A barefoot–luxury playground washed in 50 shades of blue, Siyam World Maldives blends overwater villas, endless adventures, and all-inclusive indulgence on one dazzling island.
Blue, to me, is the language of luxury. Not just a colour, but a mood. The kind of tranquil, layered blues you find only where the ocean meets the sky—pale at the horizon, deep and faceted as you look further out. The kind of blue that slows your pulse, invites exhale, and lets time soften at the edges.
Over six languid days in the Maldives, drifting from island to island, I let the pace of paradise take over. After a seamless direct international flight from Mumbai, followed by a postcard-perfect seaplane glide over oral-rimmed atolls, we landed at Siyam World—my home for the next two nights.
We arrived just as dawn unfurled. The sky lifted itself in soft gradients of rose and apricot; the lagoon shimmered in that impossible, crystalline blue reserved for the Maldives alone. Coconut palms stood in poised silhouettes, their fronds shifting with the gentlest suggestion of breeze. The island felt artfully composed, yet never staged, its beauty unfolding with a kind of effortless grace.
Location
Set on the 54-hectare island of Dhigurah in Noonu Atoll, the resort is accessed by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé, or via a 30-minute domestic transfer to Maafaru followed by a thrilling 15-minute speedboat arrival. Siyam World now stands as the flagship of Sun Siyam’s newly re-envisioned Lifestyle Collection, offering a spirited mix of dining, leisure, and tailored experiences designed for couples, families, and groups seeking elevated, effortless island living.
First Impressions
There’s a clear ambition here to offer something beyond the expected Maldivian escape—experiences that feel bold, social, and genuinely new. The result is a lively mix of young couples and families who want both play and pause in equal measure. The island itself spans 133 acres of lush, tropical greenery framed by 2.5 miles of powder-soft shoreline, shallow sapphire lagoons, and a 3.75-mile house reef teeming with marine life. Yet, even with its scale and its many bars and restaurants scattered across the island, there remains an unmistakable sense of space, privacy, and an easy, unbothered calm.
The Rooms
The resort offers 472 villas, including over 300 suspended above the water, with layouts ranging from one to six bedrooms – an easy fit for couples, families, and larger groups. There are 18 categories to choose from, spanning water villas, pool beach villas, beach suites, and expansive residences. The Sunset Pool Beach Villas come with outdoor showers and a meandering private path to the shoreline, while my water villa featured an infinity plunge pool, panoramic lagoon views from an indoor bathtub, a generous bathroom, and even a waterslide curling straight into the turquoise lagoon from the deck. Everything about the villa beckons you to soak in the blues. For anyone who fantasizes about opening their eyes to nothing but shimmering turquoise and the hush of the ocean, the Water Pavilions are pure reverie. Suspended above the lagoon with endless horizons and front-row seats to molten-gold sunsets, they capture the Maldives at its most breathtaking—private, poetic, and impossibly serene.
Thoughtful touches include glass water bottles, a daily refreshed minibar, a coffee machine, and universal charging outlets, along with beach-ready flip-flops and a tote bag.
For those seeking heightened seclusion, the Residences offer private service and additional privileges, with the largest stretching to six bedrooms. Aside from these, all other villa categories share the same calming aesthetic and core amenities—clean lines, warm woods, and an easy, barefoot sense of comfort.
Things To Do
The island feels purpose-built for the endlessly curious. Days unfold easily with house-reef dives, sunset fishing, and a carousel of water sports, while evenings shift into a livelier rhythm with beach DJs, poolside parties, and films projected under the stars. The spa offers modern therapies and deep rest, but it’s the resort’s more unexpected flourishes—like its go-kart track and equestrian centre, that place Siyam World in rare company.
And then comes the island’s most surprising luxury: horses. Siyam World is the only resort in the Maldives with its own ranch. Here, you’ll meet Noor, one of four striking Marwari horses – an ancient Rajasthani breed known for its elegant, inward-curving ears and proud, flame-like spirit. Under the care of a former racehorse trainer from India, the horses are tended to with thoughtful devotion. Riding at first light, hooves whispering across the shoreline while the lagoon glimmered beside us, was nothing short of spellbinding – a rare, cinematic moment that lingers long after.
Siyam World is exuberant, playful, and refreshingly family-forward, the kind of place where every age finds something to delight in. There’s no shortage of action on the island, with expert-led activities and water sports for all ages. Families can take to the courts for tennis or football, glide across the lagoon on paddleboards, or dial up the adventure with flyboarding, and high-speed jet skiing offering an adrenaline rush with a front-row seat to the reef’s shifting blues. Siyam World is also home to Siyam Water World, the largest floating water park in the Indian Ocean, a colourful playground set directly above the turquoise shallows. An intimate floating cinema experience aboard a traditional dhoni, where you can watch your favourite films beneath a sky scattered with stars, the ocean gently rocking beneath you.
For younger guests, Kidz World (complimentary for children aged 4–12) offers a full schedule of creative, active, and nature-inspired activities, ensuring little adventurers are as enchanted by island life as the grown-ups.
Dining Experiences
Dining at Siyam World feels suitably indulgent, with 11 restaurants and 7 bars, offered both à la carte and on a premium all-inclusive basis. Families drift to Jungali for relaxed poolside plates; Wahoo showcases the day’s freshest catch; and for something more elevated, there’s Takrai, the resort’s overwater Thai restaurant. Arigato, the Japanese restaurant, leans into quiet refinement – ramen, sushi, and sashimi presented with a gentle hand and a focus on balance rather than excess. For evenings with a little theatre, Barrique hosts intimate wine-paired dinners in its candle-lit cellar. The newest addition, Kaage, brings a stylishly laid-back approach to modern Maldivian cuisine, reimagining local flavours with a light, confident hand.
Breakfast is a leisurely affair, complete with made-to-order pancakes, chia bowls, local breads, and Indian comfort dishes. At Andalusia, executive chef David Galero serves a generous spread of tapas, seafood, and grilled meats, all rooted in Spanish culinary tradition. Tucked alongside is the resort’s extensive wine cellar, housing over 200 labels from around the world.
Siyam World’s seven bars each create their own mood. Mint, the adults-only bar, overlooks an infinity pool and pours tiki-inspired rum cocktails late into the night. Jungali has a swim-up bar, while Together acts as the island’s easygoing social gathering point. Kulhivaru screens live sports with cask beers on tap. For more expansive buffet spreads, Baraabaru and Tempo host breakfast and dinner with lively open cooking stations that bring the kitchens right into the heart of the dining experience.
The Service
From the moment you arrive, you’re paired with a dedicated island host, your point person for anything and everything—whether that’s securing a table at sunset, arranging a dive, or simply knowing the best time to catch dolphins offshore. Communication is effortless: a quick WhatsApp message takes care of plans, changes, whims and last-minute inspiration, so the holiday unfolds without a single logistical thought.
Movement around the island is equally seamless. Electric buggies in bright island hues glide along palm-lined paths, and a continuous shuttle loops the resort well into the night, ensuring no corner feels out of reach. Service strikes that ideal balance—warm, intuitive, and quietly attentive, the kind that lets you relax fully, knowing everything you need is already being handled.
The Investment
Rates begin around US$600 (INR 54,000) for Water Villas and US$700 (INR 63,000) for Pool Beach Villas in low season, rising to US$800 (INR 72,000) and above during peak periods. Breakfast is included under the resort’s WOW! Inclusive concept, with Wi-Fi available throughout.
The WOW! Inclusive (premium all-inclusive) package is where the value really shines. Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner across dedicated restaurants, plus a buffet dinner showcasing dishes from six of the resort’s specialty venues. Drinks and light bites are available around the clock at Kulhivaru, alongside access to six additional bars, and the in-villa minibar is replenished daily. A complimentary excursion and spa credit are also part of the offering—an elegant touch that invites both adventure and relaxation.
Transfers vary by preference:
• Seaplane from Malé to the island begins at US$470 (INR 42,300) return per adult and US$240 (INR 21,600) per child.
• Alternatively, a domestic flight to Maafaru paired with a speedboat transfer starts at US$320 (INR 28,800) per adult and US$165 INR 14,850) per child.
For the Maldives, where luxury often arrives with a premium – Siyam World delivers a generous, well-considered all-inclusive experience that feels both expansive and indulgent.
Access for Guests with Disabilities
Most rooms, restaurants, and shared spaces across the resort are accessible, though guests are encouraged to share any specific accessibility requirements at least two weeks before arrival so arrangements can be tailored in advance. Travelers will need to be mobile enough to board either the seaplane (portable wheelchairs only) or the domestic flight and speedboat combination. Trans Maldivian Airways staff are experienced in providing boarding assistance, but it’s important to supply wheelchair dimensions and mobility details prior to travel to ensure a smooth journey.
Siyam World is a resort that embraces joy in all its forms. Days can be filled with discovery or drenched in sunlit idleness; nights can swing from barefoot beach parties to quiet stargazing on your deck. Honeymooners will find endless corners to disappear into, while bachelorette groups and pre-wedding crews can turn the island into their own sun-soaked playground. And yes, weddings here are cinematic: vows exchanged as the lagoon glows gold, celebrations unfolding under lantern-lit palms. Siyam World isn’t just a holiday, it’s a memory you return to long after your tan fades.
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A New Yorker at heart, an unapologetic anglophile, national parks explorer and former head of National Geographic publishing in India, Ritika is the Global Editor for Travel and Food Network and leads all journalism across platforms, including news, digital, videos, and social media. She writes features focused on narrative storytelling, industry trends, destinations, culinary travel, and how-to advice and is an advocate for sustainable travel. You can follow her on Instagram @newyorkeratheart
