You’re forgiven if you’d always thought of the Maldives as a honeymoon destination. Pictures of languid villas perched on white sand beaches surrounded by a sea that sparkles in every shade of blue do that to you. But as we found out, the Maldives isn’t just for lovers. Resorts like the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi get the formula right with a good mix of villas that cater to group or family holidays or even personal escapades. The names of the villas hint at what to expect: Aqua Retreat, Hidden Retreat and Celebrity Retreat. No prizes for guessing that the last one lets you live it up like a movie star.
While most holiday resorts offer international buffet spreads, the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has 14 f&b outlets – there are dedicated restaurants that offer authentic cuisines from around the world including French, Italian, Thai, Japanese and of course Maldivian. There’s also a cigar den and wine cellar where connoisseurs of the good life can connect. Love ice cream? The resort has the prettiest ice cream parlour right at the beach. A perfect way to cool off.
Beyond comfortable accommodations and delicious food, the resort sets itself apart by organising a well-thought-out schedule of activities to make sure there is never a dull moment while you’re on holiday. Take your pick from big game fishing, diving, snorkelling, cruising, island hopping, glass bottom kayaking, dancing, learning to cook, the list seems endless. And when you’ve spent the day swimming with the reef fish, frolicking with dolphins, feeding sharks and rays (don’t worry you’re not dinner), make time to enjoy the sunset with your favourite cocktail. Even if you wanted to just chill and do nothing at all, you get to do it in style.
Learn more about the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi at www.thesunsiyam.com