Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: An indulgent island escape

From an incredible spa, a world of dining options to exciting activities like a castaway picnic and a sunset dolphin cruise, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi caters for all and makes for a getaway of haven.

 Misbaah Mansuri

It’s no surprise that an island destination like the Maldives is leading the recovery in the leisure market and has witnessed such a boom after the pandemic. After all, post a year in sweatpants spent at home, the powdery white beaches, azure blue waters and the exotic vibe of the destination is the escapism we’re all craving for. With exactly that in mind, I set off to explore The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives- a popular choice for families and honeymooners alike.

First impression

Set on the Northern Noonu Atoll, post a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé, we reached the resort to be greeted by a warm welcome punctuated with friendly smiles and decadent welcome drinks. Our butler-Faisal had prepared an itinerary of treats and surprises in room-ranging from a beautiful bath set-up, a bottle of bubbly and some scrumptious welcome treats to make our welcome an amazing one.

The resort’s 221 rooms are made up of 151 Beach Villas and 70 Water Villas. Water Villas (five with a separate bedroom) are built over the lagoon and come with glass-panel floors. The two-storey Celebrity Retreat has its own spa, private beach and 24/7 butler. Inside our sprawling Infinity Pool villa, neutral décor and Maldivian-inspired cushions and throws lent a relaxing air, and bathrooms came with Thalgo goodies. There was an earthy, modern natural feel to the decor, with plenty of space and outdoor decks, open-air bathrooms and daybeds. Our villa also came with an oversized multi-level deck area, a cabana, outdoor dining area and private lava stone pool which had to be our favourite part about it. Needless to say, it offered us the opportunity to revel in sublime aquatic views and savour the best sunsets ever, as time stood still.

Food factor

With over 14 restaurants and bars at the property, choices galore for guests. Iru Fushi’s 14 restaurants, available à la carte and all-inclusive, cover everything from contemporary French and Italian cuisine to Asian, Middle Eastern and Japanese. We liked our Italian lunch at Trio that served good pizzas, pasta and managed to ace the tiramisu. Breakfast is served in the main Iru Restaurant, a domed food court with a sand floor and a separate family area. There’s a huge choice at breakfast: tropical fruit, cereals, eggs done a dozen different ways and sausages, Chinese and Indian curries, noodles, pastries and – most importantly – good strong coffee.  Our favourite meal experience has to be Flavors- with its overwater restaurant setting, soft sophisticated music played along and impeccable food. We feasted on some classics like the ravishing French onion soup, unfailable ratatouille and exceptional Creme Brulee. The French specialty restaurant definitely managed to tantalize our taste buds. The gracious staff here is ever-attentive and happy to serve which takes the experience a notch up.

Spa-rty

We spent a good amount of time in the sweet-smelling rooms of the sprawling 20-room Balinese-style spa set in a tropical ‘forest’. Trained therapists here kneaded our muscles into mush, given their hands-on techniques. The 75-minute Jet-Lag therapy administered by my experienced therapist from Bali elevated me to spa heaven. Another highlight, the 90-minutes Shirodhara treatment had me lost in visions of tropical wellness. The final touch was the Maruhabaa and Bondithaan Kurun. The 2-hour long treatment took us through a fusion of two Maldivian treatments Coconut Scrub, Coconut Milk Bath, Herbal Poultice Massage in warm coconut oil. Through the spa treatments, I emerged not only spoiled to the core but ready to take on the world!

A world of activities

To keep guests regaled, the property organizes a world full of activities. The island itself has a dive centre, 24-hour gym and free weekly yoga sessions – you’d be hard pushed to get bored. There are two infinity pools – one 25 metres long and adults-only – a hair salon, free masks and flippers for snorkelling and a recreation room with pool tables, table tennis and a late check-out lounge with showers. Evening entertainment consists of live music, DJs and traditional boduberu (dancing and drumming). Being the Maldives, you’ll find yourself in watersports heaven, with activities catering to every level of skill and experience, whether it’s sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding or diving.

A complimentary guided nature tour of the 52-acre resort teaches guests about the indigenous flora and fauna of the region, and there is the opportunity to jump aboard a dolphin-watching sunset cruise or even experience a castaway picnic prepared by the team for you to feast on in the tropical landscape. Even after you leave the property, the Sun Siyam Seaplane lounge with its comfy recliners, refreshing juices and quick grubs manages to keep you regaled until you board your flight. Shoutout to Ashish from the seaplane lounge managed to whip up some scrumptious Grilled Chicken and desserts before we could leave for our flight back to reality. What’s lovely about Sun Siyam is how different ages and tastes are catered for on this beautiful island, with a smile.