Opened 2018
A 125-villa retreat in Dhaalu Atoll where every villa has its own pool and the Dolphin Ocean Villas sit on the resident dolphin channel. A 24-hour premium all-inclusive covers three restaurants, an overwater wine cellar, spa credits, and complimentary dives. The overwater spa has glass viewing holes beneath the massage beds.
Lux Pulse™Updated Jun 19, 2026
Solid & Improving
170 new reviews in the past 6 months across Google, TripAdvisor & Booking.com. Average rating 4.6 / 5 from 7,022 total reviews.
+7% review volume vs. prior 6 months
How we score 3
Awards
since 2019
since 2019
Travellers’ Choice
TripAdvisor ’24
Guest Rating 9.0 / 10
Booking.com ’25
Privé Collection
Sun Siyam Resorts
How It Compares
Iru Veli vs. Other Resorts
Where this resort sits across the dimensions that matter most when choosing a Maldives property.
BudgetUltra-Luxury
Adaaran Club
LUX* South Ari
Soneva Fushi
Iru Veli
LivelySecluded
Kuredu
Lily Beach
Kudadoo
Iru Veli
Easy AccessRemote
Gili Lankanfushi
Anantara Kihavah
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Iru Veli
CouplesFamily
Komandoo
W Maldives
Siyam World
Iru Veli
BoutiqueLarge Resort
Makunudu (36)
Coco Bodu Hithi (100)
Meeru Island (286)
Iru Veli (125)
Poor ReefExceptional
Finolhu
Vilamendhoo
Iru Veli
Iru Veli
Reference resorts
Accommodation
Choose Your Villa
All 125 villas at Sun Siyam Iru Veli come with a private freshwater pool — a rarity at this price point. The nine categories span compact 93 sqm beach villas to a sprawling 643 sqm two-bedroom beach residence. Overwater options include Dolphin Ocean Villas positioned directly on the resident dolphin channel, where pods swim past daily. Complimentary minibars (wine, beer, soft drinks) are restocked twice daily in every villa.
BeachAll pool
Beach Villas with Pool
From
$879
Beach Villa with Pool93 sqmPool$879
Family Beach Villa with Pool97 sqmPool$879
OverwaterAll pool
Ocean Villas with Pool
From
$9
Ocean Villa with Pool124 sqmPool$9
Dolphin Ocean Villa with Pool124 sqmPool$1,
SignatureAll pool
Premium Villas with Pool
From
On request
Grand Beach Villa with Pool135 sqmPoolOn request
Ocean Residence with Pool175 sqmPoolOn request
ResidenceAll pool
Two-Bedroom Residences
From
On request
Beach Residence with Pool194 sqmPoolOn request
Two Bedroom Ocean Residence with Pool393 sqmPoolOn request
Two Bedroom Beach Residence with Pool643 sqmPoolOn request
Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.
Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.
Dining 
4 Restaurants & 3 Bars
Four restaurants and three bars spanning international buffet, surf-and-turf, overwater Italian, and interactive teppanyaki. The Premium All-Inclusive covers all venues including unlimited drinks, making this strong value for a five-star resort.
Aqua Orange
International BuffetThe main restaurant offers champagne breakfasts, global lunch spreads, and themed dinner buffets rotating through Italian, Asian, Maldivian, and barbecue nights. Live cooking stations and a dedicated dessert bar. Consistently praised for quality that exceeds all-inclusive expectations.
Grouper Grill
SeafoodThe island’s seafood specialist — grilled lobster, reef fish, and premium steaks served on the sand. The evening atmosphere with lanterns and ocean soundtrack is signature Maldives. Available as a dine-around option on all-inclusive plans.
Roma
ItalianSun Siyam Iru Veli’s signature restaurant — set overwater with panoramic lagoon views. Three-course set menus feature homemade pasta, classic Caesar salads, and tropical-inspired panna cotta. The sunset timing makes Roma the most sought-after reservation on the island.
Chemistry
CocktailsPart espresso bar, part mixology lounge — Chemistry serves specialty coffees and pastries by morning, then transforms into a cocktail destination by evening. Complimentary shisha is included with the Premium All-Inclusive plan. Open from morning to midnight.
Fresh Water
Pool BarThe social hub of the resort — a poolside bar serving cocktails, fresh juices, and light bites through the day. The pool itself stretches towards the ocean, creating one of the most photogenic settings on the island.
Wine Cellar
Wine BarAn intimate cellar experience with a resident sommelier offering paired tastings and educational wine academy sessions. Premium vintages and rare labels available for special occasions. The most exclusive dining experience on the island.
Teppanyaki
JapaneseInteractive teppanyaki counter where chefs prepare seafood, wagyu, and vegetables on a sizzling iron griddle. Intimate setting with front-row seats to theatrical knife skills and flambé showmanship.
Meal Plans
Dining Inclusions
Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers four meal plan tiers. The Premium All-Inclusive is the standout — a genuine 24-hour plan covering all restaurants, premium spirits, complimentary shisha, three dives per stay (or $100/day spa credit), dolphin cruise, snorkeling safaris, jet ski credits, and daily minibar replenishment. It’s the best value way to experience the resort.
| Plan | Restaurants | Alcohol | Minibar | ~pp/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium All-Inclusive | All 3 restaurants · all bars · 24/7 | |||
| Full Board | Aqua Orange (B/L/D) · dine-around limited | |||
| Half Board | Aqua Orange (B/D) | |||
| Bed & Breakfast | Aqua Orange (B) |
Premium All-Inclusive
All 3 restaurants · all bars · 24/7
Alcohol Minibar
Full Board
Aqua Orange (B/L/D) · dine-around limited
Alcohol Minibar
Half Board
Aqua Orange (B/D)
Alcohol Minibar
Bed & Breakfast
Aqua Orange (B)
Alcohol Minibar
Experiences & Activities
Your Days on the Island
Sun Siyam Iru Veli punches above its weight with activity inclusions — the Premium All-Inclusive plan includes three complimentary dives, a dolphin sunset cruise, local island visits, and $50 jet ski credit per adult. The SSI/PADI dive centre accesses Dhaalu Atoll's sites, while the overwater spa pavilions with glass viewing holes beneath the beds are a genuine highlight. Blue-light night snorkeling and twice-weekly reef shark feedings add unique marine experiences.
Water & Marine
SSI/PADI dive centre, 3 free dives with AI, night snorkeling
SSI Dive CentreAlso PADI certified · house reef dives and Dhaalu Atoll sites · 3 dives free with Premium AI
Complimentary snorkeling equipment
Guided snorkeling safariWith marine biologist · blue-light night snorkeling available
Kayaking & paddleboardingComplimentary for all guests
Catamaran sailing
Windsurfing (complimentary lesson with AI)
Jet ski$50 credit per adult with Premium AI
Parasailing
Waterskiing
3 free dives with AI. The Premium All-Inclusive plan includes three complimentary dives per stay — an unusually generous inclusion that saves $200+ and makes Iru Veli one of the best-value resorts for divers. The SSI centre provides full equipment and certification courses from beginner to advanced.
Excursions & Cruises
Dolphin cruises, island visits, whale shark trips
Lucky Dolphin Sunset CruiseComplimentary with Premium AI · spinner dolphins frequent these waters
Sunset cruise
Local island discoveryComplimentary with Premium AI
Whale shark excursion (seasonal)
Fishing trips (big game & sunset)
Visit sister resort Sun Siyam Vilu Reef10-minute speedboat · dine or stay overnight
Spa & Wellness
Overwater spa with underwater viewing, hydrotherapy
Sun Siyam SpaSeven overwater pavilions with glass viewing holes — watch marine life during your massage
Main spa house with hydrotherapy pool
Steam room & sauna
Couples treatmentsDual massage beds in overwater pavilions · flower baths
$100/day spa credit with Premium AI (alternative to 3 dives)
Complimentary wellness programmes
Underwater viewing spa. The seven overwater spa pavilions feature glass viewing holes beneath the massage beds — guests regularly spot reef sharks, turtles, and schools of tropical fish during treatments. The spa also offers a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, and sauna in the main house, with $100/day spa credit included as a Premium AI alternative to diving.
Sports & Recreation
Tennis, kids club, DJ parties, shark feeding
Tennis courts
Fitness centre (ocean views)
Turtle Kids ClubAges 3–11 · daily programmes from breakfast to evening · complimentary
Babysitting service3 hours complimentary per stay
DJ pool parties
Boduberu drum shows
Reef shark feedingTwice weekly at 18:45 · guided by marine team
Coconut tree planting experience
Floating breakfastIn-villa private pool · signature Maldives experience
Family & Kids
Family-Friendly Features
The kids club at Iru Veli caters to ages 4–12, and the resort's shallow lagoon is ideal for young snorkelers taking their first underwater steps. The 24-hour premium all-inclusive plan means families can order room service at midnight without worrying about extras. Babysitting is available for parents wanting to enjoy the overwater spa.
Kids Club
Ages 4-12 · Free
Babysitting
Available on request
Shallow Lagoon
Calm, shallow water safe for young children
Snorkeling & Marine Life
House Reef & Underwater
Beach & villa entry · complimentary equipment
Reef sharks · turtles · batfish caves · bioluminescence · shark feeding
Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s house reef delivers consistent encounters with reef sharks, turtles, and rich coral gardens. The Dolphin Ocean Villas sit directly above the reef, offering step-in snorkeling from the deck. A resident marine team leads guided snorkeling safaris and twice-weekly reef shark feeding sessions. Batfish caves are a year-round highlight, and during certain seasons the beach-side waters produce bioluminescent “blue tears” — a mesmerising natural phenomenon. Dhaalu Atoll is an emerging dive destination with channel dives, mantas, and whale shark excursions.
Regularly spotted here (+8)
Reef Sharks
Blacktip and nurse sharks — regularly spotted on the house reef and during twice-weekly feeding sessions
Sea Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles — frequent visitors to the house reef
Stingrays
Spotted along the reef edge and on guided snorkeling safaris
Tropical Reef Fish
Excellent diversity — batfish caves, fusiliers, snappers, scorpionfish, nudibranchs
Octopus
Spotted on night dives and reef explorations — residents of the house reef
Dolphins
Spinner dolphins frequent the channel beside the Dolphin Ocean Villas — complimentary sunset dolphin cruise
Whale Sharks
Seasonal excursions from the dive centre — Dhaalu Atoll encounters reported by guests
Manta Rays
Seasonal sightings on dive excursions — Dhaalu Atoll has emerging manta sites
PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.
Getting There 
Transfer from Malé
Sun Siyam Iru Veli is on the island of Aluvifushi in Dhaalu Atoll, approximately 150 km south of Malé. The standard transfer is a 40-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport. For stays of 7+ nights, complimentary seaplane transfers are offered for two guests per booking. A VIP lounge is provided at the seaplane terminal for pre-departure relaxation.
Standard
Seaplane
~$495 pp roundtrip
Seaplanes operate during daylight hours only (approx. 6:00–15:30). For late arrivals, overnight accommodation in Malé is recommended. Luggage limit: 20 kg checked + 5 kg carry-on. We arrange all transfers including airport meet-and-greet.
Resort island map — Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Our Take
Who This Resort is For
Ideal for
- Couples and honeymooners — Dolphin Ocean Villas on the dolphin channel, floating breakfasts, overwater dining at Roma, complimentary sparkling wine and floral bath for honeymooners
- Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts — house reef with sharks and turtles, 3 complimentary dives with Premium AI, guided snorkeling safaris, and reef shark feeding sessions
- All-inclusive value seekers — the 24-hour Premium AI covers all dining, premium spirits, dives or spa credits, dolphin cruise, jet ski credits, and daily minibar
- Spa lovers — seven overwater pavilions with underwater glass viewing holes, hydrotherapy, and $100/day spa credit option
- Families — Turtle Kids Club (3–11), complimentary babysitting, family villas up to 643 sqm, and a shallow lagoon
Consider elsewhere if
- Reef purists seeking exceptional house reefs — the reef is good with regular shark and turtle encounters, but not in the top 10% like Vilamendhoo or Ayada
- Guests wanting restaurant variety — three restaurants is modest compared to larger resorts; diners seeking 5+ options may prefer Siyam World or Heritance Aarah
- Solitude seekers wanting ultra-remote seclusion — 125 villas is mid-size and the resort has a social atmosphere around the infinity pool
- Budget travellers — starting at $879/night plus $495 pp seaplane transfers; Dhaalu Atoll options are limited for lower budgets
Lux Special Inclusions
More inclusions than booking direct
Everything bundled into the package price above — taken directly from the package terms we'll honour at booking time.
- Accommodation staying at the Sun Siyam Iru Veli
- Meet & greet at Velana International Airport and assist with transfer and international flights.
- Special welcome with refreshing towels and sparkling wine (non-alcoholic beverages available upon request)
- Breakfast: Sumptuous breakfast sparkling wine available offering extensive buffet selection at AQUA ORANGE 7:30am till 10:00am.
- Lunch: Selection of pizza/salad and light snacks at GROUPER GRILL 2:30pm till 3:00pm OR buffet spread at AQUA ORANGE 12:30pm till 2:30pm
- Afternoon Tea: Afternoon Tea at CHEMISTRY BAR 3:30pm till 5:30pm
- Dinner: Dine Around Option: Extensive Buffet at AQUA ORANGE 6:30pm till 9:30pm. Alfresco dining by the beach side at GROUPER GRILL (Set Menu) 6:30pm till 10:00pm. Enjoy exotic flavours at Mediterranean Restaurant, ROMA (Set Menu) 6:30pm till 10:00pm. A la carte menu option is available with 25% discount at GROUPER GRILL, ROMA and WINE CELLAR *Advance reservation is required for la carte restaurants. Selected Signature meal options will be charged additionally.
- Unlimited Selected Beverages
- 24/7 chemistry bar
- All-inclusive Selected Beverages are available 24/7 while a selection of light snacks is offered from 11:00 PM till 7:00 AM.
- Extensive selection of Wines from renowned vineyards around the world, including selected Sparkling Wines, Unlimited International Beer. Selection of premium Spirits and Whiskeys, Selection of Signature and International Cocktails and Mocktails, Fresh Juices (based on seasonality and availability) Fruit Juices (canned & packaged), Soft Drinks: Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta Orange, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Bitter Lemon and Soda Water . Coffee, Tea, Iced Coffee, Iced Tea, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte and Macchiato (freshly brewed), Bottled Water (Still and Sparkling)
- Complimentary Minibar: Replenished once per day at regular schedule: Red, White & Rose Wine, Canned Beer, Selection of Snacks, Soft Drinks: Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta Orange, Sprite, Bitter Lemon, Tonic and Soda Water, Canned Iced Coffee and Iced Tea, Still Water
- All villa types will be provided with 2 bottles of water (non carbonated house brand) per villa per day and tea & coffee facilities.
- In-Villa Dining will be available on a chargeable basis.
- Free Wi-Fi in the main public areas and all the villas. Access to recreation and fitness center (including indoor and outdoor activities such as tennis, table tennis, and other table games)
- ACTIVITIES Choice of Selected Excursion per person per stay: dolphin cruise, guided snorkeling safari tour, sunset cruise and local island discovery, per person once per stay
- Non-Motorised Water Sports Free of charge snorkeling equipment from Dive Centre Use of Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards & Paddle Boats. Motorized Activities: Experience the water sports credit of USD50 for 15 minutes of Jet ski per adult once per stay. Credit is non-transferable and non-refundable. Age restricted to +16 years and above only Complimentary Snorkeling Equipment
- ADDITIONAL VALUE ADDS Diving Credit: Guests can enjoy up to 3 (regular dives) dives per person per week (after performing an Orientation Dive or Skill Update) as an alternative to spa credit. To qualify for this, you must have a valid diving license and medical records as per Diving regulations. Boat charges and Equipment fees are applicable
- Spa Credit: Enjoy a Spa credit of USD 100 per adult per stay to be used for your treatment excluding Salon and retail items in spa (as an alternative to diving & cannot be accumulated) Choose from our tailor-made SPA menu for this special credit (advance booking is required).
- Only honeymooners will receive 1 bottle of sparkling wine & fruit platter on arrival day, In‐suite floral bath (once during the stay), Complimentary in‐suite breakfast for the couple once during the stay, Special evening Turn‐down service with bed decoration on arrival night and 1 honeymoon cake*A copy of the marriage certificate / registration dated of less than 12 months to be presented at check-in
Season & Pricing Guide
Dec 20 – Jan 10Peak · Highest rates
Jan 11 – Apr 15High · +45–50%
OctShoulder · +15–20%
May – SepLow · Best value
Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.
Why Book Through Lux Atolls
More Than Just a Booking
What you get with us vs. booking direct or through a generic OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee on partner resorts — we match or beat what you find elsewhere
Exclusive package inclusions negotiated through our direct resort relationships
Transparent pricing — transfers, taxes, and meal plans quoted upfront, no hidden fees
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, meal plan guidance, and honest recommendations
Maldives-only expertise — we know every reef, transfer route, and seasonal sweet spot
Direct resort contact — if something needs fixing, we call the GM, not a call centre
No booking fees, no hidden charges — the price we quote is the price you pay
Book Through Others
Published rack rate — no negotiated extras
No package inclusions beyond the standard rate
Transfer costs and taxes added at checkout
Generic customer support with no local knowledge
One-size-fits-all recommendations across dozens of destinations
Issues routed through a ticketing system, not a person
Hidden fees and service charges added late in the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Sun Siyam Iru Veli — FAQ
Is Sun Siyam Iru Veli all-inclusive?
Yes. Sun Siyam Iru Veli offers a premium all-inclusive covering meals at 5 restaurants, premium drinks, daily minibar, and selected water sports. The plan includes both buffet and a la carte dining with no limits on restaurant visits.
How do you get to Sun Siyam Iru Veli?
A 40-minute domestic flight from Male to Dhaalu Airport followed by a speedboat. Alternatively, a seaplane transfer is available. The resort is in Dhaalu Atoll and shares the atoll with Kandima Maldives.
Is Sun Siyam Iru Veli good for honeymooners?
Yes. The resort has dedicated overwater suites with private pools, a couples spa, and romantic dining experiences including beach dinners and overwater restaurant options. The premium all-inclusive removes any worry about additional costs.
How many restaurants does Sun Siyam Iru Veli have?
5 restaurants and bars serving international, Asian, Mediterranean, and Maldivian cuisine. All are covered by the premium all-inclusive plan. The resort caters to around 120 villas across beach and overwater categories.
