Lush Island Living
Slow down and rediscover each other on the relaxing The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in Maldives.
As I am writing this, I am simultaneously texting my husband about dinner plans, eating my salad and checking emails. I brisk walk everywhere I go and am used to juggling five different projects at one time. For someone used to multi-tasking and a frenetic lifestyle, being marooned on a luxurious island resort like The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, is much needed for my sanity.
Dazzling blue ocean as far as my eyes could see greeted me when I landed on the resort after a 45-minute seaplane ride flown by flip-flop wearing pilots. I could feel my body relax as I took in the wondrous sights. Greeted by the friendly staff, I was whisked away to my deluxe beach villa with an adjoining pool, a humongous bathroom with a jacuzzi-style hot tub and deluxe Thalgo toiletries, and my favourite part – an unobstructed view of the private beach right in front of my patio. If this is too paltry for you, up the ante in the decadent Aqua Retreat, a bungalow floating above the sea with an infinity pool that flows into the ocean. If this isn’t heaven, I don’t know what is!
My OCD nature compelled me to check out the resort’s facilities immediately, and I was not disappointed! The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi ensures that guests are never bored with its array of 14 F&B outlets, boutiques, an ice-cream parlour called La Cremeria, an extensive water sports centre, a library, a spa called The Spa by Thalgo France which is the biggest spa in Maldives, a recreation room, and even an extravagant Koamas Kidz Club with in-house babysitters so that parents can take a well-deserved break. It even boasts its own agricultural island where fruits and vegetables are grown for its guests’ consumption.
I wasted no time in booking myself an appointment at the spa and indulged in an excellent Balinese massage which relived my body of all my work knots and put me into a deep slumber. Instead of leaving the spa with the dreaded oily hair, my masseuse gave my funky plaits and a flower in my hair.
The nature-lover in me was also thrilled with the resort’s offering of various nature activities from nature walks to diving expeditions. I signed up for the snorkelling safari and was rewarded with a glorious morning spent with schools of colourful fishes, a gigantic turtle and dolphins as company. If the weather is good, be sure to go for the sunset dolphin cruise to get up close and personal with these lovable mammals. What blew my mind was how friendly the wildlife is. I saw staff feeding nurse sharks, turtles and manta rays like they were resident pets.
Food-wise, take your pick from Thai to exotic Maldivian cuisine. Every meal was of fine-dining standards, and what especially stood out for me were French restaurant Flavours, where the bread came paired with a luscious foie gras spread as well as truffle butter; and Islander’s Grill where I had the most delicious dessert – Pumpkin Pirini which consisted of pureed pumpkin with cardamom, cinnamon, milk and pumpkin seeds served with creamy pandan ice-cream.
Instead of wasting your time waiting for buggies to pick you up, I’d recommend that you get your bearings and walk along the beautiful palm tree-lined paths or along the gorgeous beach. I also like the fact that Wi-Fi is restricted only to the villas, reception and Waters Edge, their bar, to encourage real-life communication between couples and family. Honeymooners and children can even plant trees and have it named after them. What a wonderful travel memento and a great way to give back to Mother Nature!
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
P.O. Box 2036 Male Noonu Atoll Republic of Maldives
For more information, go to www.thesunsiyam.com
