By Shereen Shabnam
Holidays in this pandemic affected times seem like a dream but Maldives is one country that has ensured we can still have an island holiday safely and has kpt thousands of GCC residents sane.
Although my recent visit to Maldives saw me island hopping to new resorts, I fondly remember my visit to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a paradise resort known for luxury, romance, water sports, picturesque clear blue sea and tropical bliss when the travel industry was booming.
Meeting the team recently from Sun Siyam Resorts brought back a lot of beautiful memories of lounging by the beach, good food and sailing into the sunset before dinner.
Being an islander, I love the sun, sand and sea when on holiday and the marine world in Maldives is known for its beauty, especially the coral reefs that are home to a variety of marine ecosystems. During my first two days at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, I explored the cool and contemporary spaces, stylish interiors, and beautiful gardens around the island.
The island offered water based activities such as scuba diving, fishing, swimming, water skiing, wind surfing and snorkeling but my favourite was the sting ray feeding experience and a boat ride to spot dolphins at play – these two experiences were magical.
Guests at Iru Fushi can enjoy the unspoilt islands of Noonu Atoll, where Maldivian past life is reflected with boat builders working meticulously sanding wood to reveal a silken finish, children being educated about local marine species and farming of fruits and organic vegetables.
My room was a water villa on stilts with a small glass on the floor that gave me a view of the area below serving as personal coral garden and natural aquarium. The area felt like having a large natural swimming pool that protected me from the ocean waves and strong tidal currents beyond the villas. Close by, other guests enjoyed walking on the soft sand and sun bathing before jumping into the crystal clear waters.
Spas are my weakness and the resort offers a 20-room tropical spa with an enormous range of treatments, including massages, relaxation therapies and facials set in a tranquil environment. It is the perfect place for a beauty break. I enjoyed walking barefoot along the cobbled paths; the white sands and watched the palm trees as they gently leaned into the breeze after my massage session.
While waiting for my flight, I waited at the hotel’s private lounge near the airport where I tried a refreshing welcome drink, a quick snack and a short shoulder massage. Designed to be the one of the best airport lounges in the Maldives, the spacious private lounge is used by guests arriving to The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. The lounge also has a children’s play room, outdoor balcony, free WiFi, computer stations as well as showers and changing facilities.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s Deluxe Beach has Villas with Pool, Pool Beach Villas, Sunset Horizon Water Villas or Infinity Water Villas. It is 45 minutes seaplane journey from the capital, Malé, where Velana International Airport is located. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi you can expect relaxing days that are long and sun-filled and nights that are exciting and energetic. Island experiences at this mesmerizing award-winning resort has to be on everyone’s bucket list.
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