A trip to the Maldives is a commitment. Often flanked by 20-plus hours of air travel from the West Coast, part of its undeniable allure is the excitement one experiences while trekking great distances to get there.
At the same time, a step off any transpacific flight will have most travelers say, “it better be worth it.” And rightfully so—there is a lot of time, effort, and money put into this type of demanding bucket list vacation.
Though there is no shortage of well-known, often sterile luxury chains with the overwater bungalows synonymous with the region, there is also the unique option to diversify a visit with stops at multiple properties, often making the journey even more worthwhile.
Maldivian-owned and operated Sun Siyam Resorts not only offers five distinct hotels with different looks and feels, but also different vantage points. Best of all, they’re connected via the islands’ robust network of seaplanes and boats for quick and easy transfers.
“We’ve built a portfolio that caters to different mindsets and moments,” explains CEO Deepak Booneady. “The decision to open multiple properties was a strategic one, driven by the idea of offering something unique for every type of traveler while keeping our core values consistent.”
Those in search of sand and sun will find solace at one (or all!) of Sun Siyam’s resorts, deeply rooted in local traditions and hospitality. This is their story and a guide to what to consider if customization and variety are priorities in planning your next big adventure.
$900 and a Dream
Sun Siyam Founder and Chairman Ahmed Siyam Ohamaed started his business with only $900 and a dream.
“At that time, tourism in the Maldives was still in its infancy, yet he saw its potential not only as a business opportunity but as a way to uplift communities and introduce our islands’ beauty and culture to global travelers,” shares Booneady.
This commitment to preserving local authenticity stems from Ohamaed’s upbringing. He grew up on a small island where his father served as community chief. As part of this leadership role and an extension of Maldivians’ trademark generosity, he welcomed visitors whole-heartedly, went above and beyond to care for neighbors, and aimed to establish a true sense of belonging for anyone in his inner circle.
When Sun Siyam Vilu Reef opened in 1998, it was Ohamaed’s goal to model and integrate these admirable practices and traits into the resort’s ethos, where guests would “arrive as visitors and leave as family.”
A Love for Local
No matter the resort, Sun Siyam has made an effort to preserve its Maldivian culture across its entire portfolio.
“Maldivian culture is not an afterthought, it is our soul,” shares Booneady. “From the very beginning, Mr. Siyam’s vision was to build something that goes beyond luxury, something that honors where we come from. Every detail, from our architecture to our cuisine and rituals, reflects our heritage and tells the story of the Maldives through experiences that feel genuine and heartfelt,” he adds.
Rooms, for example, are fitted with locally sourced coconut palm timber, thatched palm leaves, and hardwood. Buffets brim with offshore fish, especially tuna, and are complemented with rice and Indian-influenced curries. Events include cooking classes, craft workshops, and Bodo Beru drum performances, scheduled to contextualize a stay beyond the postcard-worthy beauty that is always a guarantee.
Sun Siyam’s hundreds of employees are also the company’s beating heart, as the brand intentionally hires those who were born and raised in the area to represent their respective home villages.
“We are not just a hospitality brand operating in the Maldives, we are a Maldivian-born company that embodies the destination,” says Booneady. “Every decision, from design to guest experience, is guided by a deep sense of place and purpose. While many international brands bring their global standards to the islands, we bring the islands themselves, their warmth, generosity, and natural rhythm to life for our guests.”
Sea and Be Seen
To categorize and streamline their range of accommodations, Sun Siyam Resorts have created The House of Siyam with Luxury, Prive, and Lifestyle tiers. Luxury includes Iru Fushi, Prive includes Iru Veli and Vilu Reef, while Lifestyle includes World and Olhuveli.
Not only do these resorts vary in overall vibe and size, but also location so that guests can enjoy more nuanced experiences with different rooms, staff, meals, and even bedroom views. This is particularly valuable for those traveling with families and who long for a combination of the high-energy activities found at the World and Olhuveli resorts and the tranquil seclusion at Iru Veli and Vilu Reef. It’s also ideal for those who tend to go stir-crazy during extended stays or those who want to get the most bang for their buck after dedicating weeks to a much-needed holiday.
That said, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi sits pretty as the portfolio’s crown jewel, touting the over-the-top luxuries most commonly associated with exotic beach locales. Aside from oversized villas, suites with outdoor bathrooms and nearly 1,000 square feet of butler-serviced space, many lodgings open to private beach access from dipping pools and plush gardens. Cuisine is also elevated through multiple on-site restaurants, including Italian, Indian, and Thai-influenced fare. The award-winning spa is canopied by tropical foliage and designed to feel as if you’ve stepped inside of an enchanted forest with native birds, fish-teeming ponds, and treatment rooms themed around flora and fauna.
Hop to It
There is something to be said about sticking to tried-and-true hotels, at least for consistency’s sake. But if the rare opportunity to jet long and far to the Indian Ocean presents itself, it’s also wise to be adventurous, expand literal sun-drenched horizons, and consider island hopping. After all, it may be a wanderluster’s one and only moment to take full advantage of this pocket of the globe.
Sun Siyam removes the inconvenience of grueling transfers while also ensuring that each of its one-of-a-kind properties maintains the five-star hospitality that greets guests on day one. Their only expectation is for travelers to form core memories around the enchanting turquoise paradise that will forever define the Maldives.
