The Maldives - where reality is better than your dreams! @SiyamWorld

We had never visited the Maldives before, and always were probably a little concerned that the various islands and resorts – which of course are small by their nature – would have enough to engage us for a full holiday.

When I read about Siyam World last year however, it seemed to offer that combination of a beautiful, pristine, relaxed paradise but with sufficient size and variety. How right we were!!! This was a magnificent destination, and one of the very best holidays we’ve had.

After a long journey from Dublin via Abu Dhabi, we had a bit of a wait for our seaplane, but the seaplane terminal lounge from Siyam was very relaxing and comfortable, with a great view of all the comings and goings.

After a 45-minute transfer, we met our ambassador Soni who was such a help and friend throughout our week there. Early check in to the beautiful water villa, with slide directly into the sea! Hard to think that these are the “entry level” rooms.

The whole island and resort is so well designed. Despite being the biggest resort currently in the Maldives, you always feel as if you have space and privacy, or a pristine stretch of beach to yourself. Services like the golf cart buses around the island are such a great help.

So, to take a few aspects in turn.

ROOM
As stated, this was really comfortable and spacious, and the deck with plunge pool and slide was such a treat. Good WiFi (as there was throughout the resort), big bathroom area incl bath. Minibar was a nice selection of drinks and snacks, and our thanks to Rabin from housekeeping for looking after us so well. The room was on one of the bridges *Rialto Bridge) down near the end – a five minute walk from the beach as it happens but our own slice of paradise.

FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
Such a high standard throughout – from the buffet options of Tempo and Barabaru to all the a la carte options. The best of all was Arigato, the Japanese restaurant that did have an additional charge, but soooo worth it. All of them were of a very high standard though.

A special shout out to Sekar in Shipwrecked (pizza restaurant and bar) who was so friendly and fun, and we will remember the limoncello shots and cocktails!

BARS
Linking on from this, the bars give a great range of choice, and the adult only options like Mint and The Orchid are great. The guys at Good Vibrations were very welcoming and great fun. The range, especially of cocktails, in the bars was incredible.

ACTIVITIES / FACILITIES
We used the sports facilities from tennis to windsurfing, to the deceptively difficult water park!! Again, all part of giving so much choice. Thanks to Hussain in the water sports centre for helping me with windsurfing! We didn’t get to do any of the yoga or spa facilities, but no doubt to the same standard as everywhere else.

We hired bikes for a few of the days there – we would have liked if there was a discount option to hire the bikes for the full week, as they are a great way of getting around. A “lap” of the island by bike probably takes about 15 minutes, perfect, flat, great fun.

We did the sunset cruise which had the added bonus of dolphins dancing around the boat! Extras like horse riding looked amazing too.

OTHER PEOPLE
Sabrina and Poppy also merit special mention, for being so warm and friendly.

Overall, this is such a special place and destination, and totally won us over to the Maldives as a destination. Well done Siyam World, 10/10!!

Mere Khayalon Ki Malika Song Lyrics