A paradisal island escape is always a good idea.
For those dreaming of a trip to a tropical island combining culture with beachfront relaxation, we’ve found your idyllic destination. With year-round warm temperatures and direct flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the Maldives is the perfect destination for a long weekend or extended getaway.
Hidden amongst swaying palm trees and azure waters in the far-flung reaches of the Indian Ocean, Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers guests an enchanting island escape with plenty of activities to keep them busy. Accessible only via seaplane, the 40-minute scenic flight from Malé provides a taste of paradise before you even set foot on the island, soaring above coral-fringed atolls and crystal clear lagoons.
On the ground, guests are met with warm Maldivian hospitality and a paradisal playground as the wealth of options at Sun Siyam Iru Veli unfold before them. Powder white sand beaches give way to the verdant jungle, and a combination of beach and over-water villas offers plenty of appeal when it comes to accommodation.
Over-water dreaming
During our time at the resort, we stay in one of Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s Dolphin Ocean Suites. Strategically positioned above the water to provide sunrise or sunset views, each of the luxe villas boasts an overwater terrace, private plunge pool and direct access to the ocean.
Accessible via a wooden boardwalk jutting out into the ocean, the villa blends contemporary design with subtle Maldivian touches. The comfortable bedroom features a king-sized bed positioned to ensure guests wake to ocean vistas. There is also ample closet space and an LED television. Bathrooms are beautifully appointed with a large walk-in shower, whilst striking gold detailing adds a touch of island chic to proceedings.
At night you can pull the curtains and leave your window open to hear the sound of the waves, and with nature all around, you can close your eyes and feel like you’re starring in your very own castaway movie – albeit, with all the comforts of a luxury resort!
Fantastic Facilities
Whilst the Maldives is often seen as a honeymoon destination, Sun Siyam Iru Veli subverts expectations by offering an extremely family-friendly stay in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The resort crams a lot onto its small island locale, including a lagoon-style family pool, supervised kids club, multiple restaurants, and a spa, with plenty of Insta-worthy opportunities along the way. So whether you’re after barefoot luxury, shisha or daily crab races – you can find all of these (and more) on an island that can be circumnavigated on foot in less than ten minutes.
With expansive beaches teeming with marine life, such as reef sharks and sting rays, the isolated beaches at Sun Siyam Iru Veli are swimmable year-round. The southernmost tip of the island, close to the dive centre, is the best place for snorkelling (you can thank us later).
It isn’t easy to pinpoint the element we loved the most about this resort. Maybe it was the stunning adults-only infinity pool at the Northern tip of the island. Or perhaps it was the resort’s private pier which offers the ideal spot to witness the daily sunset, or maybe the private dinner on the beach. In reality, it was all of these things and countless more.
Delightful dining
Sun Siyam Iru Veli is also a place that ensures guests never go hungry, with seven world-class restaurants to get our food fix. Breakfast at Aqua Orange each day was a feast but our gastronomic highlight was overwater hotspot Roma’s, offering a true taste of Italy. Elsewhere, diners can enjoy freshly caught seafood at Grouper Grill, light bites at Fresh Water or coffee and cocktails at Chemistry. At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, there’s something for every palate and preference. Bespoke dining experiences can also be arranged for a toes-in-the-sand private dinner beneath swaying palm trees.
Visiting the Maldives is look food for your soul as you manage to break the routine of our modern, tech-driven lifestyles. You will reconnect with nature and soon realise that you don’t need “things” and possessions to make you happy.
Like the other Sun Siyam resorts, Sun Siyam Iru Veli 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: Sun Siyam Iru Veli, South Nilandhe Atoll, Maldives (+960 676 0100). @sunsiyamiruveli
