Maldives Girls Trip to Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Note: This post is sponsored by Sun Siyam Resorts. As always, all opinions are my own.
Everyone thinks that the Maldives is a destination just for honeymooners. But Sun Siyam Resorts is proving them wrong with their resorts that cater to groups of friends, families and more. I recently stayed at two of their resorts for a girls trip to the Maldives and we had such a fun trip.
We stayed at Siyam World for 4 nights and Sun Siyam Olhuveli for 4 nights. Both resorts are set on their very own private islands in the Maldives, making them the ultimate bucket list destinations for our Maldives girls trip.
Siyam World is a recently-built 5-star luxury hotel known for its unique, high-end and extensive on-site activities and excursions. Sun Siyam Olhuveli is a 4-star hotel known for its more affordable stays and accommodations, and its excursions for adventure seekers.
It turns out, you don’t need to wait for your honeymoon or a milestone birthday to visit the Maldives. If you stay at Sun Siyam Resorts, the Maldives is an ideal destination for your next girls trip.
And no, you won’t feel out of place in a group of friends at Siyam World or Sun Siyam Olhuveli. They both cater to groups of friends and families, so you won’t feel like you’re crashing anyone’s honeymoon.
Keep reading to learn why your next girls trip should be to Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli in the Maldives.
Getting There
We flew to the Maldives from New York City. Yes, it was a looong journey, connecting through Abu Dhabi. It took our group almost a full day to reach the Maldives. When we landed, Sun Siyam Resorts took care of our transfers to the resorts.
Getting to Siyam World
Siyam World is reachable by seaplane from Velana International Airport (the main airport in the Maldives). The 45-minute seaplane ride to and from the resort was one of the most memorable plane rides of my life. And I fly often!
The Maldives is a collection of islands and it has the most jaw-droppingly blue water, so it’s incredibly beautiful when viewed from above. It was a bucket list moment to actually see our resort on its private island from the seaplane.
Getting to Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is reachable from Velana International Airport by speedboat. Our group had an absolute blast during this fast-paced boat ride. It was fun to see the Maldives from a different perspective on the water after taking a seaplane to our first resort.
Sun Siyam Airport Lounge
When you fly into Velana International Airport in the Maldives, you may have to wait to catch your seaplane or speedboat to your resort. Luckily, Sun Siyam Resorts has a private and luxurious airport lounge for its guests.
The lounge has complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, an outdoor terrace, and even free massages. So, you can lounge around with your friends in style while you wait for your seaplane or speedboat. It was nice to sip on cappuccinos and snack on tea sandwiches and cookies while we waited!
The Overwater Villas
I’m obsessed with overwater villas (also referred to by some people as overwater bungalows). There’s nothing like staying in a room with your own private access to the ocean or a lagoon. Especially when you have your own private infinity pool.
When you stay at Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, you can stay in an iconic overwater villa at each resort. As it turns out, overwater villas are not just for couples vacations. They’re the perfect place to stay with your best friends because they’re spacious, and have private pools and sun decks that are just the right size and layout for having private pool parties with a small group of friends.
Siyam World Overwater Villas
Lagoon Villa with Pool + Slide
At Siyam World, I stayed in a 1044 square foot overwater Lagoon Villa with Pool + Slide, which I shared with one friend. Yes, our luxurious overwater villa came with a private pool AND its very own water slide. Our other two friends stayed in the villa next door, making it easy for us to spend time together as a group.
I stayed in villa 537 which I highly recommend, since it’s a corner villa with sweeping water views on two sides. Siyam World is the newest resort in the Sun Siyam group, and it felt like our spacious room was practically brand new.
The water slide was the highlight of our stay: I went down it at least 3 times every single day. The lagoon was calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling right from our room.
Our villa also had a private sundeck with a ladder leading right into the lagoon and two sun loungers, a comfortable couch, a large TV, a big bathroom with a soaker tub, and a mini bar that was included with our room (aka no extra charges). It was the perfect room size for two friends to share.
Siyam World also has beach villas, and larger villas that fit bigger families and large groups of friends. With 16 different classes of villas, you’ll find the perfect room(s) for your girls trip to the Maldives.
3 Bedroom Lagoon Villa with Pool + Slide
We got to check out one of the larger villas when the resort hosted a private pool party for our group at Siyam World’s epic 3 Bedroom Lagoon Villa with Pool + Slide. The resort set up appetizers, cocktails, a DJ and even cute pool floats for us so we could take the perfect group photos.
I was absolutely blown away by the size and luxuriousness of this villa. Next time I visit Siyam World resort, I want to stay in that villa with a group of friends.
This 3305 square foot villa has a massive pool and the largest water slide we saw that the resort. It sleeps 9 adults and would be an unforgettable location for a bachelorette party or larger girls trip to the Maldives.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Grand Water Villa with Pool
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, I stayed in a 1206 square foot Grand Water Villa with Pool, which I shared with one friend. This is one of the newer classes of rooms at the resort, and it’s spacious with contemporary design. Our other two friends stayed in the neighboring villa.
Our villa had a private pool and direct access to the ocean. Although, due to the strong currents, we did not swim right off our villa. If you want to be able to swim from your room, I’d recommend requesting a villa in one of the calmer parts of the resort.
Our villa also had a spacious private deck with a daybed, dining area and sun loungers. It was a great spot to have drinks and spend time with my friends.
I also loved the spacious bathroom in our villa – it was perfect for sharing with my friend because we each had tons of space to get ready before dinner each night.
Presidential Water Suite
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, we also had the chance to check out the Presidential Water Suite. The resort hosted a floating breakfast for me and my friends there, which was such a fun morning. The heart shaped trays were so cute, and they served us sweet and savory breakfast options and drinks in fresh coconuts and pineapples.
This overwater villa has the most incredible deck, pool and location. It faces beautiful, calm, crystal clear water that’s perfect for swimming. We had the best morning eating our floating breakfast, and taking dips in the pool and ocean.
The Presidential Water Suite at Sun Siyam Olhuveli is 2906 square feet, has two bedrooms, and sleeps 6 adults. It has a very stylish and yet still traditional aesthetic, with dark wood and huge windows with sweeping water views in almost every direction. It would be so much fun to share this villa with a group of friends.
Bucket List Excursions: Great for Groups
Both Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli are known for their fun and exciting excursions. I’ve had people ask me if the Maldives is boring and my answer is no as long as you stay at the right resort.
There is so much to do at each of Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, so you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay.
Siyam World Snorkeling
At Siyam World, we went on their snorkeling excursion, which was a very fun morning. Especially since I hadn’t had the chance to go snorkeling in a long time. Our group was split between expert swimmers who didn’t need their life jackets…and two of us who chose to keep our life jackets on.
The water in the Maldives is crystal clear, and we saw some beautiful colorful fish. I also snorkeled off our villa most days, since the water was quite calm.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Three Point Snorkeling
We also did a snorkeling excursion at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, which has some of the best and most varied snorkeling excursions in the Maldives.
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, we took their famous Three Point Snorkeling excursion. As the name suggests, you snorkel at three different spots.
At the first snorkeling point, we saw some beautiful sea turtles. One of them even swam under me and it was so magical to see the turtle float by!
The second point was a spot where you can swim with the nurse sharks. I was too scared to jump in the water, which I regret looking back because it looked very fun and safe. But, instead, I watched the sharks from our boat. It was so cool to see all of the sharks congregating in the area. I’ve never seen sharks so close up! Next time I visit Sun Siyam Olhuveli, I’m taking this excursion again and actually jumping in!
The third snorkeling spot was at a coral reef. We were able to snorkel all around the reef to see the fish and coral. Of course, we were mindful not to touch or get too close to the reef.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli also offers a shipwreck snorkeling excursion for adventurous travelers, which I would definitely do next time. Yes, you actually get to snorkel around and even jump off a real life shipwreck!
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Sandbank Excursion
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, we also did their sandbank excursion. This is a “castaway” type experience where you take a boat out to a private sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Then, you can swim and enjoy the a white sand beach in your own private paradise, surrounded by the bluest water you’ll ever see.
On the sandbank, the Sun Siyam Olhuveli team had set up a shaded seating area with beanbag chairs, a table, and a spread of food and drinks for us. It was such a unique experience to have a private cocktail party on our very own sandbank.
Fun Onsite Activities
In addition to their exciting excursions, both resorts have so many fun on-site activities and experiences for your group of girls to choose from.
Siyam World Horseback Riding
Sun Siyam has the very first horseback riding ranch located at a Maldives resort! I love horses, so I was super excited for this activity. The resort provides everything you need, like riding boots and helmets if you want to wear one.
Our group had so much fun horseback riding together on the white sand beach. We rode slowly and had supervision from the resort staff the entire time, so this is a perfect opportunity for beginners if you’d like to try horseback riding for the first time.
Siyam World Waterpark
At Siyam World, we also got to experience Siyam Water World, which is the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating water park. It was an absolute blast to walk, jump and climb over and around the different obstacles in the water park.
This activity will definitely bring out your inner child. I’m a clumsy person, so my friends and I all had a big laugh when I accidentally fell into the water!
When you fly over Siyam World in the seaplane, you can see the water park since it spells out “Siyam” from above. I thought that was a very cool and unique touch!
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Cocktail Class
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, the resort organized a private cocktail making class for our group of girls. We had so much fun learning how to make different cocktails, like a French 75, from Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s bartenders.
And, of course, we sampled our creations on the white sand beach after our cocktail making class was over.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Floating Platform Dinner
One of the most unique things we did at Sun Siyam Olhuveli was have a floating platform dinner one night. It was such a magical thing to do with my friends!
The resort has a floating wooden platform in their internal lagoon, which they bring you to by boat. Then, you’re served a high-end multi-course dinner in that magical setting. Most of us opted to drink champagne (and yes, they served us the good stuff: Taittinger champagne). We also ordered Maldivian lobster as our entree, which was absolutely delicious.
The floating platform fits 4 people, so it was perfect for our group of girls. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for foodies like me and my friends.
Watersports
Both Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World offer extensive on-site watersports like kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. We rented clear kayaks at Siyam World, which I’ve always wanted to do. I loved paddling our kayak and being able to see the fish beneath us.
Siyam World also offers other higher-tech watersports for people who are adrenaline junkies. For example, you can rent a cudajet underwater jetpack, a seabreacher semisubmersible, jetskis, and hydrofoil ebikes that you can ride on the surface of the water.
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, they also offer other watersports for adrenaline seekers, like jetskiing, kitesurfing, parasailing, windsurfing and more.
Hit the Beach
When you travel to the Maldives for a girls trip, of course, you’ll want to hit the beach. Since the Maldives is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, we made a point of getting in some beach time every day.
At Siyam World, you can choose from so many different beaches. Siyam World has 4 km of beaches with the most powdery, soft white sand. They have sun loungers and hammocks set up throughout the resort, so you’ll always find a comfortable place to sit back, relax, and listen to the waves.
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, you can also choose from a wide variety of beaches across the island. Sun Siyam Olhuveli also has photogenic and social media-worthy hammocks and swings in the water. So, you’ll be sure to get that perfect Instagram shot with your besties during your Maldives girls trip.
Fitness + Spas
If you want to get in a workout at Siyam World, there are tennis courts where you can take lessons and a full sized soccer pitch.
Both resorts also have on-site spas and offer fitness classes, like yoga.
All-Inclusive Dining + Drinks
Dining
One of my biggest tips for your Maldives girls trip is to make sure you stay at a resort with an all-inclusive package. Our trip was so much more relaxing since we didn’t have to even think about the cost of the food, wine, cocktails and other drinks we were ordering. And since it was a girls trip to the Maldives, we definitely celebrated with a few drinks!
At Siyam World, all guests are on the WOW! Inclusive meal plan. With premium all-inclusive plan, you’ll enjoy dining and unlimited drinks in 11 different restaurants and bars at the resort. The meal plan includes buffets (the breakfast buffet at Siyam World is truly to die for) and also four specialty à la carte venues for dinner. The à la carte restaurants include Maldivian, Indian, Thai and Mediterranean, and they all have beautiful ambiance and great food.
At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, you can choose between Bed and Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board and All Inclusive options. I personally recommend the Premium All Inclusive plan, because it allows you to eat at both the buffets and some of the à la carte venues too.
My favorite restaurant at Sun Siyam Olhuveli was the Thai restaurant (I had lunch there multiple times it was so delicious!), but I also really enjoyed having lunch at their beachfront pizza place called Island Pizza and their grill-style restaurant Maghrib Grill.
Bars
Both resorts have a variety of different bars spread across their private islands, where you can grab a cocktail, wine, champagne or non-alcoholic drink.
Siyam World has 7 different bars to choose from. My favorite was Orchid Bar, because it has the most beautiful sunset views. Sun Siyam Olhuveli has 4 bars, and my favorite was Dhoni Bar near the resort’s main infinity pool.
Evening Activities
Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli both have nightly entertainment and activities. These include movie screenings, live music, after dark pool parties, cultural shows and we even saw a fire dancer!
Maldives Girls Trip Wrap-Up
Overall, we had so much fun taking a girls trip to the Maldives. I used to think that the Maldives was just a honeymoon destination but that’s totally wrong. If you stay at the right resorts, like Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, the Maldives is such a fun and relaxing place for your next vacation.
With its beautiful resorts, white sand beaches, thrilling excursions and delicious food, you and your besties will love checking the Maldives off your travel bucket list together!
