Interview: How Sun Siyam Resorts Is Shaping the Future of Luxury Travel

With powder-soft beaches, starlit dinners, and villas that float between sky and sea, the Maldives has long mastered the art of escape. But behind the postcard perfection, some resorts go deeper—infusing each experience with soul, story, and a sense of place. At the crossroads of barefoot luxury and authentic Maldivian soul lies Sun Siyam Resorts — a brand that has quietly yet powerfully transformed the way travelers experience the Indian Ocean. From its humble beginnings to a portfolio of award-winning properties, the story of Sun Siyam is as much about heart as it is about hospitality.

Travel and Food Network caught up with Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts, to explore the evolution of the brand, the new language of luxury, and what it truly means to create experiences that feel both indulgent and deeply personal.

Sun Siyam Resorts has grown significantly since 1998. Looking back, what inspired the creation of your first property, and how has the vision evolved over the years?

Sun Siyam Resorts’ journey began with the vision of our founder, Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, who started with a dream and a belief in the Maldives’ potential. In 1998, he made a bold move by acquiring our first property, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and transforming it into a sanctuary of Maldivian hospitality. Unlike the typical luxury offerings in the Maldives at the time, which often relied on imported experiences, Mr. Siyam sought to create a resort that celebrated the local culture, our people, and our natural beauty.

This vision has grown over the years, with Sun Siyam Resorts expanding to five luxury properties in the Maldives and a boutique resort in Sri Lanka. While we continue to innovate, our core remains the same: a commitment to honoring Maldivian traditions while providing world-class service. Today, we continue to balance innovation with tradition through sustainable design, locally inspired cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences, ensuring that as we grow, we never lose sight of the values that made us special from the beginning.

Growing a portfolio of award-winning resorts is no small feat. What were some of the pivotal moves or decisions that helped scale Sun Siyam into a world-class brand?

Our growth has always been guided by a philosophy of purposeful evolution rather than rapid replication. When we opened our first property, we focused not just on building a resort but on creating a legacy—one rooted in authenticity, thoughtful partnerships, and a deep understanding of what modern travelers truly desire. Unlike global chains that prioritize scale, we’ve taken a curated approach, selecting locations with distinct character and investing in their stories. A major factor in our success has been our commitment to staying true to Maldivian hospitality while embracing innovation—whether through locally inspired design, community-driven sustainability, or adaptive guest experiences. Equally important has been our agility; by listening closely to our guests, we’ve diversified our portfolio to cater to everything from intimate romantic getaways to dynamic, all-ages adventures like Siyam World. Our expansion into Sri Lanka was a natural progression, allowing us to extend our signature blend of warmth and luxury while celebrating the Indian Ocean’s diversity. At every step, the goal remains the same: to grow without ever losing the soul of what makes Sun Siyam Resorts unique.

Each Sun Siyam resort offers a unique identity. How do you ensure that each property maintains its individuality while still reflecting the brand’s core philosophy?

We believe that true luxury lies in celebrating the distinct spirit of each destination while staying anchored to the values that define us. Rather than imposing a rigid template, we let the natural beauty, culture, and energy of every island shape its personality—whether it’s the serene sophistication of Sun Siyam Iru Veli or the playful vibrancy of Siyam World. What unites them is our unwavering commitment to Maldivian warmth and thoughtful innovation. For example, while one property might showcase traditional thatched villas nestled in lush palms, another dazzles with contemporary overwater suites, yet both deliver the same genuine hospitality that guests associate with our brand. We achieve this balance through meticulous storytelling—each resort is designed with its own narrative, from the architecture down to the curated experiences, ensuring that whether a traveler seeks adventure, romance, or family fun, they’ll find a one-of-a-kind escape that still feels unmistakably Sun Siyam at its heart.

In your eyes, what makes the Sun Siyam experience so distinctive—not just in terms of design or service, but in spirit?

At Sun Siyam, what truly sets us apart is our soul. While many resorts can offer luxury, we offer genuine warmth rooted in local culture. It is the spirit of the Maldives—our people, traditions, and heartfelt hospitality—that brings our spaces to life. Guests don’t just stay with us; they feel part of something authentic. Whether it’s being greeted by name, learning how to cook a Maldivian curry, or simply feeling like time slows down on our shores, the connection runs deeper. Our aim is always to deliver experiences that feel personal, joyful, and human—where luxury is never stiff, but always sincere.

Luxury in the Maldives is constantly evolving. What, according to you, is the new language of luxury? How is Sun Siyam helping shape it?

At Sun Siyam Resorts, we closely monitor global and local trends to adapt our offerings and stay ahead of the competition. This means continuously evolving our services and experiences to meet the needs of modern travelers. We focus on innovation while maintaining our core commitment to Maldivian hospitality and culture. By integrating sustainable practices, offering immersive cultural experiences, and embracing technology, we ensure that Sun Siyam Resorts remains a leader in the industry, offering guests exceptional and personalized stays. Our ability to adapt is what allows us to maintain strong relevance in a fast-changing market

Guests come to your resorts from all over the world. Do you see clear differences in how travelers from various cultures experience and expect luxury?

I do feel each market is different in terms of what they are looking for when they come to the Maldives be it the diving, snorkeling, romance, adventure family time or a whole new experience filled with culture and heritage of the Maldives. Each market leans toward different pull factors. But one thing they all have in common is to come to a destination that is authentic, with great service and feel right at home and comfortable. Many of our guests fall in love and we have a large number of repeaters across all properties.

The Maldives is known to be luxury destination, a bucketlist destination for many. But now we have seen luxury evolve in terms experiences. That is why we focus on tailor making experiences for every kind of traveler. Each of our islands offer different kind of experiences, for instance Siyam World is an adventure packed active destination where we have many never seen before experiences, over a dozen bars and restaurants, perfect for group of friends travelling together or families that like adventure together. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Iru Veli are more intimate and romantic, perfect for honeymooners and couples.

The Maldives is famous for its oceanfront dining, but Sun Siyam takes it further with creative culinary experiences. What role does food play in the overall guest experience at your resorts?

Food is at the heart of every journey—it is how people connect, celebrate, and remember. At Sun Siyam, we treat culinary experiences as an extension of our storytelling. Each of our resorts features a wide variety of dining options—from fine-dining restaurants to beach barbecues under the stars. We also introduce interactive elements like chef’s tables, destination dining, and live cooking stations, giving guests a sense of participation and discovery. The diversity of our culinary team allows us to innovate while remaining rooted in tradition, and we are constantly creating menus that surprise and delight across cultures and age groups.

With such a global clientele, how do you strike the balance between international cuisines and showcasing local flavors across your resorts?

It’s a thoughtful balance. Our guests come from all over the world with a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, so it is important that we offer global culinary comfort alongside local culinary discovery. While you will always find popular favorites—Italian, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern—we make it a point to highlight Maldivian flavors and ingredients through curated experiences. For instance, we host Maldivian Nights with traditional dishes, live music, and cultural storytelling. It is not just about the food—it is about helping guests connect with the destination through all five senses.

How has the concept of luxury dining in the Maldives evolved—and where do you see it heading next?

Luxury dining has moved beyond the idea of white tablecloths and formal settings. Today, luxury is defined by experience, exclusivity, and personalisation. Guests are looking for meaning in their meals—farm-to-table freshness, ethical sourcing, and immersive environments. We’re seeing a shift toward experiential dining: floating breakfasts, picnics on sandbanks, underwater tastings, or barefoot beach dinners curated by a private chef. At Sun Siyam, we embrace this evolution by giving our chefs creative freedom and integrating sustainability into our menus. Looking ahead, I see interactive dining, chef collaborations, and wellness-oriented gastronomy playing an even bigger role.

If we were to fast-forward five years, where do you see the Sun Siyam Group? New destinations, bold innovations, or perhaps new kinds of travel experiences?

In 5 years, we aim to expand into different countries making Sun Siyam an internationally reknowned brand. We already began in 2014 with our boutique beach retreat in Sri Lanka and are looking at expanding into other regions as well.

When you’re not managing islands or making strategic decisions, how do you personally unwind? Is there a quiet ritual or place that brings you peace?

“For me, unwinding means reconnecting with nature. I find peace simply walking barefoot along the beach, spending time with my family and close friends. Those quiet moments by the ocean help me reset, reflect, and return with fresh perspective.”

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