The Most Entertaining Island in the Maldives: Discover the New Siyam World Resort

A World of Adventure Awaits: Water Sports, Tennis, Padel, and Even Horseback Riding on the Islands

Few people know that the Maldives was first “discovered” as a tourist destination by Italians half a century ago. With nearly 1,200 islands and 26 atolls boasting white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters in the Indian Ocean, choosing the perfect destination can be challenging. But for those who believe that even paradise can become monotonous after a few days, Dhigurah Island is the answer.

As one of the largest islands in the Maldives, Dhigurah has over 4 kilometers of pristine beaches and a stunning 6-kilometer coral reef. Recently, it became home to Siyam World Maldives, a luxurious 5-star resort by the renowned Sun Siyam Resorts. What sets this island apart is its lush and thriving vegetation, a rare sight in this tropical paradise.

Siyam World Maldives: The Ultimate Fun Destination

Dubbed the "most entertaining" resort in the Maldives, Siyam World holds several records. It is the only island resort across the Maldivian atolls that features a horseback riding facility, allowing guests to gallop along the shoreline or trot into the sunset. Here, you'll encounter the majestic Marwari horses, known for their uniquely curved ears that form a heart shape when they are happy.

Thrill-seekers will love the largest floating water park in the Indian Ocean, where slippery surfaces and tilted platforms guarantee an adrenaline-filled experience. Additionally, Siyam World introduces the Maldives’ first Seabreacher, a shark-shaped semi-submarine that lets you dive underwater, ride the waves, perform 360-degree spins, and swim alongside exotic marine life.

At the World Sports Arena, guests have had the chance to meet football legends such as Esteban Cambiasso, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, and Marco Materazzi, who have participated in padel tournaments and other sporting events.

For those who prefer traditional sports, the resort features a full-sized football field, beach volleyball, beach cricket, basketball courts, ping pong, and various marine activities, including windsurfing, catamaran sailing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

A must-try experience is swimming with marine biologist Mariyam Thuhufa, who previously worked at the Maldives Marine Research Institute. She guides guests through encounters with vibrant Maldivian fish while explaining efforts to restore coral reefs and protect marine biodiversity.

Personalized Luxury: A Butler at Your Service (and You Can Buy a Villa for 35 Years!)

Accommodations at The Beach House Collection redefine opulence. Divided into seven distinct categories, these exclusive villas offer a private butler available 24/7 and up to 3,000 square meters of pure luxury.

For those looking to invest, these villas are available for purchase with a 35-year lease agreement, offering an attractive return on investment and 45 days of free stay annually—an ideal blend of business and pleasure.

Sustainability is a priority at Siyam World. Guests can explore the island with Mini Mokes, historic vehicles that have been fully converted into electric, zero-emission cars, ensuring an eco-friendly experience with minimal noise and no pollution.

A Culinary Journey Across the Globe

Dining is a major highlight at Siyam World, with over a dozen bars and restaurants offering an extensive selection of international cuisines.

Guests can start their day at one of the two buffet-style breakfast venues, Tempo and Baraabaru. For lunch and dinner, options include:

• Takrai – Authentic Thai cuisine
• Kurry Leaf – Traditional Indian dishes
• Wahoo Grill – Maldivian seafood specialties
• Andalucia – A taste of Spain
• The Cube – An exclusive show-cooking experience
• Arigato – A sophisticated Japanese beachside restaurant, reserved for Beach House guests, with limited access for other guests

Adding to its sustainable ethos, Siyam World sources 20% of its fresh produce from Uddhoo Farm, an organic agricultural project on the nearby uninhabited island of Llohi. Here, fruits, vegetables, and eggs are cultivated using hydroponic farming techniques, ensuring eco-friendly dining.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli: A Romantic Escape for Two

For travelers seeking a classic Maldivian honeymoon experience, Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers the perfect retreat. This intimate island features overwater villas and beachfront suites with private access to the ocean.

Guests can indulge in a floating breakfast, enjoy marine life swimming beneath their villas, or relax at the Ocean SPA, which sits directly above the water. Through a transparent floor panel, guests can watch colorful fish as they enjoy hydrotherapy, rejuvenating massages, and natural wellness treatments—perfect for couples.

Culinary experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli are curated by Executive Chef Victor Zanotti, a Peruvian-born, Italian-trained expert, who blends local and international flavors with the help of talented Maldivian chefs.

For the ultimate deserted island experience, guests can book the Cast Away package, where they are left alone on an isolated beach for a few hours of snorkeling, meditation, or complete relaxation before being brought back—only if they wish to return!

Recently, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was awarded Travelife Certification, a prestigious recognition from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This certification is granted only to accommodations that meet all 163 sustainability criteria, including environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, ethical wildlife treatment, human rights advocacy, and child welfare initiatives.

Ahmed Siyam Mohamed: The Visionary Behind the Sun Siyam Empire

Few individuals can claim to have revolutionized an entire industry, but Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, President and CEO of Sun Siyam Group, has played a pivotal role in transforming Maldivian tourism.

Born on Kudafari Island in Noonu Atoll, Siyam’s journey began in humble circumstances, with limited access to education. Like many young Maldivians, he moved to Malé in search of opportunities, entering the tourism sector at a time when local entrepreneurs were scarce.

"Success belongs to those who work hard," Siyam recalls. "Between 1991 and 1998, I worked up to 22 hours a day, sleeping only two hours a night."

Today, Sun Siyam Group is a leading tourism powerhouse in the Maldives, with over 3,000 employees and operations spanning logistics, construction, and sustainable agriculture. The company has commercial offices in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North and South America.

In October 2022, Siyam was honored with the President’s Tourism Gold Award for his outstanding contribution to the Maldives’ tourism industry. His long list of accolades includes:

• The Maldives National Award for sustainable tourism
• Sustainability Professional of the Year at the World Sustainability Congress in Dubai
• Tourism Pioneer Award at the World Travel Awards
• Lifetime Achievement Award at the Maldives Travel Awards

Since 2004, he has been a permanent member of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) Executive Board.

For more information on the resorts, visit www.sunsiyam.com.