Discovering the Maldives, I had little hope for it, but going on a family vacation to the Maldives, I had not imagined it at all! Yet this is what we did, and what an incredible experience. Children have their place in this paradise, and Sun Siyam understands that well!
After setting foot in the Maldives, we knew we were about to have an extraordinary experience. You are welcomed at Malé airport by the Sun Siyam teams, who will handle your seaplane registration and guide you to the lounge where you can wait. In there, you will find everything you need to rest, eat, drink and even get a massage! As for the children, a space is dedicated to keep them occupied.
Next, you board for a 45-minute seaplane flight and you are thrilled: flying over turquoise atolls and white sandy beaches, it was like being in a waking dream.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with music, smiles, and cool drinks, perfect for rehydrating after the journey and getting used to the 30 degrees that would not leave us during the stay. Our personal, French-speaking butler was waiting to escort us to our villa, and his kindness immediately put us at ease.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, shall we talk about it?
Iru Fushi opened in 1998 under the Hilton label before being purchased 10 years later by the Maldivian group Sun Siyam. Located in the Noonu atoll, one is swept away by its butler as soon as they set foot on the arrival jetty.
Iru Fushi is 221 villas, 7 restaurants, 5 bars including an adult only and a spa awarded as the most beautiful in the world (nothing less!). Regarding activities, there is something for everyone and all ages: water sports, excursions, wellness, and many more.
What we liked is that Iru Fushi is on a human scale. Spanning 21 hectares, it takes 30/40 minutes to walk around the island with your feet in the water, and you can move around the lush nature either on foot or by buggy – which you take care to order in advance thanks to the many telephone booths available all over the place. Despite the number of accommodations offered, we didn’t get the impression of stepping on each other’s toes, unlike some all-inclusive hotels that can be found elsewhere in the world.
Iru Fushi has managed to create a perfect balance to satisfy a wide range of travelers, from families to couples, and groups of friends. Families can enjoy spacious villas with a private pool, as well as a kids club or the family pool at Fluid. As for couples, Iru Fushi offers romantic moments, duo spa treatments, and candlelit dinners on the beach, creating an idyllic setting to celebrate love and companionship. There is also a pool reserved only for adults if you do not wish to be disturbed by children. Groups of friends are not left out, with a multitude of water activities, excursions, and common spaces where they can meet and relax together. Let’s not forget the parties organized throughout the week that provide entertainment until the end of the night.
Dream villas between land and sea
Let’s talk about accommodation, Iru Fushi offers 12 different types of accommodation, ranging from 2 to 10 people, from 90m² to 600m². One thing is certain, the choice is hard!
During our stay at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we were fortunate to stay in two different accommodations: a luxury family beach villa with pool and an Infinity overwater villa. Two completely different experiences, both as exceptional as each other, to the point where we can’t decide which one we preferred…
Luxury family villa on beach with pool
Our adventure began in a Family Deluxe Beach Villa with pool. Located just a few steps from the beach, this spacious villa provided all the necessary comforts for a family. The private pool was a real asset, allowing the children to have fun safely while we, the adults, could relax on the sun loungers or under the shaded gazebo, with a sea view.
Semi-open to the outside, the villa is perfect for blending into nature while enjoying modern luxury. Imagine waking up every morning with a stunning view of the lagoon, the sun’s rays gently filtering through the curtains, a Nespresso coffee in hand, savored on the terrace, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
The outdoor bathroom was a real oasis, with an open-air shower surrounded by tropical plants – a moment of pure serenity, what a joy after a long day to be able to enjoy a shower under the stars. It also has a traditional shower, a jetted tub, and two sinks.
The rest of the 140m² villa is on par with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, a mini-bar restocked every day, a wine cellar and fast Wi-Fi connection, in short, all the necessary comfort for a perfect stay at the end of the world.
Infinity Stilt Villa with Pool
Midway through our stay, we had the privilege of moving into an Infinity Water Villa. Impossible to live the Maldives adventure without a stilted villa, you’ll tell me! And what a unique experience to live over the water, with a breathtaking view of the ocean, and the opportunity to slip directly into the lagoon from our private terrace. The children were amazed to be able to observe the fish right under their feet thanks to the glass floor of the living room.
155m² of pure bliss where you feel alone in the world. You have the choice between the private infinity pool made of lava stone, the lagoon, the outdoor shower or even the jetted tub with a view of the horizon to cool off.
The villa, luxuriously furnished, also had all the modern comforts, like the previous villa: Wi-Fi, mini bar, Nespresso machine, air conditioning, television, etc.
The little touches in the room
At Iru Fushi, you are in a 5-star hotel, which comes with its share of services and little attentions. Firstly, we appreciated that the children were not forgotten: robes and slippers fitted to their size, life vests in the room, beds prepared in advance, small scenes set up each day with their toys and “cuddlies”; these little details make all the difference and leave them with unforgettable memories of their stay.
Next, the bathroom comes with the essentials for your stay: soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, comb, razors, hair dryer, sanitary pads, loofah, etc. You will even find a beach bag in case you have forgotten yours, as well as umbrellas (yes, it does rain in the Maldives!).
Add to this that the housekeeping is done twice a day, once during the day and once in the early evening. The mini-bar is restocked once a day. There is nothing more enjoyable than coming back from your adventures and having clean towels at your disposal and a well-stocked mini-bar.
Activities for all tastes
We started our stay with an hour of spa care as a duo, a real moment of relaxation where we could enjoy massages and relaxing treatments, perfect after the 11 hours of flight that separate us from France. Meanwhile, our children were able to enjoy the kids club, for children aged 3 to 12. Once you push the doors of the Spa by Thalgo, you are transported into a Japanese wellbeing bubble. There are no less than 20 cabins, a menu of over 140 treatments from different backgrounds: acupuncture, Ayurvedic (consultation with a specialized doctor possible), Maldivian, etc. You also have the option to book a sauna, hammam and powerful jet pools, or even meditation and yoga classes.
The most memorable experience of our few days at Iru Fushi was our excursion/picnic to the deserted island of Thanburudhoo. This outing included a family snorkeling session in the open sea, accompanied by a marine biologist (which is reassuring), with all the necessary equipment provided on site. When lunchtime arrived, a luxury picnic awaited us on a deserted beach. Whether on the boat or on the island, the staff are at your service and go out of their way to satisfy your wishes.
We also had the opportunity to do an extra snorkeling session at Nemo Garden, a dedicated aquatic course, in the company of a marine biologist, this time without the kids who preferred to go to the Kids Club (yes it’s possible!). We were able to learn a lot about marine ecosystems and underwater life and had the experience of swimming alongside blacktip sharks, turtles, and rays. Know that you can borrow masks, snorkels and fins free of charge throughout your stay, enough to explore all corners of the island.
Another notable activity, we planted our own coconut tree as a family. Both fun and educational, it’s an opportunity to explain to children the importance of preserving nature. In fact, each year, nearly 700 coconut trees are planted on the island by customers, watched over and pampered afterwards by the hotel’s team of gardeners. But this is not the only eco-responsible initiative, with a coral monitoring program.
At Iru Fushi, you also have a multitude of water and nautical activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, sailing, jet skiing, towed buoy, etc. You cannot miss the diving center which offers sessions for all levels. Motorized activities are indeed chargeable, but the rest are not, so make the most of it. Out of the water, you also have a fitness center, tennis courts, and a games room.
A varied gastronomic experience
At Iru Fushi, there are different meal plans: Bed and Breakfast, half board, full board or all inclusive.
We start with the Iru Restaurant, in the form of a diverse and hearty buffet, open from breakfast to dinner. We appreciated the family area with games and distractions for children. It offers every kind of cuisine, more or less balanced with healthier and gluten-free options, but also a lot of Maldivian dishes, or prepared with fish and other local ingredients.
During our stay, we had the opportunity to dine in three out of seven restaurants: the Islander Grill, barefoot in the sand; the Taste of India, remember to ask for “not spicy” for sensitive palates; and the Bamboo. While each of these restaurants has its own identity, all three of them offer impeccable service and tasty, refined dishes.
For a snack, do not miss the ice cream parlor La Cremeria which offers artisanal ice creams, iced frappés, milkshakes and even fruit juices. If you feel a bit peckish outside mealtimes, the poolside bars – Fluid (family-friendly) and Reflexion (adults only) – can offer snacks.
Our stay at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was a resounding success for the whole family. Combining luxury, comfort, and an exceptional attention to the needs of its guests, we had an unforgettable experience.
Even when a small unexpected issue arose, Iru Fushi managed to provide us with a solution. From the 2nd day, our daughter had an allergic reaction. Fortunately, the hotel has a medical service on site with a doctor and nurse available 24/7. Their rapid response enabled us to handle the situation without stress, with a lot of kindness and benevolence, and to continue enjoying our stay in peace.
Whether for families, couples or groups of friends, this hotel is a top choice for memorable vacations in the Maldives. We leave delighted and eager to return for new adventures.
About Sun Siyam Resorts
The Sun Siyam adventure began in 1998 with the opening of the first Sun Siyam Vilu Reef resort in the Maldives. Since then, six luxury private islands have joined the Sun Siyam Resorts:
- a 4-star (Sun Siyam Olhuveli),
- four 5-star resorts (Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Siyam World) in the Maldives,
- a 5-star in Sri Lanka (Sun Siyam Pasikudah).
About Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
- Address : Noonu Atoll, Maldives
- Phone: +960 656-0591
- WhatsApp: +960 749 8958
- Email : info.irufushi@sunsiyam.com
- Website : Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
For any questions or special requests, do not hesitate to contact the team at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. They will be happy to help you organize an unforgettable stay.
Current Offers :
Children under 14 years stay free in their parents’ room (max 2 children).
– Children under 14 years old benefit from free meals based on the meal plan of the accompanying adult.