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.
Family
Easter goes playful at The Standard, Maldives with week-long Angry Birds celebration
This April, The Standard, Maldives is redefining the traditional Easter holiday with a bold, high-energy island takeover inspired by the playful world of Angry Birds. Taking place from 1 to 7 April, the week-long celebration transforms the resort into a vibrant playground, blending pop culture, family-friendly activities and island indulgence against the turquoise backdrop of the Raa Atoll.
The programme places families at the heart of the festivities, with a variety of interactive experiences designed for guests of all ages. Children and parents alike can take part in “Birds vs. Pigs” puzzle challenges, test their skills at Slingshot Splash, and enjoy creative sessions such as Angry Birds-themed egg painting and chocolate truffle making. Highlights for younger guests include a Bunny Meet and Greet, an island-wide Easter Egg Hunt, and a lively pool party that brings a playful twist to the holiday celebrations.
For guests seeking a more relaxed pace, the resort’s spa offers a curated wellness programme throughout the week. Experiences include Aerial Sound Healing, Chakra Balancing and Therapeutic Yoga, alongside a Family Hammam designed to provide restorative downtime after a day of island activities.
As evening falls, the resort’s social energy comes to life with a dynamic line-up of entertainment. Guests can enjoy LED and fire shows, Full Moon beach parties and sunset cruises, while those with a competitive streak are invited to join Easter-themed music quizzes and bingo nights.
Dining is a central part of the Easter experience, with a diverse culinary programme curated for the occasion. In addition to the signature Easter Brunch, the resort hosts beachside barbecues, healthy food masterclasses and the “Happy Bunnies” Golden Hour, featuring crafted cocktails by the sea. For more intimate moments, private movie nights under the stars and exclusive beachfront dinners are also available.
To ensure a seamless holiday experience, guests may opt for the resort’s Premium All-Inclusive Package, offering access to the full range of activities, dining and beverages throughout the week. With its energetic programming and playful spirit, The Standard, Maldives delivers an Easter celebration that combines sun, sand and entertainment into a distinctive island escape.
News
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches conservation programme for environmental observances
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has announced a thoughtfully curated series of experiences in honour of World Wildlife Day (March 3), Earth Hour (March 28), and Earth Day (April 22). Designed by the resort’s Naturalists and Ladies and Gentlemen, the programme reflects a deep commitment to conservation, environmental education, and mindful well-being—inviting guests of all ages, including younger explorers, to engage meaningfully with the island’s extraordinary nature.
Surrounded by endless ocean, expansive horizons, and graceful coconut palms, these global environmental observances hold profound significance. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, sustainability is seamlessly part of each guest’s journey, through conscious culinary practices, sustainable energy practices, organic Bamford amenities, and a commitment to zero single-use plastic. These dedicated days further illuminate the resort’s enduring responsibility to protect what frames each sunrise and sunset.
World Wildlife Day–A Celebration of Biodiversity
On March 3, guests are invited to discover the remarkable ecosystems thriving both above and below the surface. Guided by in-house Naturalists, guests may explore the diversity of fish species drawn to the resort’s coral gardens and participate in hands-on coral regeneration experiences that support reef restoration. As the day unfolds, a traditional Maldivian Dhoni sailing at sunset offers the opportunity to observe dolphins along the horizon—an elegant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and luxury that defines the island experience.
Earth Hour–From Sky to Sea
Earth Hour on March 28 honors the serenity of island life and the shared responsibility to protect it. The day begins at The Ritz-Carlton Spa with Echoes of the Earth, a grounding sound bath experience inspired by the rhythms of nature and aligned with the resort’s signature wellness philosophy, Deep Blue Prescription—aholistic approach rooted in balance, flexibility, and emotional wellbeing. Inspired by the transformative power of the Blue Mind state, this exclusive philosophy encourages deep connection with the ocean and the natural environment.
Guests may further explore the island from the sky through participation in the resort’s drone conservation project, which utilises aerial technology to detect and collect marine debris. Beneath the surface, guided snorkelling sessions provide insight into sea turtles and vibrant marine habitats that support coral regeneration. As dusk falls and lights are dimmed at 8:30 pm, guests gather beneath the Maldivian sky for a candlelit Earth Hour dinner at EAU Bar. A serene stargazing session led by Naturalists prior to that will offer a peaceful moment of reflection beneath a sky made even clearer by darkness; celebrating the planet while conserving energy to protect this extraordinary home.
Earth Day–Regeneration and Renewal
On April 22, Earth Day unfolds with sunrise ground yoga, embraced by the ocean’s endless blue and the soothing sound of waves, honouring the island’s natural rhythms and inviting guests to experience again the healing power of blue. The afternoon is dedicated to coral and tree planting initiatives, reinforcing the resort’s active role in ecological restoration and long-term sustainability.
Inspiring the Next Generation–Ritz Kids Environmental Programming
Through the Ritz Kids programme, younger guests are invited to explore the Maldives in a playful, creative, and age-appropriate way. Designed for children aged four to twelve and complemented by dedicated activities for teenagers, the programme is built upon four pillars: Nature, Exploration, Responsibility and Culture.
World Wildlife Day, Earth Hour, and Earth Day place environmental protection and species conservation at the forefront of children’s experiences. In Coral Crafters workshops, children create coral-inspired artworks while learning about reef ecosystems. Eco Craft–Save Our Ocean transforms recycled materials into ocean-themed art, encouraging awareness of waste reduction. Activities such as Butterfly Symmetry, Little Explorers Art Lab, and Starstorm Sketch Wall Paint blend artistic expression with environmental education. Teenagers may engage in the Fish Identification Quest, learn about marine megafauna; including manta rays, sharks, and sea turtles; or participate in Coral Regeneration Experiences. On land, the Bat Scavenger Hunt introduces ecological awareness through exploration and storytelling, while creative workshops and dolphin cruises foster a deeper understanding of the connection between art, wildlife, and the ocean.
Sustainable Luxury with Purpose
Through this comprehensive programme, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands demonstrates how refined hospitality and environmental stewardship coexist harmoniously. By integrating conservation initiatives, immersive education, and restorative wellness, the resort continues to inspire guests; especially its youngest explorers—to respect, protect, and celebrate the natural world that defines the Maldives.
Drink
SO/ Maldives hosts tequila tasting and Lazuli Bar takeover for National Margarita Day
On 22nd February, in celebration of National Margarita Day, SO/ Maldives turns up the island energy with an exclusive Tequila Tasting, Margarita Experience and beachfront Bar Takeover reaffirming its position as the Maldives’ most modern lifestyle luxury brand. Vibrant, design-led and socially vibrant, SO/ Maldives transforms the occasion into more than a cocktail celebration it becomes a full-sensory journey set against turquoise waters and powder-soft white sands.
A Curated Tequila Journey with Adonai Reyna
Leading the experience is Adonai Reyna, MMI Spirits Ambassador and one of the region’s most decorated mixology talents. With 16 years of experience across Dubai’s most renowned venues and accolades including Winner Havana Club México, Top 25 World Class UAE, Silver Trophy CME UAE and Winner Crystal Head Vodka Mexico, Reyna brings world-class craftsmanship to the shores of the Maldives.
Guests will join him for an immersive tequila tasting experience that delves into the heritage of Mexico’s iconic agave spirit. From understanding the terroir and production secrets to discovering the nuanced flavour profiles of blanco, reposado and aged expressions, the tasting goes beyond the glass. It is a refined exploration of culture, craft and complexity a sensorial journey designed for modern luxury travellers.
The Lazuli Bar Takeover: Where Sunset Meets Spirit
As golden hour approaches, the celebration shifts to the iconic coloured pool bar at Lazuli Beach Club the social heart of the island. Framed by white sand beaches and endless ocean views, Lazuli delivers effortless barefoot sunset vibes with a Riviera-inspired twist.
Under glowing Maldivian skies, Adonai Reyna takes over the bar with a bespoke Margarita menu crafted using premium tequilas, fresh tropical ingredients and innovative mixology techniques. Each cocktail is a statement balancing authenticity with contemporary flair, perfectly aligned with SO/ Maldives’ fashion-forward aesthetic.
The coloured pool bar becomes the centre of attention, drawing guests together in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere where music flows, cocktails sparkle and the shoreline becomes the ultimate dancefloor.
At SO/ Maldives, experiences are designed to blend global culture with island glamour. The National Margarita Day takeover is a natural extension of the brand’s identity vibrant, creative and unapologetically stylish.
Whether guests are tequila connoisseurs, sunset seekers or social explorers, 22nd February promises an unforgettable celebration where Mexican heritage meets Maldivian rhythm.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com.
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