News
Rebranded and refurbished The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi opens its doors
Maldives.net.mv – The re-launch of The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi takes place today (21st February 2014) – in the presence of His Excellency President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom – as the first and flagship branded property of the NEW Sun Siyam Resorts.
The brainchild of leading local entrepreneur, Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi re-launch marks the rebirth and elevation of Mr. Siyam’s tourism ventures from Maldivian Travel Company to international luxury brand. The new-look Iru Fushi is the first ‘The Sun Siyam’ property, the premier brand of Sun Siyam Resorts that also includes the boutique ‘Beach House Collection’ and the cool, quirky ‘Sun Ray’ brands together with five further luxury resort openings planned, across three countries, in the next few years – all seeking to offer something exceptional that challenges current perceptions of luxury in the travel industry.
A paradise beach resort located in the Noonu Atoll Maldives, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi features 221 luxury ocean-front villas, including 70 over-water bungalows, 11 bar and restaurant choices, a 20-room tropical spa, and range of activities and local explorations. The resort is committed to offering boutique service on a grand scale, balancing exceptional facilities and heartfelt service with a wider dedicated focus on the surrounding community.
All ‘Villa’ guests can now personally tailor their accommodation with the introduction of pillow and fragrance menus for a home-away-from-home feel; while ‘Retreat’ accommodation guests receive the added benefit of a foot massage on arrival and services of a 24-hour butler. The Spa has enhanced its offering to include traditional Chinese medicine and Maldivian treatments; opened a Spa Café serving healthy cuisine and designed a foot reflexology path. For the discerning traveller looking for villa privacy, the resort has launched 22 new Deluxe Beach Villas with private pools (total compliment now 44). The food and beverage menus have seen the introduction of new dining experiences that include an ice-cream parlour and ‘destination dining’ options. The resort is also now home to a dedicated family dining area.
The Sun Siyam Community
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives is also a symbolic property for Mr. Siyam, given its location in the Noonu Atoll, his childhood home. Celebrating and honouring his roots, the resort is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of Maldivians. In addition to contributing a portion of net revenue to local preschools, the resort’s GIVE philosophy (Get Involved, Visionary Experiences) enables guests to explore the local community and experience its intrinsic relationship to the resort: from visiting a local fruit farm to hearing first-hand the origins of a local village grandmother’s recipe used in the restaurants’ kitchens.
Alongside an inspiring selection of local projects, the resorts ‘Exploration and Discovery’ activities take advantage of the surrounding natural beauty and rich culture, ensuring guests come away feeling like they have had a true Maldivian experience: from kids’ club cooking classes focused on regional dishes to a plethora of sustainable water-based activities.
The Sun Siyam Journey
From humble beginnings to becoming the Maldives’ leading entrepreneur, Mr Siyam began his career working his way up the ranks in hotels around the country. His first solo venture was the launch of a now very successful tour operating business, Sun Travels. Today, alongside managing an award-winning portfolio of tourism products, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Vilu Reef Beach & Spa, Beach House Iruveli and Beach House Pasikudah opening in Sri Lanka in 2014, under the new Sun Siyam brand, he is also an Executive Board Member of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry.
Cooking
Taj Exotica introduces Sol & Sea, a new celebration of Indian coastal cuisine
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives has introduced Sol & Sea.
Perched elegantly above the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Sol & Sea is an exclusive overwater dining destination at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, offering an intimate culinary journey inspired by the rich coastal traditions of India.
Thoughtfully designed for only 16 guests, this refined dining experience combines uninterrupted sunset views, bespoke service, and the soulful flavours of India’s coastline in a setting defined by understated luxury and island serenity.
At Sol & Sea, the art of the traditional Indian coastal thali is elevated through sophisticated presentation and carefully curated regional flavours. Drawing inspiration from the coastal kitchens of Indian Western Coastline each menu celebrates the richness of Indian spices, the freshness of ocean harvests, and the depth of authentic culinary heritage.

As twilight settles over the lagoon and the horizon glows in hues of gold and amber, guests are invited to savour an immersive dining experience surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Maldives. Every detail — from the gentle sea breeze and candlelit ambience to the thoughtfully paired flavours — has been designed to create moments of connection, indulgence, and lasting memory.
Elegant, intimate, and destination-led, Sol & Sea offers a distinctive expression of luxury dining where the warmth of Indian hospitality meets the timeless beauty of the ocean.
Experience highlights:
- Exclusive 16-seater overwater dining venue
- Signature Indian Coastal Thali experience (Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian option)
- Curated sunset dining atmosphere
- Personalised and intimate guest experience
- Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and celebratory occasions
- Elevated luxury dining concept unique to the Maldives
As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean and the evening unfolds beneath the stars, Sol & Sea invites guests to discover a soulful expression of coastal India surrounded by the serenity of the Maldives.
News
Mandara Spa joins Global Wellness Day’s 15th anniversary celebrations
As Global Wellness Day celebrates its 15th anniversary under the theme #JoyMagenta, Mandara Spa proudly joins the global movement in reaffirming a belief that has long shaped its philosophy: wellness is not simply a ritual of self-care, but a meaningful expression of joy, balance, and human connection.
On Saturday, 13 June 2026, millions of people across more than 170 countries will come together to celebrate Global Wellness Day, the internationally recognised not for profit initiative dedicated to inspiring healthier and more mindful living. This year’s theme, #JoyMagenta, highlights the importance of joy as an essential part of emotional and physical wellbeing.
For Mandara Spa, this milestone carries a deeper significance. For fifteen years, Mandara Spa has grown alongside Global Wellness Day, united by a shared belief that wellbeing is found not only in treatments and rituals, but in the simple human moments that restore connection, presence, and joy.
Since the movement’s early years, Mandara Spa has embraced the spirit of Global Wellness Day through experiences designed to encourage restoration, mindfulness, and genuine care. What began as a shared philosophy has evolved into a longstanding alignment rooted in accessibility, intentional living, and holistic wellbeing.
Inspired by the healing traditions of Asia, Mandara Spa continues to bring these values to life across its destinations throughout the Maldives, Indonesia, and the wider Asia Pacific region through thoughtfully curated wellness journeys that nurture both body and spirit.
In celebration of Global Wellness Day 2026, participating Mandara Spa locations across the region will introduce curated wellness experiences and thoughtful guest activations inspired by this year’s #JoyMagenta theme.
From mindful movement sessions and wellness rituals to restorative spa experiences and moments of quiet reflection, each initiative is designed to encourage guests to reconnect with themselves and embrace joy as an essential part of wellbeing.
At Mandara Spa, joy is found in the smallest details: a calming breath, a healing touch, a peaceful pause, or the feeling of being fully present in the moment.
“Wellness, at its heart, has always been deeply connected to joy. As Global Wellness Day marks its 15th anniversary, we celebrate not only an important global milestone, but also a shared belief that caring for ourselves and others remains one of life’s most meaningful experiences,” said an official from Mandara Spa.
Founded in 2012 by wellness visionary Belgin Aksoy, Global Wellness Day has grown into one of the world’s most recognised wellness initiatives, inspiring millions through free and accessible wellness activities held annually around the globe.
Mandara Spa is honoured to continue supporting a movement that champions wellbeing as a universal need rather than a luxury, while encouraging individuals and communities to embrace healthier and more mindful lifestyles.
As wellness continues to evolve globally, Mandara Spa remains committed to delivering experiences rooted in authenticity, care, and the timeless traditions of Asian wellness.
Featured
W Maldives launches Escape Remix for a two-sided island getaway
W Maldives has unveiled Escape Remix, a new stay experience designed for guests seeking to experience different sides of island life, from the tranquillity of overwater living to the laidback glamour of a beachfront escape.
Available from June 2026 onwards as a permanent offering, Escape Remix allows guests to move between the Superior Overwater One-Bedroom Villa and the Escape Beach One-Bedroom Villa within one curated island getaway.
Created for travellers seeking variety without compromise, the experience includes a four-night stay split between two nights in the overwater villa and two nights in the beach villa. It also includes daily buffet breakfast for two adults and a selection of signature island benefits, giving guests distinct perspectives of the destination while maintaining comfort and luxury throughout their stay.

At the centre of the experience is the opportunity to discover the Maldives from two different settings. Suspended above clear lagoon waters, the Superior Overwater One-Bedroom Villa offers ocean views, direct access to the sea, a private pool, and a W Maldives signature overwater hammock designed for leisurely afternoons above the Indian Ocean. Guests can also access the resort’s award-winning house reef directly from the villa deck, where marine life can be explored just moments from their accommodation.
On shore, the Escape Beach One-Bedroom Villa offers a more barefoot island rhythm. Surrounded by tropical greenery and direct beach access, the villa features a private pool and an elevated upper deck with a swinging daybed for golden-hour lounging. Guests staying beachside can also access the same award-winning house reef directly from the shoreline, creating a connection between island living and underwater discovery.
“Luxury travel today is about having the freedom to experience a destination in different ways, all within one journey,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “Escape Remix was created for guests who want to fully immerse themselves in the Maldives while experiencing contrasting yet complementary experiences, from the serenity of overwater living to the lively energy of a beachfront escape, all infused with the bold spirit of W Maldives.”

Beyond the villas, Escape Remix includes a series of additions designed to enhance the stay. Guests receive complimentary soda refreshments from the in-room MixBar, complimentary use of snorkelling gear, access to non-motorised water sports, and a one-time 30-minute photoshoot with the resort’s in-house photographer, including one printed photograph.
Following its recent transformation, W Maldives continues to position itself within the contemporary luxury segment through design, immersive experiences, and a social island atmosphere. Guests can dine across the resort’s five restaurants and bars, unwind with treatments at the overwater AWAY Spa, or take part in a castaway experience at Gaathafushi, the resort’s private island.
As a five-star resort in the Maldives known for its distinctive personality and approach to luxury, W Maldives continues to expand its guest experiences beyond the conventional island stay.
Blending overwater tranquillity with beachfront freedom, Escape Remix introduces a new way to experience W Maldives, offering guests a more dynamic and personalised stay. Travellers looking to extend their visit can also book the Original Wavemaker package, which includes shared seaplane transfers and a half-board meal plan for two adults.
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