Iru Fushi means “Sun Island” in Dhivehi, the native language of the Maldives, and it’s a fitting name for this sun-soaked slice of paradise. While the Maldives is a major player in the Indian Ocean luxury travel scene, the sheer number of resorts can feel overwhelming.
Sun Siyam Resorts simplifies the choice. Celebrating 35 years of Maldivian hospitality in September, the brand has undergone a bold transformation. All five private island resorts now sit under The House of Siyam, divided into three distinct collections. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi proudly belongs to The Luxury Collection.
Set on a pristine 52-acre natural island in the Noonu Atoll, in the northern Maldives, the resort is reached via a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé. Arriving by seaplane is an experience in itself, but the “Wow Welcome” that follows elevates it even further.
As part of the reimagined guest journey, Sun Siyam has introduced 10 new signature experiences. The Wow Welcome immerses guests in Maldivian culture from the moment they arrive, with the ceremonial blowing of a conch shell, the energetic rhythms of bodu beru drumming, a tropical welcome cocktail and seamless skip-the-line check-in.
Staying at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi features 221 rustic-luxury villas, both beachfront and overwater, many with private pools. My home was a 129-square-metre Horizon Water Villa, complete with a private pool and sunken seating area, perfect for those who love switching between lagoon swims and pool dips. For this Piscean, it was a winner all around.
The villa offers a king-sized bed and a glass viewing floor, adding a subtle sense of theatre to the space. Another standout is the “Turndown Journey”, a nightly signature experience featuring thoughtful surprises such as Maldivian sweet treats and herbal nightcaps. After a full day in the sun, a bowl of cooling aloe vera waiting in the villa was a particularly welcome touch.
The resort is currently completing a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, including the reimagination of 40 water villas. Each has increased in size by more than 25 per cent, with interiors redesigned to reflect a refined, grounded sense of luxury. Soft neutral tones and contemporary finishes create a calm, serene atmosphere that perfectly complements the surrounding seascape.
Dining at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Food lovers are spoilt for choice, with 15 restaurants and bars offering deeply flavourful dishes inspired by global cuisines and local influences.
Highlights include Iru, with its buffet-style dining and live cooking stations, and Islander’s Grill, a Maldivian favourite serving grilled meats and freshly caught seafood. Asian cuisine takes centre stage at Bamboo, a relaxed beachfront restaurant celebrating pan-Asian classics, while Taste of India delivers a vibrant tribute to Indian flavours.
My personal favourite was Trio, an Italian restaurant set on stilts above the lagoon. Italian classics are given a tropical twist; the lobster spaghetti alone is reason enough to book a table. Cocktails are expertly crafted and best enjoyed at Reflections, the adults-only infinity pool, or the aptly named No Mistake Bar. Water’s Edge is ideal for sunset drinks accompanied by chilled beats.
Another of the new signature experiences is the Sun Siyam Beach Club, an adults-focused beachfront concept featuring DJs, dancing in the sand and a relaxed, social atmosphere. On my visit, an incredibly talented saxophonist provided the soundtrack as the sun dipped below the horizon, while couples lounged on oversized beanbags, pure island bliss.
In addition to villa upgrades, two dining venues have undergone extensive refurbishment. Trio reopened in October 2025 with a refreshed, modern design and extended outdoor seating for an elevated over-ocean dining experience. Flavours, the resort’s French speciality restaurant, is set to reopen in time for the 2025 festive season.
Leisure, wellness and activities
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi caters equally well to adults and families. The adults-only pool sits directly in front of the Beach Club and is perfectly sized for relaxed lounging, while a large family pool, complete with a kids’ splash area, is tucked within a jungle-like setting. There’s also a dedicated kids’ club.
The award-winning spa offers more than 185 treatments and wellness rituals, drawing on traditions such as Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda and a uniquely Maldivian coconut milk bath followed by a coconut oil massage. The treatment rooms themselves are a highlight, reached via winding pathways through lush tropical gardens.
Wellbeing extends beyond the spa, with thoughtfully created plant-based dishes by chef Cherie Tu. The Maldives remains one of the world’s premier scuba diving destinations, with warm, crystal-clear waters and extraordinary marine biodiversity. The resort’s SSI-certified dive centre — the largest in the region — offers access to exceptional dive sites, while guided snorkelling at Nemo Reef, the house reef, reveals shoals of technicolour fish just offshore.
For a more hands-on cultural experience, the Maldivian Cooking Class is a must. Using local ingredients such as tuna and coconut, chefs guide guests through traditional techniques to create authentic dishes, including Kan’Du Kukulhu (rolled tuna curry) and Gulha, small deep-fried dumplings. The experience concludes with everyone sharing the meal together.
For those craving adventure, activities range from kayaking around the island to jet car rides across the lagoon. Each Sun Siyam resort features its own distinctive jet car design, and guests can even book a drone to capture aerial footage, perfect for an unforgettable Instagram moment.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Noonu Atoll
Maldives
