Featured
New Sun Siyam Cares programme strives to offer safe, healthy Maldives holidays
Sun Siyam Resorts has launched a new health and safety programme ahead of the reopening of its resorts over the next three months.
The Sun Siyam Cares programme is based on guidance from the World Health Organisation and national authorities, and is designed to offer guests a minimal contact experience.
The programme is implemented with the utmost safety, health and wellbeing in mind, to ensure an environment that is safe and healthy for both staff and guests.
“Today we are faced with one of the biggest challenges, as a company, as an industry, but most of all as individuals. More than ever, today we realise what is most important; wellbeing,” an announcement read.
“We sincerely wish you good health and safety. We hope you and your family are keeping well during this unprecedented time. Our journey would not have been worthwhile without your loyalty and support. We thank you for being our family and friends.”
Front desk operation
To ensure a smooth and seamless check-in and departure, all resort teams have been trained to deliver a high standard of service with minimal physical contact.
All guests will be required to check-in online through the Sun Siyam Resorts website for a contactless check-in.
Guests will receive a temperature check upon arrival and randomly throughout their stay. The resort teams have been trained to identify any guests with respiratory symptoms.
Floor markers for safe distancing at front desk and all major outlets will be placed.
Resort teams will provide guests with safety amenities such as masks, gloves and sanitisers upon request.
Restaurants and dining
All restaurants and bars will have social distancing measures in place, with tables at least 1.5 metres apart from each other.
Restaurant menus will be available through a QR code scan. iPad and printed menus will be made available on request.
Buffet restaurants will require prior booking. A team member will assist with the food service as there will be no self-service.
Sunbeds in pool and beach areas will follow social distancing protocols.
Housekeeping
Each room will be cleaned and then sealed as there will be a 24-hour vacancy period between each guest arrival to ensure each room is kept scrupulously clean and hygienic.
The air conditioning systems in each of the occupied rooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each guest vacates the room.
A sanitiser unit will be placed in each room for guests’ convenience and comfort.
All surfaces, including identified high touch points such as door handles, drawers, TV remote and bedside tables will be cleaned and disinfected.
In-room amenities such as pens, notepads, menus and directory will be removed for further safety, but they will be available upon request.
Daily housekeeping service will be discontinued for safety assurance, and will be available upon guest request only.
Public areas
A dedicated sanitation team has been employed to frequently disinfect and sanitise all public areas.
Sun Siyam Resorts will be using Ecolab cleaning products. These are environmentally friendly and comply with the stringent WHO and Maldivian government guidelines.
Hand sanitiser dispensers will be placed at all points of entrance in all public outlets.
Team members
The programme follows strict WHO and national guidelines and is further elevated for the wellbeing of team members and guests.
A dedicated Sun Siyam Cares Manager has been appointed for each of the Sun Siyam Resorts properties to implement, monitor and audit the guidelines.
All team members will go through comprehensive training on the safety measures on a regular basis, before, during and after opening.
Frontline team members will be required to wear protective gear on duty.
Recreation and ativities
All facilities, including water sports, diving centre and gym will be available in compliance with social distancing.
Group activities will have limitations in number of participants, to be able to implement social distancing.
Some of the activities will only be available for private sessions, so guests will have to check with the relevant outlet beforehand for further details.
Wellbeing and care
Each resort will have a resident medical officer who is certified by the Maldives Health Protection Agency (HPA).
A resident doctor is also available at each of the Maldivian islands within the Sun Siyam Resorts portfolio.
The doctor is available to all guests and there is no extra charge for the consultation service.
Spa
Pre-booking will be required through designated messaging or by dialling the spa extension. All resorts will limit walk-in guests to minimise the traffic at spa front desk.
All guests will be required to shower prior to any treatment.
Kids club
There will a limitation on the number of children allowed at the facility at any given time, so early booking is recommended.
All children will be required to shower prior to using the facility.
Children below four years will not be allowed at the facility.
Babysitting service will remain suspended until further notice in line with government guidelines.
“Your safety and security has always been a priority in our quest for high service standards and guest experience. With the recent pandemic, we understand the need to uplift our health and safety standards for a worry free stay at Sun Siyam Resorts,” the announcement read.
“We are committed to offer a healthy, safe and luxurious, authentic Maldivian experience. We look forward to seeing you soon at our shores. Until then stay safe and healthy. Stay inspired to embark on a journey with us… Sun Siyam Cares.”
Sun Siyam Resorts, one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic hospitality companies in the Maldives, has a portfolio of five boutique luxury resorts operating in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives, Sun Aqua Iru Veli Maldives, and Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives will begin welcoming guests from July 15 — the day Maldives reopens its borders to foreign tourists.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives will resume operations on August 1, while Sun Aqua Vilu Reef and Sun Aqua Iru Veli will reopen on October 1.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives has invited guests to celebrate Songkran this April across its resorts in the Maldives, marking the Thai New Year through a series of experiences inspired by the brand’s Thai heritage.
The hotel group said the celebrations would reflect Thai culture and hospitality while adapting traditional Songkran elements to island settings in the Maldives. Across its resorts, the festival is being presented through activities centred on renewal, togetherness and shared experiences.
At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the celebration is set to take place in a family-focused setting. The resort said guests could take part in water activities, beach games and poolside gatherings, followed by a Songkran carnival by the sea. Evening dining experiences will feature Thai flavours in a setting designed for families and groups.
At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, part of The Centara Collection, the programme will include a beachfront parade and traditional Thai games. The resort said evening events would continue with a Thai-inspired dining experience, cultural performances and entertainment. Activities for younger guests will also be included as part of the celebrations.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, which caters to adults, is also marking Songkran with its own programme. The resort said guests could expect beachside activities, evening dining experiences and entertainment shaped around the festival’s themes of joy and togetherness.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives said the Songkran celebrations across its properties are intended to give guests an opportunity to experience Thai-inspired traditions in the Maldives while creating shared holiday experiences during the festival period.
Easter at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa brought together gastronomy and family-focused activities, with Michelin-starred chef Christian Sturm-Willms joining the resort for a culinary residency.
Chef Sturm-Willms, head chef of Michelin-starred restaurant YUNICO in Bonn, is known for a style that combines Japanese technique with Mediterranean and contemporary European influences. He has led the restaurant since 2012, and YUNICO has retained its Michelin star since 2016.
During the week, the chef presented his cuisine through a series of events at the resort. A sunset cocktail on the beach welcomed Marriott Bonvoy Elite members, where guests were introduced to his work through a selection of signature canapés. The main culinary event took place at Tabemasu, where Chef Sturm-Willms partnered with the resort’s executive chef, Muthuraman Subramaniam, for a five-course four-hands dinner.
The menu included dishes such as yellowfin tuna yukke and grilled scallop with avocado cream and mastudo aioli, as well as beef tenderloin served with nut butter foam. Each course was paired with wine. The menu also featured Chef Muthu’s agedashi tofu soup with yuzu kosho sorbet, while dessert was a muscovado kombu tart, described as a signature YUNICO dish.
The Easter programme continued on Easter Sunday with a buffet, a chef’s corner and a live cooking station.
Alongside the culinary events, the resort also organised a week of family activities based on a farm theme. At the Family Kids Hub, children took part in arts and crafts, cooking classes, scavenger hunts, sand golf, kids’ night camping and an Easter egg hunt, along with a visit from the Easter Bunny.
The collaboration also included sessions for the resort’s staff. Chef Sturm-Willms and his sous chef, Jannik Schrack, held a session with the culinary team on their work and the standards involved in achieving Michelin recognition. Melanie Hetzel, food and beverage manager and sommelier at YUNICO, also conducted workshops for service teams covering service standards as well as wine and saké.
Thomas Schult, general manager of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, said the Easter programme combined gastronomy, family experiences and creativity across the island. He said the residency brought together international culinary talent and the work of the resort’s team across activities and dining experiences.
Chef Sturm-Willms said it had been a pleasure to work with Chef Muthu and the culinary team at the resort. He said the collaboration reflected the importance of sharing knowledge and passion through cooking.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is located on Thilamaafushi Island in Lhaviyani Atoll. The resort features 134 villas, including two-bedroom beach and overwater villas designed for families. It said its offering combines marine experiences, dining and family activities aimed at guests of all ages.
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
-
Action1 week agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
Honeymoon1 week agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards1 week agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Awards6 days agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Featured7 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Action7 days agoFour Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
-
Awards6 days agoCinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition