Villa Park Resort (previously Sun Island Resort & Spa) is a relaxed, family friendly resort located at the tip of the South Ari Atoll, an exotic and picturesque area of the Maldives. The large island offers activities for all and is ideal for those who seek encounters with larger marine life.
Nestled on Nalaguraidhoo island in the South Ari Atoll this fun, relaxed, family resort is perfectly located for divers who like their marine life big. Enjoy tropical paradise, both topside and underwater.
The 5-star resort features 462 rooms with several categories, the initial choice being whether to stay in a beach villa or water bungalow. The comfortable and spacious rooms are elegantly furnished and feature modern conveniences and amenities.
Facilities include a choice of dining options serving sumptuous local and international cuisine, a comprehensive range of water and land sports, the Araamu Spa, an infinity pool (plus additional one for children only), a gym and an on-site dive centre. It’s possible to cycle around the island exploring the tropical gardens keeping an ear out for birdsong. The island features botanical gardens and is a migratory bird sanctuary The resort features a boutique and medical centre and offers excursions to nearby islands. There’s plenty here to keep everyone busy. Complimentary WiFi internet access is available throughout the island.
The Maaniya restaurant serves buffet style meals for guests in beach villas and the Southern Star is available for those staying in the water villas. There are three a la carte restaurants on island, Al Pontile (Italian), Sun Star (Thai) and ZERO which offers a unique farm to fork dining experience. Other outlets include the Vaani coffee shop and four bars. Daily entertainment and cultural shows are part of the island experience.
Despite its size, the island is notable for its charm, and attracts visitors with its harmony and tropical surroundings. There’s a little something for everyone here whether it’s relaxing on the beach or taking part in adventurous activities.
Transfer is a 20 minute domestic flight and short boat ride from Malé International Airport.
Dive Oceanus operate five bases throughout the Maldives. All are PADI 5-star centres with Green Star awards for conservation leadership, and the base here at Sun Island, the original and largest. The multi-lingual team operate regular boat trips to the sites in the south east corner of the Ari Atoll, famed for regular sightings of whale sharks and mantas in season. In addition, diving instruction is available from as young as eight years old for beginners and more experienced divers looking to complete speciality courses.
Spend your days exploring the sites of the colourful house reef or head out further by boat on a half or full day excursion. There are 60 sites to explore, all within a one hour boat ride from resort. Some of these are located in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) where whale sharks are seen throughout the year. Divers are spoilt for choice with a variety of sites including thilas, kandus, caves and wrecks, some of which are sought after logbook entries including Kuda Rah, 7th Heaven and Maamigili. Expect to see plenty of colourful soft corals, an abundance of fish life, plenty of species of sharks and squadrons of eagle rays. The manta cleaning station at Hurolhi Corner is a must dive especially in season (Dec-Apr).
The centre also offers PADI Freediver courses and DPVs are available to rent. A full range of Scubapro equipment is available to rent and tanks (DIN & INT) available in 5, 12 and 15 litre sizes. Nitrox is complimentary for certified divers.
Divers return again and again to the popular dive sites of the South Ari Atoll, Maldives, for photo opportunities of healthy reefs, prolific marine life and large pelagic encounters including turtles, sharks and rays. Find Out More about Ari Atoll Diving Experience
Step off the beach and into the crystal waters of this Indian Ocean paradise. Famous for its house reef, vibrant marine life, and wonderful accommodation, The Maldives’ South Ari Atoll is a snorkelling gem. Find Out More about Ari Atoll Snorkelling Experience
The central region comprises Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. It is the most popular area for both dive resorts and liveaboards, with excellent shore diving from house reefs and large pelagics on drift dives. Find Out More about {acc:title}
