THE PERFECT PAIR

If you’re game to travel that far, make the most of it by spending a few days in Sri Lanka before heading to the Maldives. It’s a quick two-hour flight from Sri Lanka to the Malé airport in the Republic of Maldives, and I’m eternally grateful that I could experience both destinations. Also, I’m admittedly feeling wholly satisfied by its efficiency, though most of the credit belongs to Sun Siyam Resorts.

EXPERIENCE SRI LANKA’S ELEPHANTS AND CULTURE
As in many countries, driving in many areas of Sri Lanka feels like a hybrid of a celebratory parade and a scene from a Mission Impossible film—tuk-tuks zipping within inches of other cars, pickup trucks spilling over with market goods, and people speeding along, going to and from daily life obligations. It calms as the roads weave through the many forested areas, probably because elephants and monkeys cross the road with the same regularity as a common deer in the United States.

In a word: exhilarating.

It’s a five-hour drive from Colombo to the 5-star resort, 34-room Sun Siyam Pasikudah, but the hotel-arranged driver made a strategic coffee stop along the way. Once at the hotel, I spent a surprising amount of time chatting with staff—many of whom contributed to a recent renovation project. The General Manager, Arshed Refai, led a team of 25 skilled local artisans and laborers in transforming the property into a luxuriously sustainable DIY gem—complete with tables fashioned from felled trees, upcycled furnishings from the previous aesthetic, and exquisite hand-woven lampshades that loom like mammoth clouds overhead.

The serene beachfront property boasts onsite snorkeling, a spa, and an elegant tea house. In terms of experiences, Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s offerings are beautifully raw. If you want to get a glimpse of a day in the local life, the hotel will take you to the market and drive you around to a few beaches to see where the fishermen are that day—no prearranged meet-up, script, or souvenir shop, just villagers hauling in the day’s catch.

TWO HOURS AWAY: THE MALDIVES AWAIT
Sun Siyam includes six properties—all but Pasikudah are located in The Maldives. Hop on one of the daily two-hour flights from Colombo to Malé, and you’ll find yourself in a second paradise. From Siyam World, which boasts the largest Floating Water Park in the Indian Ocean, to the all-inclusive Sun Siyam Iru Veli, each Sun Siyam property is on private islands—all Maldivian-owned.

Of the three Maldives’ properties I visited, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, located in the Noonu Atoll, seemed to best capture my travel style, blending adventure, culture, and relaxation in a grand yet approachable style. I love that the entire 52-acre island is framed by velvety white beaches, so it’s common for guests to walk around the entire island.

There are 12 styles of villas and retreats, but I highly recommend one of the Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool. The circular thatched roof villa is as gorgeous as it is enormous, with an outdoor, double shower open-air bathroom, complete with a canopy bed and hot tub. The terrace and garden area include a large plunge pool plus an oversized canopy gazebo along the private beach path. It offers the highest level of privacy, with a private path leading to the beach.

Among the joys readily available on the island, the plump and oh-so-stunning island cats can be seen basking in the sun or napping in the shade. Many island resorts benefit from having cats around to balance small critter populations, and though these cats provide this service, it’d be easy to assume they’re show cats. Their pristine, shiny coats and royal personas directly result from the extraordinary lengths the resort goes to in feeding and caring for the feline residents. So much so that these cats are regularly transported by boat for veterinary checkups.

Though the weather during my stay was unfortunate—intense winds and less-than-stellar vacation forecasts, my stay at Iru Fushi was anchored by the property’s award-winning spa, The Spa By Thalgo. The spa itself is surrounded by water, so a river rock-studded pathway leads guests to the treatment areas. After my massage, I enjoyed a private hydrotherapy pool area and freshly brewed tea.

I was managing a health challenge at the time, so I also met with the resort’s Ayurvedic doctor, who spent an hour chatting with me and making short- and long-term recommendations. Much of his guidance I follow to this day, a priceless souvenir.

Of the eight dining options, the fine French dining at Flavours was an absolute standout. It’s at the end of a long pier, dappled with guiding lights on either side. The indoor dining space is chic and quiet, while the outside tables offer views of the many fish swimming in the water, which seems to sparkle a bit in the reflection of the evening light. Though the property has plenty of casual spots, Flavours showcases creative decadence.

Those looking to take a break from beach-bound relaxation can take classes like traditional Maldivian cooking, weaving or coconut-based crafts, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, catamaran sailing, or romantic picnic excursions to nearby islands. Looking for a novel adrenaline boost? Consider the Jet Car Ride—a two-seater powered boat hybrid that looks like a sports car skimming across the turquoise waters.

A few in-the-know tips can help you make the most of your visit. Be sure to review the extensive pillow menu when you arrive. The hotel will happily deliver a few options—from cassia or buckwheat filling to hypoallergenic and snore-reducing pillows. And for the cat lovers, ask your butler to stock your room with creamers, which the island cats adore.

Picken and choose from Sun Siyam’s comprehensive collection of distinct properties. Whichever you choose, they’ll help arrange any boat or seaplane transfers you’ll need.

For more information visit: sunsiyam.com