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.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
-
News1 week ago50 visits, hundreds of dives: Bandos Maldives honours loyal guests with coral garden
-
Cooking1 week agoV Villas Maldives at Mirihi brings Thai flavours from Phuket to the Maldives
-
Cooking1 week agoMilaidhoo Maldives welcomes JAG Head Chef Laurence Tan for October culinary residency
-
Action1 week agoFrom zero experience to professional careers: Atmosphere Foundation celebrates Divemaster graduates
-
News1 week agoGrand Park Kodhipparu unveils seasonal journey from quiet escapes to festive celebrations
-
News1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives celebrates 10 years with global chefs, bartenders and artists
-
News1 week agoThe Standard, Maldives introduces complimentary upgrade to new Ocean Reef Pool Villas
-
News1 week ago‘Circle of Light’ to illuminate RAH GILI MALDIVES’ first festive season