He was wearing a bright floral shirt, eagerly waving, full of energy. The Chief Happiness Officer was the first to greet us from the speedboat in the heart of the atolls in the Maldives. All warm smiles, he was one of the welcome party on the jetty awaiting our arrival to this luxury destination promising happy holidays in The Maldives.
Siyam World, which opened in October 2021, offers a new vision in resort experiences and is one of the largest islands in The Maldives. It has the largest floating water park in the Indian Ocean so it’s packed with energy and adrenalin, a unique formula in a destination renowned for its laid back slow pace. And yet, it is also exudes beauty and peace for those seeking a different pace with lush greenery and hidden pathways to varying accommodation styles.
Accommodation
In total there are 18 accommodation categories. The new, exclusive Beach House Collection boasts two-storey, contemporary residences, stylishly and spaciously designed with apex ceilings, willowy drapes and signature touches. These are located on the quieter side of the island, steps away from the deserted beach. And for Beach Collection guests, they have the fun of the Mini Moke transport and a 24/7 butler service. Appealing to multi-generational families, small groups and couples, there are a variety of accommodation categories, from one to six bedroom villas, all enjoying access and views to the sea, terraces, some with private pools and even a kids room. The resort has considerately created a natural segregation for family villas and activities.
Veyo Spa
A happy ambiance pervades the contemporary Veyo Spa where a smile and a giggle is also encouraged in laughing yoga, one of the many wellness classes offered. Here a music walkway encourages a positive attitude, cobbled path provides grounding for a power walks, hidden archways for meditation and privacy while foliage creates a healthy oxygenated environment.
In keeping with its natural setting, the spa has a resident naturopathic doctor. “Guests are on holiday so imposing a diet would affect their total enjoyment. Instead, we focus on offering healing practices to include Chinese therapies.” Treatments centre on natural healing and a focus on meridian channels with combination treatments such as acupuncture, dry cupping, moxibustion and therapeutic yoga.
With 13 therapists and 18 rooms, the spa offers an extensive list of treatments, individual and group classes from colour therapy, family yoga, transcendental meditation and private reiki. There are mindfulness programmes, sunset meditations and combination yoga and detox packages.
The Maldivian Healing Treatment was inspired by Maldivian healers, a traditional healing body massage of long circular strokes with virgin coconut oil followed by warm sand poultice. Others include traditional healing methods from sujok therapy to hijama dry cupping therapy. Veya Beys Signature treatment is a full body massage, using traditional Maldivian medicinal oil to alleviate muscular pain and tension, foot reflexology & stone massage, ending with healing sounds of singing bowls to heal and restore
Marwari Horses
And if choosing another mindful activity, Siyam World has its own horse ranch with a number of thoroughbred Marwari horses and offers riding lessons. What a wondrous sight witnessing the white Marwari thoroughbred mare galloping along the beach, a sand spray at its heels as the sun rises.
Siyam Water World’s blue lagoon picks up the tempo with a long menu of adventures – kayaking, flyboarding, parasailing, electric jet surf, the list goes on. Jungali in the heart of this island’s tropical forest has a swim up bar and is one of six bars as well as eight restaurants, with more planned. And for the wine connoisseur, the stunning underground wine cellar has over 5000 labels with an intimate tasting room.
Marine Biologist
Climate change is threatening the coral. Siyam World has taken action to restore the coral by employing its own marine biologist who works with a team to clean and replant the coral as well as protect the reef around the resort. Guests are encouraged to get involved by cleaning and replanting coral life onto frames which are then positioned in the sea with plaques naming the donors which are continually monitored by the team. The sea is fragile, delicate and vital for sea life and the eco-system.
Travelling to the Maldives is just as exciting as the fun when you get there. It’s all very James Bond with speed boats zipping between the islands and seaplanes flying over the atolls with views that will take your breath away. Invigorating, healthy and fun, educational spa classes and relaxing on deserted beaches – this is happiness in the Maldives at Siyam World. Smiles and laughter all round as we wave farewell to the Chief Happiness Officer on the jetty.
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