Cultural, creative and action-packed activities come together on a family holiday at Sun Siyam Resorts
Scattered across the Maldives and nestled on the Sri Lankan shore are six Sun Siyam Resorts, offering your clients their own slice of paradise.
The boutique, intimate Sri Lankan beach retreat Sun Siyam Pasikudah is a tropical oasis, perfectly located for guests to explore the island.
With a hop across the Indian Ocean, each of the five Maldivian private island properties – Sun Siyam Vilu Reef; Sun Siyam Olhuveli; Sun Siyam Iru Fushi; Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Siyam World – has its own unique identity. But what unites them is the goal of giving their guests an unforgettable experience.
Offering an array of activities and excursions, Iru Fushi, Olhuveli and Siyam World are a great reminder that the Maldives is more than a couples-only destination.
Great fun and great value
At Iru Fushi and Olhuveli, children under 15 stay and eat for free on the same board basis as their parents, making a Maldives break more affordable for families.
Once they’ve settled in, guests can take their pick from the range of family-friendly activities. At Olhuveli – just a 45-minute speedboat transfer from airport to villa – younger guests can head to Maakanaa Kidz.
The resort’s kids’ club is specially designed to give under 12s a fun, authentic Maldivian experience, with everything from traditional dance classes to language lessons.
Over at Iru Fushi, where the complimentary kids’ club is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm, larger villas are ideally positioned next to the family pool, where a zipline will get kids’ adrenaline pumping.
Adventures to remember
Housed on the Noonu Atoll, Siyam World is the newest addition to the Sun Siyam Resorts collection. Boasting a variety of room types, including those with up to six bedrooms and direct lagoon access via a private slide, Siyam World has been designed with families in mind.
At Kidz World, four to 12-year-olds can discover the native wildlife including birds and bats, while the junior marine biologist programme helps children learn all about sea animals from above and below the surface.
Don’t miss Siyam Water World – the biggest floating water park in the Maldives. With slides, obstacles, water trampolines and climbing walls, it’s perfect for children and adults of all ages.
Family time
While arty younger guests can also enjoy activities including making bookmarks and painting shells, there’s plenty of fun for adults too.
At Iru Fushi, guests can get a taste of the local culture with a traditional Maldivian cooking class or connect with nature through a unique tree-planting experience. Over at Olhuveli, take to the water for pairs’ parasailing or indulge in some peace and quiet in the adult-only infinity pool.
For all-important family time, everyone can come together to try their hand at horse riding at Siyam World, or sample one of the many watersports to explore the Maldives from beyond the shoreline – there’s diving at Olhuveli, paddleboarding at Siyam World and snorkelling at Iru Fushi.
Family-friendly activities
1. Search for Nemo
In a protected lagoon at Iru Fushi, families can swim among hundreds of clownfish to find their very own Nemo. Complete with a rope for children to hold on to, this reef offers an ideal introduction to snorkelling and some great photo opportunities.
2. Make a splash
With direct access to the resort’s pristine house reef and a cluster of enclosed lagoons, guests at Olhuveli are perfectly situated for watersports, which are ideal for families who want to try something new together. Take a kitesurfing class with an experienced instructor, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, try the shipwreck diving experience.
3. Get competitive
Siyam World spans 54 hectares, which is the size of more than 100 football pitches, and the resort is home to an international standard sized pitch of its own, as well as smaller ‘futsal’ pitches. Football fans can practise their skills or play in one of the weekly tournaments.
How to book
Sun Siyam Olhuveli: If Only offers seven nights’ all-inclusive in a Grand Beach Villa, including flights and speedboat transfers, and a Lucky Dolphin Cruise from £11,220 per family, based on two adults and two under-15s sharing, departing July 26. T: 0141 955 4000
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights’ all-inclusive in a Deluxe Beach Villa, including flights on August 8 and seaplane transfers, for £11,899 per family, based on two adults and two under-15s sharing. T: 0800 008 7288
Siyam World: Gold Medal offers seven nights’ all-inclusive in a Sunset Pool Beach Villa, including flights departing between August 1 and 31 and seaplane transfers, from £2,139 per person based on two adults and two under-12s sharing. T: 0800 014 7777
To find out more, visit sunsiyam.com
PICTURES: Thomas Monsorno
