The Maldives has inspired travellers with its turquoise lagoons, white sands, and overwater luxury. Deepak Booneady, Group CEO, Sun Siyam shares how they are redefining the Maldives through storytelling.
Tripti Jain
Sun Siyam is shaping a new chapter for the destination by bringing together authentic Maldivian warmth, immersive experiences, and a portfolio that speaks to every kind of traveller. From intimate island escapes to expansive lifestyle resorts, the group has evolved into one of the region’s most dynamic hospitality brands.
Rooted in a legacy that began with a modest travel agency, Sun Siyam today stands as a reflection of entrepreneurial ambition blended with cultural authenticity. Every property within the portfolio carries a distinct personality, allowing travellers to discover the Maldives through different lenses. Families, honeymooners, wellness seekers, luxury enthusiasts, and MICE travellers each find experiences designed with precision and emotion. The transformation of the brand continues to elevate the way guests engage with island hospitality, creating journeys that feel personal, memorable, and deeply connected to the spirit of the Maldives.
Living the Maldivian story
The essence of Sun Siyam lies far beyond visual luxury. The brand’s strength comes from its heritage and the emotional connection it creates with guests. Speaking on the same lines Deepak shares, “If Sun Siyam were a guest, I would describe it as someone who grew up on a remote island with very little, but who had an enormous amount of love, pride, and a fierce sense of purpose. They are warm, unpretentious, deeply rooted, and ambitious at the same time.”
That philosophy flows across the group’s properties, where luxury is paired with genuine hospitality and thoughtful storytelling. Sun Siyam’s transformation reflects a natural evolution of the brand, moving from trusted hospitality foundations into a more refined and elevated space.
Deepak explains this journey through a striking analogy. “I sometimes use the analogy of moving from Toyota to Lexus. Toyota represents reliability, consistency, and a strong service foundation. Lexus is the next evolution: refined, sophisticated, and more detailed in every experience, yet built on that same engineering foundation of trust. This balance between authenticity and sophistication has become the defining character of our growing global identity.”
Rise of experiential Maldives
One of the group’s most defining milestones arrived with the launch of Siyam World, a resort that transformed perceptions of what the Maldives could offer. For years, the destination was largely associated with honeymooners and secluded island retreats. Siyam World introduced a new dimension by creating a vibrant, activity-led island experience designed for families, groups, and corporate travellers.
Highlighting more about the same Deepak shares, “Siyam World introduced an entirely new concept to the Maldives. A tropical playground packed with experiences that include horse riding, a water park, jet cars, go-karting, and entertainment operating on a 24-hour all-inclusive model.”
The resort quickly became a powerful conversation starter within the travel trade. Large-scale MICE movements, multi-generational family holidays, and experiential travel packages suddenly found a perfect fit in the Maldives. Its seamless accessibility and operational scale created fresh opportunities for travel planners across India and international markets. The property’s achievement of a Guinness World Record for the most people snorkelling simultaneously at a single venue further strengthened its global appeal.
For every kind of traveller
The strength of Sun Siyam lies in the diversity of its collections. Each resort has been carefully positioned to serve a distinct traveller mindset while maintaining the group’s signature Maldivian warmth.
Properties such as Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World appeal strongly to families and lifestyle travellers seeking entertainment, dining variety, and activity-driven holidays. Boutique resorts within the Privé Collection deliver intimate and personalised escapes ideal for couples and honeymooners.
Deepak shares more about the collection and explains, “Our Luxury Collection, including Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, delivers a more refined and elevated experience, combining spacious villas, wellness, and premium service for discerning travellers. The Indian market continues to respond enthusiastically to experiences that combine luxury with flexibility and strong culinary offerings. Multi-generational travel has emerged as one of the most significant shifts shaping the region’s outbound tourism landscape.”
Travel trade at the heart of the journey
Sun Siyam’s relationship with the travel trade carries a unique depth because the company itself began as a travel agency. That understanding has helped shape a collaborative and partnership-driven approach over the decades.
“Agents today are looking for a story they can sell, not a rate sheet. They want training, digital content, and a brand they can be proud to represent. We continue to invest heavily in strengthening these partnerships through immersive brand experiences, roadshows, dedicated India representation, familiarisation trips, and co-branded initiatives,” shares Deepak.
This growing collaboration with the trade also supports the company’s long-term expansion plans. Four new properties are already in the pipeline, promising even more opportunities for agents and repeat travellers.
The future glows bright
As Sun Siyam moves into its next phase of growth, the brand continues to build experiences that go beyond accommodation and become lifelong memories. New signature experiences, upgraded villas, immersive cultural programmes, and enhanced wellness offerings are shaping a future rooted in innovation and emotional connection.
Deepak concludes, “For us, keeping the trade engaged means constantly evolving the guest experience while staying ahead of changing travel trends. Our vision remains deeply connected to the Maldives itself. Every new concept, every resort enhancement, and every guest interaction is crafted to celebrate the spirit of the islands in a modern and globally relevant way.”
