TV, bathrobes, hairdryer.
Dining
- Sea Salt — International, Maldivian, Mediterranean · Main Restaurant, Beachfront
Sea Salt is the main restaurant and lounge bar at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives. Its buffet does show cooking with local and international dishes, and the same room also works as the lounge bar.
- Aqua — Mediterranean Fusion, Seafood · Fine Dining
Aqua is the speciality restaurant at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, devoted to Mediterranean fusion cooking. It is set apart from Sea Salt, the main restaurant and lounge bar.
- Breeze — Light bites, Cocktails, Snacks · Poolside
Breeze is the poolside restaurant and bar at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives. It is named separately from Magical, the pool bar, and from the dining rooms Sea Salt and Aqua.
- Magical — Cocktails, Beverages, Healthy Snacks · Lagoon Pool Bar
Magical is the lively pool bar at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives. It is a different stop from Breeze, the poolside restaurant and bar, and from the restaurants Sea Salt and Aqua.
Diving
- Barceló Whale Lagoon Dive Centre — PADI Certified
Experiences
- Scuba Diving — Diving
Guided dives with dive centre
- Turtle Snorkelling — Snorkelling
Guided turtle snorkelling excursion
- Whale Shark Snorkelling — Snorkelling
Year-round whale shark snorkelling at SAMPA
- Private Beach Dinner — Diving
Private candlelit beach dinner
- Dolphin Cruise — Cruise
Sunset dolphin watching cruise
- House Reef Snorkelling — Snorkelling
Free daily boat trip to house reef
- Sunrise Yoga — Cruise
Daily beach yoga and pilates sessions
- Manta Ray Snorkelling — Snorkelling
Manta ray excursions in South Ari Atoll
- Water Sports — Snorkelling
Kayaking, paddle surfing, windsurfing