Don't miss this villa upgrade offer from Sun Siyam Olhuveli

One of our top recommendations for affordable luxury in the Maldives is the four-star Sun Siyam Olhuveli. This beautiful resort offers unforgettable moments from watching manta rays savouring their plankton dinner from the jetty each evening to connecting with the atoll’s people through local island experiences. It’s especially brilliant for groups of friends and families looking for action and adventure.

Don't miss this villa upgrade offer from Sun Siyam Olhuveli

We’ve also got an amazing offer for you at Olhuveli for stays between now and 31 October 2024 (excluding 23rd December 2023 to 10th January 2024). Book a Grand Beach Villa and get a free upgrade to a Grand Beach Villa with Pool, or book a Deluxe Water Villa and get a free upgrade to a Grand Water Villa. We’ve shared some of what we think makes this resort so special.

Its diving, snorkelling and other adventures

Adventurer Bear Grylls based himself at Olhuveli when filming for the Discovery Channel. Of course, the Maldives as a whole is famous for its diving, but there are some particularly special things at and around this resort: the Kuda Giri shipwreck, where glassfish swirl around the captain’s hut and machine room, and Kandooma Thila for spotting white tip and grey reef sharks, green turtles, and eagle rays.

Meanwhile, Banana Reef acts as a ‘manta cleaning station’ – it’s here the rays get their skin, gills, and teeth cleaned by wrasse (marine fish). But you don’t need to be a diver to see mantas at Olhuveli; you can watch them feeding on their plankton dinner every night from the jetty.

This multi-island resort is connected by bridges, creating a vast lagoon that’s ideal for all kinds of water sports. Snorkellers here can take a three-point tour in one day, swimming with turtles, dolphins, and nurse sharks.

Culinary adventures with famed chef Einat Admony in October 2023

This month sees this renowned chef visit the resort for an exclusive residency collaboration, between 18th and 29th October. Nicknamed the ultimate ‘balaboosta’ (‘perfect housewife’ in Yiddish), this three-time James Beard-nominated chef and owner of celebrated Balaboosta restaurant, specialising in Middle Eastern and Israeli fine dining, is a culinary prodigy with a profound immigrant heritage. Hailing from Tel Aviv, she embarked on a culinary expedition across Europe, honing her skills in various kitchens before making her mark in the vibrant New York City culinary scene. Her innovative restaurants, including the beloved fast casual falafel chain Taïm, have become a hot foodie destination in New York.

Admony’s cuisine is a stunning fusion of her Middle Eastern roots and modern dining in high-end but comforting home style cooking, inspired by her childhood memories. At Olhuveli, she will delight guests with unique experiences, a special four course pop-up menu, and cooking classes, as well as running a seminar for the resort's own chefs.

The new and unique floating platform dinner

Guests can now book the ultimate romantic dinner on an intimate platform, floating in a secluded setting on the lagoon. Take in the wonders of the clear night sky as you enjoy such foodie delights as pepper-seared Australian angus beef carpaccio and the freshest Maldivian lobster.

There are in fact over a dozen restaurants and bars dotted around this tropical haven, including a fine-dining Thai venue and a traditional Indian restaurant. 

To book your stay at Sun Siyam Olhuveli including a complimentary upgrade on most dates, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Top tips for those new to cruise

22 April 2024

Seeing the world, or parts of it, by cruise is more popular than ever as people realise just how fantastic it can be to float from place to place, discovering more than one destination in a single trip.  As Travel Counsellor Dinah says, ‘There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!” If you’re in any doubt over whether a cruise is right for you, there are mini cruises of just a couple of nights that will help persuade you.

Discover the ultimate Greek Island escape with Domes

22 April 2024

Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring beauty of the Greek islands, where Domes’ 'Cool Inclusive' properties blend the essence of authentic Greece with the utmost luxury. Venture to their two Aulūs havens, located in the enchanting isles of Zante and Crete, where upgraded Cool Living areas elevate your holiday experience with a lavish array of extras, including access to exclusive serene spots.

Set sail for adventure with Star Clippers

22 April 2024

Celebrating over three decades of sailing history, Star Clippers is thrilled to unveil St. George's in Grenada as its newest departure port for the winter 2025/26 season. This announcement heralds the beginning of longer voyages aboard the magnificent 166-passenger Star Clipper, introducing guests to virgin territories like the untouched beauty of Charlottesville and the serene Castara Bay in Tobago.