Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Maldives at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s cultural beach house, also known as “Athireege” in Dhivehi, which showcases traditional Maldivian life. In the local language, Athireege means the beach house and was the name of the home where royals once descended from princes and kings. Explore a meticulously recreated local-style house, crafted from natural materials found on the islands. Learn about the local customs and crafts.

Enjoy a traditional Maldivian breakfast or dinner by the ocean, featuring family-style local cuisine prepared using age-old cooking methods passed down through generations. (from USD 90++)

Athireege is one of the attractions at Vilu Reef, where 103 island villas exude a rustic charm. Opened in 1998, it is the first of six properties in the Sun Siyam Resorts group, a family-owned and operated Maldivian company. Other Maldivian experiences at the resort include Boduberu dance and Maldivian cooking classes.

 About Sun Siyam Resorts:

Since opening its first resort in the Maldives (Sun Siyam Vilu Reef) in 1998, the Sun Siyam Resorts portfolio has grown to six luxury private-island properties and welcomed its most recent addition – Siyam World – in October 2021.

The resort collection encompasses a 4-star (Sun Siyam Olhuveli) and four 5-star (Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Siyam World) properties in the Maldives, plus a boutique beach retreat on the east coast of Sri Lanka (Sun Siyam Pasikudah).

Each resort showcases its idyllic location and character through a bespoke program of island-based and underwater experiences, from rotating international chef residencies to ocean adventures.

Owned and managed by the Sun Siyam Group – a privately-owned company established in 1990 – the resorts reflect the legendary warmth of Maldivian hospitality and the Group’s visionary owner and MD, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed.

About Sun Siyam Vilu Reef:

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef embodies the ultimate, naturally playful, tropical boutique hideaway with its breathtaking surroundings and its 103 charming island villas. Nestled in Dhaalu Atoll,a mere 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, the resort exemplifies a rustic feel with a Maldivian touch - think white interiors contrasting with tropical colour accents.