Jane Wilson explores Sun Siyam Resorts – ideal for multi-generational family holidays. With a range of accommodation options and dining styles, these resorts offer privacy and a wealth of activities. Their superb spas add total well-being to your stay.
Natural, exquisite beauty
How many turquoise colours can you see in the sea? I heard an inquisitive child pose the question. The sun was drenching its surface with sparkly lights and reflections, catching the coral below, creating a masterpiece in watercolour. I didn’t have the answer either.
Fringed with white powder sand, this is a signature image of The Maldives, a destination fashioned by honeymooners and favoured for anniversaries. Yet it is increasingly attracting multi-generational families, thanks to value-added extras in luxury holidaying courtesy of Sun Siyam Resorts. Now, this bucket list destination comes within reach for family get-togethers whose plans have been on hold for a few years.
On islands of coconut palms and lush greenery, unexpected delight awaits. Privacy, space, and plenty of activities. Fancy a dance? Join a cruise to watch the dolphins’ waltz, silhouetted by the sunset’s dramatic show. A romantic escape or a family gathering? Take a trip to an uninhabited island with no one else around except your waiter and the lapping waves smooching with the shoreline. Fins and mask on, join the underwater line-up amongst bright blue coral. Safe with your snorkelling guide, rub shoulders with clown fish and turtles. Oh, and don’t worry about the silver tip baby sharks, they’re just checking out their territory.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort
Authentic and luxurious, this Maldivian resort has allowed nature to take its lead. Pathways travel to hidden individual thatched villas, others on stilts over the sea. Here your butler personalises your stay. Maybe a floating breakfast for your pool villa or a petal bath in your outdoor jacuzzi. How about joining a class to design your own cocktail in the “No Mistake” bar or gather together for a movie under the stars. Nothing is a problem – transport in easy access buggies to pools or to one of the 14 restaurants and bars. Iru Fushi offers, bed & breakfast, half-board and all-inclusive plans.
With 221 villas in 12 category styles, families have the flexibility of accommodation and position. No fights over sun loungers here. Privacy is the name of the game. The 81 over-water villas offer glass floor sections with terrace stairs directly into the sea. There are several retreat villas ideal for four adults sharing. Stylish, attic style rooms, open air bathrooms, modern with personal touches that make your day. And private approaches to that silky sand and turquoise sea.
The Spa by Thalgo
From the shore to the spa, a reflexology path leads to The Spa by Thalgo into a serene environment of 20 private thatched villa treatment rooms. With over 160 treatments the Maldivian treatments prove popular, especially as the ingredients are freshly picked from the island. Traditional herbalism and body therapies connect guests to the local atoll way of life. Better still, part of the proceeds from each Maldivian treatment is used for charity purposes, helping to support island community initiatives.
Guided nature walks highlight the other residents on the island such as the Giraffe trees with their snarled branches, the gecko and the asian koel with its noisy ku-oo call.
Siyam World Resort
Pick up the pace, up the tempo, Siyam World offers a new vision in resort experiences, complete with its very own Chief Happiness Officer. It is one of the largest islands in The Maldives which opened in October 2021 offering the largest floating water park in the Indian Ocean. Uniquely, it has a horse ranch which offers riding lessons. What a wondrous sight witnessing a white Marwari thoroughbred mare galloping along the beach, a sand spray at its heels. With so much space here electric golf style buggies are available to get around as well as hired bicycles.
Siyam Water World’s blue lagoon is full of adventures appealing to all ages – kayaking, flyboarding, parasailing, electric jet surf, the list goes on. Jungali in the heart of this island’s tropical forest has a swim up bar and is one of six bars as well as eight restaurants, with more restaurants planned. A dedicated kids club allows free time for parents during the day. And for the wine connoisseur, the stunning underground wine cellar has over 5000 labels with an intimate tasting room.
The Beach Collection
The new, exclusive Beach House Collection boasts two-storey, contemporary residences, stylishly and spaciously designed with apex ceilings, willowy drapes and signature touches. These are located on the quieter side of the island steps away from the deserted beach. And for Beach Collection guests, they have the fun of the Mini Moke transport and a 24/7 butler service. Appealing to multi-generational families, small groups and couples, there are a variety of accommodation categories, from one to six bedroom villas, all enjoying access and views to the sea, terraces, some with private pools and even a kids room. The resort has created a natural segregation for family villas and activities.
Veyo Spa
The contemporary Veyo Spa has a resident naturotherapistoffering healing practices to include Chinese therapies. There are mindfulness programmes, sunset meditations or why not have a giggle during a laughing yoga session. Popular is a Veya Beys Signature treatment, a massage using Maldivian medicinal oil and singing bowls to heal and restore.
Travelling to the Maldives is just as exciting as the fun when you get there. It’s all very James Bond with speed boats zipping between the islands and seaplanes flying over the atolls with views that will take your breath away.
Sustainability
Leaving a lasting memory is educational as well as adding an indelible contribution to the islands. Siyam World has its own marine biologist to protect and revive its reef by cleaning and replanting. Here you can work with the marine biologist to restore coral onto a named frame to be returned back to the sea. On Iru Fushi, a coconut tree can be planted displaying a family name plaque, a permanent signature to your stay.
Value for money
With Sun Siyam Resorts, luxuriating in The Maldives for the multi-generational family is now a viable option with private pools, interconnecting doors, time together or space alone. On Iru Fushi, up to two children under 15 can sleep and eat for free when sharing a villa with two adults under the same plan. Travelling around is easy and your holiday can be personalised. All-inclusive on both and half-board option on Iru Fushi, island life allows time to hide away, or join the whole family for ageless fun. And, of course, to count those shades of turquoise radiating from the sea. How many can you see?
Plan or book with Silver Travel Advisor by calling 0800 014 5678. Learn more at www.sunsiyam.com
One Response
Wow, this article really highlights the incredible experiences and memories that multi-generational family holidays in the Maldives can create!