The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

The Sun Siyam experience begins the same way for all arrivals: Upon landing to Malé, guests are led by a hotel representative to the resort’s private lounge in the seaplane terminal where they can wait for the next departure. After a long flight, this layover feels luxurious and a little surreal; guests kick up their feet on cushioned daybeds, while staff members come around and offer refreshing cold drinks, espressos, and snacks. A code for free Wi-Fi is provided as is a free 10-minute massage (make sure to have cash on hand for a gratuity). 

Next comes the actual seaplane ride; we recommend snagging a window seat and having the camera ready! After the water landing, guests deplane and are met by a smiling crew of staff who line up in white uniforms for a ceremonious welcome that makes guests feel like royalty. Personal butlers make their introductions and lead guests down the scenic, meandering jetty for the first glimpse of the island. 

The check-in process does not take place in the reception area, but rather next to the beach with a welcome drink in hand and views of the water. Guests are then taken to their villa in a golf cart for a brief tour. Because of the resort's Hilton roots, there seem to be more Americans here than at other Maldivian properties, though the Chinese and Russian markets are growing. The resort is bigger and newer than other resorts, without overcrowding. Restaurants and activities are scattered around several key areas but still easily accessible. Plan to walk along sandy pathways or call reception (or the butler) for a golf cart ride. 

During the day, the island is a veritable playground, and guests spread out to enjoy the ocean or one of two pool areas. Sunset is a main event and drinks can be enjoyed at the adult-only Reflection Pool or at the main lounge. Cloud formations give way to bright colors and a brief shower may turn into a rainbow. At dusk, the resort turns ultra-romantic and guests dress up in their relaxed beach-chic outfits (ladies, don't worry about bringing the heels). An acoustic duo makes their rounds at the restaurants playing contemporary hits. Post-dinner, entertainment happens in the lounge (most evenings there is a live DJ spinning tracks) but like most Maldivian resorts, nightlife is not a highlight. The real entertainment comes from walking the beaches and jetties after dark, perhaps with a glass of wine, when the sky seems brighter than ever and counting shooting stars is a regular phenomenon. Oenophiles are spoilt for choice with an overstocked wine cellar where guests can hand-pick bottles to take back to their villas. 

Families will be happy to know that the kids are catered to here, unlike at many luxury resorts in the Maldives -- both a kids' club and babysitting services are on offer.

After passing through customs at Malé's international airport, guests are met by a representative (look for the man or woman holding the resort sign) and led to a shuttle bus that makes the quick drive to the seaplane portion of the airport. Sun Siyam has a private seaplane lounge for arrivals with cushy seating areas, bathrooms, refreshments, and free massages, where guests can relax while waiting for the departure. Once boarded, the adventurous ride will feel truly Maldivian; the seaplane ride to Noonu Atoll -- a lesser explored and developed area of the Maldives -- takes about 45 minutes and provides beautiful views of the Indian Ocean dotted with white islands as the plane heads north. 

The Maldives is a distinct nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,190 islands. Each resort (there are over 100 of them) is situated on an individual private island, allowing for peace and quiet as well as easy access to the water and incredible marine life. Kanuhura is located in a northern area called Lhaviyani Atoll that is more remote than many Maldivian resorts (some of which are accessed by boat rather than seaplane). The island is long and narrow in size but it is possible to walk the entire distance. The resort offers excellent snorkeling in the house reef (free of charge), and a quality PADI dive center, as well as a private picnic island next door with free boat transfers. 

Though the state religion of the Maldives is Sunni Islam, private islands like these are allowed to serve alcohol.

This 52-acre private island has 221 individual villas -- more than most Maldivian Resorts. And since the property opened in 2008, it feels newer than some others. Most units have thatched roofs and are scattered near the edge of the shore. The Water Villas are situated in rows along a separate jetty, and are for guests 12 and older only (this is common in the Maldives for safety reasons; families who really want an overwater villa experience should consider the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa).

Decor is not high-design by any means, but villas are clean and contemporary with open layouts, black and white furnishings, and purple accents. All units are equipped with flat-screen TVs, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of wine (VIPs receive Moët) and fruit plate. Drinking water is provided in glass bottles, and at night, during turndown service, bottles are replaced and chocolates are set next to the bed. Minibar items are for a fee, as are the Nespresso pods, but instant coffee and tea are free. Outdoor bathrooms are romantic and spacious with standalone tubs, indoor/outdoor showers, quality toiletries, and double vanity sinks. All villas come with bathrobes and slippers.

Beach Villas are the most basic room category -- these have glass doors leading to private covered sun loungers along the beach. The Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool category is ideal for romantics, with a large plunge pool that is out of eyesight of neighbors (though they may be within earshot). Families who want a private pool should consider the Pool Beach Villa -- these units are designed so that the private pool is only accessible through the main bedroom for safety.

Water Villas have an open living room and bedroom layout with a private deck and ladder that leads to the water. Horizon Water Villas have a private hot tub on the deck -- some of these face sunset. The Infinity Water Villas have a multi-tiered sundeck with private infinity pool. 

Larger units comprise the Hidden Retreat and Aqua Retreat that both come with two bedrooms and bathrooms. The Aqua Retreat has a private infinity pool. The Celebrity Retreat is a two-story, three-bedroom house for parties of up to 10 people with a private swimming pool. 

The property is sprayed often for bugs, so creepy crawlies in rooms should never be an issue.

This resort offers more activities than some of its faraway neighbors due to its larger size. Arriving guests receive a welcome packet with a weekly activity schedule. Along the main jetty are white-sand beaches with lounge chairs; since guests staying in beach villas tend to use their private loungers, the communal beach chairs never fill up. It's possible to walk around the entire island, and it is not hard to find areas of solitude. Golf cart rides are also available.

There are two outdoor pools surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs: the inland family pool with kid-friendly areas (this gets more of a crowd), and the Reflections infinity pool along the beach that is for adults only. This area has nightly happy hours and lounge music for a more sophisticated scene. Both pools have food and drink service.

The water sports center is along the beach near the main jetty and offers snorkel equipment, catamarans, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and speed boats for tubing. Excursions such as snorkeling and kayaking safaris, dolphin sunset cruises, and romantic champagnes cruises are available. The multilingual PADI dive center is located on the end of the main jetty and offers group or private trips to a number of lesser-discovered dive sites in the Noonu Atoll. 

For those looking to stay active on land, the island has a tennis court, beach volleyball and badminton net, and a recreation room with table tennis, pool tables, board games, and a karaoke lounge. A 24-hour fitness center has large windows and lots of natural light. There is a space for group classes which occur daily.

The kids' club -- not an especially common feature among Maldives luxury resorts -- is for kids ages three to 12, and offers activities and a separate kiddy pool. Babysitting services are available with 24 hours notice. Adults will likely appreciate the evening entertainment, offered by an acoustic duo in the restaurants and after dinner in Waters Edge Bar, which has a dance floor and can offer DJ music, live musicians, or karaoke. 

This is one of the bigger resorts in the Maldives and guests here have more choice for food and drink. Be prepared to spend big, though -- the above-average prices are due in large part to the high cost of transportation to the island. 

There are 11 dining venues around the island. The main buffet is called Iru Restaurant -- guests will use this often especially on the half- and full-board meal plans (though as of mid-2015 the resort says no all-inclusive packages are available; most rates do include breakfast, however). Impressive spreads change daily and include locally sourced organic produce and fresh-baked pastries; live cooking stations and themed nights (there is a Maldivian night every Friday) help keep things interesting. Flavors is an overwater restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine, and Islander’s Grill is a beachfront restaurant with grilled meat and fresh seafood. Additional restaurants serve Mediterranean, Japanese, and Indian cuisines. The spa has a cafe for smoothies, tea, and healthy fare. 

Wine lovers will appreciate the cellar, which offers hundreds of bottles of wine including rare vintages and champagnes. Guests can purchase bottles in person and take them back to the villa. The Bubble Lounge offers a chic area to order tapas as well as wines and champagnes by the glass.

Near the main jetty is La Cremeria, which serves gelatos, sorbets, fresh juices, and milkshakes. 

Private dining can be arranged in the villas or in romantic areas of the island.  

The spa is the biggest in the Maldives and offers a number of beautiful treatment rooms all named after a different flower. Traditional Chinese and Maldivian services include acupuncture, cupping, and pedicures with live fish who exfoliate. The spa has an Ayurvedic doctor on-site and appointments can be made.