Traditions That Are Still Lived, Not Performed: Inside Athireege at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Maldivian Roots Day: A Journey into Generations of Island Life

Once a week, guests are invited to experience Maldivian Roots Day, a journey that reveals the customs, skills and traditions that have shaped island life for generations. Visitors leave with more than memories of turquoise waters—they leave with a deeper understanding of the place they have called home, even if only for a few days.

Authenticity is the soul of this space, where traditional island living is brought to life using real, handcrafted tools. Guests can run their fingers over the very techniques that Maldivians have used to sustain island life for centuries:

• Coconut oil making – a hands-on class uncovering traditional crafting techniques passed down through generations

• Palm weaving (Fangi Vinun) – witnessing the intricate art that transforms palm fronds into实用 items

• Coir rope making (Roanu Veshun) – trying your hand at the rope-making techniques essential to traditional island life

• Traditional games (Ohvalhu Gondi Kulhun) – playing mancala-style games that have entertained islanders for centuries

As the afternoon softens into evening, pandan-infused tea is served alongside sweet and savoury local delicacies. And as daylight fades, stories take their place. The history of the Maldives, real experiences, island tales and memories of life before tourism are shared aloud—reviving a tradition that once passed history from one generation to the next.

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The Malaafaih: A Feast of Abundance

At the centre of this cultural journey is the Malaafaih—a magnificent, traditional Maldivian banquet. Translating roughly to "abundance," the Malaafaih was historically prepared for grand celebrations, weddings, and community gatherings. This carefully curated feast invites guests to gather, share, and experience authentic local flavours in a deeply communal setting, honouring the true spirit of island hospitality.

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, the Malaafaih is celebrated both at sunrise, as a traditional breakfast, and beneath the stars as an evening feast. The menu changes with the season and the day's catch, but its spirit remains the same: dishes are shared, conversations unfold naturally, and strangers often leave the table feeling like friends.

Whether beginning the day with a traditional breakfast or gathering beneath the stars for an evening feast, guests can completely immerse themselves in this rare culinary ritual, tailored exclusively to their stay.

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Kandu Kukulhu: The "Chicken of the Sea"

One of the most meaningful traditions celebrated at Vilu Reef is the preparation of Kandu Kukulhu, the Maldives' iconic rolled tuna curry. Rooted in local custom and shared across generations, this dish has become the heart of Vilu Reef's weekly Maldivian cooking classes, offering an intimate encounter with the flavours, techniques, and stories that define the islands.

Deeply embedded in local tradition, Kandu Kukulhu reflects centuries of craftsmanship and care. At Vilu Reef, the cooking class is led by the resort's Maldivian chefs, who demonstrate each stage with the precision and intuition inherited through long-standing practice. Guests learn how to slice the tuna, layer it with aromatic spices, and bind the rolls with coconut or pandan leaf. As the curry gently simmers in coconut milk, its aroma fills the air—offering a vivid portrayal of everyday island cooking, an experience that resonates long after the final tasting.

Kandu Kukulhu, which literally translates to "chicken of the sea," is a remarkable tribute to the Maldives islands' deep-rooted connection to the ocean.

"Sun Siyam Vilu Reef's culinary story celebrates Maldivian heritage, moving beyond simply serving fresh seafood. It is a connection to our islands, our people, and the traditions that shaped Maldivian cuisine. By sharing these methods, we bring our cultural narrative to life in the most sincere way."
— Chef de Cuisine Mohamed Hameed, known as Chef Printey

The cooking class forms a key part of the Maldivian Roots Signature Experience, which highlights the flavours, crafts, and cultural expressions that define the Maldives. It embodies the Sun Siyam philosophy of celebrating island life through meaningful encounters and genuine Maldivian spirit.

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Boduberu: The Rhythmic Heartbeat of the Maldives

No cultural immersion at Vilu Reef is complete without experiencing Boduberu—the energetic drumming and dance show that's deeply rooted in local culture. The resort's "Eveylaa Zamaan" Maldivian Showcase features authentic Grand Maldivian Cuisine alongside a high-energy Boduberu performance, bringing the rhythmic heartbeat of the islands to life after sundown.

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Beyond the Resort: Local Island Exploration

The cultural journey extends beyond Athireege. Curious travellers can explore the neighbouring local islands, and it just happens that Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has the perfect guides to show you the sights and sounds of island living. Guests can wander a nearby fishing village, meet residents, and glimpse daily life—experiences that real visitors have cherished, with one guest noting they visited the island "to learn about its local customs and culture."

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Traditions That Are Still Lived

At a time when travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections with the places they visit, Athireege offers something becoming increasingly rare: traditions that are still lived rather than performed.

Long after the final stories have been told and the feast has ended, it is often these moments—not simply the beaches or the villas—that guests remember most. At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, space has always been made for the culture that made these islands worth travelling to in the first place.

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Plan Your Cultural Immersion

The cooking class and cultural experiences are available to all guests at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and can be booked in advance during their stay.

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Athireege is one of the attractions at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, where 103 island villas exude a rustic charm. Opened in 1998, it is the first of six properties in the Sun Siyam Resorts group, a family-owned and operated Maldivian company.

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