October 2026
The Living Islands of the Maldives
Discover how the Maldives' tropical plants shape island traditions, local flavours, and everyday experiences at Sun Siyam
Discover how the Maldives' tropical plants shape island traditions, local flavours and everyday experiences at Sun Siyam. The Maldives is home to more than beautiful coastlines. Across its islands, coconut palms, mangroves and tropical plants have shaped everyday life for generations, providing food, shelter and materials that remain an important part of Maldivian culture today. Despite its limited land area, the Maldives supports a remarkable diversity of plant life, with more than 583 plant species recorded by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. From mangroves that help protect the coastline to coconut palms and breadfruit trees found across local communities, these plants contribute to the islands' natural environment and cultural heritage.
For generations, Maldivians have made use of the natural resources growing around them. The coconut palm, locally known as dhivehi ruh, is one of the most versatile examples. Beyond providing food and oil, its leaves, trunk and husk have traditionally been used for weaving, construction and rope-making. Another familiar plant is the screw pine, known locally as kashikeyo, whose leaves have long been woven into traditional mats and baskets. These everyday uses reflect the close relationship between nature and island life, where local knowledge and resourcefulness continue to be passed down through generations.
From island gardens to the table
At Sun Siyam, this connection with nature continues through the gardens, kitchens and dining experiences across the resorts. Fresh herbs, vegetables and tropical ingredients bring flavour and character to island dining. From curry leaves and chillies to fragrant pandan, these ingredients offer guests an opportunity to discover the tastes of the Maldives in different ways.
One example is Ice Blocks on the Go, a Sun Siyam Signature Experience that gives tropical flavours a playful twist. Homemade ice creams featuring ingredients such as pandan, passion fruit and screw pine introduce guests to familiar island flavours in a refreshing and unexpected way. The connection also extends to Plant Based Bliss, Sun Siyam's conscious dining initiative, which brings a wider selection of plant-based dishes to resort menus. Combining local produce with ingredients from around the world, the experience celebrates the variety and creativity of plant-based cooking.
Celebrating the nature of island life
From the coconut palms that have supported local communities for generations to the ingredients that bring flavour to today's dining experiences, plants remain an important part of Maldivian life. At Sun Siyam, these connections offer another way to experience the islands, through their traditions, natural surroundings and the simple pleasures of food and hospitality. It is a reminder that some of the most memorable island experiences begin with the nature and culture that have always been here.
