Siyamese wins
Accommodation options at Siyam
World include beachfront villas, the luxury Beach House
Collection, and of course, those irresistible water villas.
Private pools, in-room Jacuzzis and double walk-in showers come as standard, but these have the added quirky feature of a curly water slide which handily deposits you among the fishes.
Siyam World boasts 12 bars and restaurants and the Kurry Leaf is a great spot for lunch overlooking the ocean. There’s also Spanish kitchen Andalucia, Takrai Thai restaurant, and my favourite, Arigato, for Japanese fine-dining, where guests can opt for candlelit beach dinners.
The activities on offer at Siyam World will keep everyone entertained, whether you’re honeymooning or with family.
For those who’ve always fancied flinging themselves around a Total Wipeout-style obstacle course, but never dared because the water always looks too cold, the Maldives is the place to do it.
Their floating assault course is the biggest in the Indian Ocean and spells out the resort name ‘Siyam’ in rafts, stepping stones, monkey bars, diving platforms and giant pillows. It is an absolute hoot and no one minds slipping off into the sea when it’s this warm.
Another must-do here is hiring a seabob – a hand-held motorised device that propels you through the water without having to swim.
But a real highlight of the resort is the horse ranch. Opt for an early morning trot on the beach, or ride off into the sunset.
This really is straight-off-anaftershave-advert kind of stuff !
For those craving chill-time, head to the spa, which includes hydro facilities and has a self-service counter for healthy treats.
And if you’re looking to be entertained in the evenings, swing by for the cabaret at the Together bar.
I was very impressed by the local artist who created moving pictures out of sand as well as the in-house band that will take requests.
Undoubtedly one of the most memorable activities on offer at both Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and Siyam World is dolphin watching.
A sunset dhoni cruise takes you out into the ocean, where guests are encouraged to make sounds that will entice the creatures closer. Sure enough, a pod of spinner dolphins appeared, then surrounded the boat, jumping out of the waves, before disappearing again in a watery game of hide and seek.
Siyam World places huge emphasis on looking after its natural environment and I took part in a coral regeneration session, rescuing dying coral from the reef for it to
be revived and put back into the ocean. You can also drop in for talks from the resort’s resident biologist about the native plants and animals.
But simply strolling around the island you’ll spot an array of colourful fish, baby sharks or you might bump into the odd stork going about its business.
Life as a castaway here is always colourful.
Try an early morning trot on the beach, or ride off into the sunset