From family-friendly accommodation to pool parties: Here’s why the Maldives has something for everyone (and you don’t need to be on honeymoon!)

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By Ailbhe MacMahon

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 10 May 2024

When it comes to planning honeymoons, the Maldives has long been at the top of newlyweds' wishlists.

But this alluring archipelago isn't just the perfect setting for romance - it's also a dream destination for multi-generational families and groups of friends hoping to make long-lasting memories. They’ll find spacious suites and villas that boast multiple bedrooms, and an abundance of activities to suit every age, from exhilarating water sports to relaxing spa treatments.

When Sun Siyam Resorts launched in 1998, the Maldives was primarily known as a heavenly honeymoon destination, but today its resorts cater to travellers of every kind, offering exhilarating water sports, epic excursions and rejuvenating wellness experiences.

There are glamorous weekly pool parties, with renowned DJs lined up to perform at select events, not to mention, the resort's beach-chic villas that are spacious enough to accommodate families of every size, whether you're travelling with toddlers, teens or grandparents.

Here’s why these exclusive resorts offer something for everyone…

Incredible adventures on land and at sea

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Ringed by a whiter-than-white sand beach, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is straight out of a postcard. Previously voted the Best Family Resort in the World Travel Awards, it offers the height of affordable luxury for families, as up to two children aged under 15 can stay - and dine - for free.
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Feel pampered every day courtesy of the personalised butler service, which helps you to arrange truly special excursions and activities. Learn how to whip up local delicacies during a Maldivian cooking class or give back to the island's breath-taking natural landscape with a tree planting experience.

Go on a guided snorkelling 'safari' in the vibrant reef that rings the resort, or spot dolphins on an incredible sunset cruise. Ideal for Finding Nemo fans, kids can go snorkelling and spot clown fish in the Nemo Garden or drop little ones off at the Koamas Kidz Club and take your pick from more than 140 treatments at the award-winning The Spa by Thalgo France, a restorative oasis set amongst the perfumed greenery at the heart of the island.

The Spa by Thalgo France at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Relax into a traditional Maldivian therapy or soak in the spa's hot and cold plunge pools. Youngsters can even get pampered at the child-friendly Sweet Pea Spa.

Across the resort there’s plenty to keep everybody entertained. Get the family together for an afternoon of outdoor mini golf, split into teams to play doubles on the sunny tennis courts, wander along the pretty nature trail, pit your wits against each other with a game of chess on the giant board or simply take it easy in one of the many hammocks dotted around the island. Or how about passing a reflective moment or two on the double swing as you sway gently over the sparkling turquoise waters.

Worked up an appetite? Take your pick from 15 brilliant restaurants and bars, which are part of one of the most impressive dine-around programs in the archipelago. Dine on a three-course feast at one of the resort’s a la carte restaurants, indulging in classic French cuisine at Flavours, Maldivian-style seafood at Islander’s Grill, moreish Italian fare at The Trio or rich curries at Taste of India. Not to mention the weekly themed buffet at Iru Restaurant. For an extra charge, try artfully presented Japanese dishes at Teppanyaki, or why not treat yourself to your own personal BBQ set-up for two, or for the whole family?

Taste of India at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

And children will be especially excited for dinner - the main restaurant’s family area is decked out with a child-friendly buffet and a play area.

After mornings spent splashing around in the family pool, kids can order free scoops of their favourite flavour at the La Cremeria ice cream bar for two hours each afternoon. Adults, meanwhile, can retreat to the sanctuary of the glamorous adult-only pool, ordering a crisp glass of rose from the Reflections pool bar at their leisure.

Reflections at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

As a perk, the resort’s professional photo studio will be on hand to capture the many happy memories you’re bound to make.

World-first activities in a tropical island playground

Four-bedroom beach residence with pool

With sunset horse rides on the beach, a floating water park and one-of-a-kind water sports, Siyam World has all the ingredients for the holiday of a lifetime. It's a playground in paradise.

What better place for you and your loved ones to stay than the luxurious multi-room Beach Residences? Comprised of 24 Residences and Pavilions, these one to four-bedroom accommodations are decorated in a contemporary chic Maldivian style. You’ll have complete privacy and space to spread out, while also enjoying access to the resort’s incredible facilities.

Hungry? The entire family is bound to love the all-day in-villa breakfast. And for a special occasion, you can order a floating breakfast to your private pool. As well as an enhanced mini-bar and beverage package, if you stay for four nights or more, every adult will receive a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment. And depending on which residence or pavilion you opt for you could also have access to a MOKE for your entire stay.

The Cube at Siyam World

Plus, exclusive to guests of The Beach Residences, the Arigato restaurant plates up high-end Japanese cuisine in an oceanside setting.

And for more sumptuous cuisine, head to the main resort, where stylish restaurants serve everything from Thai cuisine to Spanish delicacies.

Foodies will adore The Cube, a groundbreaking glass-walled restaurant - opened by Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi - that has hosted a raft of award-winning guest chefs. And wine lovers will be in their element in the intimate Barrique, housed within the resort's spectacular underground wine cellar.

Talking of which, there are four kilometres of white sandy beaches and six kilometres of gorgeous coral reef to explore on foot or with a snorkel in hand.

Parents can unwind with a Pilates session, or the whole family can bond over a kid-friendly yoga class. For an unforgettable game of football, form teams and make a beeline for the international-sized football pitch.

The world sports arena at Siyam World

In fact, the resort is an unbeatable destination for football fans - special football camps are run by sporting legends like Italian former professional footballer Marco Materazzi, who played for Everton in the Premier League and Inter Milan.

And you can also hone your skills at one of the skills clinics hosted by stars like Esteban Cambiasso - a former star footballer for Argentina, Inter Milan and Leicester City - and Walter Samuel, the talented assistant coach for Argentina.

This year the star power is even more impressive with a series of unforgettable football camps with players Wayne Bridge, Adrian San Miguel Castillo, Francesco Totti, and Michael Owen all providing world-class coaching. Not to mention a special appearance from José Manuel "Pepe" Reina Páez, a player renowned for his exceptional skills as a goalkeeper and his dedication to nurturing young talent.

There were dynamic drills with Italian football legend, Alessandro Del Piero and expert tips from Waye Routledge, while this October half-term sees none other than Rio Ferdinand hosting a camp in collaboration with Football Escapes. As one of the most decorated English players of all time, this is not to be missed!
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On the water, there’s epic fun to be had at Siyam Water World, the largest inflatable waterpark in the Maldives. Ride a revolutionary seabreacher, dipping over, under and around the water at speed. Or zoom across the waves on the resort’s hydrofoil e-bikes - a radical cycling experience on water, these bikes can race at speeds of 11 knots. Or go below the surface with a thrilling underwater jet pack, the first of its kind.

Hydrofoil e-bikes at Siyam World

Back on dry land, give back to this stunning island landscape with a 'Coral Planting' experience, part of the resort's wonderful coral reef restoration project.  

Or a truly memorable experience awaits at the sprawling 16,000-square-metre Horse Ranch – the first such resort ranch in the Maldives. With dedicated stabling, expansive fenced paddocks and fields and a state-of-the-art vet clinic, the beautiful Marwari breed horses are given the best of care and you can experience the freedom and exhilaration of riding one of these amazing animals along the coast. Whether you head out at sunrise or sunset, it’ll be a moment you cherish forever.

And now little equestrians can also join in thanks to the arrival of three mixed breed ponies, Cherry, Rose and Honey. It’s never too early to saddle-up and there’s nowhere more breathtaking to do it.

For even more family fun, there are two new standout experiences created just for children. Twice a month, the Kidz Carnival rolls into town, packed with games, surprises, and non-stop excitement and twice weekly there’s the magical Night Camping with Star Gazing. On Sundays, little adventurers will love 'Under The Starz Night,’ while on Wednesdays they can take part in ‘Star Gazing Night’. Expect an evening of nature, treats and wide-eyed wonder.
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With so much to keep youngsters entertained, you can relax during a sunset meditation, watching the sky turn orange over the sea.

To find out more and book your dream holiday visit sunsiyam.com