Last weekend, The Sunday Morning Brunch embarked on a pleasantly surprising journey to Pasikudah, indulging in a stay at the newly launched Sun Siyam Pasikudah. Amidst the renowned Pasikudah stretch adorned with various hotels and hospitality retreats, Sun Siyam distinguished itself with its blend of affordable luxury, contemporary and sophisticated design, and well-trained and hospitable native staff. Sun Siyam is a Maldivian chain of resorts, one of the largest groups in the Maldives, currently boasting five resorts in the chain.
Sun Siyam boasts 34 rooms, each in the form of individual villas, among which several feature private plunge pools. Their grand beach pavilions offer direct access to the beach. Every room is wonderfully equipped with all the expected modern amenities, complemented by a spacious bathroom area surrounded by natural foliage.
A locally sensitive revamp
Sun Siyam General Manager Arshed Refai revealed that before Sun Siyam took over, the property was known as ‘Sun Aqua,’ characterised by its vibrant ambience before shutting down during the pandemic: “It was a very colourful look.”
Refai’s new vision was to transform the hotel into a contemporary establishment incorporating local products and materials into the redesign process, stating: “I personally visited Weweldeniya with our designer to select materials and oversee much of our weaving. We aimed to source as much as possible from within Sri Lanka, emphasising our commitment to supporting local industries and staying connected to our roots. Additionally, over 95% of the products were fabricated within the hotel, utilising labour from the surrounding areas.”
He revealed that they had retained London designers from Studio 65 to assist with the project. “The entire hotel was renovated by a team of 25 people from local villages,” Refai said. “Everything was done with a lot of love and customers can feel that value.” He went on to describe the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the process, mentioning: “We did the chandelier by hand and I even painted some of our tables personally.”
Sun Siyam’s amenities
Sun Siyam also features a swimming pool as well as two main restaurants, The Kitchen and Slice and Grill. The latter, situated outdoors, provides an ideal setting for BBQs and dinner gatherings by the beach. Additionally, the resort offers two main bars, The Bar and a beachside option named Beach Shack. Their prime location and expansive beachfront frequently attract customers who drop by for meals at the restaurant.
Sun Siyam’s culinary focus, driven by their skilled executive chef, is on fusion food. “We don’t place a lot of significance on international cuisine where we would have purely French or Italian fare. We prefer to introduce our guests to fusion cuisine and give a new experience to their palette, always with a Sri Lankan touch,” Refai said.
The serene and tranquil atmosphere of the Pasikudah Beach stretch makes it ideal for longer stays, with guests also having access to amenities like the tennis court, beach volleyball court, fitness centre, and spa facility. Notably, the spa service is unique in that the two therapists on staff are from the local village, offering an in-house service to guests.
Unique experiences
A unique fishing activity at Sun Siyam is led by staff member Lingam, where guests are warmly welcomed to his house with local finger foods before heading out on a traditional ‘Paruwa’ fishing boat. If lucky, guests may catch their own fish, which the hotel will prepare for them.
Additionally, guests can also take the opportunity to learn traditional skills such as weaving palm leaves and palm thatching. However, many guests prefer to simply relax on the beach and bask in the sun.
The hotel has a special offer available for domestic travellers. “For bank cardholders, we offer a 30% discount for selected debit and credit cards from six leading banks,” shared Refai. “We fulfil any ad hoc requests without limitations.”
The resort offers a plethora of accessible activities, such as kayaking and guided cycle tours into the local village. Refai explained: “While domestic travellers may prefer relaxation and spa treatments, tourists typically seek exploration. Thus, we offer delightful tours into the local village for an authentic experience.” Additionally, the resort organises excursions to nearby attractions like fishing trips, village lunches, market visits, tuk-tuk tours, and visits to national parks including Maha Oya, Minneriya, and Kaudulla.
A powerful proposition in global tourism
As part of a global chain, Refai also spoke about Sun Siyam’s position in the global tourism market. “The Maldives’ upmarket tourists are coming for big stays, while Sri Lanka is an all-in-one destination. If tourists are seeking beach-only experiences, they go to the Maldives. So, Sri Lanka can really be marketed as a more versatile destination for tourists,” he said.
This distinction sheds light on the unique selling points of each destination, with Sri Lanka offering a diverse range of experiences beyond just pristine beaches. While the Maldives may cater primarily to travellers seeking luxury beach resorts, Sri Lanka’s allure lies in its multifaceted appeal, encompassing rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and adventurous activities.
By capitalising on this versatility, Sri Lanka can position itself as a compelling destination for a wider spectrum of travellers, from leisure seekers to adventure enthusiasts, thereby expanding its tourism market and enhancing its global appeal.