Sun Siyam & StudioSixty7 Win Two International Property Awards highlights the hospitality group’s latest international recognition for exceptional interior design across its luxury resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, reinforcing its commitment to world-class guest experiences.
Sun Siyam & StudioSixty7 Win Two International Property Awards for Sri Lanka and Maldives resorts
Maldivian-owned hospitality group Sun Siyam has secured two prestigious honours at the International Property Awards Asia Pacific, one of the industry’s most respected recognitions for excellence in architecture, interior design and real estate. Presented in Bangkok, Thailand, the awards celebrate the outstanding design achievements of Sun Siyam Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the Maldives.
The International Property Awards are judged by an independent panel of more than 80 industry specialists and are widely regarded as a benchmark for design excellence across the Asia Pacific region. Sun Siyam received the Award for Hotel Interiors – Sri Lanka for Sun Siyam Pasikudah, while the Deluxe Water Villa at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi earned the Award for Hotel Suite Interiors – Maldives. Both projects were designed by London-based StudioSixty7, led by co-founders Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol.
The recognition reflects a long-standing creative partnership between Sun Siyam and StudioSixty7, whose design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that respond naturally to their surroundings. Rather than imposing luxury, the projects embrace local landscapes, materials and cultural identity, resulting in interiors that blend seamlessly with their environments.
Commenting on the achievement, Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol said receiving the awards was a proud milestone for the studio and recognised years of close collaboration with Sun Siyam. They noted that every design decision was driven by the belief that luxury hospitality should remain deeply connected to the character of each destination.
The flagship Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, located on a private island in Noonu Atoll, represents the group’s premium luxury offering. The five-star resort features 15 dining and bar venues, an award-winning spa offering more than 165 treatments, and one of the region’s largest diving centres. The award-winning Deluxe Water Villa marks the beginning of a broader resort-wide design transformation led by StudioSixty7.
The newly redesigned villas introduce a softer visual language inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldives. Neutral colour palettes, organic textures, breathable linen fabrics and handcrafted finishes create calm, inviting interiors that frame uninterrupted ocean views. Open-plan layouts, lagoon-facing bathrooms and expansive outdoor decks encourage guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding environment.
Selected Horizon Water Villas further enhance the experience with private swimming pools, sunken seating areas and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that capture the tranquillity of island living. According to the designers, every element was carefully selected to create a sensory experience that encourages relaxation while maintaining understated elegance.
Meanwhile, Sun Siyam Pasikudah, situated along Sri Lanka’s picturesque eastern coastline, has also gained international recognition following its extensive renovation completed in late 2023. The boutique resort, comprising 34 contemporary pavilions, was comprehensively upgraded while preserving its original architectural identity.
The refurbishment introduced refreshed interiors, updated furnishings, modern fittings and carefully selected colour palettes that complement the coastal surroundings. A defining feature of the project was its strong emphasis on Sri Lankan craftsmanship. Local artisans and community woodworkers played a central role in producing bespoke furniture, handcrafted chandeliers and custom joinery that now define the property’s interior spaces.
This commitment to local talent extends beyond design. Nearly 90 percent of the resort’s workforce comes from surrounding communities, demonstrating Sun Siyam’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism and community development. The approach ensures the guest experience remains authentically connected to the local culture while creating meaningful economic opportunities for residents.
Sun Siyam & StudioSixty7 Win Two International Property Awards not only recognises excellence in hospitality design but also reinforces the growing reputation of Sri Lanka and the Maldives as destinations capable of delivering internationally acclaimed luxury experiences. By combining thoughtful architecture, sustainable practices and local craftsmanship, the group continues to set new standards for premium hospitality across the region.
The latest honours further strengthen Sun Siyam’s position within the competitive luxury tourism sector while highlighting how design innovation, cultural authenticity and long-term creative partnerships can elevate guest experiences and enhance the global appeal of island destinations.