Editor’s Pick: Sun, Sand, Adventure, and Serenity Combined at Sun Siyam Iru Veli

Nestled in the tranquil Dhaalu Atoll, Sun Siyam Iru Veli is a celebration of the Maldives’ natural beauty and refined elegance. Surrounded by turquoise waters, soft white sands, and swaying palms, the resort offers an experience that blends relaxation, adventure, and personalised comfort. Every corner of the island reflects thoughtful design, combining elegance with modern comforts.

Accommodations at Sun Siyam Iru Veli are designed to cater to a range of preferences. Beach Villas and Deluxe Beach Villas provide direct access to pristine sand and a sense of effortless intimacy with the surroundings. Overwater Ocean Villas and Deluxe Ocean Villas float above the lagoon, offering private pools, sun decks, and uninterrupted ocean views. For an extraordinary experience, Dolphin Ocean Villas provide the magical opportunity to watch dolphins play just beyond the terrace, creating a memory that feels uniquely Maldivian. Interiors across all villas combine natural materials, open-plan layouts, and floor-to-ceiling windows, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the island and the sea. 

Dining at Iru Veli is as much a part of the experience as the scenery itself. Guests can begin the day with a floating breakfast delivered directly to the villa’s private pool, a playful spread of fresh fruits, pastries, and coffee set against the shimmering lagoon below. Aqua Orange, the resort’s beachfront all-day dining venue, offers generous buffet selections and themed evenings, while Roma serves Italian favourites with a contemporary touch in an overwater setting. Fresh seafood and grilled specialities take centre stage at Grouper Grill, while Chemistry provides a relaxed café-bar atmosphere for light bites and cocktails. For adults seeking a quieter escape, Fresh Water offers refreshing drinks by the pool, and the intimate Wine Cellar invites guests to enjoy curated vintages in a refined setting. Private dining experiences on secluded sandbanks or overwater decks complete the journey, creating unforgettable evenings beneath the stars, accompanied by the gentle sound of the waves. 

Wellness and relaxation are central to the Iru Veli experience. Set gracefully over the lagoon, the resort’s Ocean Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary where guests can enjoy a curated menu of treatments inspired by both Eastern and Western healing traditions, including Thai, Balinese, and marine-based therapies. Expert therapists deliver soothing massages, revitalising facials, and indulgent body rituals designed to restore balance and energy. Sunrise yoga sessions and sunset meditation classes provide peaceful opportunities to reconnect with body and mind, accompanied by the calming rhythm of the ocean below. With its overwater setting and holistic approach to wellbeing, the spa creates an atmosphere of deep calm, allowing guests to fully unwind and reset. 

Adventure and leisure unfold effortlessly at Sun Siyam Iru Veli, where each day offers a new way for guests to connect with the island and the sea. Beneath the surface, guided snorkelling and diving excursions reveal colourful coral gardens alive with marine life, while above the water, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing invite relaxed exploration of the lagoon. Guests can add a thrill with parasailing for sweeping aerial views, or embrace tradition with fishing trips at sunrise or dusk. For moments of pure escape, the Cast Away experience delivers a private sandbank adventure complete with swimming, snorkelling, and a curated picnic in total seclusion. Sunset cruises transform evenings into golden-hour celebrations, while vibrant cultural nights featuring traditional Bodu Beru drumming and dance bring the rhythm and spirit of the Maldives to life, creating memories that linger long after the music fades. 

Ultimately, Sun Siyam Iru Veli is a Maldivian sanctuary where every moment feels like a memory in the making. Guests can wake to the gentle sway of the lagoon, explore vibrant reefs, and end the day with a private dinner beneath starlit skies. With elegant villas, diverse cuisine, and enriching experiences, each day unfolds with serenity, adventure, and indulgence.