The property is the second addition to the group after the Sun Aqua Pasikudah which opened earlier in 2015 on Sri Lanka’s North East coast.
Originally opened in 1998 Vilu Reef is proud to take on new colours and sit as the flagship Maldivian property for the Sun Aqua brand which plans to continue its international growth over the coming years.
At Sun Aqua resorts, guests can enjoy perfectly relaxing experiences led by simple luxuries, sensational food and warm, dedicated service and as it stayed open to guests during its refurbishment it continues to welcome new and repeater guests that have grown to love the property and island, year after year.
On 28th October 2015, the original date of opening in 1998, the property officially re-launched to a fanfare of celebration with official ceremonies followed by a beach side feast, dancing and live music held throughout the evening.
Property & Accommodation
The Sun Aqua Vilu Reef is easily accessible from Malè and the International Airport via a 40 minute seaplane ride.
The Sun Siyam Family Lounge at the seaplane terminal bids an immediate start to the holiday offering refreshments and massages to help settle guests into the Sun Aqua spirit.
The property has gone through a complete revival and been refurbished to an extremely high standard creating five different categories of rooms including 15 NEW Sun Aqua Pool Villas.
Splashes of colour can be found throughout the property impressing the Sun Aqua brand into the new future of Vilu Reef.
Beach Villas
Hidden amongst the foliage are 62 shell shaped bungalows, (14 Beach Villas, 18 Deluxe Beach Villas and 10 Jacuzzi Deluxe Beach Villas, 5 Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool & 15 Sun Aqua Pool Villas) some now with lava-stone pools and whirlpool bathtubs.
Rooms are now all 20% larger than before and offer private sundecks, re-fitted bathrooms and day swing beds.
Water Villas
A further 41 Water Villas (20 Reef Villas, 9 Sunset Reef Villas, 6 Aqua Villas with plunge pools, 5 Aqua Suites now with private swimming pools & 1 Grand Reef Suite) complete the accommodation offering with a select few even hiding inviting over-water hammocks.
All water villas offer incredible vista views across the Indian Ocean and a true Maldivian experience.
Dine & Imbibe
One of the best parts of any journey is the adventure into exotic flavours.
Guests can be selective at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef and explore the spice and warmth of home style Maldivian cuisine, feast on gourmet organic and free-range produce grown on the resorts private Farm Island, sink their teeth into freshly caught, barbequed seafood or dine under the stars with the properties destination private dining experience.
The Aqua is the resorts main restaurant sat over the water, producing freshly prepared western and international cuisine served in a buffet style and is also the resorts beautiful breakfast spot.
The Well Done, the island BBQ grill on the beach serves freshly caught fish and seafood as well as being the home to the islands impressive glass enclosed wine cellar, featuring the finest wines from around the globe, creating a sophisticated backdrop for any evening.
The resort also features a boutique pizzeria creating handmade pizzas topped with authentic seasoning and fresh ingredients.
Destination Dining offers guests the chance to dine in private away from other guests on any spot on the island accompanied by their own private chef and waiter.
Before and after dinner guests may enjoy the chance to visit one of the islands two bars.
The Nautilus is the resorts beach bar offering a cool, rustic hideaway where one of the bartender’s cocktails will help liven up a night of dancing or an exhilarating game of crab racing.
Positive Energy, set beside the pool serves an array of refreshing juices, cocktails and signature tropical fruit punch either under the cool of the coconut tree or on a lounger with views of the lagoon and pool.
Spa & Leisure
One of the biggest developments at the resort has been the creation of a full holistic spa offering.
Now a major focus of the resort the Sun Aqua Spa consists of six private treatment pavilions each with open air flower baths, open showers, a hydrotherapy area and double treatment beds.
On offer will also be a salon, manicure/pedicure and a beautiful relaxation area.
Encompassing the Five Element Theory; Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth & Water the spa will offer a lengthy menu of Ayurvedic wellness rituals, pampering beauty therapies and massage techniques from around the world.
It will also offer a selection of signature therapies to help renew body and mind including a rich scrub of coconut or coffee, a herbal Udavarthanam detox or a relaxing, fragrant flower bath.
In addition to spa the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef also offers plenty of leisure activities to keep everyone entertained, relaxed and enjoying their time on the island.
Diving is a big part of the culture in the Maldives in general and at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef in particular.
The 5* Gold Palm PADI / SSI Diamond Dive centre brings together an exciting array of diving and snorkelling programmes and a chance to explore the sea life and reefs that litter the warm and extremely clear waters.
The property hosts one of the best house reefs in the region, located just 30 meters from the shore, offering snorkelers an unrivalled experience.
Watersports are also a big part of island life and guests at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef can enjoy windsurfing, canoeing and sailing as well as a range of motorised watersports such as jet skis and water-skiing.
Family
A further development on the island is the addition of the resorts first kids club.
Children are VIP’s at Vilu Reef Kids Club and have their own little paradise on the island including a private pool, games room and an array of children’s activities.
Open to children from 3-12yrs with a baby sitting service available on request.
The laid back and unassuming atmosphere of the resort allows guests the freedom to enjoy the island as they wish.
The beach bar provides a sanctuary to enjoy a romantic drink or a starlit stroll around the islands beautiful beachline.
Guests looking for more stimulation can enjoy a wide variety of live music evenings, DJ nights, karaoke nights, cultural shows and movie nights on the beach, suitable for all ages.
The property offers free Wi-Fi in all areas of the island as well as a reading corner, satellite TV, laundry service, in-house doctor and clinic, a beach wedding/ceremony service for those thinking of taking their vows in paradise and 24hr guest’s services to ensure all needs are taken care of.
Brand & Culture
The Sun Aqua brand is a visionary creation from Sun Siyam, one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic hospitality companies in the Maldives.
With Maldivian entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed at the helm, Sun Siyam aims to create a collection of hotel and resort brands across the Indian Ocean and Asia infused with his uniquely passionate and colourful spirit.
The vibe is unpretentious and laid back, yet is punctuated by bursts of vivid colour and quirky touches.
Such unexpected moments take guests by surprise, put a smile on their faces and create unforgettable memories.
Besides all the excitement and luxury available in the resort the Maldives is also home to many locals and Sun Aqua as a brand embrace this.
The hotel offers excursions to local inhabited islands on either traditional Maldivian Dhoni or more modern speedboats.
By actively engaging with the local community through excursions guests will get to experience day-to-day island life and even chat with locals (school children and elders) and find out first-hand what it is like to live in paradise.
By doing so guests will gain cultural enrichment and directly improve the lives of many Maldivians, helping to ensure their practices live on.
They also offer traditional fishing trips, snorkelling safaris and dolphin spotting tours to celebrate the wildlife that fills the Indian Ocean.
The resort is currently running an amazing promotional offer exclusive for Sri Lankan travellers with a saving of 20% on the Best Available Rate when booked through their website.
Please indicate the Promo Code: SAV-MEDIA when placing your booking.
Sun Aqua Pasikudah
Sun Aqua Pasikudah is the gateway to one of the world’s greatest unspoilt destinations.
The luxurious property offers boutique-designed five-star suites and villas, including 34 suites and 2 grand beach pavilions.
Here, the marriage of tradition and modern luxury merge together to create an incredible melting pot offering an incredible experience, whatever type of holiday you are looking for.
If pure relaxation and indulgence is on your wish list, round-the-clock butler service, private sun decks and personal plunge pools are all there at your convenience.
The resort also has the only fully stocked wine cellar in the East Coast with both Old and New World wines that will satisfy even the most knowledgeable palate.
Boasting four treatment pavilions, guests can also enjoy new realms of relaxation at Pasikudah’s Sun Aqua Spa - with rich scrubs using local ingredients such as coconut, spices or coffee and therapeutic Ayurveda treatments.
Pasikudah enjoys an incredible climate year round and offers sapphire seas and golden, sun-baked sands to lie back and enjoy a slice of paradise.
Note
From humble beginnings to becoming the Maldives’ leading entrepreneur, Mr Siyam began his career working his way up the ranks in hotels around the country.
His first solo venture was the launch of a now very successful tour operating business, Sun Travels.
Today, alongside managing The Sun Aqua brand, he also runs an award-winning portfolio of tourism including The Sun Siyam Brand including The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives and plans for a second The Sun Siyam property in Sri Lanka, this will be situated in Kalpitiya on the west coast and will feature 68 ‘Maldivian Style’ all over water villa resort, scheduled for opening in 2017.
He is also an Executive Board Member of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry.
Sun Aqua plan to continue their growth with the highly popular Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort due to become the second Maldivian Sun Aqua property in 2016.
