Luxury Hotels: Three Questions for Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts Hotels

The Sun Siyam Group has successfully combined the authenticity of a local company, founded by a Maldivian, with the highest standards of excellence in the global hospitality industry. La Quotidienne interviewed Sun Siyam Resorts CEO Deepak Booneady, who was in Paris, to understand the company’s strategy and stated ambitions.

La Quotidienne: What makes Sun Siyam unique in the world of luxury hotels?

Deepak Booneady: Unlike many international groups, Sun Siyam is a company familiar with the Maldives, founded by local entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed.

This local roots are a major asset. They guarantee a deep understanding of Maldivian culture, the fragile environment, and the expectations of the country’s tourism industry. This authenticity is reflected in the service and design of its resorts.

The group doesn’t just own a few properties; it manages an impressive portfolio of five luxury resorts, three in the north and two in the south. in the Maldives (and one in Sri Lanka), each with its own unique identity:

– The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi: A large resort renowned for its sumptuous villas, award-winning spa, and numerous activities, perfect for families and couples.
– The Sun Siyam Iru Veli: A hotel designed for travelers seeking romance and privacy, with overwater villas and exclusive services.
– Sun Siyam Olhuveli: This property, among others, demonstrates the group’s ability to offer a diverse range of experiences, from ultra-luxury to more accessible stays, without compromising on quality.

This diversity allows Sun Siyam to meet the needs of different clientele, from honeymooners to families seeking adventure, while maintaining an impeccable level of service.

LQ: Have you just completely rebranded the properties and the overall philosophy?

DB: Yes. For its 35th anniversary, the Sun Siyam hotel group is reinventing itself and adopting a new brand identity: « The Home of the Maldivian Spirit. »

This strategic transformation unifies its six resorts under the name « The House of Siyam » and organizes them into three distinct collections for greater clarity:
Luxury Collection: the embodiment of refinement, of which the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is the emblem.
Lifestyle Collection: (Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Siyam World): a dynamic and vibrant offering focused on leisure for all.
Privé Collection (with Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka), intimate and authentic locations, ideal for romantic getaways.

This repositioning aims to affirm the group’s cultural roots in the Maldives and enrich the customer experience with new tailor-made offerings.

LQ: Is the French market, and particularly B2B distribution, at the heart of your strategy?

DB: Absolutely. France is the 7th largest market worldwide for Sun Siyam, behind the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, and Italy.

We have great ambitions. We are already working with major French players in terms of tour operating and distribution.

We will strengthen our partnerships to accelerate growth.

The group’s total revenue in 2025 is €350 million with an occupancy rate of 80%.

The high season in the Maldives runs from November to April.

We believe we can extend it and introduce the French to an exceptional art of living, notably with The Home of the Maldivian Spirit – where Sun Siyam combines island spirit and creativity through its unique Signature Experiences, such as the Insta Villa and Maldivian Roots, while supporting marine conservation and community development initiatives through the Sun Siyam Care program.

Interview by PR