If you consider the Maldives your ultimate destination (and honestly, don’t these islands seem to be perched at the top of everyone’s bucket list?), you might find it tricky to figure out which resort to book once you start planning your getaway. While no accommodation is one-size-fits-all, Sun Siyam Iru Veli ticks off a lot of the boxes to make a Maldivian getaway so iconic. I recently stayed there for a few nights during a nine-day trip to the Maldives. Here are six reasons you’ll love this 125-villa, all-inclusive resort set within its own lagoon in the South Nilandhe Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé.

User-Friendly

Sun Siyam Irm Veli is so well laid-out. Every place you want to go to, from the spa to the restaurants to the pools, is easily walkable. The heart of the resort is flanked by two sets of overwater bungalows; though mine was farther out, the walk to dinner or back to my lounger on the pool deck only took a few minutes. And every second of it was filled with unbelievable beauty, so I never minded if I forgot something and had to go back to my villa to retrieve it. Despite the resort’s small size — or maybe because of it — it doesn’t feel crowded, unless you travel there in times of peak demand, like the festive season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve.

© Kelly Magyarics

Accommodations are Dreamy

Speaking of those overwater bungalows, they are truly the stuff dreams are made of. Bora Bora has always been the gold standard to me for overwater accommodations, and these reminded me of the ones in which I stayed on the French Polynesian island. Those at Iru Veli also have thatched roofs, and there are water views aplenty, inside and out; you can even see the lagoon from the shower and the toilet thanks to cleverly placed low windows that don’t detract from the privacy. The bathtub overlooks the water, and setting a glass of Champagne and a plate of fruit on the tray made for a pleasant soak one morning. The infinity pool also has tiles matching the hue of the adjacent Indian Ocean. Not to be outdone, beach villas are secluded yet close enough to the sand and surf.

Floating Breakfasts are Insta-Worthy and Envy-Inducing

I follow a lot of tropical and Maldives Instagram accounts, and the floating breakfast has made many an appearance in my feed. So when I found out Iru Veli offers this to guests, I jumped at the chance to hang out in my pool after I awoke and await the delivery of a floating tray of deliciousness. There is an option of an Indian, Asian or Western breakfast. The Indian one I selected included specialties like paneer with tomatoes, peppers and paratha; a spicy omelet; spiced lentils with pappadam, sauteed vegetables, tropical fruit and yogurt; and masala tea. It was definitely way too much for one, and even generous portions for two people, for which it’s intended. As I stood there in my infinity pool and noshed, I thought about how this experience was not only one of those must-do Maldivian activities, but also one actually lives up to the hype.

© Kelly Magyarics

Spa is Blissful for Several Reasons 

Located overwater on the pathway to some of the villas, the spa is the epitome of a tranquil oasis. Treatment rooms are freestanding overwater structures with lots of windows overlooking the ocean. Most clever, however, are the glass-bottom floors directly underneath the head cradle on treatment tables; when I was face down during my massage, I didn’t close my eyes for a second because it was so relaxing to watch the fish swimming below me. Speaking of treatments, massages run the gamut, from Thai to Lomi Lomi to deep tissue. I selected a Balinese massage, like a greatest hits from all of the above and more, including some stretching my body really needed.

You Don’t Need to Go Far for World-Class Snorkeling 

Sure, Iru Veli staff will gladly book you an amazing half- or full-day snorkeling expedition. But you don’t even have to leave the property to see amazing marine life. One morning I went out in the house reef with a staff member serving as my guide. This reef, adjacent to the Dolphin overwater villas, is filled with the most colorful tropical fish. We started at the beach, then swam parallel along the bungalows, ending at the staff beach and seeing an incredible number of fish the entire way. Guests can borrow a set of complimentary snorkeling equipment and head out to this reef on their own, or rent a guide to go with them. Either way, I consider it some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever done, and it was pretty much effortless (not to mention free).

There’s a Sister Resort Nearby

If you (somehow) grow tired of your surroundings or just want to see something different, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is just a short speedboat ride away. You can get a day pass to use its pool and beach, have lunch at one of the restaurants and just soak up a different vibe for the afternoon. Or, if you want to stay at two resorts during your Maldivian vacation, Vilu Reef, the first resort in the hotel group, makes for a perfect two-fer.