Vilu Reef Expansion Lifts Sun Siyam to Largest Bed Capacity, Chairman Says

Sun Siyam Resorts has expanded its accommodation portfolio with the opening of 50 new overwater villas at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, a development the group says has made it the single resort investor with the largest bed capacity in the Maldives.

The Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide comprise 48 one-bedroom villas and two two-bedroom villas, adding a total of 52 bedrooms to the resort’s inventory.

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Sun Siyam Founder, Chairman and Managing Director Ahmed Siyam Mohamed opened the new villas at a ceremony held at the resort on 15 June. Representatives from the State Bank of India, which provided the main financing for the project, attended alongside senior Sun Siyam executives and resort managers.

In a milestone moment for the resort, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef officially unveiled its new Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide during an exclusive launch event attended by local media, partners and VIP guests. The unveiling was led by Sun Siyam Founder, Chairman and Managing… pic.twitter.com/qPvLo5HkO9— Sun Siyam Resorts (@sunsiyamresorts) June 18, 2026

The expansion represents one of the most significant upgrades undertaken at Vilu Reef in recent years. It also increases the group’s overall accommodation capacity across its Maldivian portfolio, which currently includes five resorts.

The new villas have been developed for couples, families and larger groups, with one and two-bedroom configurations. Each unit includes a private swimming pool, an 11-metre water slide, direct lagoon access, separate lounge areas and integrated pantry facilities.

London-based design consultancy Studio Sixty7 developed the interiors, combining natural materials, curved architectural features and locally produced artwork. The villas use a Maldivian-inspired minimalist design intended to create a stronger connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding lagoon.

According to Sun Siyam, the expansion forms part of its wider strategy to update its tourism products and respond to changing guest expectations, particularly demand for faster service, greater privacy and more experience-led accommodation.

The group also said it plans to continue investing in tourism despite uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions and international conflicts.

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is located on Meedhuffushi in South Nilandhe Atoll and forms part of the company’s Privé Collection. Opened in 1998, it was the first resort developed under the Sun Siyam portfolio.

Sun Siyam Resorts currently operates five properties in the Maldives and one resort in Sri Lanka.