Sun Siyam - another day in paradise

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Maldives

After a wonderfully sound sleep and a delightful breakfast, we were once again whisked across the water to be warmly greeted by the Vilu Reef team. I’ve stayed here before, but wow — some of the new changes are simply superb!

The new chill-out bar zones over the water have completely elevated the vibe — think Monaco Beach Club meets Maldivian serenity. The extension of the main bar onto the overwater decking is a masterstroke: sea breezes, expertly crafted cocktails, and super comfy seating make it the perfect spot to unwind.

There’s exciting progress happening too — a brand-new jetty of overwater villas is under construction, and from what we’ve seen, they’re going to be absolutely stunning and ultra-glamorous. The island itself retains its easygoing charm: not too big, with soft sands and rooms that still hold that authentic Maldivian feel. But watch this space — Vilu is evolving beautifully!

After a delicious lunch and a site inspection of the rooms and communal areas, I returned to my room to find the most incredible surprise — a water villa on the reef side of the island, perfectly positioned for sunset views and complete with my own private plunge pool. Bliss!

Dinner was a glamorous affair, joined by the lovely sales team. And then — a moment I’ll never forget — I was entrusted to hold one of the wine cellar’s most expensive bottles: a $40,000 bottle of wine! Yes, folks, I held it in my own hands… I’m still aghast! 🍷

The evening continued with a visit to the private karaoke room, and what a laugh we had! While I’m no singer myself, some of my colleagues gave it their all — and we discovered that Max, our only gent on the trip, has quite the hidden talent as a backing rapper. Who knew, hey Max?

It was a night full of laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. I highly recommend giving the karaoke room a go one evening — it’s such a fun way to let loose.

As the evening drew to a close, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the stilts of my villa lulled me into the most peaceful sleep. 🌊✨