Getaways with sustainability at their heart – here’s how Sun Siyam Resorts is changing the way we holiday

Ad feature by Sun Siyam Resorts

By Ailbhe MacMahon

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 5 Septemeber 2024

Sun Siyam Cares

A holiday is the ultimate feel-good experience, but nothing feels better than giving back to the destination and community you’ve travelled to.  

And this ethos is championed by Sun Siyam Resorts. Its sustainably-minded retreats, dotted across the picture-perfect islands of the Maldives and the sun-drenched coast of Sri Lanka, are changing the way we holiday.  

While you’re guaranteed to be immersed in affordable luxury at every resort, you also get the chance to enjoy enriching environmentally-friendly experiences and meaningful encounters in nature and with the local community.

This is through the Sun Siyam Cares programme, which prioritises sustainability by reducing energy, water and plastic use, while investing in renewable energy and supporting community development. And with a focus on conservation and the preservation of the local heritage and culture, Sun Siyam aims to minimise its environmental impact.

Sun Siyam farm island

All five Maldives resorts have been awarded the prestigious Travelife Gold Certification for Sustainable Tourism Practices, which means they meet 163 sustainability criteria, from wildlife protection to backing local businesses and minimising energy use to addressing social issues. In fact, Sun Siyam Resorts takes its environmental responsibility and good practice so seriously that Siyam World was awarded this certification, receiving global recognition for its sustainable efforts, in just over two years since it first opened its doors.
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What’s more, you’ll be surrounded by authentic Maldivian culture throughout your stay, as Sun Siyam Resorts is 100 per cent Maldivian-owned and run.  
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Between relaxing in overwater villas or exploring the Maldives’ biggest floating water park, take your pick from sustainability-oriented activities you’ll never forget. Here we reveal what couples, families and groups of friends can expect…

Protecting paradise

World ocean day at Sun Siyam Iru Veli

Boasting powder-soft beaches and exotic plant life, the Maldives and Sri Lanka are blessed with some of the most naturally beautiful landscapes in the world.  

You get the chance to protect this mesmerising environment when you sign up for special reef and beach cleaning sessions or take part in Earth Day, or World Oceans Day celebrations at Sun Siyam Iru Veli. And at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, you can snorkel the spectacular house reef just a few metres from the pristine beach, featuring views of the thriving coral garden – the result of five years of coral planting efforts.

Marine biologist at Siyam World

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, join in activities on International Biological Diversity Day or Environmental Day or why not get involved in a tree planting ceremony? With hundreds of trees already planted by guests and team members, you can help support the retreat’s lush greenery and help to create new homes for native birdlife. Commemorative name badges will even mark the special occasion.

Tree planting at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Why not expand your mind? Complimentary marine biology workshops and educational talks are organised every week to offer insight into the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and to share tips on living more sustainably.

Plus, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has been recognised as a Responsible Manta Tourism Operator by the Manta Trust, an organisation dedicated to the protection and conservation of manta rays and their habitats. Strengthening the resort’s commitment to marine conservation Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is actively supporting the Manta Trust's initiatives through participation in research expeditions, hosting educational programmes, and engaging in community outreach initiatives throughout the year.

But that’s not all. In another sustainability initiative, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is using damaged umbrella fabric to create stylish shopping bags. Since the launch of this project in 2023, 37 umbrellas have been turned into 97 fashionable totes which have been given to new team members.
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In a similar project at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, used bed linen is being repurposed into hand cloths for the public restrooms, marking another step forward in the ‘Recycle-Reuse’ initiative, part of the wider Sun Siyam Cares programme.
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This resort spans three paradise islands, and has a wealth of activities to enjoy, whenever you decide to visit. In addition to thrilling subaquatic explorations of secret shipwrecks and world-class water sports, there are opportunities to do some good with local island cleaning sessions and tree planting.
 
You’ll come away feeling that you’ve truly made a difference as you see aquatic life interacting with this new habitat.
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At the group’s Sri Lankan resort, Sun Siyam Pasikudah, the commitment to wildlife conservation continues with the launch of the CarePhant project which fosters a young elephant called Kalo. Partnering with Elephant Transit Home, the resort has committed to providing essential care for Kalo until his eventual release back into the wild.

Discovering a rich heritage

You’ll get an introduction to traditional Maldivian culture as you sit back and enjoy dance performances, story-telling sessions and vibrant celebrations at each of Sun Siyam Resorts private island retreats in the archipelago.  

Or head off on an excursion to nearby isles to discover what makes this island nation so special, enjoying a deeper understanding of its people and supporting Maldivian businesses.  

From Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef you can hop on a boat and sail to one of Sun Siyam’s two bio farms. Here you’ll discover how sustainable farming practices lead to the cultivation of over 38 varieties of fruits and vegetables, which are then used in the resorts’ nutrient-rich menus.  

Generating income for the local community, you’ll meet the farmers who nurture these crops and have the chance to pick fruits and vegetables to enjoy at a BBQ back at the resort where most of the ingredients will have been grown on the island.
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And furthering Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s community outreach programme, the resort has launched the IMPACT INITIATIVE – Care for Community, which aims to foster even closer relationships within the local area. One of the first events was a special day of activities for local students giving them an invaluable insight into the hospitality industry.

Essential eco measures

Many steps are being taken by the resort family to promote sustainability. For starters, you’ll see that single-use and disposable plastic products - like water bottles and plastic straws - have been cut out.  

Not only that, but these luxurious resorts boast their own desalination and water bottling plants, turning saltwater from the Indian Ocean into freshwater to be used by all.

The Maldives is the land of eternal sunshine and Sun Siyam Resorts is taking advantage of the blissful weather and using it as a force for good by investing in solar energy projects, installing solar panels and solar water heaters.

So book your once-in-a-lifetime getaway with Sun Siyam Resorts now and relax knowing you’ll be helping these essential projects succeed, protecting this most beautiful environment for future generations.

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