Embracing the spirit of our island origins, Sun Siyam’s brand evolution beats with a proud Maldivian heart.
A sun-drenched vision for the future. Grounded in authenticity. Infused with originality. And elevated for a new generation.
With just $900 in his pocket, a dream was born. In the 1980s, as tourism began to flourish, a young entrepreneur, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, saw a tremendous opportunity and knew the future lay in the burgeoning industry. His plan was clear: to build the country’s most successful travel agency. “I remember deciding to run a travel agency that would be unlike any other,” he recalls. The beginning was modest, two tables, chairs and a fax machine, but that small investment was the start of something monumental.
In 1998, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef opened its doors, marking the first chapter in the Sun Siyam legacy. “I wanted to create not just a hotel, but an unforgettable experience,” he explains. “A Maldivian home, where guests feel at ease and fall in love with the surroundings.”
That vision continues to resonate with loyal repeat guests, some of whom have visiting over 40 times, a testament to the success of the concept.
Growing up on the island, hospitality was more than a tradition, it was a way of life. His father, the island chief, took great care to ensure that everyone in
the community was looked after. Their home was always filled with visitors, each one greeted with warmth and offered a meal.
“This culture of open-hearted hospitality shaped me, and it's something I carry forward in everything I do, making family and togetherness central to my life.”
From humble beginnings, Sun Siyam’s evolution over three decades has seen it grow to become one of the most sought-after resort brands in the Maldives. Spanning five breathtaking Maldivian resorts, one idyllic Sri Lankan location, and more in the pipeline, the Siyam name continues to embody the pioneering spirit upon which it was founded.
“I want my guests to leave with a lasting sense of belonging, feeling as if they’ve truly found a home away from home. Many return to our properties because they feel this rare connection—something beyond just a luxurious vacation. It’s this deep emotional bond that keeps them coming back, creating memories that last long after they’ve left, much like the values from my own childhood that continue to shape me.”
Clockwise Tropical Island Setting; Owner and Founder Ahmed Siyam Mohamed; A Signature Experience; The overwater villas at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
The House of Siyam
To simplify and differentiate our diverse portfolio of destinations, we’ve introduced a property tiering system we call The House of Siyam. By dividing our resorts into three distinct categories, Luxury, Privé and Lifestyle, guests and partners can better determine which of our extraordinary experiences best suits their desires.
LUXU RY
Elevated by the elements and steeped in the sublime.
Here you can experience the highest calibre of island indulgence in our most premium and exclusive collection, and find a perfect sun-soaked paradise.
A collection of vast, rich and vibrant destinations brimming with entertainment and big on recreation. Explore abundant worlds of dreamlike adventure, full of unique experiences and something for everyone to create memories that last a lifetime.
Escape to find intimate barefoot hideaways in idyllic island havens, where privacy and bespoke comforts come highly prized.
Romantic and authentic, our boutique collection has been designed to enrich, excite and reinvigorate the spirit
moments, not things
A stay with Sun Siyam should feel like nowhere else on Earth. Through our collection of Signature Experiences, we combine innovation, originality, and authentic Maldivian spirit to create unforgettable experiences, embracing new ways and leaving behind old clichés.
Sundowner on the Go
There’s something to be said for the magic of mystery. For the joy of the unexpected. And there are few combinations of words that elicit the same sense of intrigue and excitement like: Secret. Bar. Each day, a creatively styled pop-up bar will emerge across ever-changing, clandestine locations throughout each island to unveil the afternoon’s featured concoction, from Prosecco one day to Aperol Spritz the next. There’s no telling where you’ll find it. It’s our little secret. But should you happen to stumble across it, you’ll know where you are.
Weaving along the palm-fringed paths and white sandy shoreline, a bike bell chimes. Guests turn to see a smiling face gracefully pedalling towards them atop a tricycle painted in bright, tropical hues. A nostalgic ice-cream tune drifts across the balmy island air. A frozen selection of guilt-free goodies and homemade ice blocks infused with zesty tropical flavours and made for beating the balmy heat. It’s a joyful surprise. Iced treats on wheels.
Cinema by Mo onlight
Experience cinematic magic upon a moonlit lagoon with Sun Siyam’s 'Cinema by Moonlight'. Climb aboard on one of our Maldivian dhonis, fully furnished with state-of-the-art projection, plush seating and extra-cosy bean bags, and settle in for an intimate, floating movie night. Picture the glow of the silver screen against the backdrop of palm-fringed paradise. The aroma of freshly popped popcorn. The sweet delight of island-flavoured ice creams. A floating feast of film. Unforgettable and enchanting.
Late lunches drift into lost afterno ons against the backdrop of
Maldivian Ro ots Insta Villa Sun Siyam
Experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Maldives with captivating moments and weekly events that epitomise the essence of our island heritage. Learn how to prepare local favourites with hands-on Maldivian Masterclasses from our island’s expert chefs. Recipes handed down in our homes, for our guests to take back to theirs. It’s a taste of the authentic, infused with innovation and elevated by sleek service. For those seeking a deeper connection to this place we call paradise, sit down for ancient wisdom storytelling sessions that illuminate the history and origins of our idyllic isles. As night descends, indulge in a spirited celebration of Maldivian culture.
For when you can’t go all in, but still want a little taste of top-shelf luxury, our Insta Villas are the answer. Making the most of our most luxurious villas at an hourly rate during quieter periods, ‘Insta Villa’ is a novel way for guests to experience the best of Sun Siyam’s tropical portfolio, whilst spreading the word via social with envy-inducing Instagram moments from the comfort of six-star surrounds.
Blissfully chilled by day and heart of the party by night, The Beach Club is Sun Siyam’s signature crowd-pleaser. Somewhere to pose amongst the palms. A place to dance in the sand. Relaxed seating spills seamlessly out from the restaurants to the sand, where lounging beanbags dot the shore. Large tropical umbrellas pepper the beach and private cabanas offer more exclusive shady solace. Late lunches drift into lost afternoons against the backdrop of laid-back island beats from an ever-changing line-up of DJs. Under glowing tangerine skies, the tempo gets turned up a notch.
Five must-do’s in The Maldives
Given the sheer number of coconut palms that dot the islands, paired with the fruit’s incredible versatility, it makes sense that coconuts are emblematic of the Maldives, quite literally with the palm tree even appearing on the national emblem! The swaying palms offer havens of respite from the hot sun, while the timber was traditionally used to build the dhoni sailboats. Coir, the fibre from the coconut husk, makes for unbreakable ropes and fishing nets, and the shells, utensils. Fiercely proud of their culture, the islanders create magic from the raw material. Experience the time-honoured
Adventure
If ‘adrenaline-fuelled’ is how you like your holidays, step into Siyam World. From cruising around the island in a Moke, splashing at a waterpark, riding one of the island’s rare Marwari horses (yes, there’s a horse ranch!) to catching waves inside a semi-submersible vessel or go-karting along a circuit, the heartpounding world of Siyam is limitless.
BEST FOR
People who never want to be bored on holidays
From relaxing to heart-pounding, here is a rundown of our favourite activities Sun Siyam has to offer
Let loose and dance barefoot on the sand to the traditional Boduberu beat. The rhythmic performance is said to have originated in Africa and transported to the Maldivian shores by way of traders and sailors in the 11th century. The Boduberu drums, percussion instruments, and vocals start slow and steady before culminating in a trance-like, frenzied celebration.
BEST FOR
and
The Maldives’ necklace of 1200 coral islands means one thing only: a vibrant aquatic life. While most beach destinations may have a scuba diving spot located a boat ride away, nothing compares to taking the staircase to heaven (the one leading down to the sea directly from your villa) with a snorkel and fins. Steps from your room is Earth’s biggest swimming pool. Each nook and crevice of the coral reef is inhabited by the most magical sea creatures. Below the surface, hundred-year-old sea turtles, calamari glistening in the sunlight and speckled rays pass by. It’s surreal.
BEST FOR
People who love swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Fun fact: of the Maldives’ 1200 coral islands, only 200 are inhabited. Most travellers land in Malé and take the boat or seaplane transfer straight to their resort-island, unknowingly flying over the islets that are home to the local islanders. Curious travellers take note: you can and should explore the neighbouring local islands. And it just happens that Maldivian-owned and locally run Sun Siyam has the perfect guides to show you the sights and sounds of island living: the resounding call to prayer, the cries of the fishermen bringing in the goods, the chatter of school kids in their classroom.
BEST FOR
People who want to dive deep into the destination.
