Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
A reef-front island in the South Maldives, built around the water.
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An island resort on South
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef sits on its own island in the South Maldives, about 145 km from Malé — roughly 35 minutes by seaplane. The resort draws couples and families who want direct reef access, private pools, and a dining lineup with real variety rather than a single buffet hall. The island has a beachfront setting, a house reef, six food and drink venues, a full-service spa, and an SSI-certified dive centre. Most villa categories include a private pool; the Ocean Signature villas add a water slide. The google rating is 4.8/5 across 1,631 reviews.
The honest verdict
A well-equipped 5-star island resort in the South Maldives with strong reef access, multiple dining options, and private pools across most villa categories.
Best for
- Couples wanting overwater villas with pools
- Divers and snorkellers with a house reef on site
- Families with children aged 4–11 (Turtle Kidz club)
- Guests who want genuine dining variety, not one restaurant
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers on a tight budget
- Those wanting a short or easy transfer from Malé
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
The house reef
The reef runs directly off the island and the resort's own dive centre, SSI-certified, runs sessions from beginner level through to night dives and freediving. Snorkelling access is available without booking a boat trip.
Six dining venues
The Aqua handles all-day global buffets in a retro-designed space. The Spice shifts from Italian at lunch to Indian at dinner. Well Done does Maldivian-style grilled seafood on the beach. The Wine Cellar seats private groups for tastings and celebrations. Athireege covers authentic Maldivian breakfasts and dinners in a cultural setting.
Bars and sundowners
The Nautilus is an overwater bar with a sand floor — no shoes, direct sunset views. Positive Energy runs poolside with cocktails, smoothies, and shakes throughout the day.
The Spa at Vilu Reef
Open 9am to 9pm, the spa includes a complimentary hydrotherapy area, steam room, sauna, and plunge pools. Treatments run from Ayurvedic traditions to four-hand massage, Swedish, Thai, and pregnancy and postpartum sessions.
Villas and private pools
Beach villas start at 78 m². Overwater categories go up to 110 m² for the Grand Water Villa. The Ocean Signature villa reaches 150 m² and has a private pool with a water slide. The two-bedroom version covers 330 m² and sleeps up to seven.
Families and kids
The Turtle Kidz club takes children aged 4 to 11 with supervised arts and crafts, a playground, and a shallow pool. Kid-friendly buffet options and children's meals are available across the dining venues.
Rooms & suites
Reef Villa
78 m²
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Terrace
Beach Villa with Pool
78 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
Sunset Reef Villa
78 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Water Villa with Pool
90 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Grand Water Villa with Pool
110 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Ocean Signature Villa with Pool + Slide
150 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Two-Bedroom Water Villa with Pool
220 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 twin beds and 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Two Bedroom Ocean Signature Villa with Pool + Slide
330 m² · sleeps 2 · Bedroom 1: 2 king beds Bedroom 2: 1 king bed Living room: 1 sofa bed
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
Amenities at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Most popular facilities
- 2 swimming pools
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 2 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Beachfront
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Terrace
- Free Wifi
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Beachfront
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Terrace
- Garden
Getting there
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef lies on South in Dhaalu Atoll, about 145 km south of Malé (MLE). The journey is a short domestic flight to the nearest regional airport, then a speedboat across the lagoon to the island.
Expect roughly $150–400 per person round trip for the domestic flight + speedboat, arranged by the property. Confirm the fare when booking.
On the map
The island of South is part of Dhaalu Atoll. Dhaalu Atoll lies in the central of the Maldives, a chain of coral islands ringed by house reefs and turquoise lagoons.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
With 1,631 Google reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef scores consistently well. Guests single out the location, reef quality, and food variety as recurring positives. The private pools and villa space are frequently mentioned, and the overall rating places it among the higher-rated resorts in the South Maldives.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef from Malé airport?
The transfer is by seaplane, approximately 35 minutes from Velana International Airport in Malé. The resort is around 145 km from Malé. Seaplane schedules are typically daylight-hours only, so late arrivals may require an overnight in Malé.
What does the seaplane transfer cost?
The seaplane transfer is priced at USD 495 return per adult and USD 297 return per child aged 2–11. Infants travel free. The official site also lists complimentary seaplane transfer promotions, which vary by booking period.
Which villa categories have a private pool?
Beach Villa with Pool, Pool Beach Villa, Water Villa with Pool, Grand Water Villa with Pool, Ocean Signature Villa with Pool + Slide, and the Two Bedroom Ocean Signature Villa with Pool + Slide all include private pools. The Reef Villa and Sunset Reef Villa do not list a pool.
Is there a house reef for snorkelling?
Yes. The resort has a house reef directly off the island. Snorkelling is accessible without a boat trip. The dive centre is SSI-certified and runs sessions from beginner level through advanced, including night dives and freediving.
How many restaurants are there, and what do they serve?
There are multiple dining venues. The Aqua does all-day global buffets; The Spice serves Italian then Indian; Well Done does beachside grilled seafood; Athireege covers Maldivian cuisine; and the Wine Cellar handles private dining and wine tastings. Two bars run alongside.
Is the resort suitable for families with children?
Yes. The resort has the Turtle Kidz club for children aged 4–11, with supervised activities, a playground, and a shallow pool. Kid-friendly buffet options and children's meals are available, and family rooms are listed among the facilities.
What activities can be arranged through the resort?
The resort organises Jet Ski Safaris, Jet Car Cruises, traditional dhoni fishing trips at sunrise and sunset, catamaran and dhoni sunset cruises, a Gentle Giant Expedition for whale sharks and mantas, and day trips to coral gardens with sandbank lunches.
Is there a spa on the island?
The Spa at Vilu Reef runs from 9am to 9pm and includes a complimentary hydrotherapy area, steam room, sauna, and plunge pools. Treatment options cover Ayurvedic traditions, four-hand massage, Swedish, Thai, and pregnancy and postpartum treatments.
What is the largest villa option if I am travelling as a group or family?
The Two Bedroom Ocean Signature Villa with Pool + Slide covers 330 m² and sleeps up to seven. It has two extra-large double beds, a sofa bed, a private pool, and a water slide. Rates start from USD 4,410 per night.
Does the resort have a fitness centre and tennis?
Yes, a fitness centre is on site. Tennis equipment is listed among the resort's activity facilities, and badminton equipment is also available.
What meal plan options are available?
The resort runs a dine-around arrangement across its food and drink venues. Breakfast options include continental, full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, kosher, Asian, and American styles. Special diet menus are available on request.
What is the starting price per night?
The Beach Villa with Pool starts from around USD 358 per night. Overwater categories begin from around USD 706, and the two-bedroom Ocean Signature Villa starts from USD 4,410. Rates vary by season and booking timing.
Hotels near Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
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- Sun Siyam Iru Veli
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- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort · Vommuli · 18 km
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