News
Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef celebrate World Oceans Day, Global Wellness Day

In honour of World Oceans Day, Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef organised a series of impactful activities aimed at promoting ocean conservation and fostering local community engagement. These events underscore the resorts’ unwavering dedication to caring for the ocean and supporting the communities they serve. In conjunction with Global Wellness Day, Sun Siyam Iru Veli engaged guests with invigorating sunrise yoga and a spirited sunset Aqua aerobics session.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli: Sunrise Plogging and Bandidhoo Island Visit
Sun Siyam Iru Veli began the day with a unique plogging event at sunrise, combining jogging with beach cleaning to promote environmental stewardship and fitness. Guests and staff worked together to collect litter along the beautiful shoreline, ensuring the beach remained pristine and highlighting the importance of individual actions in preserving natural habitats.
Following the plogging activity, participants traveled to the nearby island of Bandidhoo. The day’s agenda included an extensive beach cleanup, where volunteers joined forces with local residents to remove debris and restore the island’s coastal beauty. The visit to Bandidhoo also featured exciting watersports activities, allowing participants to enjoy and connect with the ocean they are striving to protect. A recycling competition was also held, engaging guests and locals in creative and educational ways to repurpose waste materials. This competition not only showcased innovative recycling practices but also raised awareness about the importance of reducing environmental impact.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef: Meedhoo Island Beach Cleaning, Watersports, and Art Competition
Simultaneously, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef organised a visit to the nearby island of Meedhoo, where they conducted a comprehensive beach cleaning operation. This initiative brought together resort guests, staff, and the local community in a unified effort to eliminate litter from the island’s shores, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
The Meedhoo visit also included a variety of watersports activities, providing a fun and engaging way for participants to appreciate the ocean’s beauty while reinforcing the need to protect it. These activities fostered a deeper connection to the marine environment and highlighted the resort’s commitment to encouraging environmental awareness through enjoyable experiences.
Additionally, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef conducted an Ocean World Day art competition for local students of Meedhoo Island. This competition invited young artists to express their creativity and raise awareness about ocean conservation through art. The students’ artworks beautifully captured the essence of the ocean and underscored the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. Winners of the competition were awarded prizes, further motivating the youth to take an active role in environmental conservation.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli Celebrates Global Wellness Day with Sunrise Yoga And Aqua Aerobics
Sun Siyam Iru Veli celebrated Global Wellness Day with a series of invigorating activities aimed at promoting holistic well-being. Guests started their day with serene sunrise breathing exercises on the beach, followed by a rejuvenating Hatha yoga session, both set against the tranquil backdrop of the Maldivian sunrise. The day concluded with a lively Aqua aerobics session at sunset, combining a fun and energetic workout with upbeat music in the resort’s pristine waters. General Manager Masdhooq Saeed emphasized the resort’s dedication to wellness, highlighting their ongoing commitment to offering diverse wellness programs and activities that leave guests feeling both energised and relaxed.
Both Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef are dedicated to environmental sustainability and local community involvement. Both resorts aim to inspire positive change and promote collective action to preserve the world’s oceans.
“We are passionate about our oceans and deeply committed to engaging with our local communities. Through these World Oceans Day activities, we hope to inspire a sense of responsibility and care for the environment, ensuring a healthier ocean for future generations,” said Chaminda Upul, Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam Resorts.
Awards
Reethi Beach Resort wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

Reethi Beach Resort has announced that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025. This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travelers around the globe, earning great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year has been, Reethi Beach Resort stood out by continuously delighting guests in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
This recognition marks yet another consecutive win for Reethi Beach Resort, a testament to its longstanding legacy of excellence and the unwavering support of its global guest community.
“We are truly honored to be named among the top 10% of hospitality establishments worldwide,” said Valentin Osolos, General Manager of Reethi Beach Resort. “This award reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to every team member who made this possible. From the warm welcomes to the smallest thoughtful details, your commitment continues to shape magical moments for our guests.”
In a poetic turn of timing, this award announcement arrives on the final day of operating as Reethi Beach Resort before the property enters a temporary closure. The resort will reopen in December 2025 under its exciting new identity: NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. While the name may change, the heart of Reethi Beach — the team, the spirit, and the soul of hospitality remains unwavering.
“Congratulations to Reethi Beach Resort on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025,” said Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience.”
Featured
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo earns prestigious spot in TripAdvisor’s top 10% global hotels

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has been honoured with a prestigious accolade, being named among the top 10% of hotels worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and earning rave reviews from travellers across the globe.
Selected from hundreds of thousands of listings, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s inclusion in the prestigious list is a testament to its dedication to offering authentic, heartfelt experiences for its guests. The resort’s personalised service and its ability to deliver unique, memorable stays have made it a favourite among travellers seeking tranquility and authenticity.
Situated in the pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is an adults-only boutique resort that blends local Maldivian culture with modern luxury. The resort features 68 beautifully designed villas that offer guests the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Known for its house reef teeming with vibrant marine life, the resort provides an immersive experience in the Maldives’ natural beauty. Guests can explore the coral reefs, enjoy a variety of international dining options, and indulge in a genuine sense of discovery.
With its focus on providing a serene escape for couples and solo travellers, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has become a cherished destination for those looking to unwind and recharge in an idyllic setting. Its recent recognition from TripAdvisor further underscores the resort’s exceptional reputation in the hospitality industry.
Featured
Americans dreaming of Maldives: honeymoon searches soar in 2025 rankings

Maldives has once again secured its place as one of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations, ranking second globally among Americans planning their post-wedding getaways in 2025.
According to a new study by UK-based swimwear brand Pour Moi, which analysed Google search data across the United States, the Maldives received 73,700 annual searches from honeymooning Americans eager to escape to its world-famous turquoise waters and luxury overwater villas.
The Indian Ocean paradise trails just behind Seychelles, which claimed the top spot with nearly 75,000 searches. Greece, Costa Rica, and Italy rounded out the top five.
The research examined over 490 global destinations to uncover where newlyweds are dreaming of heading this year. With its postcard-perfect beaches, serene lagoons, and opulent resorts offering private pools, spas, and gourmet dining, the Maldives continues to stand out as the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation, and indulgence.
“This stunning group of islands remains one of the most sought-after spots for couples who want an unforgettable start to married life,” said Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi. “The Maldives offers that rare combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and luxury that honeymooners crave.”
While entire countries were ranked based on interest, individual destinations within these countries also caught the spotlight. Santorini, Greece, emerged as the top individual honeymoon destination, followed by Bali in Indonesia and Italy’s Amalfi Coast. However, the Maldives’ reputation as an all-encompassing destination—offering entire islands as private resorts—cements its appeal to Americans looking for the perfect blend of privacy and pampering.
The Maldives’ second-place ranking highlights a continuing trend among U.S. couples seeking intimate, far-flung getaways. Pour Moi’s findings show a shift away from traditional city escapes toward nature-rich retreats that promise rest, romance, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Top 10 Countries for U.S. Honeymoon Searches in 2025:
- Seychelles – 74,960 searches
- Maldives – 73,700 searches
- Greece – 49,100 searches
- Costa Rica – 47,000 searches
- Italy – 36,900 searches
- Thailand – 25,800 searches
- Fiji – 25,600 searches
- Japan – 24,500 searches
- New Zealand – 18,300 searches
- Iceland – 15,180 searches
With the Maldives already a firm favourite among international travellers, this new data reaffirms its global status as a dream destination—especially for couples ready to celebrate the start of their forever.
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