These resorts are changing the way we think about the Maldives

With its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and the warm tropical sun, the Maldives has long been synonymous with paradise.

But for those seeking more than a couple of weeks of lounging on picture-perfect beaches, Sun Siyam Resorts offers a refreshing take on the quintessential Maldivian getaway.

Gone are the days when a trip to the Indian Ocean archipelago meant little more than sunbathing and sipping cocktails.

Maldivian-owned and operated Sun Siyam Resorts offers a wide array of experiences and activities to cater to every type of traveller, while offering incredible value for money too.

From adrenaline-pumping water sports to culinary adventures and cultural immersions, these resorts prove that luxury and excitement can go hand in hand.

So, whether you’re eager to fill every moment with new experiences or someone who believes that moving more than ten feet from your sun lounger is overrated, Sun Siyam Resorts has you covered.

Here, we dive into three of Sun Siyam Resorts’ standout properties, each offering its own unique blend of luxury, adventure and Maldivian charm.

Which one will you choose?

Aquatic Adrenaline Rush

At Siyam World, the concept of a relaxing beach holiday is turned on its head. This 5-star resort is an activity junkie’s paradise, boasting an impressive list of Maldives’ firsts that will get your heart racing.

Guests can soar beneath the waves strapped to the world’s first underwater jet-pack, by Cudajet. Launched in February 2023, this innovative device allows exploration of the Maldives’ vibrant underwater world in a way never before possible. How’s that for starters?

For those seeking an even more exhilarating aquatic adventure, the resort offers another unique experience – the first Seabreacher in the archipelago. This California-imported watercraft is part boat, part submarine, providing a thrilling ride as it leaps out of the water and dives beneath the waves, offering a perspective of the ocean that few have ever experienced.

But the thrills don’t stop there. Siyam World boasts the largest inflatable waterpark in the Maldives as well as the first go-kart track, featuring eco-friendly all-electric karts.

Siyam World is also where you’ll find the first resort horse ranch in the Maldives, home to beautiful Marwari thoroughbreds for adults and gentle ponies for younger riders. There’s nothing quite like galloping along pristine beaches with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop.

When it comes to accommodations, Siyam World doesn’t disappoint. Villas range from intimate one-bedroom retreats to spacious four-bedroom complexes, each boasting a private pool. In a playful touch that epitomises the resort’s fun-loving spirit, every overwater villa comes equipped with its own water slide, allowing guests to slip directly into the lagoon from their deck.

Stay in one of the Beach Residences and you can take advantage of the in-villa all-day breakfast, or even order a floating breakfast to your private pool. Plus, stay for four or more nights and every adult will receive a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment.

Guests of The Beach Residences, can also eat with no additional charge at Arigato restaurant which plates up high-end Japanese cuisine in an oceanside setting. While in the main resort, stylish restaurants serve everything from Thai cuisine at Takrai to Italian delicacies at Del Mare. In fact, throughout their adventures, guests can refuel at any of the resort’s 18 restaurants and bars as part of the aptly named WOW! all-inclusive program.

Wine enthusiasts will love Barrique where the in-house sommelier pairs local dishes with fine wines in a special cellar dinner and for a taste of authentic Maldivian cooking head to the newest restaurant at Siyam World – Kaage – where recipes that have been passed down the generations are now being recreated with the freshest of ingredients.

Siyam World is also home to the most thrilling football camps which see stars of the game like Wayne Bridge, Michael Owen, Luis Suarez and Franceso Totti share their skills with budding players. And this October England legend Rio Ferdinand will be on hand to run drills and help youngsters develop their technique.

As night falls there’s more than enough to keep you entertained with live DJ performances from some of the biggest names on the scene like Tom Zanetti and Yungen who have both played at Sun Siyam on numerous occasions.

With so much included, you’re only problem will be choosing what to do next!

Water villa with pool and slide on premium all-inclusive package at Siyam World sleeping up to two adults and one child under 12, from £650 per night.

Eco-conscious Tranquillity

For those seeking a more serene escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers a haven of tranquillity in the Dhaalu Atoll, just a 40-minute seaplane ride south of Male. This 5-star resort redefines all-inclusive luxury with its comprehensive offerings and bespoke experiences, and is ideal for couples and honeymooners.

Beyond the all-inclusive dining, guests are treated to three complimentary excursions, jet ski credits and a choice between spa vouchers or three scuba dives for certified divers. Plus, the mini-bar is replenished daily, ensuring you’re never far from refreshment.

What really sets Iru Veli apart is its commitment to creating bespoke experiences. For something truly exceptional treat yourself to a Private Lagoon Breakfast. The team will set out a truly tempting selection of freshly baked pastries and tropical fruits right on the shoreline, where you’ll tuck in, in complete privacy.

Or why not order The Floating Delight Experience straight to your villa? Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, evening cocktail or delicious sushi, it’ll be presented on a gorgeous tray ready to be placed on the surface of your private pool.

The resort can also arrange a Robinson Crusoe-esque adventure where you’ll enjoy a sandbank escape and feel like the only people in the world.

There are open-air cinema nights and sunset cruises giving you the chance to spot dolphins leaping through the surf, not to mention a unique nighttime adventure, where you can join a guided snorkel with nurse sharks.

Back on dry land, try your hand at making coconut oil the traditional Maldivian way – which you can then use in a personalised spa treatment and wine-lovers will appreciate the curated pairing menu hosted by the resort’s sommelier, while those interested in local culture can participate in Maldivian cooking classes.

Food is a major part of the Sun Siyam Iru Veli experience with an incredible buffet offering mouthwatering choice at Aqua Orange, three-course dinners at Grouper Grill serving up fresh seafood and prime cuts of meat al fresco and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Roma.

And the resort takes sustainability seriously, particularly when it comes to dining.

The farm-to-fork concept is brought to life through two island farms owned by the Sun Siyam Resorts group. A short boat ride away, Udhdhoo farm island offers guests a chance to witness this commitment firsthand.

This lush, jungle-like island, which guests can walk the circumference of in just 15 minutes, grows an impressive 38 varieties of fruits and vegetables and this local produce accounts for about a third of Iru Veli’s fresh ingredients, significantly reducing food miles.

Guests can also dance the night away at the weekly pool parties where international DJs are live in the mix, as well as at themed beach parties where you can enjoy bottomless bubbles.

So if you’re looking for a getaway that’s truly unique and customised just for you, Sun Siyam Iru Veli is for you.

Beach Villa with pool at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, on premium all-inclusive package, sleeping two adults from £576 per night.

Affordable Luxury

Located in the South Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from the capital, Sun Siyam Olhuveli offers a 4-star experience that proves luxury can be accessible. This resort is ideal for active travellers and groups of friends looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Plus, up to two children under 15 stay and eat for free when sharing a villa with two adults, so it’s ideal for families looking to save money too.

But Olhuveli’s affordability doesn’t come at the cost of experiences.

An all-inclusive meal plan covers more than 10 restaurants and bars, ensuring a diverse culinary journey. From Indian cuisine at Namaste to the freshest seafood at Maghrib Grill, Italian classics at the beachfront Island Pizza and bountiful breakfasts and al fresco dinners at Sunset Restaurant, there’s always something delicious to feast on.

And for something truly special, what could be more romantic than sipping sparkling wine and indulging in a four-course menu under the stars as you float serenely with your loved one on a platform in the middle of the lagoon?

When it comes to activities the resort’s facilities are second to none. Its unique layout, spanning three islands connected by bridges, creates stunning lagoons perfect for a variety of water sports including kite-surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking.

Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled by the on-site manta point at the end of the jetty, where these majestic creatures come to feast on plankton each night. Or for those looking to explore beneath the waves, Sun Siyam Olhuveli provides access to numerous snorkelling spots, including a shipwreck teeming with marine life. Watch as butterfly fish flit in and out of the captain’s hut and if you’re lucky you may even see pilot whales and dolphins on your way to and from your unforgettable dive experience.

Also nearby is Kandooma Thila, one of the best places for spotting sharks and large green turtles, while the house reef is also superb, and is home to Olivia the hawksbill turtle, as well as black-tipped reef sharks. With access to over 50 local dive sites, Sun Siyam Olhuveli provides plenty of opportunities for underwater adventures.

And thanks to the resort’s lively atmosphere, complete with monthly events, DJs and celebrations, it really is perfect for a range of visitors, from adventurers and families to activity seekers and couples.

Deluxe Beach Villa at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with Bed & Breakfast, sleeping up to two adults and two children under 15, from £250 per night or on all-inclusive from £440 per night.

Whether you’re seeking intimate luxury at Iru Veli, non-stop action at Siyam World, or affordable indulgence at Olhuveli, there’s a Sun Siyam Resort to suit every traveller’s desires.

Each resort proves that a trip to the Maldives can be so much more than just a beach holiday – it can be an eco-conscious journey filled with new experiences, cultural insights and gastronomic delights.

Find out more and book your dream Maldives holiday at sunsiyam.com

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