Last year we were invited to stay at three Sun Siyam resorts in The Maldives. Sun Siyam Iru Veli was the last of the three, and we think for us personally, this was the best.
This is a private pool paradise for grownups, a premium all-inclusive escape. Sun Siyam Iru Veli is the ultimate tropical retreat, and if you have something special to celebrate, we found it!
From the moment you arrive, shoes are left at the door, so forget dress codes and come as you are. Here you will live your barefoot dream. So sit back and sink your toes into the softest white sand – it doesn’t get better than this.
The Journey to Sun Siyam Iru Veli:
By now we were seasoned seaplane travellers, even flying barefoot to match the laidback pilots. Our earplugs were firmly in place as soon as we took our seats, and we were ready for another exhilarating flight over the atolls.
However, we had a surprise in store. The flight lasted the obligatory 40 minutes, (amazingly, you will find that all transport from Male to most island resort is around 40 minutes), we left the seaplane at another resort, where a speedboat awaited to take us the final leg to Sun Siyam Iru Veli. What a treat!
What to expect on arrival at Sun Siyam Iru Veli:
The traditional Maldivian welcome is quite moving. The smiles, the music and singing, welcome gifts and just that feeling of ‘we found paradise’ is everything you expected – times 100.
I have kept my gifts from each of the resorts on my desk as a reminder of possibly the best travel experiences of my life.
After relaxing over refreshing cocktails and wiping the perspiration from hands and face with scented cold, damp hand towels, we were introduced to our butler and escorted in a golf buggy to our beautiful Ocean Villa with pool. Your dedicated butler is there to tend to your every need, wish and want and is contactable throughout your stay by personal WhatsApp. Welcome to paradise for grownups!
Warning: you might struggle to adjust back to normal life after staying here!
Our accommodation at Sun Siyam Iru Veli:
These overwater villas are contemporary in design and flooded with natural light. A king size bedroom leads to a spacious bathroom, complete with a freestanding tub and separate walk-in rain shower. Fully-furnished outdoor decks feature steps down to the lagoon, perfect for a morning dip, and private plunge pools for cooling down between sunbathing sessions. It’s a hard life!
Every amenity is in your villa to make your stay stress free. Here’s some we found invaluable:
Hairdryer: don’t bother taking one. It’s additional weight in your luggage and completely unnecessary.
Room Safe: for passports, money, jewellery etc.
In-Villa WIFI: essential during your stay, if like us you need to work.
Bath Amenities: beautiful toiletries means something else less to pack.
Satellite TV: I really don’t think you will turn it on during your stay, but there if you want to.
Bath Robe and Slippers: these you will probably use on a daily basis as we did.
A/C: we couldn’t have managed without it on those tropical nights.
Minibar: there is nothing better than sitting on your private deck, with a glass of wine watching the most beautiful sunset of your life.
Sun Loungers: top up your tan in complete privacy.
Restaurants and bars at Sun Siyam Iru Veli:
Five star luxury is all about choices, and at Sun Siyam Iru Veli you are spoilt for choice. Take your tastebuds on a journey with the freshest, yummiest global fusion food. Maldivian curries, seafood straight from the ocean, a grill set to thrill and classic dishes done with zesty flair.
Aqua Orange is the buffet style restaurant where you can choose from a mouthwatering display of freshly prepared dishes from around the world, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you want to graze and take your time over multiple visits to the numerous food stations, then you will love this. Aqua Orange was our favourite for breakfast.
Grouper Grill is an outstanding outdoor seafood grill restaurant serving delicious seafood fresh from the ocean, and prime cuts and steaks grilled to perfection.
Roma provides a delicious Mediterranean menu of dishes from a classic Caesar salad to homemade pasta and tropical-inspired panna cotta made from fresh, local mangoes.
There are pool bars, wine bars, in-villa private dining and romantic destination dining options at any location around the island. Perfect for honeymooners.
Experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli:
Movie Under The Stars – Indulge in classic films under the stars and have a night to remember in an unparalleled ambience. Enjoy drinks and popcorn with the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore and powder soft sand beneath your feet at Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s vast beach. This paradise for grownups has thought of everything.
How long: A few hours
Cost: Chargeable
Local Island Experience – The Maldivian culture is rich with flavours from most of the early seafarers who set foot on its soil. Visit a local fishing village , experience the Maldivian way of life, mingle with the people and see the mosque, school, and plenty of artefacts from the local gift shop.
How long: A few hours
Cost: Included in all-inclusive package
Floating Breakfast – A holiday treat loved by all ages, enjoy a floating breakfast served in the luxury of your own private pool. The perfect way to start your day, choose from continental, full English or a champagne breakfast served with smoked salmon. This is one of those perfect Instagram able moments, and believe me it’s as good as it looks!
How long: A few hours
Cost: Chargeable
Farm Island – this is a wonderful, educational experience, showcasing where Sun Siyam Iru Veli grows produce, keeping the resort self sufficient and also supplying to the locals. We spent a morning there and loved finding out about their sustainability best practices. Sun Siyam Resorts have a conscience and sustainability is at the heart of everything they do.
How long: A few hours
Cost: Chargeable
Things you need to know:
No shoes required. Take only flipflops and sandals.
Book All Inclusive.
This will be your holiday of a lifetime!
The big thing about Sun Siyam Iru Veli is the amazing all-inclusive. It goes beyond your standard food and a la carte dining by including three excursions (guided snorkelling; sunset dolphin cruise and local island visit); spa credit or three scuba dives for certified divers; jet-ski credit; non-motorised watersports plus one shisha per day (if that’s your thing!).
How Much Does It Cost – here are example Low Season Rates:
Lowest entry rate is $900 / circa £695 per villa per night. This is based on a Beach Villa with Pool which sleeps two adults and two children under 12. Kids under 12 stay and eat for free on same board basis as the adults they’re sharing with.
Only one thing left to do – book your holiday dates now at this stunning paradise for grownups. We will see you there!
Review and images by Angela Riches
MEET THE TEAM
Some images supplied.
