A ‘back to nature’ escape wrapped up in plenty of fun makes this Maldivian Resort more than just a honeymoon destination.
Nothing can quite prepare you to fly into the Maldives and witness clusters of ringed-shaped islands spread out across the Indian Ocean.
The Maldives, with its pristine white beaches, turquoise lagoons and natural coral reefs, is an exclusive destination often associated with honeymooners and a jet-setting crowd. Yet, in reality, the collection of 1,200 islands spread across 26 atolls is a destination offering relaxation and luxury less than four hours from Dubai.
During our stay in paradise, our home was the idyllic Siyam World, one of the country’s newest resorts. Situated on the remote island of Dhigurah, deep in the heart of the Indian Ocean, our journey towards care-free isolation required a short 45-minute seaplane flight. However, it was worth the effort when glimpsing the palm-fringed shoreline and the quaint wooden buildings, each constructed with a private swimming pool.
Boasting 21 accommodation categories of one-to six-bedroom villas, pavilions and The Beach House Collection residences, Siyam World is a large resort offering beachfront and overwater options. Neither choice will disappoint, although the beach villas are perhaps better suited for those with young children.
Resort Feels
Instagram posts of the Maldives have inundated us with images of bungalows hovering over crystal clear waters and bountiful coral reefs, so we were more than a little excited by the notion of residing in a one-bedroom water villa with a pool and slide.
Accessible via a wooden boardwalk jutting out into the ocean, our one-bedroom villa clocked in at a more than generous 97sqm and was an absolute dream. Blending contemporary design with subtle Maldivian touches, the comfortable bedroom features a king-sized bed positioned to ensure guests wake to a view of the ocean. There is also ample closet space and an LED television for those who can tear their eyes from the dreamy ocean vistas. Bathrooms are beautifully appointed with a large walk-in shower.
The subtle interiors have been impeccably designed, but there is little need for embellishment when the villas provide stunning views of the lagoon through glass doors which lead out onto a private deck.
Situated just above the tide line, the outdoor deck gives the impression of being on a ship and boasts a private plunge pool, sun loungers and a waterslide leading directly into the inviting ocean. Life jackets and snorkelling equipment are provided, allowing guests to explore the lagoon and its tidal sandbanks directly from the comfort of the villa. Not a fan of the ocean? Don’t worry because sharks, stingrays, turtles and shoals of rainbow-coloured fish are easily spotted from the deck, making this outside area a focal part of the villa experience and the ideal place for sundowners.
Culinary Escapade
Siyam World features a choice of six bars and eight restaurants that all lean into the idea of barefoot relaxation that the resort so freely promotes. Wahoo Grill offers a beautiful setting set against the backdrop of the Maldivian jungle, where diners can tuck into fresh seafood and the catch of the day. Kurry Leaf boasts Indian fine dining with prime ocean vistas around a central pool teeming with marine life. Still, it was the exclusive dining at Japanese hotspot Arigato that had us genuinely enamoured.
Elsewhere, beach bars, a jungle bar and even a shipwreck themed bar will keep you hydrated with a selection of over 100 cocktails and house beverages. Did we mention that Siyam World is WOW Inclusive? This means unlimited dining experiences, 24-hours of free-flowing beverages (including the daily replenishment of the minibar). In a destination as exclusive as the Maldives, it’s refreshing to know that expenses are covered before you even set foot on the island.
Embracing Island Life
Siyam World is surprisingly family-friendly, with its on-site kid’s club, pizza making classes and storytelling sessions. Visitors also have complimentary access to Siyam Waterworld – the biggest floating water park in the Maldives. For exploration above and below the waves, Dhigurah is a fantastic place for scuba diving and snorkelling excursions, whether you want to swim with sharks and rays or embark on a sunset dolphin cruise. The resort also offers sea bobbing (a mini handheld jetski that lets you drop beneath the ocean waves), electric surfing and horse riding on the beach. But for the utmost peace and tranquillity, the Veyo Spa offers treatments to relax the mind, body and soul amidst a pretty stone garden that replicates the Siyam World logo when viewed from the sky.
Service Excelled
Siyam World lives up to its reputation for acute attention to detail, an intuitive and personalised service style and the ability to create unforgettable moments. After three days on a remote island in one of the world’s most in-demand luxury destinations, the sense of seclusion and sanctuary is hard to shake.
DSCVR: Siyam World Maldives, Dhigurah, Noonu Atoll, Maadhoo Noonu, Maldives (+960 656 7777). @siyamworld
