Latest news with #SunSiyamOlhuveli
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
How I did a luxury holiday in the Maldives for cheaper than a week at Center Parcs
I WAS lucky enough to travel to the Maldives recently – the stunning islands in the Indian Ocean, where the warm waters are teeming with tropical fish and turtles. The destination is - simply put - paradise. But what surprised me most about my exotic getaway wasn't the white sand beaches or the turquoise waters. It was the affordable price tag. A family holiday in the Maldives, it seems, may even cost you less than an activity-packed getaway at Center Parcs, right here in the UK. The cost of living crisis and newly-introduced taxes have caused the price of UK holidays to soar in recent years, with staycations setting families back eye-watering sums. New data from On the Beach showed that 34 per cent of Brits believe a holiday in one of Europe's beach resorts offers better value for money than a UK break. Depending on which resort you choose, there's endless fun for both kids and adults, as I found during my recent stay at the 4* Sun Siyam Olhuveli, in the South Malé Atoll. A whole week can be spent snorkelling through colourful reefs, sharpening up your racket skills on the tennis court and speeding across the ocean behind the wheel of a car that drives on water. After a short stint here, my opinion on the sleepy honeymoon hotspot had changed completely. There was so much to do that the destination felt somewhat like a Center Parcs, only with much warmer weather AND (here's the key point) it was cheaper – yes, really. So, can a luxury holiday in the balmy Maldives really match the great British getaway on price? I've crunched the numbers and the answer is yes. Center Parcs' Elveden Forest in Suffolk recently opened a number of luxury water lodges, set on its tranquil lake, much like the over-water villas that are synonymous with the Maldives. And much like the Maldives, Center Parcs is also bursting at the seams with activities. Archery classes? Yep. Watersports activities? Plenty of those. Indoor gaming areas? Teens will love that. But all of these activities don't come cheap. And, ultimately, that's what sways the price. 11 11 Travellers can bag themselves a seven-night all-inclusive break at Sun Siyam Olhuveli for £1,359pp for a family of four travelling in June 2025, outside of the school holidays, with Travelbag. This price includes all flights and speedboat transfers to the resort, too, plus a lot of activities and snorkel gear. It means that kids and parents can wander from their bedroom straight into the ocean or house reef to spot a plethora of fish. The cost above also includes an excursion, such as a sunset cruise where you'll take in breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean (keep your eyes peeled for dolphins). What else? On top of the bucket list experiences, dotted around the resort is a giant chess board, tennis and badminton courts and beach volleyball. Non-motorised water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, Maldivian themed nights, evening entertainment and weekly prize giveaways are also included in the price above. So, for a family of four, the total cost racks up to £5,436, which admittedly does sound steep - and you will have to travel during term time to bag this last-minute deal. But what I love about an all-inclusive is that you don't need to spend a penny when you're there. And with these packages covering nearly every restaurant at the resort as well as certain drinks and cocktails, you're not missing out. Center Parcs, by comparison, looks a similar price at first glance, during the same time of year. A quick search showed that to stay in one of the resort's new waterside lodges at Elveden Forest during the same month next year will cost around £5,298 for one week. This does, however, sleep six guests instead of four - so you'll have room for an extra two kids or you can bring the grandparents along for babysitting duties. Food and drink is not included, though, and nor are most of the activities. And this is where the costs add up pushing it significantly over my Maldives trip. One lasagne will set you back a hefty £17 at Center Parc's Whinfell Forest resort, while a prawn spaghetti costs £18. Multiply that by a family of four and that comes to over £500 for just one meal each across the week. Extras like archery sessions cost from £21pp for 55 minutes, while paintballing costs £47 and kayaking is £15 for a double kayak for 30 minutes, all at Elveden Forest. It's easy to see how the prices can soar. That's not to say that Center Parcs doesn't have its perks. In terms of activities, this adventure holiday company is unbeatable and a small Maldivian island simply can't compete on scale. The prices can't exactly be compared like for like, either, with costs varying according to the time of year and number of people visiting. But if you're after something different, where you won't have to panic about spending money when you're there, booking a package further afield could be the way to go. One thing is for sure. The look of sheer excitement on your child's face when they spot their first turtle is something money can't buy.
Syyaha
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Syyaha
Eid Al-Adha at Sun Siyam Olhuveli – A Five-Day Festival of Music, Magic & Maldivian Soul from June 06th – 10th, 2025
Male, Maldives, May 22nd, 2025: This Eid Al-Adha, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives invites guests to experience an extraordinary island-wide festival with a vibrant, five-day cultural and entertainment showcase running from 6th to 10th June 2025. Combining the rich heritage of the Maldives with a cutting-edge international lineup, the celebration promises something for every kind of traveler — from lovers of music and dance to families seeking a soulful tropical escape. Taking centre stage is none other than DJ Kaboo, the Dubai-based Egyptian talent renowned for pioneering 'Arab Trap' music and captivating global audiences with his high-octane sets. Known for his feature in Marvel's Moon Knight soundtrack and electrifying performances across the globe, DJ Kaboo will headline the festivities with his signature fusion of deep-rooted Arabic sounds and modern beats. Adding wonder to the evenings is magician and mentalist Thomas McElroy, straight from the stage of Mesmerise Dubai. His interactive and mind-bending illusions will transport audiences into a realm of awe and wonder, creating magical moments that guests of all ages will remember. Further elevating the cultural ambiance is Belly Dancer Otta, an American-born dancer and circus artist celebrated for her captivating stage presence and rhythmic elegance. Her exotic, high-energy performances will blend seamlessly with the island's celebratory mood, adding a dynamic visual flair to the nightly lineup. Beyond the spotlight, the resort will come alive with authentic Maldivian traditions: Traditional music and dance Folk games like Koadi Nerun and Dheli Mali The colorful Eid Market, Bodu Mas parades, and Cultural Shows All set against the stunning backdrop of one of the Maldives' most picturesque islands. 'This upcoming Eid Al-Adha celebration is our tribute to Maldivian culture and our global community,' says Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. 'By integrating homegrown traditions with top-tier international entertainment, we aim to create an inclusive, joyful experience that reflects the spirit of Eid—bringing people together in celebration, discovery, and connection.' For those seeking an immersive getaway during the Eid holidays, the resort invites guests to take advantage of its exclusive Eid Offer, including up to 40% off on stays, daily breakfast and dinner, complimentary airport transfers, and a range of cultural activities designed to create meaningful memories with loved ones. To learn more and book the Eid offer at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, visit:
Syyaha
14-03-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
SUN SIYAM RESORTS PROMOTES AHMED NAUFAL TO GROUP DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Sun Siyam Resorts announces the promotion of Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Business Development effective immediately. Naufal steps into this expanded position after his outstanding performance as the Group Director of Sales & Marketing. In his expanded role, Naufal will leverage his extensive experience to lead key initiatives that foster long-term growth and further solidify Sun Siyam Resorts' position in the market. He will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop innovative strategies, drive operational efficiencies, and support the company's efforts to expand into new markets, all while enhancing the brand's presence across its luxury properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Commenting on Naufal's promotion, Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts, said, ' We are proud to promote Naufal , whose passion and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the success of our resorts. His leadership and deep understanding of the hospitality industry make him the perfect fit to guide us through the next phase of our growth. We are excited about the future under his actions , and confident his expertise will continue to take Sun Siyam Resorts to new heights.' Naufal joined Sun Siyam Resorts in 2021 as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where he quickly demonstrated his ability to drive business success. His efforts led to his promotion to Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing in 2023, where he was responsible for managing sales activities across several key resorts, before taking on the Group Director of Sales & Marketing role in early 2024 for Sun Siyam Resorts six properties in the Maldives & Sri Lanka. His extensive career, spanning 18 years, includes leadership roles at renowned resorts such as One&Only Kanuhura, Baros Maldives, and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. A seasoned hospitality professional, Naufal holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Tourism Management from the Maldives National University, and has further sharpened his skills with courses in Business Strategy and Revenue Management from Cornell University. To find out more visit or follow the resorts on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Syyaha
06-03-2025
- Syyaha
SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI UNVEILS MALDIVES' LONGEST POOL AND REIMAGINED BEACH & SUNSET BEACH PAVILIONS
New design, record-breaking pool, and enhanced guest experiences now open Sun Siyam Olhuveli, is set to unveil its entirely refurbished Beach and Sunset Beach Pavilions alongside the opening of the Maldives' Longest Pool, an incredible 210 m masterpiece, on March 1st, 2025, combining fresh design and a more refined guest experience. The newly revamped Beach Pavilions represent a thoughtful evolution of the previous Deluxe Rooms, now offering an elevated yet approachable luxury designed to balance comfort and style – a new era of beachfront living in the Maldives. Available in two categories, these two-story, four room accommodations seamlessly connect guests to their stunning surroundings, offering private terraces with uninterrupted views of the beach, lagoon, and ocean. The 40 x Beach Pavilions face the lagoon and provide direct beach and pool access, while the 60 x Sunset Beach Pavilions showcase spectacular ocean and sunset vistas and overlook the Maldives' longest pool, enhanced by a sunken pool bar for ultimate relaxation. Whether enjoying a tranquil swim or unwinding on the private terrace, guests are immersed in a setting that perfectly balances simplicity and sophistication. The interior design, reimagined by London-based Studio Sixty7 over a six-month period, features a seamless open-plan concept that emphasizes a connection to the outdoors and uninterrupted ocean views. The new design replaces darker tones with a light, modern neutral palette, incorporating soft grey stripes, natural linens, and rich veined marble tiles in the open-plan bathrooms for a touch of understated luxury. Thoughtfully integrated lighting and subtle design elements create a calming, home-like environment where guests can unwind and enjoy their private sanctuary. A major highlight is the opening of the 210 m long pool, the longest in the Maldives, running parallel to the beach and featuring a sunken pool bar ideal for casual socializing. A second 131 m pool offers additional space for relaxation, ensuring guests are never far from a refreshing dip. Both pools are ocean-facing, seamlessly connecting guests with the stunning Maldivian surroundings. 'We have made these uplifting changes to one of our most high-in-demand room categories, and we are confident that this transformation makes it the best, value-for-money beachfront stay in the Maldives today, ' says Hassan Adil, Assistant Group General Manager of Sun Siyam Resorts. The refreshed pavilions and new pools align with Olhuveli's 24 hour attainable all-inclusive focus, offering guests everything they need for a stress-free stay , from diverse dining, to all-inclusive cocktails by the pool. The new Beach Pavilions and Sunset Beach Pavilions at Sun Siyam Olhuveli will welcome guests starting March 1, 2025, with bookings now available for those seeking a stylish yet practical beachfront retreat in the Maldives. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a relaxing break with friends, these record-breaking pools and revitalized pavilions offer an unmatched escape in the heart of the Indian Ocean. For more information about Sun Siyam Olhuveli visit
