Island-Hopping in Style: My Week with Sun Siyam in the Maldives
First stop: Sun Siyam Olhuveli, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé. We were welcomed with traditional Maldivian music and big smiles. I stayed in a Grand Beach Suite with Pool, perfect for families (sleeps 2 adults and up to 3 kids) with a separate sleeping area for little ones, a gorgeous outdoor bathroom, included minibar and a private pool just steps from the beach - bliss.
Snorkelling here is great, especially on the Turtle Point and Coral Garden boat trip. We also did a magical dolphin sunset cruise. The water sports centre is fab - jet car rides, paddleboarding, kayaking and a fun inflatable sofa pulled by a speedboat! The resort is made up of three islands (one exclusive to TUI), with Olhuveli and Dream Island connected by a bridge, so you can use facilities across both. Food-wise, you’re spoilt for choice with 7 restaurants and 4 bars on the dine-around all-inclusive plan. Since my visit, they’ve even opened the longest pool in the Maldives—210 metres with a sunken pool bar running along the beach. Olhuveli ticks all the boxes—great value for couples, families and honeymooners alike.
Next up: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, reached by a breathtaking 40-minute seaplane from Malé. Iru Fushi is a proper five-star island escape but still has a warm, welcoming feel. With just over 220 rooms and 15 bars and restaurants, there’s so much variety here.
I stayed in a Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool and was wowed the moment I stepped in. The circular layout, dark wood, and open-air bathroom with swing and jacuzzi were stunning. Huge doors opened onto a private garden with a generous size pool and day bed - all just steps from the beach.
Even at full capacity, it felt so peaceful here.
We took part in a lovely cookery course, and one of the biggest highlights was visiting the award-winning spa. With 20 treatment rooms and a tranquil hydrotherapy area, it’s a must. I had an aromatherapy massage that I’m still dreaming about - genuinely one of the best treatments I’ve ever had.. Of course, we couldn’t resist another sunset dolphin cruise, and this one was unforgettable. The dolphins were out in full force showing off.
Don’t miss Nemo Garden - an easily accessible, protected reef full of clownfish, just off the dive centre. I loved Fluid, a relaxed pool bar, and Water’s Edge, the resort’s 24-hour bar where we enjoyed cocktails and live music.
From here, a 7-minute speedboat took us to Siyam World, a resort I was so excited to see—it's been generating lots of buzz since opening in 2021. This island is huge, one of the largest in the Maldives, with 18 bars and restaurants, a farm, go-karting, horse riding, and the largest inflatable water park in the Maldives!
I stayed in an Overwater Lagoon Villa with Pool and Slide- so much fun. All villas have pools, and all overwater ones have slides. Mine was light, modern, and faced straight out to sea, gorgeous views to wake up to.
Getting around was easy on the island buggies. I hired a bicycle and loved riding between restaurants and bars. Mint Bar was a favourite with its swings in the sand, and Good Vibrations is a fab chill-out zone near the water sports centre. Jungali, a pool bar, had just reopened as we left—it looked like a perfect tropical hangout.
There’s a sports arena too with football, basketball and tennis courts. Entertainment is big here—live music, DJs, themed nights. It’s lively but not too much.
The island is perfect for families, couples, groups or even multi-generational holidays. There’s a real buzz here, but without losing that idyllic white-sand. Twin stays with Iru Fushi are also possible—a rare combo and a brilliant way to enjoy both vibes in one holiday.
After the buzz of Siyam World, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef was the perfect change of pace. We took a seaplane from Malé, and in true Maldivian style, landed at a jetty out at sea where Vilu Reef’s speedboat met us to take us to the island
Vilu Reef is the smallest of the five resorts with just 103 villas, and you can walk around it in about 10 minutes. A tiny treasure.
Although Vilu Reef is just 400m long, it has one major highlight: its house reef. It runs almost the full length of one side of the island, and it’s just steps from the beach. This was, hands down, the best snorkelling I experienced on the whole trip. The marine life was amazing, and the convenience of being able to just walk in from the shore made it even better.
This is a true couples’ island - peaceful, romantic and welcoming. With just 2 bars and 2 restaurants, it feels intimate, and the team here really get to know you. No wonder so many guests return year after year.
All non-motorised water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling are included. If you’re after that classic, castaway island feel, Vilu Reef is it.
Finally, the gorgeous Sun Siyam Iru Veli—just a short speedboat from Vilu Reef (ideal for another twin-centre stay) or a 35-minute seaplane from Malé.
I instantly got a great feeling about this island. t’s the second smallest Sun Siyam island, with just 125 villas, and every single one comes with a private pool.
I stayed in a Beach Villa with Pool with a beautiful outdoor bathroom and stunning dark green tiles. It felt like a mini sanctuary.
A real highlight here is the Dolphin Ocean Villas - 14 overwater villas built along a natural channel where dolphins pass each morning and evening. A once-in-a-lifetime view.
The Ocean Spa is unreal. The overwater treatment rooms have glass panels in the floor, so you can watch tropical fish glide beneath as you relax. Magical.
There are just 3 restaurants and 2 bars offering a dine around experience. It’s perfect for couples and honeymooners—romantic, peaceful and full of thoughtful extras.
Final Thoughts: Each of the Sun Siyam islands offers something totally different, and that’s what makes visiting them so special. Whether you're after high-energy adventures, peaceful barefoot luxury, family fun or romantic seclusion, there's an island to suit. If you'd like help finding the one that’s perfect for you (or pairing two together!), I’d be absolutely delighted to help craft your dream Maldives escape.
