13 minute read
Siyam World
A Maldivian Dream
Hidden in the midst of the Indian Ocean and located just off the south coast of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is a lush and untouched paradise only relatively recently discovered by the tourism industry. Yet over recent years, it has already bloomed into what has become one of the ultimate escapes for all those seeking the ultimate holiday. The pristine beaches of the Maldives, the powdersoft sands and the tropical climate establish the Maldives as a godsend for anyone looking to head south to seek some respite from the winter, and for the rest, it still remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience year-round.
The humble beginnings of Sun Siyam Resort’s awe-inspiring portfolio of chic and stylish resorts, including four-star deluxe and five-star properties, date back to more than twenty years ago when a small travel agency was founded in 1990 by current managing director Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, planting the seed of what would later become one of the most forwardthinking, fastest-growing and successful companies in the history of Maldives. Armed with little more than a vision, the vivacity of his entrepreneurial spirit, youth and pure passion, Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed has created and transformed Sun Siyam Resorts into one of the largest and most successful resort groups operating in the Maldives today. Boasting five properties within the archipelago of Maldives and another situated in Pasikudah, Sri Lanka, the Sun Siyam Group currently offers an extraordinary range of accommodations and experiences which cater to all travellers.
SUN SIYAM VILU REEF Nestled deep in the heart of Dhaalu atoll and covering an area of an astonishingly tiny 6.63 hectares, Vilu Reef is truly a cozy and private experience like no other, and is only a short 35-minute seaplane ride away (during the daytime) with domestic options available. This multiple awardwinning resort is covered in dense flora that provides shade, privacy, and soft beaches that open to grand vistas of turquoise-blue waters. Especially crafted for those looking for the ultimate intimate holiday, Vilu Reef is one of the most popular choices for young couples and families looking for a quiet getaway.
The 103 beautiful rooms on offer cover 9 different types of accommodation. Inspired by Maldivian culture and the surrounding environment, all the spacious, cool rooms come with deckchairs attached outside so that you can soak up the sun from the comfort of your room, and if you particularly don’t feel like going out, the in-villa dining services are just a phone call away. The awardwinning water villas come with a gorgeous view of the Indian Ocean, while each jungle-wrapped beachfront room opens directly onto the
immaculate beach that envelopes the island via its own private path.
Whether you decide to snorkel the lively house reef or kitesurf in the crystal clear lagoon that hugs the island, this romantic retreat is sure to leave you breathless. If you are feeling extra adventurous, don’t hesitate to contact any one of the well trained staff at the on-site dive center to schedule a trip to one of many exciting dive spots nearby. Awarded Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 3 executive years, this jewel island marks the beginning of Sun Siyam Resorts and showcases the contemporary Maldivian resort experience par excellence.
SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI Step off your flight, into a speedboat, and be whisked away to this serene haven in a mere 45 minutes. Situated in the calm waters of the South Male Atoll, Olhuveli is spread over two islands, with one more adult-only island slated to open in the near future. Home to one of the most vibrant house reefs in the Maldives, world-class watersports and an iconic shallow water shipwreck just a few minutes away, Olhuveli is nothing short of a dream for watersports enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Ranked on oyster.com as one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world, the exceptional all-inclusive package includes use of non-motorized water sports, various drinks, and other selected services, freeing all guests to roam its tropical jungles and frolic among the palms or wash their troubles away at our remarkable spa.
For the gastronomically inclined, a dizzying variety of cuisine awaits you at Sun Siyam Olhuveli courtesy of the 11 bars and restaurants scattered around this tropical refuge, including a buffet restaurant and 3 top notch restaurants that serve exceptional a la carte menus, guaranteeing a delightful dining experience that is sure to satiate and please any connoisseur’s taste buds.
SUN SIYAM IRU VELI The five-star island retreat of Iru Veli lies in the Dhaalu Atoll, undoubtedly one of the most naturally beautiful atolls in the Maldives. Just a 35-minute picturesque seaplane ride away from Malé Airport, Iru Veli, with its thatched bungalows, massive beaches, and very own lagoon, will surely fulfill your wanderlust. Indulge yourself at Iru Veli where all accommodation comes with a private pool attached, many with magnificent lagoon views, while others perch over the calm jade- green waters of the Indian Ocean, where dolphins, bright-colored coral, and tropical fish abound.
For the adventurous souls, the SSI-certified dive school, fishing lessons from local fishermen, and exceptional watersports services assure them of their adrenaline rush. →
→ For pleasure seekers, the gastronomic tasting sessions and pool parties promise great delights, and for those seeking to unwind, the beautiful over-water spa pavilion, where one can restore their body and mind via a melange of rejuvenating spa treatments, awaits.
The 125 boutique suites scattered across the island and over the lagoon all feature luxurious interiors. The honey and cream hued interiors are complemented by bright splashes of pink, orange and blue, with some of the rooms featuring outdoor rainfall showers, hanging chairs, roll-top bathtubs and terraces that lead directly into the warm, inviting waters of the lagoon or onto the breathtaking beaches that overlook unbroken horizons.
SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a 52-acre resort set in the clear waters of Noonu Atoll. There are 151 beach villas and 70 over-water villas here, where contemporary architecture meets traditional rustic thatched roofs and modern creature comforts blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
Iru Fushi features a noteworthy house reef and a Nemo garden where guests can enjoy snorkeling with the complimentary snorkeling equipment provided. However, if you genuinely want to experience a singularly unique moment like no other, feel free to contact one of the helpful on-site SSI certified dive center staff. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is just 5 mi from the Minaavaru dive site, and the famed Inguraidhoo dive site is only 6.2 mi away.
The luxurious and elegant villas come with a private terrace, a beach cabana, flat-screens, complimentary toiletries, slippers, and an outdoor rain-shower facility. Free WiFi is available in all the guest rooms and public areas.
Guests can enjoy garden views while working out at the 24/7 fitness center. Those who prefer getting their exercise outside might prefer either one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools, and if that’s not enough, the finest water sports experiences, including sailing, windsurfing, flyboarding, and scuba diving, are just a phone call away.
This sanctuary is proudly home to a multiple award-winning spa and is simply 45 minutes away by seaplane. 14 food and beverage outlets offer a marvellous range of drinks and international cuisine, including buffet options with live cooking stations as well as options to enjoy a private dinner on the beach.
SIYAM WORLD The pièce de résistance in Sun Siyam Resort’s portfolio, Siyam World is the latest creation of the visionary Maldivian entrepreneur, Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed. Hosting Asia’s largest floating waterpark and many other ‘never-seen-before’ experiences, Siyam World unquestionably marks a milestone in the history of Maldivian as well as international tourism.
This Sun Siyam Resorts’ crowning jewel offers a spectacular range of accommodation options, from one-to six-bedroom villas to The Beach House Collection, a residence with its own butler, courtyard, and exclusive options for inhabiting guests. The stunning assortment of accommodation options, ranging from 89 to 3,000 square metres of exquisitely designed living spaces, offers the very best of the Maldives to any and all travellers. Siyam World’s revolutionary WOW! 24-hour Premium All Inclusive plan, which is unprecedented in the Maldives, includes water sports access, dine-around options at any of the 12 restaurants, complimentary bottles of wine delivered to your door daily, and so much more.
Book a dive to one of 33 incredible dive spots sprinkled around this island, then sink into blissful reverie at the finest spa in the Maldives, where a curated fusion of Eastern and Western practices from yoga and meditation to Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Chinese acupuncture are administered by exceptional practitioners handpicked from various parts of the world.
Siyam World is spread over 54 acres of abundant vegetation, making it one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. Whether you prefer to meander underneath the soft shade of tropical palms and virginal gardens, mingle with other like-minded globetrotters, or choose to revel in the comfort of your room, rest assured that the bewitching memories made here will be carried fondly for a lifetime. ◆
How the Maldives Persevered: Natural Blessing and Industry Determination
The Maldives
is unlike any other destination. Scattered like pearls across the crystalline waters of the Indian ocean, the islands of Maldives capture the imagination of travelers across the entire world.
The Maldives consists of over a thousand islands dispersed over a length of over 870 kilometers. The islands come in all forms, shapes, sizes, with a uniqueness attached to each island. The scattered islands ensure that each island is naturally social-distanced from each other, and thus the Maldives provide unparalleled safety in these unprecedented times.
One of the reasons why the Maldives is gaining such traction across the globe is a result of the uniquelyMaldivian “one-island-one-resort” concept. Unlike many other destinations, resorts in the Maldives are nestled in their own private islands. In other words, the entire island is the resort. Each resort functions unders strict and stringent safety measures, and the facilities ensure that every single traveler arriving at the resort presents a negative COVID-19 test, adding a layer of protection.
In an age of constant distractions and stimuli, the islands of Maldives is a safe haven of tranquility, safety, and peace.
Safe Haven Amidst The Pandemic In 2020, the world witnessed full border closures and travel restrictions. The Maldives, like many other destinations, made the difficult decision to close the borders for international travelers to contain the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize the health, safety, and wellbeing of the local population. With stringent safety measures and immense preparation, the Maldives also became one of the first destinations to re-open the borders for international travelers on 15th July 2020.
It is the unique ‘one-island-one-resort- concept, the safety provided by the naturally social-distanced islands of Maldives, and the stringent safety measures in place, that allowed the Maldives to re-open borders for international travelers.
The decision was possible as a result of the immense dedication and sacrifice undertaken by the tourism industry, the health sector, and beyond. As a small island nation heavily dependent on tourism, it was not a matter of choice whether the borders opened or not, it was a matter of necessity.
The world soon started to recognize the Maldives as a safe haven. A space for travelers to heal, reconnect with the natural world, and with themselves. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted the Maldives ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ in recognition of the efforts to implement enhanced health and safety measures, in line with the WTTC global safe travels protocols. Furthermore, Velana International Airport received the ACI Airport Health Accreditation for consistent measures in line with ACI’s standards in ‘the new normal’.
In 2020, Maldives also received the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ award at the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards 2020. It was the first time the Maldives won the award in the history of the island nation.
Visit Maldives, alongside industry stakeholders and partners, continued working tirelessly to assure tourists that the Maldives was a safe haven, →
→ and even marketed to closed destinations to keep travelers dreaming about the destination. The awards, accolades, and recognition is truly a testament to the strength, will, and determination of the Maldivian people.
Journey to the Maldives The Maldives also maintained a fine balance between safety and comfort. For travelers, embarking on their journey to the Maldives is an easy endeavour. All travellers arriving in Maldives are granted a free 30-day on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility. There is no mandatory quarantine on arrival.
Furthermore, travellers are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure, as well as have a negative PCR test result, conducted 96 hours prior to their departure. The regulation applies to all tourists including those who have received the prescribed dose(s) of the COVID-19 vaccine. For a complete and up-to-date requirement for entry, visit imuga. immigration.gov.mv/ethd.
The Maldives have also recently launched a campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism under the name “I’m Vaccinated!”. The ultimate target of the campaign is to make Maldives the destination with the first fully vaccinated tourism sector in the world. As of 22nd September 2021, 93% of resort employees are fully vaccinated.
The Way Forward During the pandemic the Maldives found strength in each other in the industry, and worked together as partners and discussed ways on moving forward. The industry understood intimately that we must all be wellequipped and prepared for crises and uncertainties.
The looming climate threat and the effects of environmental degradation are realities that we are confronting, and will continue to confront. Travelers visit the Maldives for the jaw-dropping beauty of our natural environment. This same environment and ecosystems are also the lifeline of the Maldivian people. It is in our best interest to safeguard the land on which we live, and become responsible custodians of the environment. Last year, His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, nominated Addu and Fuvahmulah as UNESCO biosphere reserves. On 28 October 2020, UNESCO’s included Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll in the Maldives, to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Fuvahmulah became the second site in Maldives to be declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, after Baa Atoll, which was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011. Furthermore this ensures protection within the region and preservation of natural marine life, as well as guaranteeing that the protected areas are developed sustainably. In addition the President has also declared a list of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) banned for import into the Maldives from June 1, 2021.Banning the use of SUPs in the Maldives is one of the Government’s key environmental pledges and it is hoped that it will help minimize the harmful effects of single use plastics on the country’s vulnerable marine environment and on human health.
Uncertainty is inevitable. What matters is how prepared we are for it, and how well equipped we are to deal with the uncertainties that arise. The pandemic revealed that with honest open communication, effective leadership, and strategic planning, we are capable of dealing with anything. The Maldives was a destination that was at the brink of economic collapse last year, and yet, we persevered. It is with the same perseverance and strength that the Maldives moves forward into an optimistic and hopeful future. ◆
