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.
Awards
Tripadvisor recognises three Atmosphere resorts among global top 10%
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has announced that three of its standout properties—Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, RAAYA by Atmosphere, and VARU by Atmosphere—have been recognised by Tripadvisor as part of the top 10% of hotels worldwide, based on exceptional guest reviews and ratings over the past year. This builds on a strong legacy of Travellers’ Choice Awards, with Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives consistently recognised over the years, RAAYA by Atmosphere marking its second consecutive win, and VARU by Atmosphere extending its streak of consecutive awards since 2021.
This prestigious recognition highlights the brand’s continued commitment to delivering elevated, guest-centric experiences rooted in authentic Maldivian hospitality, thoughtful design, and curated holiday plans and offerings.
The accolade reflects consistent positive feedback from travellers across the globe, celebrating everything from personalised service and culinary excellence to immersive island experiences. Each of the three awarded resorts offers a distinct identity while maintaining the brand’s positioning, “A New Experience Awaits.”
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers a vibrant island escape defined by spacious villas, lush natural surroundings, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Known for its seamless Kanifushi Plan™, the resort delivers exceptional dining, engaging experiences, and warm, intuitive service that consistently resonates with guests seeking both comfort and adventure in the Maldives.

RAAYA by Atmosphere invites you into a luxurious world shaped by nature and imagination in Raa Atoll. Drift across crystal lagoons and indulge in a premium all-inclusive island escape where every detail is effortlessly taken care of. Relax in nature’s embrace surrounded by our architectural grace and embark on a journey of immersive experiences for couples, families, and friends alike.

VARU by Atmosphere is celebrated for its refined elegance and effortless experience, located just a short transfer from the airport. Combining modern architecture with authentic Maldivian warmth, the resort delivers personalised service, diverse dining options, and a tranquil yet sophisticated setting that continues to earn high praise from guests worldwide.
Building on this achievement, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its portfolio across the Maldives and beyond, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and authentic guest engagement.
Awards
Villa Nautica named among Maldives’ best resort pools by Travel + Leisure
Villa Nautica has once again been recognised by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, with its signature infinity pool named among the best resort pools in the Maldives. The recognition marks four consecutive years of Travel + Leisure honours for the resort’s pool experience, following its top spot win as Best Resort Pool in the Maldives in 2025.
Set along the edge of the island in North Malé Atoll, Villa Nautica’s 1,350-square-metre infinity pool has become one of the resort’s defining spaces. Designed not simply as a place to swim, but as a social and restorative heart of the island, the pool brings together open ocean views, relaxed lounging, shaded corners and a seamless connection to the sea beyond.
The space was curated with a sense of easy island living in mind. Mornings begin with slow swims and coffee from nearby Press & Pot, afternoons unfold between sun loungers and poolside refreshments, and by sunset, the water mirrors the changing sky. It is a setting made for both quiet pause and shared holiday moments.
What makes the pool stand out is its balance of scale and atmosphere. Expansive without feeling overwhelming, elegant without feeling formal, it captures Villa Nautica’s approach to contemporary Maldivian hospitality: stylish, effortless and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Villa Nautica continues to appeal to travellers looking for a resort experience that feels both accessible and elevated. The latest recognition from Travel + Leisure further cements the resort’s infinity pool as one of the Maldives’ most memorable places to swim, gather and linger by the water.
Cooking
A culinary journey across the globe at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Set within the tranquil waters of North Malé Atoll, just a short luxury speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives presents a refined expression of contemporary Maldivian living. Elegant overwater and beachfront villas and residences are thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, offering privacy, comfort, and a seamless connection to the island’s breathtaking natural surroundings.

At the heart of the resort lies a curated culinary world defined by six distinctive restaurants and four chic bars, each elevating dining into an immersive journey of flavour, atmosphere, and discovery. From interactive live cooking stations and theatrical Teppanyaki and tandoor experiences at The Gallery, to the refined Mediterranean character of Bluefin, every venue offers a distinct interpretation of global and island-inspired cuisine. Suan Bua reimagines authentic Thai flavours through a contemporary lens, while Acqua brings the warmth of Italian coastal dining to the Maldives. The Sailhouse offers relaxed beachfront dining in an open-air setting, and The Club provides a refined space for breakfast, sundowners, and canapés, defined by curated culinary moments and elevated service.

Complementing these are four distinctive bars: Coco Drift, a swim-up bar with views of the horizon; Sunset Social, featuring catamaran-style seating where golden-hour views meet signature cocktails; Rum Bar, a relaxed tropical escape with infused spirits and island-inspired cocktails; and Dolphin Bar, a laid-back swim-up venue for light refreshments and all-day leisure.

Beyond dining, the resort offers a holistic lifestyle experience anchored by three distinctive wellness concepts: SPA Cenvaree Retreat and SPA Cenvaree, delivering restorative wellbeing journeys through signature Thai-inspired therapies rooted in traditional healing philosophies; and Candy Spa, a vibrant concept designed for younger guests. Multiple kids’ clubs and E-Zones create engaging environments for children and teens, while fully equipped fitness centres support active wellbeing throughout the stay. A curated selection of water sports and marine adventures further enriches the experience, inviting guests to explore the lagoon through movement, discovery, and connection with nature.
Together, these elements define a seamless and elevated island experience where refined living, culinary artistry, wellness, and recreation come together in harmony, positioning Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives as a distinctive expression of modern Maldivian hospitality.
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