Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is incredible destination with a welcoming and accommodating staff. The marine life (including coral reefs) exceeded expectations, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, it's perfect for unwinding and embracing the tranquility of the surroundings. A special shoutout to Gulnaz for her exceptional assistance, especially when I had to stay in room due to some health issues—she arranged a doctor visit and ensured all necessities were promptly delivered to the room. Without a doubt, I highly recommend this resort. Read less

This was our 2nd trip to the Maldives, but our first visit to this resort. On the whole we had a great time and would recommend. There have been lots said about all the positives, we 100% agree with a lot of them, but for context there were a few cons (in our opinion only of course) which we'd thought we'd share so you're aware and may help with making choices etc. I guess the first disappointment was literally on arrival, there were only 2 couples being dropped off and we saw a welcome party on the Jetty and were looking forward to being welcomed to the Island, but it couldn't have been a more lacklustre performance, especially from the drummer .... literally a few bangs on the drum and that was it! There were necklaces made from leaves, which were a nice touch, but it all seemed very perfunctory rather than special. Maybe it was just an off day, but it was a bit disappointing for us to start the holiday compared with our first visit to a different island a few years ago. There is a working Island next to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and it is quite close, quite unattractive and can be a tad noisy at times ...... however, I believe most Beach Villas didn't have a full on view of it from their rooms due to the lovely foliage in the gardens (I've attached photos of the beach this side for clarity). If you don't wish to be on the side of the working Island you'll need to upgrade to a Pool Villa or Water Villa, otherwise the majority of Beach Villas (Basic and Deluxe) were on this side. I've attached a photo of the working Island so you can make your own mind up if it's a distraction or not. The Sunset/Dolphin cruise... well it's included so can't really moan about it, but again, no effort was made by the staff to give any commentary, or even offer you drinks, which were available apparently, but you had to ask, which we didn't realise. If you spoke to them first, they'd chat to you and I guess if you actually saw Dolphins it would have been a different matter, but basically it just skirts the Island, so you don't get to see much more than you would from the Island. Personally we just found it a tad boring. Thali Dinner Night ..... well, after the Lobster night (which was fabulous and well worth the money in our opinion) we were expecting great things, but if we had our time again we wouldn't have done this as the food was luke warm and for the extra price it really was not worth it (although the setting is glorious... so pretty with the lighting/ambience, but not great trying to see what you were eating so take your mobile for lighting!). The Indian food the restaurant served every evening (which is included on the Emerald All Inclusive), was so much better ..... and hot! I did mention this to the chef who comes out to every table after service, but I just felt they didn't know what to say unless they were being complimented ... and we did compliment every other night we ate there! If you're a wine buff, then I suggest you purchase bottles of your choice, as the AlI Inclusive wine list wasn't great, (in fact some was absolutely awful .... again in our opinion as we tend to like good quality wines). Also it was never cold enough, but they wouldn't put it in an ice bucket at your table, so each time we had to keep saying we want it very cold, (which is our preference with white wine). It would be so much easier if we could just have the bottle on ice with us rather than offering us ice cubes to put with our wine in our glass! The Aqua restaurant was fine for breakfast/lunch, but for us it didn't have a great atmosphere for romantic evening dinners. Lots of food to choose from, the couple of time we did eat there, what we had was fine, but if you like to be served your food at the table and not queue or have kiddies running around all over the place, then Well Done and Spice Restaurants are a much nicer experience. One thing which really is so annoying is people on their mobile phones, on loudspeaker, whilst eating their dinner .... it just spoils it for everyone else around them, but it seems they just don't care about that. If you need to make a call, please be courteous and do it before/after dinner. Anyway, there was so many positives about the Island I don't want to end my review on disappointments, so here are some stand out memories: Staff, most were so very happy, kind and helpful ... we were served mainly by Aami, Nisha and Shaff who were fabulous, there were also lovely barmen at the pool bar and Nautilus bar, but I just couldn't remember how to spell their names! ... but always smiling and remembered our room number after day 2! Our guest experience manager, Mohamed, was extremely friendly and helpful. Our room was also kept fabulous but did not see who our cleaner was unfortunately. Lobster night was well worth the extra in our opinion, as much lobster as you can eat as well as the most wonderful selection of other seafood on offer .... and hot! The Island is very beautiful and well kept, staff were always sweeping and tidying etc. Loved Well Done and Spice restaurants, beautifully positioned and lit up so prettily. Spa - very expensive, but the best massage I've had for a very long time. I think Eka was my masseuse, just brilliant! I asked for a strong massage and she certainly provided .... had to grit my teeth a few times! It's a shame it is so pricey otherwise I would definitely have booked more. They do come around touting every day so obviously not too busy. We are a couple who are young 60 somethings, we love holidaying and enjoying good service/food/wine etc., We did have a lovely time here, but probably wouldn't return to this particular island again as we'd choose a bigger Island with more restaurant choices, or maybe look at adults only next time. But if you're going to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, we're sure you'll enjoy it and hopefully the above has provided you with some beneficial info. Read less