I let go of my inner child, shooting down a slide at what felt like 100 miles an hour, and when I jumped into the water unexpectedly, I cried out in pure joy (and, honestly, a little bit of terror !).
But this was no ordinary waterslide. I wasn’t in a crowded pool or water complex.
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No, I slid down my own slide from my overwater bungalow into the crystal clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean.
That’s the luxury you’ll enjoy staying at the 24-hour premium all-inclusive Siyam World in the Maldives.
My room was complete with its own pool in case you didn’t want a quick slide or ladder down to the ocean. How spoiled are gals?
At Siyam World, I felt very spoiled and loved every moment of it.
The resort is the largest in the Maldives and, unlike many others, is as much about having fun in the sun as it is about romance under the stars. So here in Noonu Atoll you get the best of both (Siyam) worlds.
Vacations start with a move. Forget crowded coaches and expensive taxis. In the Maldives you will arrive at the resort by seaplane. Flying over the beautiful islands is amazing.
There is a bus inside the resort that stops at famous city names. Unique, bumpy and lots of fun.
Speaking of fun, Siyam World even has its very own well-being director, Nihao, who is there to make sure each guest is enjoying every moment during their stay.
If you’ve always put off the idea of the Maldives because you think it’s boring, think again.
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This playground paradise has something for everyone, including traditional Maldivian water sports such as snorkeling, diving and sailing.
But at Siam World, you also get a spectacular giant floating water park with an obstacle course that will definitely test your fitness. There are climbing walls, rafts, slippery slides (of course!) and even trampolines.
Add a clear kayak to paddle, donut ring ride, banana boat, windsurf, jet ski, hydrofoil bike, seabob pulled over and under the waves, or even a fly board for the ultimate test of skill Enjoy the underwater scenery. .
On land, you can enjoy football, tennis, futsal, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball and even horseback riding.
Did you see how much fun you can have at Siam World?
And if that’s not enough, there are plenty of other relaxing activities such as yoga, fishing, dolphin cruises, sunset cruises and, of course, spas. And what a spa!
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The Veyo Spa is huge, with individual treatment villas built in a circle surrounded by lush vegetation. I had his one of the best massages I have ever had.
From full-moon cleansing rituals to Ayurvedic massages, there are too many options to list, and the spa also has traditional relaxation areas, hydrotherapy facilities, and a beauty center.
One of the best things we did when we were there was helping regenerate the reef by planting corals with the resort’s lovely marine biologist Mariyam.
It was an incredible feeling to tie a small coral to a manta ray shaped frame, then take it out and plant it on the coral shelf. It’s a paid experience, but it’s worth it.
When Maryam took us snorkeling the next day, we were all so proud to see the fish nibble on it.
GO: Maldives
How to get there/how to stay: 9 Nights in Lagoon Water Villas, 5* Syam World with Pool and Slides from £3,649 per person departing Glasgow on 27th June. 2 adults and 2 children sharing a Sunset Pool Beach Villa for a week he left Glasgow from £9,119 on 13th October. Both include WOW! Premium all-inclusive and seaplane transfers. Visit barrheadtravel.co.uk or call 0330 094 8364.
More information: For more information, please visit sunsiyam.com. Also, visit visitmaldives.com for more information on visiting the Maldives.
And when the day turns to night, the fun increases.
Now, let’s enjoy the gastronomy of the island. We have a lot. In fact, you’d probably struggle to experience everything it has to offer in one visit.
The huge buffet restaurant Baraabaru has everything you need for breakfast. Beachside Tempo also offers views that rival the food served.
Speaking of breakfast, don’t miss the Floating Breakfast from room service. A heart-shaped tray of all-you-can-eat food is placed in your private pool for you to enjoy. It has to be the ultimate indulgence.
For lunch, head to Tempo or Jungali, a poolside restaurant in the center of the island. The service is excellent and the food is delicious.
Lunch and dinner also include Spanish Andalusia, with tapas and traditional dishes and a large selection of wines and cocktails.
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If you like Thailand, you will love Takrai. The green vegetable curry was a highlight for me and the prawn pad thai was sooo good.
I haven’t had a chance to try Curry Leaf, but this is the best fine dining restaurant I’ve heard of.
Wahoo Grill is a must-visit for seafood lovers and it doesn’t get any fresher than in the Maldives.
And Arigato served the most amazing Japanese food I have ever tasted. There are some delicious dishes such as tuna tartare, sushi, sashimi, ramen, teriyaki and curry.
And once you’re done eating, the nightlife will definitely make you want to go out a little more.
Each night, Together Bar offers a variety of entertainment, including a DJ playing your favorite tunes, spectacular fire dancers, an LED light show, and a hilarious limbo contest.
The resort also hosts weekly beach parties with DJs, dancing and cracking cocktails. You can also take lessons that you create yourself. If you like sports, head to the Kulhivaru bar.
When I was there, it was buzzing with people from all over the world watching their team play football in the World Cup.
You know what I mean about this island not being boring at all? There is always work to be done. everytime!
And when it’s time to top up your tan – remember you’re here for a tan too – if you want peace and quiet, your bungalow has your own pool and loungers.
But if you want to hang out with others, head to Mint Bar and its infinity pool, surrounded by loungers and swings.
Oh, let’s not forget the little things. Not to mention, they have a lot too, from water sports to going crazy on the Djungari.
Kidz World is the island’s largest kids’ club, offering activities suitable for all ages from toddlers to 12-year-olds.
But you might have a hard time dragging your kids off your own waterslide.
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