My first glimpse of the Maldives from the window of a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a moment etched in my memory. The brilliant turquoise waters, dotted with emerald islands, instantly lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s most desired destinations. I was fortunate to experience this tropical paradise thanks to an invitation from Virgin Atlantic, who hosted me to celebrate the launch of their new service from London Heathrow (LHR) to Malé (MLE). This journey was a collaboration with Sun Siyam Resorts, a Maldivian-owned company dedicated to showcasing the country’s unparalleled hospitality and natural beauty.
My initial five-day press trip in late 2023 involved stays at two other Sun Siyam properties: one night at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and two nights at Siyam World. While many in our group returned to London on a daytime Virgin flight, I was lucky enough to extend my adventure and explore an additional Sun Siyam resort. That bonus destination was Sun Siyam Iru Veli, and it proved to be an unforgettable way to conclude my Maldivian experience.
Planning Your Stay at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Booking your escape to Sun Siyam Iru Veli is straightforward. You can reserve directly through the official Sun Siyam website, utilize online travel agencies like Booking.com, or even include it as part of a package with holiday providers such as Virgin Atlantic Holidays. The resort offers various meal plans to suit your preferences and budget, including bed and breakfast, half board, full board, or a comprehensive premium all-inclusive package.
Iru Veli boasts a diverse selection of eight villa types. Whether you dream of waking up to the sound of waves on the beach or having the ocean beneath your feet, there’s an option for everyone. They offer Beach Villas with Pool, Ocean Villas with Pool (overwater), Dolphin Ocean Villas with Pool (overwater), Grand Beach Villas with Pool, Beach Residences with Pool, Ocean Residences with Pool (overwater), Two Bedroom Ocean Residences with Pool (overwater), and Two Bedroom Beach Residences with Pool. A significant benefit for families is that all room types can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children. This flexibility means that a family of four staying in a Beach Villa with Pool and all meals included could find rates under $1,000 per night during the off-peak season.
For convenience, some packages, particularly those for stays longer than seven nights, include complimentary seaplane transfers. If your booking doesn’t cover this, round-trip seaplane flights to the island are an additional cost: $495 for adults and $297 for children.
The Journey to Paradise: Getting to Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Upon arrival at Malé (MLE) after my international flight, a friendly Sun Siyam staff member promptly greeted me. They efficiently guided me to the Trans Maldivian Airways check-in desk, the world’s largest seaplane operator, which ferries guests to over 80 Maldivian resorts. Every piece of luggage, even hand luggage, is weighed here—a testament to the compact size of the seaplanes and the importance of optimal weight distribution.
From check-in, a comfortable minibus transported us on a short 10-minute ride to the dedicated seaplane terminal. Many resorts maintain their own lounges here, providing a welcome opportunity to relax and refresh after a long journey. Sun Siyam Resorts offers two such lounges, both spacious and inviting, with abundant comfortable seating and a complimentary selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks. My personal favorite feature was the expansive terrace, offering panoramic views of the bustling seaplane terminal and Malé’s international runway. It was fascinating to watch an Singapore Airlines Airbus A350 touch down in the distance.
Adding a touch of individuality, Sun Siyam is one of the few resorts with uniquely branded seaplanes. Their special livery stood out brightly against the more common red-and-white aircraft of Trans Maldivian Airways. I could have happily lingered on that terrace for hours, but a tempting 10-minute complimentary back and shoulder massage eventually lured me indoors. It was the perfect pre-flight pampering.
When it was time to board, a member of the team personally escorted us to our waiting seaplane. Stepping onto a seaplane for the first time was an exciting experience! After a quick safety briefing, we were handed bottles of water and, importantly, earplugs. The roar of the propellers is substantial, so if you’re sensitive to loud noises, I highly recommend bringing your own earplugs in your carry-on, just in case. Relaxed and ready, we took off, heading north before a graceful, almost 180-degree turn offered a stunning aerial view of Malé’s new airport terminal.
After a smooth flight, filled with breathtaking vistas of the Maldivian atolls, we gently touched down at Iru Veli’s “international airport” about 50 minutes later. Deplaning onto a floating wooden dock in the middle of the ocean was another memorable first for me, feeling like a true arrival in paradise.
A Warm Welcome: Checking In at Iru Veli
From the floating dock, a small boat whisked us the short distance to the welcome jetty, where the Iru Veli team greeted us with a genuinely warm Maldivian welcome. Instead of a traditional reception check-in, I was invited to relax at the Chemistry Bar. There, with a refreshing non-alcoholic welcome drink and a cold towel in hand, I completed the necessary forms. The view alone made the process feel like part of the vacation.
The resort’s reception area is small, open-air, and operates 24/7, serving as the central point for inquiries and eventual checkout on departure day.
Unwinding and Exploring: Amenities at Sun Siyam Iru Veli
While a tiny island in the vast ocean might seem limiting, Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers a surprising array of activities to keep guests entertained. During my stay, I thoroughly enjoyed several of these experiences.
Beautiful Beaches and Serene Spaces
Let me take you on a journey around the island. One afternoon, I took a leisurely stroll to capture some final images. A left turn from my villa led me to a wooden jetty connecting to the staff island, the dive center, and the sunrise overwater villas. What struck me most was the serene tranquility; it was rare to encounter more than a handful of other guests, even at seemingly popular spots. This meant hammocks and quiet corners for relaxation were abundant, creating a feeling of personal space and seclusion.
For that ultimate “desert island” vibe, I ventured to the opposite end of the island, facing northeast. It truly felt like I had paradise all to myself. The widest stretch of beach, perfectly positioned for sunsets, was where I found most of the restaurants and the welcome jetty. I highly recommend a walk along this beach just before sunset; the golden hour light is simply magical. The island itself is quite small, making it easy to navigate. For shade, there’s a sand-covered path lined with trees running through the island’s center. Alternatively, the entire perimeter of the island is a continuous beach, inviting leisurely strolls with your toes in the Indian Ocean.
Inviting Pools and Bars
The Chemistry Bar hosts a large main pool and a smaller pool for children. Its beachfront location allows for effortless transitions between lounging by the pool and dipping into the sea. Beyond the comfortable padded sun loungers, the daybeds looked like the perfect spot to get lost in a book with a loved one. The infinity pool at the Fresh Water Bar is reserved strictly for adults and is also right on the beach. Here, the hammocks scattered around the pool win out over sun loungers in my opinion. I was told the Fresh Water Bar is the best spot on the island for catching magnificent sunsets, and armed with an Aperol spritz, I confirmed this to be true. The vibrant spectrum of yellows and oranges as the sun dipped below the horizon was truly spectacular.
Fitness and Adventure
The gym, while compact, was well-equipped for a decent workout, featuring a weights bench, dumbbells, medicine balls, a rope pulley machine, and various cardio machines. For those seeking adventure, I highly recommend the full-day whale shark excursion. Our boat departed bright and early, and I was eager for my first open-water snorkeling experience. The crew provided coffee and breakfast snacks like pastries and fruit as we journeyed about an hour to our snorkeling spot. Our guide explained our destination and the marine life we might encounter. We headed north where whale shark sightings had been reported. Though luck wasn’t on our side for whale sharks that day, we had an incredible close encounter with a squadron of manta rays. We enjoyed healthy boxed lunches in the early afternoon, keeping our energy levels up. Our final stop was a deserted island, surrounded by shallow, warm waters teeming with coral and a myriad of colorful fish. After an initial struggle with my low-key fear of the water during the manta ray encounter, I found snorkeling in these shallower waters much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Relaxation and Water Sports
No Maldivian trip would be complete without a spa treatment. A delightful perk of booking the Premium All-Inclusive Signature package is a $100 spa credit per adult. Many 60-minute massages, including Balinese, Thai, Hawaiian, and classic options, are priced at $188. With the spa credit, this brings the cost down to a remarkable $88 for an hour of pure bliss in paradise. I opted for a dreamy 45-minute foot reflexology session, also priced at $188. For active guests, non-motorized water sports like paddle boarding and snorkeling are complimentary. For an additional fee, you can indulge in more thrilling activities, with waterskiing being a popular choice. While my press trip friend Deb effortlessly mastered the high-octane action, I, a beginner, struggled to stay upright long enough for a decent photo.
My Sanctuary: The Grand Beach Villa With Pool
Having previously experienced overwater suites at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and Siyam World, I was particularly excited for my final stay in a Grand Beach Villa with its own private pool. There are only five of these exclusive villas, situated on the sunrise side of the island’s southernmost tip. A lush, leafy walkway ensures superb privacy for the main entrance.
Bedroom and Living Space
The colossal king-sized bed was the focal point of the room, perfectly positioned to offer stunning views of the beach and the sea beyond. The double-height ceiling created an incredibly spacious and airy feel, making it an ideal choice for families. As inviting as the room was, my time there was limited. However, I did conduct a thorough inspection and confirmed it offered every conceivable comfort. The large wardrobe contained ample hangers, plush robes, and an iron and ironing board, along with readily available life jackets. Given my all-inclusive package, the minibar items were complimentary and refilled daily. The hot drinks corner featured a kettle with a selection of teas and an espresso machine stocked with coffee pods, sugar, sweeteners, and creamers. The same counter, which also functioned as a desk, held two bottles of water, a half bottle of red wine, a small savory snack pack, a bottle opener, a QR code for in-room dining, and a price list for minibar items. I appreciated the unlimited refills of still water in environmentally friendly glass bottles—a huge win over plastic. Beneath the counter, the fridge was well-stocked with soft drinks, Lion Lager, iced tea, vanilla iced coffee, white wine, sparkling wine, and two Mars Bars. For those without the minibar included, items were individually priced: $8 for beer, $6 for Coke, $7 for a Mars Bar, and $26 for a demi (375 milliliters) of red wine.
Bathroom and Private Pool
Of the little time I spent indoors, a significant portion was dedicated to this palatial outdoor bathroom, complete with a private pool and sunbathing area. This exquisitely designed space truly completed the 1,450-square-foot (135-square-meter) villa. If I had been traveling with young children, the enclosed nature of the space would have offered peace of mind regarding their safety. Personally, I found the pool’s location within the villa walls to be incredibly exclusive and luxurious, providing 100% privacy, unlike a pool situated openly on the beach. This villa would be absolutely perfect for a romantic getaway, allowing you to enjoy complete seclusion without ever needing to leave your room or encounter another soul, except, of course, for private pool breakfasts and in-room dining. The bathtub, centrally placed in the bathroom, seamlessly integrated with the sleek, modern design. I was delighted to find that Sun Siyam utilizes refillable bottles for their in-shower amenities. The shower gel and the combined shampoo and conditioner boasted a lovely fragrance and felt high-quality. The bathroom also provided a full array of standard amenities, including a dental kit, shaving kit, shower cap, vanity kit, sewing kit, comb, and feminine products. My Grand Beach Villa 504 served as a delightful home for three nights. I only wished I had more time on the island to truly maximize the enjoyment of this private pool! The villa also featured a second entrance, offering direct access to the beach.
A Culinary Journey: Food and Beverages at Iru Veli
The island offers a diverse culinary scene with six distinct bars and restaurants, serving a variety of cuisines from around the globe:
- Aqua Orange, a buffet restaurant
- Chemistry, the main bar
- Fresh Water, an adults-only pool bar
- Grouper Grill, an outdoor seafood restaurant
- Roma, the Mediterranean restaurant
- Wine Cellar, an overwater wine bar
I didn’t manage to visit the Wine Cellar during my whirlwind itinerary. In-suite dining is available 24/7, and guests can also request service in various locations around the island (similar to a beach breakfast) from 7 p.m. onwards.
Aqua Orange: Buffet Delights
Aqua Orange, the main buffet restaurant, serves breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m., lunch from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. This restaurant caters to all tastes, and I particularly enjoyed the extensive breakfast selection each morning. Beyond the familiar Western dishes, there were numerous Maldivian and South Asian options, such as the Maldivian reef fish curry. While fish curry wasn’t my first choice in the morning, the beauty of a buffet is the chance to try new things. For instance, I discovered kulhi mas, a spicy tuna dish that Maldivians enjoy at any meal. Seating is divided into three main sections, with an adults-only area located furthest from the main buffet. Dining at Aqua Orange was made even more enjoyable by the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear waters. In the evenings, Aqua Orange elevates the buffet experience with live cooking stations where chefs prepare specialty local and international dishes. During my visit, I savored freshly made riha folhi, a Maldivian crepe filled with spicy tuna—a testament to tuna’s staple status in Maldivian cuisine. The dessert section also offered a wonderful array of unique sweet treats, including ramba pirini (a semolina dish with cream, sugar, condensed milk, and cinnamon-cardamom powder) and my personal favorite, pumpkin pudding, also known as barabo pudding.
Chemistry Bar: Afternoon Indulgences
Operating from 8 a.m. to midnight, the Chemistry Bar is a popular spot. Guests on the all-inclusive package can enjoy complimentary afternoon snacks from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. During my visit, savory options included miniature Thai fish cakes, polenta squares with roasted pepper, onion, and feta, and open chicken and veggie sandwiches. For those with a sweet tooth, the mini doughnuts and chocolate cupcakes were a definite hit.
Grouper Grill: Romantic Seaside Dining
Open for lunch from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and dinner from 7 to 10 p.m., Grouper Grill offers a truly romantic dining experience. With my feet in the soft sand, I listened to the gentle lapping of the waves while indulging in some of the most delicious fish and seafood I’ve ever tasted. The beach barbecue night was a highlight, featuring freshly grilled chicken and fish cooked right before our eyes by Chef Rabbi.
Roma: Overwater Italian Elegance
My final evening meal was at Roma, open from 7 to 10 p.m. and the resort’s only overwater restaurant. I secured a table overlooking the water, which was illuminated to allow for mesmerizing views of the marine life swimming below. I thoroughly enjoyed a heavenly pasta meal with my new friend Deb from the press trip—sometimes a simple bowl of pasta truly hits the spot.
Breakfasts for the ‘Gram: Floating and Beachside
No trip to paradise is complete without a floating breakfast! These can be arranged in any villa with a pool for $82, and I certainly embraced my inner influencer for the experience. If a floating breakfast isn’t your preference, I highly recommend the charming beach breakfast setup. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat, as even early mornings can be quite warm. The amount of food was generous (more than enough for two), and the quality was impressive, considering it was prepared in the restaurant and brought to the beach. This experience, which includes fruit, eggs, crepes, pastries, and pancakes, costs $112 for two, in addition to any existing food and beverage package.
After trying both, I personally preferred the beach breakfast setup, finding it slightly more relaxed and authentic. Either way, it’s an ideal spot for a morning espresso in paradise.
Exceptional Hospitality: The Service at Iru Veli
During my press trip, I had the unique opportunity to interact extensively with Sun Siyam staff members, from waitstaff to management, across several resorts. While my experience was somewhat different from a regular guest’s, the unwavering work ethic and joyful nature of the Sun Siyam team were evident and consistently applied to all guests. It truly made the experience memorable. Saying goodbye was genuinely difficult.
A special thank you goes to Naufal, my dedicated ambassador throughout my stay. He went above and beyond to ensure I had the most unforgettable time. His attentiveness and genuine care significantly enhanced my visit. I hope our paths cross again soon, Naufal!
Final Thoughts on Sun Siyam Iru Veli
The concluding days of my inaugural trip to the Maldives, spent at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, will forever hold a treasured place in my memories. I confess I’m not typically a fan of all-inclusive resorts, but Iru Veli completely transformed my perspective, revealing a side I am eager to experience again. The variety and, more importantly, the exceptional quality of the food far surpassed any all-inclusive I’ve encountered before. I never once felt confined or that there wasn’t something engaging to do. Despite the island’s relatively small size, it never felt overcrowded, even during mealtimes. Ultimately, Sun Siyam Iru Veli embodies affordable luxury, making a dream visit to the Maldives accessible even on more modest budgets. You absolutely deserve to experience the hammock life for yourself. Why not let Sun Siyam Iru Veli be your next idyllic escape?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sun Siyam Iru Veli suitable for families?
Yes, absolutely! All eight villa types at Sun Siyam Iru Veli can accommodate two adults and two children, making it a great option for family vacations. The resort also features kid-friendly amenities like a dedicated children’s pool at Chemistry Bar.
What meal plans are offered at Sun Siyam Iru Veli?
Guests can choose from bed and breakfast, half board, full board, or a premium all-inclusive package, allowing flexibility to suit different preferences and budgets.
How do I get to Sun Siyam Iru Veli from Malé International Airport (MLE)?
Upon arrival at MLE, a Sun Siyam team member will greet you and escort you to the Trans Maldivian Airways check-in for a seaplane transfer. The seaplane journey is approximately 50 minutes, offering stunning aerial views of the Maldivian atolls.
Are seaplane transfers included in the booking?
Some packages, especially those for longer stays (e.g., more than seven nights), may include complimentary seaplane transfers. Otherwise, the round-trip flights cost $495 for adults and $297 for children.
Can I participate in water sports at the resort?
Yes, basic non-motorized water sports like paddle boarding and snorkeling are free for all guests. More thrilling activities, such as waterskiing, are available for an additional fee.
What is the spa experience like at Sun Siyam Iru Veli?
The Sun Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, including various massages in a beautiful overwater setting. Guests with the Premium All-Inclusive Signature package receive a $100 spa credit per adult, making treatments more accessible.
Are there private pool options available in the villas?
Yes, several villa types, including the Grand Beach Villa, come with their own private pools. These private pools offer exclusivity and privacy, often within an enclosed courtyard, perfect for romantic getaways or families.
What dining options are available besides the main buffet?
In addition to Aqua Orange (the buffet restaurant), guests can enjoy Chemistry Bar (snacks), Fresh Water Bar (adults-only pool bar), Grouper Grill (outdoor seafood), Roma (Mediterranean, overwater), and Wine Cellar (overwater wine bar). In-suite dining and special beach dining experiences are also available.
References
- Virgin Atlantic
- Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
- Booking.com
- Virgin Atlantic Holidays
- Trans Maldivian Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Siyam World
