True luxury is made of beauty, silence and space. With no other constraints, your pleasure is your only compass. The one of living, savouring the present moment, exploring a new, fascinating, multi-coloured universe. Just think of these sea beds populated with emerald green and fluorescent blue fish, elegantly dancing dolphins, languid turtles, transparent baby sharks, blue and white-striped yellow snappers, impressive rays coming along during your diving escapades. The Maldives archipelago is generously offering its immense ocean and tranquil lagoons for those in search of true nature and an exotic paradise. To make the most of these underwater explorations, however, you need to be in good physical shape, with your mind free of all worries.
Recharge your batteries in peace and quiet, enjoy your diving in all suppleness of body and serenity of mind. The Sun Siyam Resorts are treating you to a plethora of different experiences. Founded in 1990 by a self-made Maldivian, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, the group presently stands out as a magnificent example of a success story. Truly starting from scratch, he has combined unparalleled comfort with the authenticity of these paradise islands. Following in his footsteps, his daughter Sara is pursuing the adventure. With, at its core, an eternal desire to innovate, the Sun Siyam offers you new experiences, invariably pushing the spirit of wonder and discovery even further. A successful bet indeed, seeing the number of repeat loyal customers. Just think of this lady who’s been coming here for over forty years. A German native, she’s recently celebrated her 75th birthday with her hotel management “family”…
Tranquillity and voluptuousness at the Sun Siyam Iru Veli
A simple white sandbank has been transformed into a lush island here. A real jungle bordering the paths offers a blessed shade to the walkers dazzled by the local hibiscus and bougainvillea vines. Iru Veli is about forty minutes away by seaplane, to the south of the capital, Malé. Flying over the archipelago, you get to admire the blue symphony of the bordering lagoons.
Once you step in, it’s a total revelation. Here on the other side of the world, you get a complete change of scenery, as promised. This modestly sized island is home to three restaurants, several bars, a water sports center, a huge swimming pool, a shop and a spa. It is highly popular, with each visitor enjoying a spacious villa with a luxurious outdoor bathroom, private pool and direct access to the ocean. You get the feeling of being on your own in the whole wide world… Recharging your batteries away from prying eyes, you’d only ever occasionally bump into a fellow vacationer. This peaceful bliss certainly attracts a number of show biz celebrities and politicians. No risk of indiscretion, no stolen photos. Five star comfort in a bubble of tranquillity. Perfect for a peaceful retreat or honeymoon.
The most memorable experience on this paradise island would be a picnic on its deserted sandbank. Deckchairs and coolers, masks and snorkels are all there for you to admire the aquatic fauna. The crew leaves you on your own for a few hours, with exotic beverages and little dishes to enjoy. Unforgettable indeed! If not, go for breakfast with your feet in the lagoon or a moonlit dinner in the sand.
Once you savoured these tasty and spicy dishes, you really want to know the chef’s little secrets. Cooking classes, or rather demonstrations at Restaurant snack time, introduce you to the local culinary tricks, exotic products, surprising herbs and unsuspected ingredients. But just so you know, you are encouraged to eat it all right on the spot! So save some space during lunch time even if the buffets are truly tempting to taste a bit of everything.
Thankfully, the lagoon is also offering you a little beneficial swim among its multitude of fish. Unless you just want to relax in a hammock over the ocean, rocked by the waves.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli, a cocktail of sensations
The north of the archipelago offers a more festive atmosphere. The Sun Siyam Olhuveli is designed as three connected islands. Here, modernity imposes its spirit, with the most trendy of sports activities. Whether parasailing, kitesurfing or diving, it all starts on the water. Ways to enjoy this exceptional environment are but countless. This diving paradise offers the daring and thrill seekers a privileged boat trip to a shipwreck. The corals and the marine fauna have chosen this place to make their living. Even equipped with just fins, mask and a snorkel, exploring it is truly fascinating. Dive in the company of the exotic fish. And with a bit of luck, a ballet of dolphins will escort you back to the resort.
This more spacious complex is a mix of different styles. Maldivian-inspired suites retain the local charm, whilst the contemporary stilted villas are truly unique. Cool off in the private pool on your own terrace. Then go down a few steps right into the middle of a lagoon with the fish greeting you. And when the night falls and a total silence reigns over this ink-coloured sea, a truly magical moment comes.
Enjoy an aperitif with your feet in the sand, then admire the sunset before applauding the local colour show while sipping a pina colada or a bright punch. To get down to real business and witness the manta rays’ feast, arm yourself with a little patience and a keen eye. These giants of the seas have found a perfect spot to chase the plankton.
As to places to eat, the choice is wide and the quality is there whatever your culinary preferences are. For our part, we were particularly impressed by the Thai and Indian restaurants. Just these two would have been well worth the trip. Olhuveli definitely combines all the pleasures, to the delight of its visitors. Each resort has its own personality. Young people and families alike get all the ingredients for a successful holiday. Far from the hustle and bustle, with just music and dancing in the sand.
Exclusive massages with a view of the fish
Each of the resorts has its own spa house on stilts, overlooking the lagoon. Just a little tip if you like. It is certainly tricky and virtually impossible to stay awake with expert hands soothing tensions in your sore back. But it is well worth it, so try! Your face is placed against the window, with an array of fish going out and about for the entire duration of your treatment.
These moments are all the more magical as the therapists, most of them trained in Asia, truly excel in their skills. So just enjoy this premium massage, with a view of the sea and underwater! A truly exceptional experience complemented by a multitude of services, intoxicating scents and soft, discreet music. Just treat yourself to a couple of hours in paradise.
