Top View: Deepak Booneady - CEO of Sun Siyam Maldives & Sri Lanka

Holding decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Deepak is known for his strategic vision, innovation and leadership in growing the legendary Maldivian brand through challenging times.

Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts

From your perspective, what are the key global hospitality trends shaping the industry today, and how do you see them evolving in the next few years?

“We see three powerful forces shaping hospitality today: authenticity, personalisation, and responsibility. Guests are no longer satisfied with a beautiful villa alone; they are seeking meaning behind the experience – to connect with the culture, the people, and the place in an authentic way. That is why our new brand identity is anchored in The Home of the Maldivian Spirit and why we have launched curated Signature Experiences like Maldivian Roots, which immerses travellers in our heritage through food, music and storytelling.

At the same time, travel is becoming more personalised. Guests expect their stay to be shaped around them, not the other way around. Through Siyam Rewards, our new loyalty programme, we are using data and feedback to tailor itineraries, recommend activities, and reward loyalty in meaningful ways.”

With increasing pressures on profitability and sustainability, what do you believe are the most critical actions hospitality brands must take to thrive responsibly?

“One of the key logistical challenges in the Maldives is the supply of goods and produce to resorts. At Sun Siyam Resorts, we are actively reducing food miles through two main approaches - growing our own produce and purchasing from local markets.

We run very successful in-house garden programs through the production of our own produce such as microgreens, beansprouts and bananas as well as free range eggs and chickens. This allows us to directly substitute imported items with fresh, home-grown ingredients. We also source watermelon, fish and many other products from local farmers and fishermen, thereby reducing transportation distances but also supporting local livelihoods and keeping the economic benefits within the community.

By combining in-house gardens, farm islands and strong local market partnerships, we are steadily cutting down on food miles whilst simultaneously enhancing food security and creating fresher, more authentic guest experiences. In the long run, this builds both resilience and a net positive contribution to the Maldivian food system.

Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts

We’ve also engaged PLEDGE food waste prevention certification system which supports us to reduce food waste at our restaurants. We have been able to reduce food waste by 23% by introducing smart kitchen tools by measuring food waste at the buffet which is a huge achievement – so much so we have introduced this system to all our resorts and our target is to reduce food waste by 80% by the end of 2025. This initiative immensely helps to reduce food waste and the environmental foot print.

Another initiative we are running that has just been introduced at our largest resort, Siyam World Maldives is our own Plastic Upcycle Centre, where we recycle over 800kg of plastic monthly. Instead of sending waste to landfill, we convert it into useful products — so items of furniture like benches, tables and chairs to garden items such as plant pots. This initiative not only reduces plastic pollution but also contributes to the circular economy, turning waste into resources that benefit our resorts, staff, and communities.”

Could you share specific examples of initiatives at Sun Siyam that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the overall guest journey?

“As part of our brand evolution which comes into force in September 2025, we’re introducing plant-based menus which are 100% climate friendly dishes and which reduce the GHG emission. The aim is for this to account for 30% of our dishes in our buffet restaurants.

Showcasing Maldivian day every Friday which highlights cultural and traditional values which helps to preserve the local heritage and culture with respect to local. Our team members from the airport reps to resort staff wear traditional Maldivian dress; cocktail events include Maldivian dishes and entertainment is wholly Maldivian.

Our upcycle centre is open for guests so that anyone who wishes to visit and learn our process of plastic recycling can visit and learn which always becomes a wow experience for the guests.

Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts

We actively encourage our guests to visit nearby local islands because it creates a meaningful connection between visitors and the Maldivian way of life. These visits allow guests to see firsthand how communities live sustainably with limited resources, preserving their culture, traditions, and heritage for generations. By engaging in local experiences — from traditional crafts and cuisine to cultural performances and community-led projects — guests gain a deeper understanding of the Maldives beyond the resort. At the same time, their visits directly support local livelihoods by creating income opportunities for artisans, fishermen, and small businesses. This approach not only enriches the guest experience with authenticity but also strengthens our commitment to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and responsible tourism. It’s about ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared widely, while giving guests the chance to take home memories that are both unique and impactful.

What makes this unique is that all the plastic collected during these clean-ups doesn’t just end up as waste — it is recycled and upcycled through our own

facility. This means guests can see how their efforts contribute to a circular economy, where waste is transformed into new, useful products rather than harming the environment.

For many visitors, this experience is deeply rewarding because they not only enjoy the beauty of the Maldives but also leave knowing they’ve played a part in preserving it for future generations. It adds purpose to their holiday while strengthening the connection between sustainable action and memorable travel experiences.”

Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts

Looking ahead, what is your vision for Sun Siyam Resorts in the wider context of sustainable luxury travel, and how do you hope to influence the industry at large?

“Looking ahead, my vision for Sun Siyam is to position the brand as a leader in sustainable luxury travel, where unforgettable guest experiences go hand-in-hand with a positive impact on people, planet and place. I believe the future of hospitality is not about “doing less harm” but about embracing Net Positive Hospitality — giving back more to our destinations than we take. To achieve this, we are embedding sustainability into every part of our strategy through four interconnected pillars.

- For People, we will continue to invest in staff training, well-being and recognition while empowering local communities through education and employment opportunities.

- For the Planet, we are committed to accelerating renewable energy adoption, conserving water, advancing circular waste management and protecting biodiversity across land and sea.

- Through Place, we aim to safeguard cultural heritage and strengthen authentic connections between guests and local communities, ensuring tourism enriches rather than dilutes local identity.

- And for Prosperity, we are embedding sustainable supply chains, driving resource efficiency, and supporting regenerative initiatives that secure the long-term health of the destinations where we operate.

My hope is that by demonstrating how sustainability can elevate—not compromise—luxury hospitality, we will inspire the wider industry to adopt similar models. True luxury today is about meaning, responsibility, and legacy. At Sun Siyam Resorts, we want our guests to leave with not just memories of a beautiful holiday, but with the knowledge that their stay has contributed to regenerating ecosystems, uplifting communities, and building a more resilient future for tourism.