Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Review, Maldives
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a private 52-acre natural island sanctuary within the pristine Noonu Atoll in the Northern part of the Maldives, is accessible via a scenic 45-minute seaplane ride from Male’s Velana International Airport.
“Wow!” Welcome
Arriving by seaplane is the ultimate way to start a holiday, but the “Wow Welcome” that followed was also pretty special. Sun Siyam offers a collection of 5 private island resorts in the Maldives and recently celebrated 35 years of Maldivian hospitality. All properties now fall under The House of Siyam, grouped into three distinct collections with Sun Siyam Iru Fushi being part of The Luxury Collection.
As part of their brand transformation, Sun Siyam Resorts has reimagined the island escape with a series of 10 new signature experiences. Guests enjoy a sensory arrival featuring Maldivian rituals including the ceremonial blowing of a conch shell, the energic rhythms of bodu beru drumming, a welcome tropical cocktail and skip-the-line check-in, all designed to immerse guests in local culture.
Who For
Each Sun Siyam resort offers a distinct vibe with Iru Fushi aimed at couples looking for premium island indulgence. It’s a versatile luxury resort that caters to those wanting a peaceful escape as well as those seeking a more active holiday.
SunSiyam IruFushi Waters Edge & Bar Reception
Accommodation
Iru Fushi has 221 rustic-luxury villas, either beachfront or over water, many with private pools. I stayed in a 129sqm Horizon Water villa with a private pool and sunken seating area. This villa was designed for those who love a dip in the pool as much as a swim in the sea, for this Piscean a winner all round.
Horizon Water Villa with Pool Interior, The Maldives
There’s a king-sized bed and also a glass viewing floor. “Turndown Journey” is another of the new signature experiences with nightly surprises, including Maldivian sweet treats and signature herbal nightcaps. After a day of Maldivian sun, a bowl of aloe vera to help soothe and hydrate my skin, all part of the turndown journey, was a nice addition.
Food and Drink
There’s a playful, social atmosphere at Iru Fushi from the moment you arrive and it’s possible to drink and dine across 15 venues. Iru has a mix of buffet-style and live cooking. Fun touches at breakfast included a colourful doughnut wall and pancakes shaped like marine life (jelly fish, sharks, turtles and stingrays) or for the hungrier a smiley sun. Islander’s Grill, a Maldivian grilled seafood restaurant serves grilled meats and freshly caught seafood.
SunSiyam IruFushi Bamboo Restaurant
The resort is big on Asian cuisine with Bamboo, a beachside terrace serving up the Asian continent’s most beloved dishes and Taste of India, a tribute to Indian cuisine.
My favourite, The Trio, is an Italian restaurant on stilts, offering Italian classics but in a tropical setting – the mouthwatering lobster spaghetti was incredible. No Mistake, a beachfront bar might need to change its name, if the cocktail consumption was anything to go buy.
Delicious cocktails are crafted by a mixologist whilst Water’s Edge is the place for chilled beats at sunset. Sun Siyam Beach Club is another of the new signature experiences. A chilled, adult-focused beach experience with DJs and dancing in the sand. On my visit, the zen like atmosphere was enhanced by an incredibly talented saxophonist playing mellow classics as the sun set, watched by happy couples snuggled up on fat boy style beanbags.
Facilities
Days revolve around lazing on white sandy beaches, snorkelling and water-based activities. Facilities include an Adult’s only pool ideally situated with The Beach Club directly in front of it.
IruFushi Reflections (adult’s only pool)
I enjoyed the latter’s music and sunset views whilst swimming lengths, the pool is a perfect size and depth. A large family pool with kids splash area is enclosed within a jungle like setting and there’s also a kid’s club. The award winning-spa by Thalgo France has 185 + treatments and wellness rituals, whilst the SSi-certified dive centre offers guided snorkelling at Nemo Reef (the resort’s house reef).
SSIF Spa
The resort focuses on marine conservation with a Coral Reef Restoration Project, a long-term imitative aimed at revitalising the island’s coral reefs, essential for supporting marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The project uses “corals of opportunity”, naturally broken coral fragments carefully attached to metal frames in protected reef areas.
SSIF Underwater Shots
Once strong, these corals are transplanted to degraded areas, helping to rebuild and strengthen the reef system. A unique aspect of the project is guest participation, allowing visitors to join a hands-on planting session guided by a marine biologist. I particularly valued the chance to do something not only very memorable but also beneficial.
For an immersive, hand-on experience where you learn to cook authentic island dishes from scratch, I’d recommend taking The Maldivian Cooking Class. Focusing on local ingredients like tuna and coconut, the chefs guide you through traditional techniques to create dishes like Maldivian Kan’Du Kukulhu (the signature rolled tuna curry), and Gulha (small, deep fried ball shaped dumplings) and a popular, traditional savoury snack. Once the cooking was complete, we all gathered round to enjoy the fruits of our labour. It’s often said that there is very little to do on a Maldivian Island resort and for those who want a luxurious, tropical, fly and flop paradise then Iru Fushi ticks every box but for those who want to be a little more active and adventurous, there are all manner of activities and excursions on offer, included taking a Jet Car ride.
What’s Nearby
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is not the only car that can drive on water, the Sun Siyam resorts offer the opportunity of driving yourself or being a passenger on a thrilling jet car ride.
A super cool way (Jet skis are so last century!) of zooming across the turquoise lagoon in a sleek, powerful boat that looks exactly like a car.
There’s an option of a guided tour or private control. Powered by robust Yamaha engines, these jet cars deliver exhilarating speeds, letting you carve through the water and feel the ocean spray. It’s also possible to book a drone to capture arial shots of your ride, for the ultimate bragging Instagram post and an unforgettable memory.
How Much
A Deluxe Beach Villa sleeping two adults and two kids under 15 on all-inclusive basis from £750 per villa per night.
Verdict
Iru Fushi is exactly as you’ve seen in the postcard, an island that will set honeymoon hearts a flutter blending barefoot luxury with authentic Maldivian charm.
The post Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Review, Maldives appeared first on The Travel Magazine.
