Discovering the Maldives, I hardly hoped for it, but then going on vacation to the Maldives with my family, I hadn’t imagined it at all! Yet that’s what we did, and what an amazing experience. Children absolutely have their place in this paradise, and Sun Siyam has understood it well!
Having set foot in the Maldives, we knew that we were going to have an extraordinary experience. You are welcomed at Malé airport by the Sun Siyam teams who handle your seaplane registration and guide you to the lounge, where you can wait. There, you will find everything you need to relax, eat, drink and even get a massage! As for the children, a dedicated space is there to keep them occupied.
Next, you embark on a 45-minute seaplane flight and you take it all in: flying over turquoise atolls and white sand beaches, it was like being in a waking dream.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with music, smiles and cold drinks, perfect for hydrating us after the trip and getting used to the 30 degrees that would stay with us throughout the stay. Our personal butler, who spoke French, 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 bought 10 years later by the Maldivian group Sun Siyam. Located in the Noonu atoll, one is transported by its butler as soon as one’s foot lands on the arrival dock.
Iru Fushi consists of 221 villas, 7 restaurants, 5 bars including an adults only one and a spa recognized as the most beautiful in the world (just that!). In terms of activities, there is something for all tastes and ages: water sports, excursions, wellness, and many more.
What we liked is that Iru Fushi is human-sized. Spanning 21 hectares, you can walk around the island in 30/40 minutes 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 posts available almost everywhere. Despite the number of accommodations offered, we didn’t have this feeling 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 private pools, as well as a kids’ club and the family-friendly Fluid pool. 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 for adults only 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 events organized throughout the week that offer 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 difficult!
During our stay at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we were lucky enough to stay in two different accommodations: a luxury family beach villa with a pool and an Infinity overwater villa. Two completely different experiences, both as exceptional as the other, so much so that we can’t say 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 offered all the necessary comfort 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 merging with nature while enjoying modern luxury. Imagine waking up each morning with a breathtaking view of the lagoon, the sun’s rays gently filtering through the curtains, a Nespresso coffee in hand, savoured on the terrace, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
The outdoor bathroom was a true oasis, with an open-air shower surrounded by tropical plants – a moment of pure serenity, what bliss after a long day to be able to enjoy a shower under the open stars. It also has a traditional shower, a jet bathtub and two washbasins.
The rest of the 140m² villa is at level with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, a minibar restocked daily, 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
Halfway through our stay, we had the privilege of moving into an Infinity Water Villa. Impossible to experience the Maldives without a stilt house you might say! And what a unique experience it is to live on the water, with a breath-taking view of the ocean, and the ability to slip directly into the lagoon from our private terrace. The children were amazed to be able to watch the fish right under their feet thanks to the glass floor in the living room.
155m² of pure happiness 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 coffee maker, air conditioning, television, etc.
The little touches in the room
At Iru Fushi, you are in a 5-star, which comes with its set of services and small attentions. First of all, we appreciated that the children were not forgotten: robes and slippers adapted to their size, life jackets in the room, beds prepared in advance, small scenes set up every day with their toys and “cuddly toys”; these little details that make all the difference and leave them with an everlasting memory of their stay.
Next, the bathroom comes with all the essentials for your stay: soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, comb, razors, hairdryer, sanitary pads, loofah, etc. You will even find a beach bag in case you forgot yours, and also umbrellas (yes, it sometimes rains 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’s nothing better than returning from your adventures and having clean towels available and a well-stocked mini-bar.
Finally, the hotel offers two year-round deals for children, so you no longer hesitate to take them with you to this paradise: Children under the age of 14 stay for free in their parents’ room (2 children max.) and benefit from free meals based on the adult’s meal plan accompanying them!
Activities for all tastes
We started our stay with an hour of spa care in duo, a real moment of relaxation where we were able to enjoy massages and relaxing treatments, perfect after the 11 hours of flight that separate us from France. During this time, our children were able to enjoy the kids club, for children from 3 to 12 years old. Once you push the doors of the Spa by Thalgo, you are transported into a Japanese-style wellness bubble. There are no less than 20 cabins, a menu with over 140 treatments from different horizons: acupuncture, Ayurvedic (consultation with a specialized doctor possible), Maldivians, etc. You also have the possibility to book sauna, steam baths 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 islet of Thanburudhoo. This outing included a family snorkeling session in the open sea, accompanied by a marine biologist (which is reassuring), with all the equipment provided on site. Once lunchtime arrived, a luxury picnic awaited us on a deserted beach. Whether on the boat or on the islet, the staff is attentive to you and goes above and beyond to satisfy your desires.
We also had the opportunity to have an additional snorkeling session at the Nemo Garden, a dedicated aquatic trail, 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 were able to experience swimming alongside blacktip sharks, turtles and rays. Be aware that you can borrow snorkel masks, fins and snorkels for free throughout your stay, allowing you to explore every corner of the island.
Another noteworthy activity, we planted our own coconut tree as a family. Both fun and educational, it’s an opportunity to teach children the importance of preserving nature. In fact, every year, nearly 700 coconut trees are planted on the island by guests, carefully watched and tended to by the hotel’s team of gardeners. But this is not the only eco-friendly initiative, there is also a coral monitoring program.
At Iru Fushi, you also have a multitude of water and aquatic activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, sailing, jet skiing, towed buoy, etc. You can’t miss the diving center which offers sessions for all levels. Motorized activities are indeed chargeable, but the rest are not, so feel free to take advantage 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 various meal plans: Bed and Breakfast, half-board, full-board, or all inclusive.
We start with the Iru Restaurant, in the form of a varied and plentiful buffet, open from breakfast to dinner. We appreciated the family area with games and distractions for the children. It offers all kinds of cuisines, more or less balanced with healthier and gluten-free options, but also many 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, with your feet in the sand; the Taste of India, remember to ask for “not spicy” for sensitive palates; and the Bamboo. Although each of these restaurants has its own identity, all three offer impeccable service and tasty and sophisticated dishes.
For a snack, don’t miss the Cremeria ice cream shop, which offers artisanal ice creams, iced frappés, milkshakes and even fruit juices. If you feel a little hungry outside of meal times, the pool bars – Fluid (family atmosphere) and Reflexion (adult only) – are able to offer snacks.
Our stay at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was a real success for the whole family. Combining luxury, comfort and outstanding attention to the needs of its guests, we had an unforgettable experience.
Even when a small unexpected incident occurred, Iru Fushi was able to provide us with a solution. From the 2nd day onwards, our daughter had an allergic reaction. Fortunately, the hotel has an on-site medical service with a doctor and a nurse available 24/7. Their quick intervention enabled us to manage the situation without stress, with great kindness and consideration, enabling us to continue enjoying our stay in complete 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 Sun Siyam Resorts:
- a 4 star (Sun Siyam Olhuveli),
- four 5 stars (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, please do not hesitate to contact the team at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. They will be pleased to help you organize an unforgettable stay.