Featured
2 Sun Siyam Resorts recognised with Tripadvisor 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Award
With five resorts dotted across the Maldives, and one soon to reopen in Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Resorts is proud to announce that two properties of the groups’ portfolio have been recognised with a Tripadvisor 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Award. Barefoot boutique luxury and spa resort Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, makes it into the top 10 of a new category for 2023 which spotlights relaxation, “The Best Hotels with Spas”, and premium all-inclusive five-star luxury Sun Siyam Iru Veli has been included in the top 20 in the highly contended “Best All-Inclusive Hotels” category.
“Congratulations to our teams at both properties who show such dedication and high level of service to our guests. This is incredible news for Sun Siyam Resorts and we are extremely proud to have been recognised by those who matter most: our guests. We will continue to do all possible to provide our guests with the best service and Maldivian hospitality to be able to create memorable experiences and extraordinary holidays for everyone,” said Sun Siyam Resorts’ CEO, Deepak Booneady.
Now in its 21st edition, Tripadvisor announced the winners of its 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotel Awards to align with the start of the summer travel season. The awards provide inspiration by revealing the best places to stay around the world through an analysis of the quantity and quality of hotel reviews from real travellers over a 12-month period (January 1 and December 31, 2022) covering more than 1.5 million hotels worldwide. With a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community, each winner has passed the rigorous trust and safety standards, and fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in hospitality.
The distinguished Top Hotels list is a diverse ranking with winners from 19 countries around the world. Eleven resorts in the Maldives were recognised as among the top hotels in the world across six categories
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef embodies the definition of barefoot luxury and Maldivian holiday feeling. The boutique resort and spa is the ultimate, naturally playful, tropical boutique hideaway with its breath-taking surroundings and its 103 charming island villas. Nestled in Dhaalu Atoll, a mere 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, the resort exemplifies a rustic feel with a Maldivian touch using white interiors to contrast with tropical colour accents. A multitude of world-class amenities make this resort the perfect getaway. Whether it be the succulent tastes and sumptuous dining of all four corners of the globe or the world-class spa and wellness treatments using authentic age-old techniques, this boutique resort is the definition of barefoot holidays.
Located in Dhaalu Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane flight from Velana (Male) International Airport, five-star Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers the premium all-inclusive ultimate tropical retreat with its sleek and spacious combination of 125 beach and overwater suites, that all feature a private freshwater pool. A haven for honeymooners and couples alike, looking for a laid-back vibe and a chic Maldivian experience to live the barefoot idyll. A huge draw of the resort is the extensive Premium All-Inclusive Signature Plan which includes endless dining opportunities within the six restaurants and bars, spa or diving and exciting motorized water sports credit, as well as guided snorkelling and sunset cruises.
To celebrate these achievements, , Sun Siyam Resorts is offering incredible summer getaway deals and family-friendly holiday options this year, where kids stay and eat for free. To find out more about Sun Siyam Resorts, please visit the website or book your stay at www.sunsiyam.com.






Cooking
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO unveils chef-led 9-Hands Dinner experience
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO has announced a 9-Hands Dinner event scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 May, offering a curated dining experience as part of its guest programme.
The event will feature a multi-course menu developed by three chefs representing Egypt, Madeira and the Maldives. Each chef will present dishes reflecting their respective culinary backgrounds, combining different techniques and flavour profiles within a single dining concept.
The dinner is positioned as an interactive culinary experience, bringing together elements of storytelling and presentation alongside the menu. According to the resort, the concept is designed to highlight both innovation and traditional influences in cuisine.
The experience will be included within the resort’s plan for in-house guests, forming part of the overall stay offering.

Commenting on the event, General Manager Alain Trefois stated that the initiative reflects the resort’s focus on expanding guest experiences beyond standard dining formats. He noted that the event provides an opportunity for guests to engage with culinary presentation in a structured setting.
Anupam Banerjee, Vice President Food & Beverage at Atmosphere Core, said the collaboration brings together different culinary influences, combining regional ingredients and techniques into a single dining programme.
Located in North Malé Atoll, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is known for its house reef and marine environment, offering a range of activities alongside its accommodation and dining options.
The resort has indicated that availability for the 9-Hands Dinner event will be limited, with advance booking recommended for guests wishing to attend.
Featured
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef rolls out Wellness Week from 15–22 June
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of the Privé collection within the House of Siyam, has announced plans to host a Wellness Week from 15 to 22 June 2026, in conjunction with Global Wellness Week. The programme will be led by international creative and fitness practitioner Ilariia Auvitu.
Ilariia Auvitu, whose background spans multiple countries and disciplines including acting, modelling and fitness, will guide a series of sessions focused on structured wellbeing practices. Her approach combines physical activity with routines aimed at supporting mental balance.
A key component of the programme is the Tech-Free Sunrise Yoga and Breathwork Ritual. The session is designed to provide a period of structured activity without digital devices, with a focus on breath control and guided movement aimed at supporting mental regulation.
The schedule will also include Morning Yoga with Flow sessions, intended to establish physical rhythm and energy for the day. In addition, Pool Fitness sessions will be conducted in the resort’s pool area, offering water-based exercise.
Selected evenings will feature Sunset Pilates and Stretching sessions. These will include low-impact exercises focused on strength and flexibility, followed by guided stretching.
Through the Wellness Week programme, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is offering a series of activities aligned with the observance of Global Wellness Week, combining structured fitness sessions with a setting designed to support rest and recovery.
Excursions
Baros Maldives unveils reef-focused ‘Fully Ocean’ programme
Baros Maldives has announced “Fully Ocean”, a week-long programme of marine conservation, education and guided activities scheduled from 1 to 8 June 2026.
The programme coincides with World Reef Awareness Day on 1 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June. It is positioned as an initiative to involve guests directly in conservation efforts, allowing them to participate alongside the resort’s marine team in activities focused on reef protection.
According to General Manager Ibrahim Shijah, the programme builds on the resort’s long-standing focus on reef conservation and aims to position guests as participants in that effort. Baros Maldives, which first opened in 1973, is among the early resorts in the country to implement a structured reef restoration programme. The property, which is Maldivian-owned, has maintained ongoing work through resident marine biologists and operational practices aimed at reducing environmental impact.
The “Fully Ocean” programme will run as a structured schedule of activities throughout the week.
On 1 June, the programme will begin with a guided house reef tour, followed by an information session for guests to register for activities. The day will conclude with night snorkelling.
On 2 June, activities will focus on coral restoration. Led by marine biologist Carissa Cabrera, the programme will include a snorkelling safari and workshops on coral restoration methods. Guests will have the option to participate in coral planting or sponsor coral frames.
On 3 June, a fish-focused programme will include identification workshops and in-water sessions for divers and snorkellers. The afternoon will feature activities in the Palm Garden, including educational games and painting sessions, followed by night snorkelling.
On 4 June, activities will focus on reef ecosystems. The programme will include guided dives under the Microlife Finders initiative, snorkelling safaris and low tide exploration of marine species such as shells and sea cucumbers. The day will conclude with a “Glow in the Dark” session, combining a presentation with a UV-assisted night snorkelling experience.
On 5 June, marking World Environment Day, the programme will include a guided nature walk around the island and a photography competition titled “Maldivian Treasures”. A second “Glow in the Dark” session will be held in the evening.
On 6 June, the schedule will include guided reef tours and night snorkelling.
On 7 June, designated as Turtle Day, the programme will feature activities led by the Olive Ridley Project, including awareness sessions and workshops on turtle conservation and responsible interaction.
On 8 June, the programme will conclude with a guided reef tour, a reef clean-up activity and a final night snorkelling session.
Some activities during the programme will be complimentary, while others will be offered at an additional charge. Booking and programme details are available through the resort.
The “Fully Ocean” initiative will coincide with Baros Maldives’ “Endless Summer” offer, running from May to October 2026. During this period, the resort is promoting travel during the off-peak season, when marine conditions attract species such as manta rays and whale sharks to nearby atolls.
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