As our seaplane soared over a thousand shades of blue, we knew we were about to land in paradise. The resort staff had arranged our transfer seamlessly.
We simply gave them our flight details in advance and they took care of the rest. After a scenic 35-minute seaplane ride, we touched down by a tiny jetty and stepped out to a welcome of balmy ocean breeze and smiling faces.
Our personal host greeted us the moment we arrived, immediately making us feel like part of the family with the resort’s genuine warmth.
Even before reaching the island, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef began to pamper us. At the seaplane terminal in Malé, we relaxed in the resort’s private lounge – a comfortable haven with free-flow drinks, pastries, and even a complimentary shoulder massage to ease our travel fatigue.
Once we arrived on the island, we were offered chilled coconut welcome drinks that instantly refreshed us after our journey. The check-in process was smooth and unhurried; we sipped our coconuts under the thatched pavilion, gazing at the crystal-clear water while the staff handled our bags. This thoughtful gesture set the tone for the incredible hospitality to come.
Our Overwater Villa
Soon we were whisked by buggy along a wooden boardwalk toward our home for the week: a Sunset Reef Villa standing gracefully above the lagoon. The moment we stepped inside, we were awestruck.
Sunlight flooded through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, illuminating a cozy interior of polished wood floors and island decor. A king-sized bed faced out to the ocean, so we could wake up to panoramic sea views each morning.
The bathroom was itself a sanctuary – spacious with a deep bathtub and a rain shower, all overlooking the water so that even routine moments felt like indulgence.
Outside on our broad deck, two sun loungers invited us to relax in total privacy. We had front-row seats to spectacular sunsets every evening, and our villa even had a swim-up platform with a ladder leading directly into the lagoon. It truly felt like our own slice of the ocean.
We spent long afternoons lazing on the deck, watching reef fish dart through the water below.
On our first day, we discovered a welcome surprise: the staff had decorated our bed with fresh tropical flowers and a “Happy Honeymoon” message, adding a personal touch that made us smile. In the evenings, we could hear the gentle sound of waves lapping beneath our villa – a soothing island lullaby that we quickly grew to love.
Island Adventures and Activities
While Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is a blissfully small and tranquil island, we found no shortage of activities to fill our days. In fact, one of our biggest joys was simply exploring the island barefoot.
A sandy path winds under palm trees around the whole island (you can walk it end-to-end in 15 minutes), revealing new delights at every turn – a hidden hammock here, a grove of tropical flowers there, hermit crabs scuttling across the sand.
The house reef encircling the island was teeming with life; we could literally slip into the lagoon from our villa and be greeted by schools of colorful fish within seconds.
The resort’s dive and watersports center, conveniently located by the main jetty, provided snorkel gear so we could explore the coral gardens any time we liked. Floating above coral bommies together, pointing out a parade of parrotfish and even a graceful sea turtle, is a memory we’ll never forget.
For adventure seekers, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef caters to every whim. Some of the unforgettable activities we enjoyed included:
- Snorkeling Safari: We joined a guided snorkel tour along the reef and were amazed by the marine life. The reef is absolutely incredible – we spotted neon blue tangs, clownfish hiding in anemones, and even a friendly reef shark gliding in the distance. The house reef was breathtaking and easily accessible, making daily snorkeling a must-do for us. On one excursion, a guide took us further out to a nearby coral spot where, to our utter delight, we swam alongside majestic manta rays. The water was so clear we could see every detail as they looped and somersaulted beneath us. It felt like being in a National Geographic documentary!
- Water Sports: The resort offers complimentary kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, which we took full advantage of. One calm morning we paddled a kayak together over glassy turquoise water, peering down at coral formations below. On another day we tried stand-up paddleboarding – a wobbly start but lots of laughs as we found our balance. The view of the island from the water was spectacular, with the palm-fringed shore on one side and endless ocean on the other. For adrenaline junkies, motorized water sports like jet skiing and windsurfing were available too, but we stuck to the tranquil activities.
- Diving & Marine Encounters: Although we’re not certified divers, the on-site Sun Diving School tempted us with a Discover Scuba session. Under the gentle guidance of the dive team, we took our first breaths underwater in the shallow lagoon – an unforgettable experience! The instructors were fantastic and even newcomers can try a free introductory dive. Many experienced divers we met were raving about the excursions: one couple saw a whale shark on a dive trip (an envy-inducing story they happily shared over dinner). Knowing that these gentle giants and other pelagic animals are occasionally seen in the atoll made us consider coming back to get dive-certified in the future.
- Excursions: To mix up our lazy beach days, we signed up for a Dolphin Sunset Cruise one evening. A dhoni boat took us out as the sky turned golden. We sipped sparkling wine on the deck, fingers entwined, scanning the horizon. Soon a pod of wild dolphins found us, leaping and spinning in the boat’s wake – pure magic. On another day, we tried our hand at traditional line fishing at sunset. With guidance from the crew, we caught a snapper which the chefs later cooked for our dinner – talk about ocean-to-table dining! The resort also offers a Local Island Discovery to a nearby village. We took a short boat ride to a local island where we visited a mosque, peeked into the school, and chatted with Maldivian locals who welcomed us with warm smiles. It was humbling to see a slice of authentic Maldivian life beyond the resort.
- Evening Entertainment: Nights at Vilu Reef can be as low-key or lively as you desire. Most evenings, after dinner, there was some event or entertainment at Nautilus bar or on the beach. We had a blast one night at the Crab Race, cheering on little hermit crabs as they scurried to the finish line (surprisingly hilarious!). Another evening featured a Maldivian cultural show – under a sky full of stars, we watched performers in traditional dress perform Bodu Beru drumming and dancing, and even joined in the dance by the end. For a more laid-back date night, the resort’s Cinema Under the Stars was perfect: we cuddled up on a beach lounger with popcorn, watching a classic film projected on a big screen set up on the sand. With the waves gently lapping nearby, it felt like our private outdoor theatre. And if you simply want to enjoy the silence, you can do as we did on our final night: lie on the beach and stargaze, marveling at the Milky Way undimmed by city lights.
Throughout all these adventures, what impressed us most was how friendly and attentive the staff were. Whether we were borrowing snorkel gear, hopping on a boat, or just passing a groundskeeper sweeping the path, we were always greeted with genuine smiles and a warm “hello”.
The activity guides in particular were wonderful – enthusiastic and knowledgeable, sharing stories about the atoll’s marine life and ensuring we were having fun safely. It’s clear that exceptional service is a point of pride here, and it made every experience even more memorable.
Island Flavors
All that activity meant we worked up quite an appetite, and dining at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef became an adventure of its own. With three different restaurants on the island, each meal was a chance to try something new.
We opted for the all-inclusive plan, which turned out to be a great decision – it meant we could order anything we pleased at mealtimes or at the bars without worrying about the bill. From lavish breakfasts to indulgent desserts, we savored it all.
Breakfast each morning was served at The Aqua, the resort’s main open-air restaurant. We’d start our day with a feast: made-to-order omelets, fresh pastries, tropical fruits bursting with sweetness, and even some local Maldivian breakfast specialties.
I developed a mild addiction to Mas Huni, a Maldivian mix of tuna, coconut, chili and onion, scooped up with warm roshi flatbread – a perfect blend of savory and spicy. Meanwhile, my husband’s plate was usually piled with fluffy pancakes and mango slices.
All this we enjoyed at a table by the beach, our toes in the sand and a gentle sea breeze ruffling the palm fronds overhead. Sipping on fresh pineapple juice and rich coffee while gazing at the lagoon was a blissful routine.
For lunch, we often headed to The Spice, a poolside restaurant that wears different hats by day and night. During lunchtime The Spice offers a selection of rustic Italian favorites.
We couldn’t resist their wood-fired pizzas – thin, crispy crust loaded with seafood and gooey cheese – paired with a chilled glass of white wine. One afternoon, we savored a light Caprese salad and handmade pasta in a basil pesto that rivaled those we’ve had in Rome.
All the while, we looked out at the infinity pool and ocean just beyond, occasionally taking a break from eating to float in the pool at the adjacent Positive Energy bar, cocktail in hand.
Alternately, Positive Energy (the pool bar) became our go-to for midday snacks and exotic fruit shakes when we craved something casual. Nothing says vacation like munching on crispy fish and chips by the pool, then napping under a cabana with the sound of lounge music drifting through the air.
Dinner was a highlight every single day. Each evening, the resort transformed, offering a new ambience and flavor depending on where we chose to eat. With the sun sinking low, we often started with sundowner cocktails at The Nautilus Bar, an overwater lounge where the mixologists serve up handcrafted tropical cocktails with a side of gorgeous sea views.
It was the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink; we’d clink our glasses of tangy Maldivian passionfruit mojitos as the sky blazed orange and pink. On the nights we felt social, Nautilus had live music or a DJ spinning mellow tunes, giving the bar a fun buzz.
Other nights we simply sat on the deck’s edge, legs dangling above the water, watching reef sharks occasionally cruise by below while we enjoyed the quiet moment together.
For our main meal, we rotated among the options:
- The Spice (by night): After its Italian persona by day, The Spice transforms into an Indian/Maldivian restaurant in the evening. We absolutely loved the curry night here. The chefs, who hail from India and Sri Lanka, prepared an aromatic chicken masala and a rich Maldivian fish curry with coconut that were divine. Eating under the stars, with the spice-laden aromas wafting from the open kitchen, felt both romantic and adventurous. One evening they hosted a Maldivian theme night buffet – we tried everything from grilled reef fish to sweet banana blossom salad, and watched a cooking demonstration of how to make the perfect curry paste.
- Well Done: This beachfront grill quickly became our favorite for a special dinner. “Well Done” specializes in seafood straight from the ocean to your plate. We booked a table here on a night they had a beach barbecue. The staff set up lanterns on the sand, and we dined literally with our feet in the soft white sand, under a canopy of stars. We indulged in char-grilled prawns, lobster tails, and reef fish caught that very day – all cooked to perfection and accompanied by zesty sauces and salads. The experience of dining by candlelight with the waves lapping a few feet away was pure magic. We even spotted a curious stingray cruising along in the shallows, possibly hoping for a taste of our dinner! The combination of the smoky grill aroma, the sound of the ocean, and the feel of the sand beneath us made this an incredibly sensual, romantic dining experience.
- Destination Dining: Thanks to the honeymoon voucher gifted to us at check-in, we enjoyed a private four-course dinner later in our stay. The staff went above and beyond to create a dreamy setting on a secluded corner of the beach. They set up a table for two under a palm tree, with a trail of flower petals leading the way. That night, we arrived to find the area illuminated by torches and a sky full of stars. We toasted with champagne as our personal waiter served each course – from a velvety pumpkin soup to a succulent grilled reef fish, and a decadent chocolate fondant for dessert. It was just us and the universe at that moment – one of the most intimate, special dinners we’ve ever had. The resort truly excels at these bespoke experiences; they told us “say the word and we’ll make it happen,” and they delivered beyond our expectations.
By the end of each day, our bellies and hearts were full. Whether we were feasting on international cuisine or local dishes, every meal was fresh, flavorful, and artfully presented.
The variety ensured we never got bored: one day Thai-style chili prawns, the next an Italian gelato, then a Maldivian curry – a world of flavors in a week. On our last night, the chefs even surprised us with a beautifully decorated cake to celebrate our honeymoon, which was the sweetest send-off.
And a note on the service: it was impeccable. The restaurant staff quickly learned our preferences – by day two, the barista greeted us each morning with “Two cappuccinos, one with extra foam, right?” remembering my husband’s exact coffee order.
Little touches like this made us feel truly cared for. Everyone, from the chefs at the live cooking stations to the servers refilling our water, did their jobs with a genuine smile. We felt that same friendliness throughout the resort, reinforcing how special the people of Vilu Reef made our stay.
Spa and Romance
No romantic island escape would be complete without some pampering, and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s Sun Spa did not disappoint. One golden afternoon, we meandered to the spa – a collection of serene treatment villas nestled in a garden of frangipani and banyan trees.
We booked a Couples Aromatherapy Massage, and from the moment we stepped in, we were enveloped in soothing herbal scents and soft music. Our therapists skillfully worked out every knot and ounce of tension, using aromatic oils of jasmine and ylang-ylang.
It was so relaxing that I’m pretty sure my husband fell asleep halfway through! After the massage, they drew us a flower petal bath to enjoy privately – a tub brimming with fragrant blossoms just for us.
We soaked side by side in warm, rose-scented water, sipping ginger tea and feeling utterly rejuvenated. By the time we left the spa, we were glowing from head to toe and more in love than ever.
We also tried the spa’s unique hydrotherapy area, which became a little ritual for us before sunset. This area has a steam room and a open-air soaking pool. We would alternate between a steamy sauna session and a cool dip in the plunge pool, which left us feeling invigorated and refreshed.
One evening, just as the sun was starting to descend, we sat quietly in the warm hydrotherapy pool together, watching palm trees sway above and sharing the comfortable silence that comes with total contentment.
Romance at Vilu Reef isn’t confined to the spa, of course. The resort offered so many ways for couples to connect and celebrate their time together. We took advantage of a private beach picnic one afternoon: the staff set up a shaded spot with a blanket, pillows, and a picnic basket of goodies on a sandbank that emerges at low tide.
It was just the two of us and miles of ocean around – we felt like castaways in the most luxurious way. We snorkeled a bit off the sandbank, then sunbathed and nibbled on tropical fruit and pastries, indulging in that delicious feeling of having nowhere to be and nothing to do except enjoy each other.
On our final day, we arranged a renewal of vows ceremony (something the resort offers for guests seeking an extra special memory). Dressed in simple island attire, we walked to a palm arch on the beach where a Maldivian officiant led a short, sweet ceremony as the sun began to set.
We exchanged words of love and gratitude, and it felt incredibly meaningful to renew our promises in such a heavenly setting. The staff served us sparkling wine and a two-tier cake afterwards, and even sang a traditional wedding song while we danced on the sand. It was spontaneous and heartfelt – a testament to how Vilu Reef specializes in romantic moments.
Every day brought new surprises: one night we returned to our villa to find it adorned with candles and flower petals, courtesy of our attentive housekeeper, turning our bedroom into a sanctuary of romance.
These touches, along with the big experiences like the private dinner and vow renewal, made our honeymoon (and anniversary, as we now consider it!) truly unforgettable.
Sunset Evenings
Sunsets at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef were something out of a dream. Each evening around 6 PM, the daylight would start to soften, and we made it a point to pause whatever we were doing to fully soak in the dusk. Sometimes we’d head to the Nautilus Bar, where fellow guests gathered for that festive sundowner hour.
The bar’s deck faces west, so it’s an ideal vantage point; we would sink into plush lounge chairs with a cocktail in hand, watching the sky blaze into a masterpiece of orange, pink, and purple.
Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as everyone marveled at the view – the Nautilus really is “the perfect spot for a sundowner” as the resort promises.
On nights when there was a DJ or live music, the bar had a fun energy, almost a beach party vibe, proving that even this quiet island can be lively if you seek it. We danced barefoot in the sand to a mix of tropical tunes and old classics, celebrating the simple joy of being young, in love, and in the Maldives.
Other evenings we opted for pure solitude. One of our favorite memories was sitting on our villa’s deck together as the sun melted into the horizon, painting the sky in pastels.
The silence was profound – broken only by the occasional ripple of a fish or the distant laughter of other guests carried over water. We didn’t need to say a word; we just leaned on each other, feet dangling in the warm water, and watched nature’s show.
The sunsets here are truly theater; on a few occasions, we even saw pods of dolphins leaping in the distance against the orange glow, as if nature arranged extra entertainment just for us.
Twilight would slowly turn to night, but the island didn’t go dark – it glowed. Pathways were lit by torches and the moon cast a silver sheen on the sea. We often walked the beach at night, hand in hand under a canopy of stars.
On one such night, the sand by the water’s edge glittered with bioluminescent plankton, tiny blue sparks swirling around our feet – an absolute fairytale (we learned this phenomenon is poetically called “blue tears”). It was these kinds of unexpected moments that made us realize how truly magical this place is.
As our journey drew to an end, we sat on the beach on our last evening, reminiscing about all we had experienced in a few days. Around us, the resort was quiet – many guests had gone to bed early for next day’s adventures or were packing to depart.
We found ourselves alone with the gentle crash of waves. Above, the Milky Way stretched across the sky. We made a wish that we could make time stand still, just for a while, to fully savor the peace we felt in that moment. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef had given us a little taste of heaven on earth, and for that we were deeply grateful.
Before we left, we wrote a note in the resort’s guest journal: “Thank you for the memories – we came as guests and leave as two souls forever touched by this island.” The next morning, saying goodbye was not easy.
The staff gathered to send us off with the same warm smiles and even a few hugs. As our seaplane rose into the air, we saw the tiny island fall away beneath us – that perfect oval of green and white in a sapphire sea.
We promised each other that we will return to Sun Siyam Vilu Reef one day, perhaps to celebrate an anniversary or just to relive the magic. Until then, we carry with us the golden sunsets, the laughter, the tranquility, and the romance of this unforgettable place.
In summary, our stay at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef was everything we dreamed of and more – a romantic retreat filled with adventure, relaxation, and heartfelt hospitality.
It’s amazing how an island so small can leave such a big imprint on our hearts. If you’re looking for a couple’s escape in the Maldives that feels like a personal paradise, we can wholeheartedly say this is it.
We’re already counting the days until we can return to our little patch of heaven in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
