Sun Siyam Iru Veli named 'best resort' at hotel design awards

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli, a five-star resort in the Maldives, has been awarded the title of best resort at the 17th Bund Design Hotels Awards, held on 3 December 2025 in Shanghai. The ceremony, hosted by The Bund Media, also coincided with the launch of the Milestone Landmark Awards, gathering architects, designers and artists from around the world.  

The award recognises Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s thoughtful design philosophy, which blends contemporary architecture with the island’s natural surroundings. This also marks Sun Siyam group’s first recognition from the Bund Design Hotels. 

Reflecting on the resort’s victory, General Manager Masdhooq Saeed emphasised the team’s commitment to preserving the authentic island experience. “Here, nature defines the architecture. The island’s beaches, vegetation, and reef form the heart of the design, with every structure shaped to enhance, not overshadow, its surroundings,” he said.

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The resort has received multiple industry honours in recent years, including recognition in the 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, where it ranked among the top 25 Best of the Best Luxury Hotels in Asia and second for best all-inclusive hotel worldwide.

Further highlighting its team’s achievements, Saeed was named Best General Manager in the Maldives in 2025, becoming the first Maldivian to receive the title. 

First opened in 2018, Sun Siyam Iru Veli was the fourth resort to join the Sun Siyam group portfolio. The property houses 125 overwater and beachfront villas and is located on the South Nilandhe Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé’s Velana International Airport. 

For more information, visit sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-iru-veli