Maldives is a destination that is on every avid traveler’s list, with the lush beaches and plethora of activities, it was no different for us! So, when we were invited to visit Sun Siyam Iru Veli, we jumped at the opportunity, packed our bags and plane hopped to the stunning island. Sun Siyam Iru Veli is nestled in the heart of the Maldives, where the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters gently lap against pristine white-sand beaches. The resort is an exclusive sanctuary that promises an unparalleled blend of luxury, activities, and unrivaled service.

Two flights, one sea plane journey, and countless hours of excitement later, my husband, two kids and I arrived at Sun Siyam Iru Veli. As soon as we stepped onto the island, we were welcomed with Maldivian hospitality, which is definitely special in its own right. The island is just one of the most stunning destinations we have ever been to. We were welcomed at the Chemistry lounge with a variety of delicious juices and coconut waters and delightful fruits. Oh, how we wish we could go back. Every one that checks in has their own host or hostess, that facilitates your stay, helps with bookings, will chauffeur you in buggies as well if needed, and just takes care of you during your stay. No ask was ever too big for our hostess.

The island features a collection of overwater and beachfront villas. With our mini monsters we opted for a beach front villa to be able to enjoy beach living at its best. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to rooms, some that are great for the sunset views, some for the sunrise views, and a few of the top of the range villas that offer both. Every villa has its own swimming pool either facing the beach or the ocean, but if you prefer a little more privacy, there is the option of a villa with an enclosed pool as well.

As soon as we had settled into our rooms, we headed over to Aqua Orange, which became one of our favorite restaurants. The restaurant is just off the beach and offers a buffet of international foods. We enjoyed many of the live cooking stations, and the special dish of the day. The restaurant hosts a variety of nights throughout the week, we especially enjoyed the Maldivian night which featured local delicacies with a keen focus on seafood. They also unearthed a fish that had been cooking in the ground for many hours. The result, tender, juicy fish that has a delicious aroma. We also especially enjoyed the Asian night; we indulged in a lot of sushi. Other restaurants on the island are Grouper Grill, a Maldivian restaurant that specializes in seafood, and Roma, which made us one of the best risottos we have EVER had, no lies! All of the restaurants are a must try, they are either set on the beach or have an ocean view.

There are also themed-nights at Chemistry lounge, and we were lucky enough to enjoy a Maldivian show on our first night. It was a great insight into the local culture. Other special nights include karaoke, if you like singing, trivia nights, and more. There is also an adult-only lounge that is perfect for those of us that would like to enjoy some kid-free time or are traveling with just a partner or friends.

We loved the all-inclusive aspect of Sun Siyam Iru Veli, you don’t have to think about anything but enjoying yourselves, and just living the slow life (if you choose), or taking part in the variety of activities to choose from! I especially enjoyed snorkeling. We were on a boat for about 30 minutes, then jumped into the water to see the most beautiful underwater life there is to experience. I saw a shark just a few meters away, and lots of bright, colorful fish, and some very dull and dark fish – but it is definitely a different world out there. The next day we went out on a sunset dolphin cruise, with hopes of seeing, well, dolphins. Although we were not very lucky, we were able to enjoy the views and serenity of the Maldives against the orange and gold backdrop of sunset. There are a variety of water sports to choose from, including jet skiing and canoeing, to just name a few. There is also a castaway experience, where you can be dropped off to a tiny, remote island for a few hours, and you can enjoy a picnic and water fun in complete solace. Sounds glorious, but perhaps not with kids in tow!

What we especially loved for the little ones was the Kids Club, this was ideal to be able to either drop off the kids, or allow them to run wild and get their energy out while we watched on. The club offers a variety of activities and also offers nanny services. This was especially useful for us when we enjoyed the resort’s fabulous spa treatments. This is one you should not miss – the venue itself is stunning and the views of the ocean, the sea life swimming below, all make for an especially relaxing treatment.

While on holiday, our son got very sick, and being on an island, the panic set in. We didn’t have to worry though, there is a full-equipped clinic on site with a great medical professional that we visited, but they also came and checked in on us several times. We were so lucky to receive medical care on site – although it did put a damper on the holiday, it is definitely a must when picking our holiday destination from here on forth, especially if traveling with elderly or kids. While our son was sick, the staff went over and beyond taking us for buggy rides, showing us the baby sharks and stingrays in the water, and sending us coconut waters and meals to our rooms so that we had nothing to worry about. That sort of consideration is what makes a destination special.

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, the dedication to guest satisfaction is woven into the fabric of the resort’s ethos. The attentive staff anticipates every need, ensuring that guests not only receive top-notch service but also experience the warmth of Maldivian hospitality. From the moment we arrived to the time we left, the team left no stone unturned in creating a seamless and unforgettable stay for us.

We had the loveliest holiday at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, and would go back in a heartbeat. From the sumptuous accommodations to the culinary delights, bespoke activities, and unwavering commitment to guest well-being, this paradise invites you to lose yourself in the beauty of the Maldives. To find out more, or to plan your own holiday, visit the website and follow them on Instagram @sunsiyamiruveli.