Sun Siyam, the Maldivian-owned hospitality group with six resort properties across the Maldives and Sri Lanka, has received two honours at the International Property Awards Asia Pacific, further strengthening its position as a regional hospitality brand recognised for design excellence and refined guest experiences. Presented in Bangkok, Thailand, the awards acknowledged achievements at two of the group’s most distinguished properties: Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives. The recognition highlights the group’s continued investment in thoughtful design, elevated comfort, and destination-led hospitality that resonates with international travellers seeking distinctive and memorable stays.
Widely regarded as one of the most respected platforms for recognising excellence in architecture, interior design, and real estate, the International Property Awards are evaluated by an independent panel of more than 80 industry experts from across the sector. At this year’s Asia Pacific edition, Sun Siyam Pasikudah received the Award for Hotel Interiors — Sri Lanka, while the Deluxe Water Villa at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was honoured with the Award for Hotel Suite Interiors — Maldives. Both projects were developed in collaboration with London-based Studio Sixty7, founded by Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol, whose work is known for creating interiors that respond closely to place, culture, and atmosphere.
The award-winning projects reflect a long-standing creative partnership between Sun Siyam and Studio Sixty7, centred on the belief that luxury hospitality should emerge naturally from its setting rather than feel separate from it. Across two very different island environments, the coast of Sri Lanka and the lagoon landscape of the Maldives, the design approach remained consistent in its emphasis on authenticity, local character, and emotional connection. The collaboration has produced spaces that are visually refined while also deeply experiential, allowing guests to feel the identity of each destination through materials, layout, light, and texture.
Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol, Co-founders of Studio Sixty7, said they were proud to receive the two awards for Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives. They noted that the projects carried special meaning for the studio, as the work with Sun Siyam challenged them to create spaces genuinely rooted in their surroundings, not only in appearance but also in the way they feel and the way guests connect with them. They also expressed gratitude to the Sun Siyam team for their trust, creative openness, and shared belief that luxury and respect for place can exist together in complete harmony.
At the heart of the Maldivian recognition is Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the flagship of Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection, located on a private island in Noonu Atoll. The resort has built a strong international reputation as a five-star destination where spacious accommodation, carefully curated experiences, and a strong sense of tranquillity come together in a setting of exceptional natural beauty. Designed to appeal equally to families, couples, and wellness-focused travellers seeking restoration and privacy, the resort combines scale with intimacy in a way that makes each stay feel personal. Guests are offered a diverse culinary journey across multiple dining venues, an award-winning spa featuring more than 165 treatments, and the largest diving centre in the region, making the resort one of the Maldives’ most comprehensive luxury offerings.
The International Property Award for Hotel Suite Interiors specifically recognises the newly reimagined Deluxe Water Villa at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, which represents the opening chapter of a wider resort-wide design transformation under the creative direction of Studio Sixty7. The refreshed design language introduces muted tones, natural textures, and softly sculpted forms that create an atmosphere of understated sophistication. Gently plastered walls, tactile finishes, and breathable linen establish a mood that is calm, warm, and elevated without excess. The villas are designed to act as a frame for the ocean itself, with open-plan interiors and bathrooms positioned to capture uninterrupted lagoon views. Private decks with suspended hammocks and carefully placed green accents reinforce a sense of stillness and retreat, while the Horizon Water Villas further enhance the experience with a 22-square-metre private pool and sunken seating areas that invite guests to fully immerse themselves in the slow rhythm of Maldivian island life.
Commenting on the design philosophy behind the project, Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero said every element had been chosen to feel grounded and sensorial, inviting guests into a deep sense of calm. That approach is especially significant in today’s global luxury market, where travellers increasingly value destinations that offer not only comfort and prestige, but also authenticity, emotional resonance, and a strong connection to their environment. In this regard, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi presents a refined interpretation of Maldivian hospitality, where design becomes part of the guest journey rather than simply a backdrop.
In Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Pasikudah also received strong recognition for a transformation that has reshaped the boutique property into a contemporary retreat while preserving its architectural character. Situated along a pristine stretch of coastline on the country’s northeast shore, the resort features 34 contemporary pavilions and forms part of the Privé Collection under The House of Siyam. Following an extensive renovation, the property reopened in November 2023 with renewed interiors, updated colour concepts, new fittings, furnishings, and an enhanced guest offering. The redesign was carried out with a clear commitment to safeguarding the original structure, allowing the property to evolve without losing the features that define its identity.
The Award for Hotel Interiors — Sri Lanka reflects not only the aesthetic quality of the renovation but also the depth of local collaboration involved in bringing it to life. The project placed Sri Lankan craftsmanship at its centre, with local artisans and community woodworkers contributing bespoke furniture, handmade chandeliers, and joinery elements used throughout the resort. This commitment has helped create an interior language that feels inherently connected to its surroundings, giving the property a sense of authenticity that international guests increasingly value. The resort’s relationship with its surrounding communities is also reflected in its workforce, with nearly 90 percent of staff drawn from nearby areas, underscoring a broader philosophy that hospitality should generate meaningful local participation as well as memorable guest experiences.
For Sun Siyam, the dual recognition at the International Property Awards Asia Pacific represents more than design acclaim. It demonstrates the group’s ability to deliver distinctive hospitality concepts across different destinations while remaining anchored in place, culture, and quality. As a Maldivian-owned brand continuing to expand its influence in the region, Sun Siyam’s success at these awards offers a strong example of how South Asian hospitality can compete at the highest international level through creativity, authenticity, and sustained investment in excellence.
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