Sun Island Resort and Spa

Sun Island Resort is the largest resort in Maldives, which guests can navigate by foot, buggies, or for-fee rusty bicycles. While many travelers choose the Maldives for its beauty and intimate island feel, Sun Island draws folks who thrive in large resort atmospheres where socializing is welcomed and the activities are plenty. Additionally, the property has some of the lowest rates for hotels on their own private island. Over the years, guest have noted visible wear and obvious neglect, leading the property to undergo some renovations around 2016. The updates addressed concerns such as mosquito problems to mediocre food. Vegetation around the room and other areas has been redesigned to lower bug populations and improve overall appearance, and the resort revamped their food program. Kid-friendly features, new TVs in rooms, and features like free in-room Wi-Fi and yoga classes were added. However, rooms and public spaces still remain on the basic, dated side -- think floral fabrics and wicker furniture. 

The island itself is beautiful. The tropical grounds are home to flower gardens, shady palm trees, and numerous birds and bats. A turquoise lagoon surrounding the island is teeming with colorful fish, reef sharks, and patches of coral. The resort is neither stylish nor fancy, but it meets the needs of most budget travelers. Just know that there are much better resorts in the Maldives for similar or only slightly higher prices.

Sun Island Resort and Spa is located on its own private island in the South Ari Atoll, an area famous for excellent diving and whale shark sightings. Locally known as Nalaguraidhoo, the island is nearly a mile long and half a mile wide and takes about about 35 minutes to walk across. Guests often rent bikes or take  free buggy rides. After flying into Male Airport, travelers will have to catch an additional 15- to 30-minute seaplane flight to Maamigili Island and then hop on a 10-minute speedboat ride to Sun Island. Fair warning, seaplane flight schedules are estimates at best (especially during slow season) and often only depart when the plane has enough people headed in the same direction. 

Most of the 462 rooms at Sun Island are Beach Bungalows or Superior Beach Bungalows. Both are set back slightly from the beach, measure 226 square feet, and have similar dated decor -- white walls, simple wicker furniture, and tile floors. The chair and curtain fabric is typically patterned and busy, while beds have bedskirts and plain white linens. All rooms include beach towels, AC, free bottled water, tea, instant coffee, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, and private patios. Basic bathrooms have showers, while Superior bungalows have shower/tub combos. Those seeking a bit more space (344 square feet) and style can upgrade to a Water Bungalow. These rooms feature CD players, bathtubs, hardwood floors, nicer decor, and patios with steps leading into the lagoon. The island also has four overwater Presidential Suites with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and hot tubs. 

Sun Island Resort has five restaurants and optional meal plans, including all-inclusive packages. However, meal plans are limited to the resort's main Maaniya Restaurant buffet restaurant, which serves up international and local dishes in a casual, open-air environment. Not included in meal plans is the second buffet, Southern Star Restaurant, which has a focus on Indian Maldivian cuisine, nor the three specialty a la carte restaurants. A la carte options are pricey, and include an overwater Thai restaurant, Italian spot with a Japanese corner, and a small seafood barbecue. After the resort hired a new executive chef in early 2018, positive opinions of food has increased. There's even a small garden on property with ingredients that are used in restaurant dishes and, more prominently, in the salads at Zero Restaurant. Guests on the all-inclusive package who miss their scheduled buffet meals are given a discount to dine at the specialty restaurants. There are also 24-hour snacks in the coffee shop. Expect to wear bracelets for meal plans. 

Like most resorts in the Maldives, Sun Island is surrounded by lovely white-sand beaches and a clear, turquoise lagoon. The south side of the island is lined with a shallow reef that's ideal for self-guided snorkeling. On the opposite side of the island, you'll find a wide white-sand beach and water better suited for wading. Guests can take their pick from numerous wooden lounge chairs (some come with thin cushions and some have umbrellas) or hammocks. Beach towels are provided in rooms. Some sections of the beach have underwater rocks and bits of broken coral, so those with sensitive feet may want to wear flip-flops. Less-than-picturesque sandbags are stacked up in some areas to prevent erosion, but beaches are attractive for the most part. The Sunrise Beach Bar serves all-inclusive drinks, but are not available through the golf bar; there no specific food available from the beach bar but can it can be delivered from another resort outlet upon request.

Five bars and a 24-hour coffee shop keep beverages flowing on the island. Most bars close late in the evening, but the 24-hour Mekunu Bar makes sure guests can wet their whistle any time of day or night. Crab races and DJs keep the energy up. Over on the beach, the Sunrise Bar slings drinks on the sand, while the Pool Bar offers swim-up service, the Lobby Bar functions as a lounge space, and the Clubhouse Green Bar faces the lawn. Guests can choose to pay for drinks individually, but anyone having more than a couple each day should consider the all-inclusive option. Coffee, water, and tea are available for free in the main dining room during service hours, and not all bars and drinks are included in the all-inclusive plans. 

Sun Island Resort and Spa has a huge freeform pool that measures over 19,000 square feet and overlooks the lagoon. Wide wooden-slatted sunbeds are scattered around the edges, and a small lagoon-style children's pool lies off to the side. The pool area has wear and tear and is visibly aged, but remains a popular and fun place to spend the day. 

The resort's beautiful Araamu Spa has gorgeous views and a selection of traditional and Ayurvedic spa treatments, including flower baths, facials, and couples' treatments. Spa facilities consist of locker rooms, a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. This is also where the medical clinic is located. 

Guests have their pick of land and water activities here, and lessons are available for many activities, usually at an additional cost. On the east side of the island, the water-sports center rents out snorkels, kayaks, catamarans, kneeboards, and more. This is also the spot to go wakeboarding, ride Jet Skis, go tubing, or try parasailing. The Dive Oceanus dive shop is PADI-certified and features all things scuba, from lessons to excursions. Land activities include a multitude of sports courts, such as tennis, badminton, soccer, and volleyball. Guests on the all-inclusive plan have non-motorized water sports included and a free excursion, depending on the length of stay. 

Less active competition can be found at the snooker and ping-pong tables, in the gym, or in one of the resort's group exercise classes. Excursion packages and tours can be booked through the hotel and including dolphin safaris, swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling trips, fishing trips, and visits to local islands. The resort's nightly shark and stingray feeding is a highlight for most guests. 

In addition to a dedicated children's pool, the resort also has a kids' club, play area, and babysitting service (fee). Sun Island can also host corporate events and weddings for up to 200 guests. The resort has a ballroom and breakout rooms. Free Wi-Fi is accessible and reliable across the property. Transportation is available for free, but it's at the whim and schedule for guests with mobility issues and those who are checking in and checking out. 

Other resort features include several shops, departure flight info displayed on TV screens, a business center, and a photo studio.