With five luxury private-island properties in the Maldivian sand one boutique beach retreat in Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Resorts offers you the opportunity to experience the best of both destinations

Ad feature by Sun Siyam Resorts

By Ailbhe MacMahon

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 6 September 2024

Laid back luxury where paradise is yours

Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves against your overwater villa in the Maldives, then a few days later, finding yourself exploring ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. This isn't a dream – it's the reality of Sun Siyam Resorts' innovative twin-centre offering.
‍
From the affordable luxury of 4-star Sun Siyam Olhuveli to the activity-packed 5-star Siyam World, each resort has its own unique charms. Now, with the addition of Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka, guests can craft a holiday that combines the unparalleled beauty of the Maldives with the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka or choose to island-hop between the group's varied Maldivian retreats.

Sri Lanka Meets the Maldives

The newly reopened Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka serves as the perfect starting point for a dual-destination adventure. This boutique 5-star retreat, nestled on the country's unspoiled eastern coastline, has been renovated by the interior design team at London-based Studio Sixty7 and offers just 34 spacious pavilions, ensuring an intimate experience for couples and families alike.

From here, guests can embark on extraordinary excursions to nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Explore the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, dating back to the 10th century, or venture into Minneriya National Park, where herds of elephants roam freely among diverse birdlife. The Dambulla cave temple complex, with its awe-inspiring sculptures and Buddhist murals, offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka's rich heritage.

Spend the morning exploring the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa by bicycle, before climbing aboard your own private jeep in search of wild elephants.

Or take a trip to one of the country’s most famous sights, Sigiriya Rock. Climb to the summit to admire the Sky Palace’s 1600-year-old frescos before taking in the awe-inspiring panoramic views. For even more wonders of the natural world, book an excursion to go whale watching near the pretty coastal town of Trincomalee, to see Blue and Sperm Whales in their natural habitat.

But there’s plenty to keep you busy back at Sun Siyam Pasikudah too. If you’re feeling active why not hone your skills on the badminton courts, play beach volleyball, or set out on the water for a kayaking expedition. Take part in an arts and crafts class or Sri Lankan cooking class and take in a film at an outdoor movie night. You can just take it easy, of course, with a relaxing treatment at the spa or a few hours spent soaking up the sun at the gorgeous infinity pool.

When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Enjoy refreshing fruit punches at The Beach Shack, poolside pizza at The Slice & Grill, seafood and Sri Lankan East Coast cuisine at The Kitchen and a luxury tea-tasting at The Tea House.

You’ll be having such a fabulous time you won’t want to go home, so why not pair your stay in Sri Lanka with more fun in the Maldives? The capital Male is only a one hour and 25-minute flight away from Colombo after all.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli watersports paddleboarding.

Once in the Maldives you can choose from several Sun Siyam properties to continue your journey.

Perhaps you'll opt for the adventure-packed Siyam World, home to the archipelago's first underwater jetpack experience and a thrilling electric go-kart track. It’s just a short flight into Male before taking the seaplane to the resort.

Or maybe you'd prefer the huge range of activities at the lively Sun Siyam Olhuveli? An exhilarating speedboat trip will take you straight there, so you’ll be enjoying world-class diving and snorkelling before you know it. In fact, Sun Siyam Olhuveli has been designed with adventure in mind.
‍
Three islands are connected by bridges creating lagoons perfect for water-sports like paddleboarding, kayaking and kite-surfing. Not to mention some seriously exciting snorkelling spots where turtles, manta rays and nurse sharks can all be spotted. Plus, you’ll have access to 50 incredible dive sites.
With monthly events and world-renowned DJs, this 4* star resort offers amazing value for money and is ideal for groups of friends as well as families with older kids and teenagers. Up to two children under the age of 15 stay and eat for free and with an all-inclusive offering that includes more than 17 restaurants and bars, you’ll be spoiled or choice every night.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Island-Hopping in Dhaalu Atoll

For those seeking pure Maldivian bliss, the combination of Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef in Dhaalu Atoll offers an unparalleled escape. Just a 15-minute speedboat ride apart, these resorts provide two distinct experiences in close proximity.

If you’re looking for pure romance, you’ll fall in love all over again at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying being together. Every beach villa and over-water villa has its own pool, and the premium all-inclusive package is hard to beat.

As well as a choice of world-class restaurants and bars, you’ll enjoy three excursions, a daily mini-bar refill and your choice between a spa voucher or three dives for certified divers.

The Maldivian culture is rich with flavours from most of the early seafarers who set foot on its soil. Visit a local fishing village , experience the Maldivian way of life, mingle with the people and see the mosque, school, and plenty of artefacts from the local gift shop.

The resort's farm-to-fork dining concept, supported by nearby island farms, ensures the freshest ingredients in every meal, or why not take part in a cooking class so you can take some of the Maldives home with you.

And there are also some amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences available. How about a picnic for two on a secluded island or indulge in a floating breakfast served on your private pool? Plus, there are weekly pool parties with live DJs and even themed beach parties where you can sip on bottomless bubbles.

Meanwhile, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers an even more intimate setting, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. With its pristine beaches and vibrant house reef, it's an ideal spot for snorkelling enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.

The first in the Sun Siyam Resorts family, it’s set amongst lush surroundings and offers privacy and a spectacular 5* experience.

In fact, so enticing is it, one guest has returned 44 times – so why not go and see why they love it so much for yourself?

Sun Siyam Iru Veli

Luxe Meets Adventure in Noonu Atoll

In Noonu Atoll, another exciting pairing awaits with Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and Siyam World. These resorts, also just a short boat ride apart, offer contrasting yet complementary experiences. With the WOW! all-inclusive meal plan, you’ll savour island-wide culinary delights and unlimited drinks in 18 restaurants and bars, including six specialty à la carte venues for dinner.

Start at Siyam World where you’ll inject your getaway with some playful energy. As the home of many Maldivian ‘firsts,’ it's a paradise for thrill-seekers and families looking for non-stop entertainment. From the largest inflatable waterpark in the country to the first resort horse ranch in the Maldives, things never stand still at Siyam World.

Why not jump onboard the world’s first underwater jetpack? Or play Padel, beach volleyball, unleash your speedy side with a race around the electric go-kart track, take a Pilates class or ride a Hydro-Foil E-Bike? At Siyam World you can fill every second no matter what you’re into.

Siyam World is at it again and has launched the World’s first underwater jet pack in collaboration with Cudajet! This revolutionary jetpack is a luxury water sports toy that gives you the feeling of ultimate freedom with predator-like manoeuvrability as you fly weightlessly around a new underwater world.

In fact, the fun starts the second you wake up in your overwater villa and ride your own waterslide straight into the ocean.

And if you’ve got football fans in your party, Siyam World is the ultimate destination. The resort hosts a year-round football camp with professional players from around the world joining to coach from time to time.

Plus, with special camps and skills clinics hosted by legends of the game like Wayne Bridge, Luis Suarez, Francesco Totti and Marco Materazzi, their soccer dreams really will come true.
Throw in some epic sets by international DJs, residencies from renowned chefs and performances by entertainment stars from across the world, and you’ll be talking about your trip to Siyam World forever.

Siyam World three-bedroom lagoon villa with pool and slide

Time to unwind after all that activity? For a relaxing end to your unforgettable holiday twin your Siyam World break with a few days of total relaxation at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi.
Just minutes away by speedboat, this blissful spot embodies classic Maldivian luxury. With its stunning overwater and beachfront villas, it's a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a picture-perfect setting.

Ease away your troubles with signature treatments and rituals at award-winning The Spa by Thalgo France. From soaking in the hydrotherapy pools to indulging in a bespoke facial or massage, the practitioners specialise in wellness practices from around the world. Your mini-me can even join in with a spot of pampering at the child-friendly Sweet Pea Spa.

The Spa by Thalgo France at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Hit a few balls on the tennis courts and enjoy an outstanding selection of places to eat and drink. In fact, the impressive dine around programme includes 14 restaurants and bars and for an extra charge you could be enjoying delicious Japanese dishes at Teppanyaki and Maldivian seafood at Islander’s Grill.

Or how about going all-out with a three-course supper at one of the on-site a la carte restaurants. Perhaps a French affair at Flavours, spectacular Italian dishes at The Trio or a spicy curry at Taste of India.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or a bit of everything, these pairings promise an escape that's twice as nice – and twice as memorable.

And every transfer is seamless. Your luggage will be picked up from your room and transported directly to your next resort, so you can keep enjoying every moment. In fact, it’s so easy, you can travel in your swimwear and leap straight into the ocean as soon as you arrive.

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