Sun Island Resort
A full-scale island resort running on solar, coral, and open ocean
A place to stay on Mamagile
Sun Island Resort operates as Villa Park within the Villa Resorts group, sitting on its own island in South Ari Atoll roughly 115 km from Velana International Airport. The island is large enough to hold five restaurants, multiple bars, an overwater villa collection, and what the resort describes as the Maldives' largest kids club — yet it runs almost entirely on 2,464 solar panels, maintains a zero single-use plastics commitment, and operates an active coral nursery restoration programme. Room categories run from 41 m² sunset-facing beach villas up to a 465 m² two-bedroom pool residence on the beachfront. Whale shark excursions, teppanyaki dinners, private jungle baths, and water sports all feature on the activity roster.
The honest verdict
A large, activity-rich island resort with genuine eco infrastructure, multiple dining options, and villa categories to suit couples, families, and groups.
Best for
- Families wanting space and a dedicated kids club
- Couples in overwater or pool villas
- Divers and water sports enthusiasts
- Eco-conscious travellers
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers wanting a very small, intimate property
- Those preferring a short, simple transfer
Solar-powered island with reef restoration
The resort runs on 2,464 solar panels and has eliminated single-use plastics across the island. A working coral nursery restoration programme means the house reef is actively managed — not just preserved. The property has been designated a Maldives' Leading Green Resort.
Five restaurants and four bars
Dining spans Maaniya, Sun Star, ZERO, Al Pontile, and a dedicated Teppanyaki venue. For drinks, there are three bars — Mekunu Bar, Garden Bar, and Pool Bar — plus La Tropicana on the beach. Meal formats include buffet, continental, Asian, American, and halal options.
Overwater and pool villas above the lagoon
Water villas sit directly over the lagoon at 73 m² each, with large sundecks and bath. The Sunset Water Villa orients toward the western horizon. Private-pool beach villas scale from 117 m² up to 242 m², with the flagship two-bedroom residence reaching 465 m².
Araamu Spa on the island
The Araamu Spa is the resort's dedicated wellness facility. Beyond standard treatments, the Pot Tub jungle bath experience — private soaks set within the island's dense interior — is one of the more distinctive offerings on the activity list.
Park Players Kids Club
The resort's kids club is described as the largest in the Maldives. Alongside the club itself, families can book cultural tours, coconut craft sessions at the Coconut Craft Hut, and guided Green Fingers tree-planting activities.
Rooms & suites
Sunset Beach Villa
41 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 double bed / 1 sofa bed / )
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Sunset Deluxe Beach Villa
41 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Lagoon Beach Villa
52 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 double bed / 1 sofa bed
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
Beach Villa with Whirlpool
121 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 double bed / 1 sofa bed
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
Water Villa
73 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Private suite
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Patio
Sunset Water Villa
73 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Private suite
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Patio
Lagoon Beach Pool Villa
117 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 double bed / 1 sofa bed
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Patio
Beach Villa with Private Pool
121 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 double bed AND 1 sofa bed
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
Deluxe Beach Pool Villa
121 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 double bed / 1 sofa bed
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Patio
2 Bedroom Family Beach Villa
104 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 double beds
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa
242 m² · sleeps 6 · 2 double beds / 2 sofa beds
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Patio
Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence
465 m² · sleeps 4 · 1 double bed / 2 single beds
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Bath
- Air conditioning
Inside Sun Island Resort
Amenities at Sun Island Resort
Great for your stay
- 5 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness centre
- View
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Fitness centre
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun terrace
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities
- Patio
- Terrace
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
Getting there
Sun Island Resort is approximately 115 km from Velana International Airport and is reached by seaplane transfer. The resort's official information also references a domestic flight taking around 20 minutes as an alternative routing. Confirm the transfer option applicable to your booking when you reserve.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Sun Island Resort has a 5/5 Google rating across 8 reviews at the time of publication. The small review sample means patterns are limited, but the property's location and beachfront setting are among the aspects guests have flagged positively. The resort's eco credentials and villa range are consistent talking points in its wider reputation.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Sun Island Resort from the airport?
The resort is reached by seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. The island sits approximately 115 km from the airport. The official website also references a domestic flight option taking about 20 minutes, so confirm your transfer type at booking.
How many room categories are available?
There are 16 villa categories in total, ranging from 41 m² sunset beach villas starting around $293/night to the two-bedroom beach pool residence at 465 m² from around $2,035/night. Both beach and overwater options are available.
Are there overwater villas?
Yes. Water villas and Sunset Water villas sit directly over the lagoon at 73 m² each, with large sundecks, full baths, and lagoon access. The Sunset Water Villa is positioned for western views.
Which villas have private pools?
The Lagoon Beach Pool Villa, Beach Villa with Private Pool, Deluxe Beach Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, and Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence all include private pools.
What restaurants are on the island?
Five dining venues: Maaniya, Sun Star, ZERO, Al Pontile, and a Teppanyaki restaurant. There is also a Coffee Shop. Bars include the Mekunu Bar, Garden Bar, Pool Bar, and La Tropicana beach bar.
Is there a spa at the resort?
Yes. The Araamu Spa is on the island. The resort also runs a Pot Tub experience — private baths set within the island's jungle interior — as a separate bookable activity.
Is this a good resort for families?
The resort runs what it describes as the Maldives' largest kids club (Park Players). Family villa options include the two-bedroom beach villa sleeping four and the two-bedroom beach pool villa sleeping six. Cultural tours and craft sessions are also available for children.
What water sports and activities are available?
On-site water sports facilities cover diving, snorkelling, canoeing, and windsurfing. Whale shark excursions run from the island. On land, there is cycling, badminton, a fitness centre, tennis, and fishing. A cultural tour programme is also offered.
How eco-friendly is the resort?
The island runs on 2,464 solar panels and operates a zero single-use plastics policy. An active coral nursery restoration programme is in place, and the resort has been designated a Maldives' Leading Green Resort.
What meal plan options are offered?
The resort has five restaurants covering buffet, continental, vegetarian, halal, Asian, and American formats. Specific meal plan inclusions (e.g. half-board, all-inclusive) should be confirmed directly at booking, as the available package depends on room type and date.
Is the resort suitable for couples without children?
Several villa categories are designed for two guests — the Sunset Deluxe Beach Villa, Water Villa, and Sunset Water Villa among them. The Beach Villa with Whirlpool is specifically positioned as a romantic option.
Is there free WiFi at the resort?
Free WiFi is included in several villa categories including the Sunset Beach Villa, Sunset Deluxe Beach Villa, Lagoon Beach Villa, and 2 Bedroom Family Beach Villa. Check your specific villa's listed facilities when booking.