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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.
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.
Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.
The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.
Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.
The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.
JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.
The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.
Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.
The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.
Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.
Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.
Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.
Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.
JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.
The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.
Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.
Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.
As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.
The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.
Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.
Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
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