A few weeks ago, I led a short weekend workshop focused on wildlife photography in Šumava National Park. As I sat in a hide, I started thinking about which technical question I get asked most often. At the top of my mental survey was: “Libor, will we need a tripod today?” Closely followed by: “Libor, what shutter speed would you recommend?” While my answer to the first one is rather short — “yes, we will” — the second deserves a bit more attention. I’ve turned that answer into an article you’ll be able to read very soon. But for now, let’s move on to the most recent happenings in the world of photography.
The Hospitality Asset Managers Association Middle East & Africa (HAMA MEA) is celebrating 10 years of success in shaping the region’s hospitality investment and asset management landscape.
This afternoon, Dubai once again takes flight as the Middle East Winners Reception 2025 of the World Travel Awards unfolds high above the city at the stunning Tattu Sky Lounge, perched on Level 81 of Ciel Dubai Marina — the tallest hotel in the world. The mood is refined yet celebratory, with Dubai’s afternoon light cascading across the Marina skyline, setting a golden tone for a gathering that honors the finest in Middle Eastern travel and hospitality.
From the moment guests step into Tattu Sky Lounge, the experience feels ethereal. The venue’s signature modern Asian design — a symphony of polished marble, dark woods, and glowing cherry blossom installations — creates an atmosphere both contemporary and timeless. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal panoramic views stretching to the horizon, making every conversation feel as if it’s happening among the clouds.
Looking for the most romantic Maldives resorts? These private island hotels offer luxury, seclusion, and unforgettable experiences.
After nearly thirty hours of travel from Los Angeles, I stepped off the plane in Male and felt the weight of the journey melt into the thick, sun-drenched air of the Maldives.
Within minutes, I was whisked away to the seaplane terminal — and straight into paradise. The Sun Siyam lounge felt like a hidden sanctuary: fresh buffet spreads, complimentary head and neck massages that erased every trace of jet lag, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking seaplanes gliding across turquoise water. It wasn’t just a layover — it was the moment I realized this trip would completely redefine my idea of luxury.
From floating breakfasts served in private overwater villas to lazy afternoon swims in turquoise lagoons, I spent the next nine days exploring three of Sun Siyam’s breathtaking private islands: Vilu Reef, Iru Veli, and Iru Fushi.
Each one offered its own personality — from barefoot island romance to modern indulgence — yet they all shared a common thread: the warmth of genuine Maldivian hospitality that sets this 100% Maldivian-owned brand apart.
As someone who seeks out destinations that balance intimacy with sophistication, I was completely captivated by how each resort creates a world of its own — secluded and serene, yet alive with color, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Here’s a closer look at what makes each of these resorts truly exceptional.
The Maldives’ Most Romantic Private Islands
Before exploring each property, it’s worth understanding Sun Siyam’s thoughtful approach to curating experiences. The company has organized its resorts into three distinct collections, each designed to match different travel styles and desires.
The Luxury Collection represents the pinnacle of indulgence, offering the most extensive amenities and dining options for couples who want it all. The Privé Collection focuses on intimate exclusivity, perfect for those seeking a more private retreat. The Lifestyle Collection brings vibrant energy and exceptional value, ideal for couples who want authentic Maldivian experiences with a contemporary twist.
What sets Sun Siyam apart isn’t just their range of offerings — it’s their commitment to being guardians of the Maldivian spirit. Throughout all three properties I visited, I noticed thoughtful touches that pay homage to local heritage, from traditional architecture elements to cultural celebration days.
This is a company that knows what you need before you even realize it yourself, whether that’s an umbrella appearing just as rain clouds gather or a bubble bath waiting in your villa after a spa treatment.
My first stop was Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, a property that immediately captured my heart with its blend of established charm and exciting evolution. This resort has that lived-in warmth you can only find at a place that’s been perfecting hospitality for years, yet it’s simultaneously looking toward the future with major expansions underway.
Guests can choose between luxurious beach villas with private pools and direct sand access or overwater villas perched above the lagoon, offering stunning ocean views and the iconic experience of stepping straight from your villa into crystal-clear water. The resort is also adding fifty new overwater villas, expected to be completed by April 2026 — giving couples even more options for that iconic Maldivian escape.
What truly stood out, though, was their attention to personal comfort. Something I rarely see at a resort — a pillow menu. You can select everything from neck pillows to cotton, down, and even maternity options, ensuring every guest gets the exact kind of rest they need. It’s this thoughtful attention to detail that makes Vilu Reef feel both indulgent and effortlessly welcoming.
Private Maldivian Breakfast on the Beach
With five restaurants and two bars, Vilu Reef offers impressive variety for a resort of its size. Aqua serves buffet-style international cuisine, while The Spice has a clever dual personality — Italian by day, transforming into an Indian restaurant by night. Well Done, the beachfront seafood grill, became my favorite spot for sunset dining, where fresh catches are prepared to perfection with the sound of waves as your soundtrack.
For Couples: Don’t miss the special Maldivian breakfast and destination dining on the beach. Imagine a private table set on powder-soft sand with nothing but ocean horizon stretching before you. It’s these intimate moments that transform a vacation into a memory you’ll treasure forever.
Opened in 2018, Iru Veli represents Sun Siyam’s more contemporary vision, and it’s here that I truly understood what it means when they say they’re “always one step ahead.”
This is where Sun Siyam’s philosophy of knowing what guests need before they know it themselves really shines. After a relaxing treatment at the spa, I returned to my villa to find a bubble bath already drawn, adorned with floating flowers and fragrant petals. And every evening, I discovered a message spelled out in carefully arranged palm leaves on my bed.
These aren’t random acts of service; they’re the result of a team that genuinely cares about crafting moments of wonder.
Iru Veli celebrates Maldivian culture every Monday with special programming that gives couples a chance to connect with the islands’ rich heritage. From traditional music and dance to local culinary experiences, these cultural days offer a window into the soul of the Maldives that goes beyond the postcard-perfect beaches.
With four restaurants and a total of seven bars and dining venues, Iru Veli strikes a perfect balance between variety and intimacy.
For Couples: The crown jewel here is their floating cinema experience. Picture this: lounging on cushion on a private floating cinema, hand-in-hand with your partner, watching your favorite film under a canopy of stars. It’s romance elevated to an art form.
Part of Sun Siyam’s prestigious Luxury Collection, Iru Fushi is where the company showcases its full capabilities. With fifteen restaurants and bars, this is the property for couples who want endless options.
What impressed me about Iru Fushi was how seamlessly it blends cutting-edge convenience with timeless hospitality. The resort has its own app that allows you to book everything from tennis and badminton courts to restaurant and excursion reservations. It’s the kind of thoughtful integration of technology that enhances rather than distracts from the experience.
As the luxury flagship, Iru Fushi offers a wide range of accommodation types. Whether you’re dreaming of an overwater villa with direct lagoon access, a beachfront retreat steps from pristine sand, or something even more exclusive, this property delivers options that cater to every vision of paradise.
The sheer variety here means you can craft an entirely personalized experience. Want to be active and social? The activities and multiple venues await. Prefer complete seclusion? The private villas and intimate dining experiences offer exactly that sanctuary.
For Couples: We adored our private lagoon lunch, seated at a table right in the water. The waves kissed our bare feet while we enjoyed a multi-course meal. It was a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
The Sun Siyam Difference: Sustainability Meets Luxury
Across all three properties, I was impressed with Sun Siyam’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The resorts have eliminated printed menus and guest documents, instead offering everything on iPads — a small change that significantly reduces waste. Their Sun Siyam Cares program goes beyond token gestures, with that commitment to plant-based menu options reflecting a genuine dedication to sustainable luxury.
This is eco-consciousness that doesn’t ask you to sacrifice comfort. Instead, it enhances the experience by connecting you more deeply to the pristine environment you’ve come to enjoy.
Planning Your Sun Siyam Escape
Which Property is Right for You?
Choose Vilu Reef if: You want a more intimate resort experience with traditional charm and are excited about the new overwater villas opening in 2026. Perfect for couples who appreciate classic luxury with personal touches like pillow menus and destination beach dining.
Choose Iru Veli if: You’re seeking that perfect balance of contemporary design, cultural experiences, and those extraordinary details that make you feel truly pampered. The spa and floating cinema make this ideal for couples prioritizing romance and relaxation.
Choose Iru Fushi if: You want the ultimate luxury experience with the most dining options, activities, and accommodation choices. Best for couples who love variety and want access to everything, all in one stunning location.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
Book Early: These properties, especially the most exclusive villas, can fill up quickly during peak season. Start planning at least six months ahead to secure your preferred dates and accommodations.
Embrace the Pace: One of the greatest gifts these islands offer is permission to slow down. Don’t try to do everything — choose the experiences that speak to you and leave space for spontaneous moments.
Pack Smart: Bring resort chic attire that’s comfortable in humidity, quality reef-safe sunscreen, and at least one elegant outfit for those special dining experiences. Don’t forget your underwater camera — you’ll want to capture the marine life.
In a world where luxury resorts can feel interchangeable, Sun Siyam has created something genuinely special. These aren’t just places to stay — they’re thoughtfully crafted sanctuaries where authentic Maldivian hospitality meets modern sophistication, where sustainability coexists with indulgence, and where couples can find their own perfect version of paradise.
From that first moment in the seaplane lounge to the last sunset viewed from an overwater villa, every detail reinforced what makes these properties extraordinary: they understand that true luxury isn’t about opulence for its own sake. It’s about anticipating needs before they arise, creating spaces for genuine connection, and honoring both the destination and the guests who come to experience it.
The Maldives has always been synonymous with romance, but Sun Siyam has elevated it to an art form. And the best part? Unlike some secrets, this is one worth sharing.
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