Maldives – the perfect location for a quick vacation in close proximity with Oman – is ideal for a honeymoon trip, offbeat family vacation, or for mixing business with pleasure. Dazzling the Indian Ocean like a string of pearls, Maldives offers an affordable dream holiday – especially at Sun Siyam Resorts which boasts of many firsts in the archipelago

Take a lingering stroll along the warm, sugar-white sands, make a splash in the turquoise waters playing into the lap of numerous resorts on various atolls, dive/snorkel among multi-coloured fish and amphibians, enjoy a range of water sports, or simply snuggle up in a luxurious, sea-facing cottage/villa for a romantic time of your life… The sun never sets on leisure activities in Maldives!

Imagine the sheer thrill of visiting a country that is 99 per cent ocean! Well that’s what the Maldives is all about. But, if you’re beginning to get butterflies in your stomach at the thought of a ‘wet and wild’ holiday, you needn’t feel disturbed, for Maldives promises a heavenly getaway into tranquillity, from the hullabaloo of city life, with all the trappings of a mid-summer night’s dream.

In the Maldives, you would get a taste of being on any one of those dream islands which one sees in the movies, where the sea comes into the lap of your verandah, where greenery forms a cosy haven on a beach with sugar-white sands, where the options for unwinding and relaxing are endless. And, yes, if you are a water sports-freak, Maldives offers varied opportunities for indulging in safe sports from surfing to parasailing, snorkeling to deep-sea diving, fishing, sunset excursions, et al.

Sunny side of life

Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean, just across the equator between Africa and Sri Lanka. The country is made up of about 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, spread over 90,000sqkm. A wonder destination for honeymooners and adventure seekers, it is also an ideal place for families to enjoy a quick break during extended weekends or anytime of the year.

Maldives is located just a four-hour flight away from Muscat and there is no scope for jet lag or confusion over time zones. Qatar Airways offers direct flights via Doha and after you land at the international airport in Male the hub and business centre of the archipelago.

You don’t need to secure a visa to visit Maldives, free 30-day visit visas are stamped on your passport on arrival (which can be extended up to 90 days). There are no queues, except for passport control, no green channels, and as you walk out of the airport itself, you see blue lagoons welcoming you to a time of your life.

In fact, minutes before landing itself, from the aircraft window, you would have noticed the beautiful islands dotting the Indian ocean like shimmering beads, offering a stupendous preview of the fun that is yet to unfold.

Siyam Resorts

Every atoll in the Maldives offers explicit experiences, such that you can keep coming back again and again. But, if you’re looking for a robust family vacation, Sun Siyam Resorts makes your getaway all the more magical in Maldives as they offer something that’s a cut above the rest.

Sun Siyam Resorts has an array of accommodation and facilities catering to varied audiences, from families or couples, to Gen Z travellers, especially from the Middle East. The Maldives isn’t just the perfect setting for romance – it’s also a dream destination for multi-generational families and groups of friends hoping to make long-lasting memories. They’ll find spacious suites and villas that boast multiple bedrooms, and an abundance of activities to suit every age, from exhilarating water sports to relaxing spa treatments.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

It is more suited for families and couples looking for pure relaxation, rejuvenation and reconnection. It offers multiple dining options, and high-level service with their personalised experiences guaranteed to guests. Ringed by a white-than-white sand beach offers the height of affordable luxury for families, as up to two children aged under 15 can stay – and dine – for free. Go on a guiding snorkeling ‘safari’ in a vibrant reef that rings the resort, or sport dolphins on an incredible sunset cruise. Ideal for Finding Nemo fans, kids can go snorkeling and spot clown fish in the Nemo Garden or drop little ones off the Koamas Kidz Club and take your pick from more than 140 treatments at the award-winning ‘The Spa by Thalgo’, a restorative oasis set amongst the perfumed greenery at the heart of the island.

Florante Abuton Jr, Assistant PR Communications Manager, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, disclosed that Siyam Resorts are in good demand all through the year, though the most busiest season is about to begin in December and January, besides seasonal rush during Valentine’s Day in February or other festive occasions. Also, Sun Siyam Resorts are ideal for planning destination weddings as they provide all the trappings for a memorable event of one’s lifetime customised as per each guests requirements.

Around the resort, he showcased the various facilities and stay options that are far superior to what is offered by resorts in other islands. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has deluxe beach villas and water villas besides a set of unique accommodations like Infinity water villas, a Hidden Retreat for guests seeking explicit privacy as well as a beautiful Aqua Villa for VIPs and celebrities seeking the best of the best.

For prospective guests from Oman, he said, the resort provides all specific requirements of people from Islamic countries, including prayer rooms, prayer mats and copies of the Holy Quran, halal food as well as options for dining/staying and leisure activities in absolute privacy. However, the bulk of guests at the resort are from Russia, UK as well as other parts of Europe, especially couples on their honeymoon.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Most suited for couples seeking the true Maldives experience with one of the most pristine house-reefs. Guests can stay at the water villas of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and enjoy 5-star luxury with the sand beneath your feet. The ultimate haven for honeymooners, sink into the new levels of relaxation with the waves as your soundtrack. The water villas are surrounded by some of the best coral reef in the Maldives. Slow down the pace and enjoy decadent treatments in our spa, or choose to unwind in the comfort of your own suite, or villa. Come evening, join our chefs, as they dish up palates with artistry and flair, before ending your perfect day with a private cinema under the stars.

Siyam World

One of the most energetic resorts catering to group of friends, families and couples looking for and active holiday with multiple dining options, highlighting world sports arena, water park, horses and ponies, villas with pools as well for multi-gen families. Siyam World has the largest inflatable water park in the Maldives. Ride a revolutionary sea-breacher, dipping over, under and around the water at speed. Or zoom across the waves on the resort’s hydrofoil e-bikes – a radical cycling experience on water, these bikes can race at speeds of 11 knots. Or go below the surface with a thrilling underwater jet pack, the first of its kind.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli

A resort most suitable for couples celebrating something special. For a laid-back luxury in an authentic Maldivian setting, choose an idyllic island retreat pierced in an cyan-blue South Nilandhe Atoll. Pump for the resort’s Premium all-inclusive signature plan and you can off completely, your every whim catered to from dawn till dusk. the glamorous beach villa or over water villa each has a private pool. As part of the package, start the day with a stand-up paddle-boarding session in the warm waters that lap the island. Feel the sea breeze on your skin with a complimentary windsurfing lesion or go kayaking through the vibrant blue of the sea. Even jet ski credit is part of your stay. For a gender way to explore the ocean, go snorkeling and discover the kaleidoscopic coral reels lying beneath the waters surface.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Most suited for adventure seekers, divers – couples and families alike looking fir affordable luxury. At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, spanning three paradise islands, there is a wealth of activities to enjoy, whenever you decide to visit. In addition to thrilling sub-aquatic explorations of secret shipwreck and world-class water sports, there are opportunities to do some good with local island cleaning sessions and tree planting. Or dive into the sea for a coral planting session where toy can help build an artificial reef.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah

Nestled in tranquility, this exclusive resort in Sri Lanka boasts only 34 suites, ensuring an intimate and personalised experience. Whether you prefer lounging by the pool or exploring the vibrant rainbow coral reef just a short snorkel away, your days will be filled with serenity. The resort offers rich cultural adventures, indulge in Sri Lankan specialty dining, and witness the majestic beauty of elephants and whales through thrilling watching excursions. As the sun sets, enjoy romantic beach dinners by a bonfire, creating unforgettable moments under the stars. Freshly renovated, Sun Siyam Pasikudah has reopened its doors in November, unveiling a new chapter of luxury and comfort.

Founded by Dr Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, chairman and managing director of the Sun Siyam Group, Sun Siyam Ohluveli, had opened two decades ago in 2002, followed by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in 2008. A decade later Sun Siyam Iru Veli was added in 2018 while Siyam World welcomed its first guests in 2021. More plans for new resorts with unique offerings are afoot.

Pulse of Maldives

Timezone: 1 hour ahead of Muscat

Flight duration: 4 hours

Capital: Male

Total islands: 1192

Inhabited islands: Around 187

Resort islands: Around 164

Population: 521,000 approx.

Major industries: Tourism and fishing

Currency: Rufiyaa (RO1 = 40 Rufiyaa)

Temperature: 28-30º C

History of Maldives – Abu al Barakat, Ibn Batuta

The locals have been living on the islands of the Maldives from as far back as 3000 years ago, having set sail from different parts of the world and settling down on this paradise to live a life of serenity. It is said, the ancient mariners came from Asia, Arabia, Europe and the Americas, some seeking asylum, some by accident, some on planned journeys, but all of them stayed back for the same reason – the natural beauty and serenity of the islands which offer a life-long retreat for the body and mind.

Life in Maldives centres around the ocean, since the country comprises 99 per cent sea and only one per cent land which is distributed in the form of nearly 1200 islands and islets. The islands exist in sort of demarcated groups, known as atolls, and the chain of atolls forms Maldives. The people living on these islands form tight-knit communities that are bonded by a single faith – Islam, which came to the Maldives with the Arabian traveler Abu al Barakat Al Barbari (a Moroccan scholar).

Historical remains dating as far back as 400 BC show strong evidence that Buddhism was once widely practised by the people. However, the fact remains that Maldives is one of the few 100% Muslim nations in the world.

The legends related by numerous travellers who often stopped by these islands for supplies or due to shipwrecks, have served as useful guides to the history of these small islands. Among these travellers were the Chinese historian Ma Huan and the famous Arab traveler Ibn Batuta. It is also understood that the Maldivians themselves ventured far beyond their own shores for trade as well as social contact with other parts of the world.

Seashells, pirates, presidency

Since very early times, the Maldives has remained famous for two main products – sea shells and tuna. During the time when the cowrie shell was prized as a form of currency in many areas of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, large quantities of cowrie shells were exported from the country to many parts of the world. Foreign traders would stop over bringing rice, spices and luxury items in exchange for shiploads of cowrie. Maldivian fish, which has a long shelf life, was also very popular among traders who stopped over at the Maldives.

Although the Maldives was by far and large a quiet, peaceful port for traders, the tranquillity of the islands was often disturbed by pirates and superpowers of the day, including a brief period of 15 years of Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. In 1887, however, the Maldives became a British protectorate and the close relationship with the British ensured a period of peace and freedom till July 1965. The independent Maldives reverted from a Sultanate to a Republic on 11 November 1968 when Ibrahim Nasir, a Maldivian, was proclaimed its first president.