Wow, what luxury resort.
Quiet enough to not have to queue for sun lougers, tables or at the bar, but busy enough to have a good atmosphere. At 60% full, I think, it was a super time to visit. Idyllic.
I feel like we didn't get the same luxury experience as others' had on previous reviews at the airport. The staff in the airport weren't friendly and we tracked our seaplane ourselves, taking ourselves down to the departure gate. In Male airport you need to buy drinks yourselves, it's not a separate lounge for Sun Siyam guests, which I was led to believe.
On return, I heard a rep from another resort explain to his guests about the opportunity to have a walking tour of Male as we were very early for our international flight, so we organised that ourselves too. Which was very good. I'd recommend it.
When we arrived at the resort, we were warmly welcomed with any drink of our choice and a cold wet, towel. A welcome treat, after 23hrs travelling. We were introduced to our ambassador, who asked us to communicate via WhatsApp. It was a shame as I had planned to turn my phone off during honeymoon to really switch off. But I can see the benefits. I asked for some extra hangers and they arrived so quickly. Thank you.
The food was fantastic. The choice in the buffet restaurant was great, then you can book at Italian and seafood restaurants for table service. All the food we had was fantastic and with a choice of 3 restaurants, you don't get bored. Whilst we were in the restaurant, we booked for future nights.
Our ambassador spoke to us in person midway through the break and said he was worried as he hadn't heard from us - we weren't very demanding. This was a new experience for us, so we weren't sure how to use it. We did think, that if he was worried, he could have messaged us or found us in person as the island is so small and he has our schedule.
You can borrow snorkelling equipment for free and the snorkelling around the resort on the house reefs is just wonderful, We saw sharks, a multitude of beautiful fish and even a turtle! Unfortunately, the scuba dive we paid for was not with a patient and kind instructor, as it was our first time. But it was a fantastic experience nonetheless.
All the restaurant staff and waiters were exceptionally friendly, kind and thoughtful, We cannot fault one of them. The new headchef is Italian and is a credit to the team. One evening he even offered to cook us 'off the menu' mains. I had a lamb risotto which was divine. The best I've had (and we'd just returned from Rome). I would suggest going all inclusive, as a dessert is $22. The drinks available on all inclusive are the widest range we have ever seen at an all inc. Cocktails, beers, wines from around the world, including New Zealand Marlborough Estate Sauvignon Blanc, which was a surprise.
The free trips are snorkelling, dolphin sunset cruise and local island tour. All are well worth your time. You even see a school. They provide sunset beach yoga, pilates, beach volleyball, pool parties, aqua zumba, Maldivian night and other evening entertainment. The current entertainment officer did not hide that he didn't want to be there and everything was too much effort, including the scheduled activities. Although he did do a good fire show. On the other hand, the DJ is friendly, enthusiastic and passionate about music. He is also a credit to the team and I hope that he becomes entertainment officer.
Unfortunately, whilst we were 'paddleboarding' (I use the term loosely as their paddle boards were being fixed, they leant us windsurf boards which they said were paddle boards... much harder!) a couple started shouting for help. As a beach lifeguard, I dived off the board I was on and swam over to them. If I hadn't been there, they would have drowned. I shouted for help from the beach users to get the dr and luckily, finally staff ran over.
If you are a non-swimmer, BE CAREFUL as the gradient drops steeply and suddenly as you enter the water. The couple said that the resort took good care of them and offered them a trip to hospital. By the time we left, they had built a covered watersports zone on the beach, presumably so the staff are nearer the water, however the watersports staff do not know how to save people from drowning, as when I returned my board, following the near drowning, they asked what to do.
The following evening, the office manager thanked me and offered us a meal on the beach. A nice gesture, however, not hugely in line with saving 2 guests' lives as we had food included in our all inclusive anyway. It was a lovely treat for my husband's birthday though. The manager asked our ambassador to give us a tour and to arrange the meal. Unfortunately, he never offered us the tour and I had to keep chasing to organise the meal (we'd have preferred it not to be on our last night). I offered to train his staff for free in lifesaving techniques and first aid as I am a trainer and I was onsite. But the office manager said that they get training for free from the Maldives Government, so a lot of their restaurant staff are trained. I think it is most important for the watersports team to be trained though. A shame he didn't take up my offer.
The general manager thanked me as we were waiting to leave. I realise that he deigned to speak to us as he was waiting for one of the company's directors. He said he'd welcome us back and would give us a discount - he added the same as all returning guests. (FYI: previous customers) Their director then got the seaplane back to Male with us. He was extremely rude, expecting to be first at all times, not speaking to anyone and pushed past everyone - just unfortunate that this was our last, lasting impression of the Sun Siyam Iru Veli Staff.
In conclusion, a wonderful resort which I highly recommend.
I hope that this comprehensive review helps you to decide on a resort.
