Am I likely to return to this playground paradise Maldives isle? Yes Siyam

I SCREAMED in sheer delight (and a teeny bit of terror if I’m honest!) as I released my inner child and shot down the slide at what felt like 100mph before plopping unceremoniously into the water.

But this was no ordinary waterslide. I wasn’t in some overcrowded swimming pool or water complex.

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No. I had slid down my very own slide, from my very own overwater bungalow, into the crystal clear, azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

That’s the luxury you enjoy when you stay at 24-hour a day, premium all-inclusive, Siyam World in the Maldives.

My room came complete with its own pool just in case I didn’t fancy a quick slide, or climb down the ladder, into the ocean. Just how spoilt can a gal get?

Well at Siyam World is seems very, very spoilt and I loved every single second of it.

The resort is the biggest in the Maldives and, unlike many of the others, is aimed as much at fun in the sun as it is romance under the stars. So here in the Noonu Atoll you get the best of both (Siyam) worlds.

Your holiday begins with your transfers — forget over-crowded coaches or expensive taxis, in the Maldives you get to your resort by sea plane. Flying over the beautiful islands is amazing.

Once in resort there’s buses to get you around and stops with names of famous cities. It’s unique, bumpy and loads of fun.

Talking of fun, Siyam World even has its very own director of happiness, Nihao, who is there to make sure each and every guest enjoys every single minute of their stay.

If you’ve always been put off the idea of the Maldives because you think you will be bored, think again. The island’s motto is ‘Bye Bye Boredom – Hello Endless Escapades’ and they live up to it and more.

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This playground paradise has something for everyone, including the traditional Maldivian watersports, like snorkelling, diving and sailing.

But at Siyam World you also get a spectacular huge floating water park, with an obstacle course which will test your fitness for sure. It has climbing walls and rafts, slippery slides (of course!) and even trampolines.

Add in clear kayaks to enjoy the underwater view as you paddle, donut ring rides, banana boats, windsurfing, jet skies, hydrofoil bikes, seabobs, which pull you over and under the waves, and even a fly board for the ultimate test of skill.

On dry land enjoy a game of football, tennis, futsal, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball and even horse riding.

Getting the idea now of just how much fun there’s to be had at Siyam World?

And if that is not enough for you, there are all sorts of other, more relaxing things to do, including yoga, fishing, dolphin and sunset cruises and, of course, a spa. And boy what a spa it is!

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The Veyo spa is huge, with individual treatment villas built in a cirecle among lush vegetation. I had one of the best massages I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience.

There are too many options to list, from a full moon cleansing ritual to ayurvedic massages, and the spa also offers traditional relaxation areas, hydrotherapy facilities and a beauty centre.

One of the best things we did when we were there was our bit to help the reef regenerate by coral planting with the resort’s lovely marine biologist Mariyam.

It was an incredible feeling to be tying little bits of coral to a Manta ray-shaped frame which was then taken out to the coral shelf and planted. It’s a chargeable experience but well worth it.

We were all so proud the next day to see fish nibbling away on it when Mariyam took us snorkelling.

GO:MALDIVES

GETTING/STAYING THERE: Nine nights in a Lagoon Water Villa with pool and slide at the 5* Siyam World is from £3,649pp leaving Glasgow on June 27. A week for two adults and two children sharing a Sunset Pool Beach Villa is from £9,119 leaving Glasgow on October 13. Both include WOW! premium all-inclusive and seaplane transfer. See barrheadtravel.co.uk or call 0330 094 8364.
MORE INFO: For more details see sunsiyam.com and for more on visiting the Maldives see visitmaldives.com

And when day turns to night, the fun ramps up.

Now it’s time to indulge in the island’s gastronomic treats, of which there are plenty. In fact you’ll probably struggle to experience all there is on offer during one visit — a perfect excuse to return I’d say!

There’s a huge buffet restaurant, Baraabaru, serving breakfast with absolutely everything you could want and much, much more. And the beachside Tempo has views to rival the food on offer.

Talking of breakfast, you really should take advantage of the room service floating breakfast where a heart-shaped tray loaded with all-you-can-eat delights is set in your own private pool for you to enjoy. It has to be the ultimate indulgence.

For lunch head to Tempo or Jungali, the poolside eaterie in the centre of the island where the service is superb and the food delicious.

There’s also the Spanish Andalucia for lunch and dinner, with tapas and traditional dishes on offer, along with a great selection of wines and cocktails.

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If Thai is your thing then you’ll love Takrai. The green veggie curry was a highlight for me and the prawn Phad Thai soooo moreish.

I didn’t get the chance to try Kurry Leaf but this is fine-dining at its best I hear.

The Wahoo Grill is a must-visit for fish and seafood lovers and you won’t find fresher than the Maldives.

And Arigato served the most amazing Japanese cuisines I’ve ever had the pleasure to taste; tuna tartare, sushi, sashimi, Ramen, Teriyaki and curry are a few yummy delights.

And when you’ve done with eating, then the nightlife will definitely tempt you to stay out a little longer.

At the Together Bar there’s so much entertainment every night with DJs playing your faves, spectacular fire dancers, LED light shows and a hilarious limbo contest

The resort also throws a weekly beach party with DJ, dancing and cracking cocktails — you can even get lessons to make your own. And if sport is your thing, then head to the Kulhivaru bar.

It was mobbed with people from across the globe watching their team play footie in the World Cup when I was there.

See what I mean about this island not being in the least bit boring? There is ALWAYS something to do. Always!

And when it’s time to top up your tan — you are here for a tan too remember — then if you want peace and quiet you have your own pool and loungers at your bungalow.

But if you crave the company of others head to Mint Bar and its infinity pool, which is surrounded by loungers and lovers swings.

Oh and let’s not forget the little ones. Needless to say there’s plenty for them too, from watersports to going crazy at Jungali.

Kidz World is the island’s huge kids club and caters from tots to 12-year-olds, with activities to suit all ages in between.

But you might just struggle to drag your youngsters away from their own waterslide — if they are anything like me, that is!

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