The Residence Maldives is located in the deepest and largest atoll in the world, Gaafu Alifu Atoll – and therefore the dream destination for diving – the resort is surrounded by pristine underwater landscapes and colourful corals filled with various marine life.

The Residence Maldives is made up of The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi and The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah. Both resorts are connected by the longest private bridge in the Maldives, allowing guests to travel between the two whenever they choose. Jump on a golf buggy with a member of the hotel team, cycle along in the sunshine or stroll hand in hand and spot the turtles, colourful fishes and eagle rays which swim underneath.

Two resorts in one – guests staying at either resort can cross and use the facilities and dining options of the sister resort, whether on half board or All-inclusive, providing guests a twin island experience in one stay.

Easily accessible from the private bridge, guests at both resorts have access to the small, yet charming, castaway island, situated between the two islands. The hotel’s dedicated team can create a bespoke experience for each guest, from organising a picnic lunch to hosting an evening BBQ. The perfect spot to wind down the day.

With 94 villas at Falhumaafushi and 173 villas at Dhigurah, the combined inventory forms one of the largest resorts in the south of Maldives. Guests have various room category options to choose from ranging from a beach villa with their own private beachfront, lagoon villas situated along the shoreline of the island or a water villa.

There are 9 restaurants and 6 bars to choose from across both islands spanning cuisine from across the globe, which can be enjoyed by guests at either resort.

The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi and The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah are the only two resorts in the Maldives which have the exclusive Spa by Clarins, offering an array of holistic treatments, pampering massages, hair services and spa programmes. Featuring overwater treatment pavilions at both spas, daily sunrise and sunset yoga classes, seek solace for the mind, body and spirit.

The resort’s own PADI 5* Dive Centre provides beginner lessons for non-divers to guided dives for certified divers to explore the underwater world. With many dive sites untouched by mankind, divers and snorkellers alike can find various hard and soft corals, sponges, sea fans as well as trigger fishes, parrot fishes, fusiliers, tunas, turtles, barracudas, rays (eagle rays, sting rays, manta rays) and sharks (grey reef sharks, white and black tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, leopard sharks).

The hotel cultivates their own herbs for the spa to incorporate into uplifting, health-focused beverages as well as producing house-made virgin coconut oil for its treatments.

The team have recently launched the Earth Basket programme, an island farm showcasing native produce that is then used in the hotel kitchens. The farms serve as immersive showcases of local biodiversity with head gardeners leading tours for guests to learn about the ecosystem and native plants. Cookery classes for children or adults can also be organised, incorporating this fresh produce into mouth-watering, Maldivian delights.

Accommodation: 94 well-appointed villas styled in a fusion of soothing colours, wood and marble. The spacious living rooms are furnished in teak and rattan and lead onto large private decks with sun loungers. The king-size or twin beds are ideally positioned to enjoy the stunning ocean views, whilst the bathrooms has a freestanding bath, separate shower cabin and an outdoor rain shower.

Location: The Residence Maldives is an exclusive retreat located in Gaafu Alifu – the largest and deepest atoll in the world. Connected by a one-kilometre private bridge to its sister resort The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, together the two islands forms one of the biggest island resort offerings in the Maldives.

Getting there: The resort lies 242 miles south of the capital Male and Velana International Airport and approximately 45 miles north of the Equator. It is reached by a 55- minute direct domestic flight to Kooddoo airport and a seven minute speed-boat transfer.

What to pack: Maldives essentials: Sunscreen, Sun Hat, Sun Glasses, Dry Bags, Wet Bags, Underwater Camera, Swimwear, Cover Ups, Summer Dresses, Flip Flops, Sandals, Dive Shoes. The specialty restaurant at the hotel has a dress code of smart casual.

Restaurants: From casual to fine dining, from light bites to sumptuous gastronomic delights, the restaurants serve up a tantalising array of international flavours to excite your palate, made all the more enjoyable by the caress of gentle breezes and soothing views across the Indian Ocean. Pair poolside relaxation with light meals and tapas at Café del Sol, experience exquisite Cantonese at Li Bai, spend a romantic evening fine dining under the stars by the water at The Falhumaa or sit in the swimming pool for a light lunch at The Beach Bar.

Spa: Exclusive to The Residence Maldives, it is the first and only Spa by Clarins in the Maldives and offers an array of holistic treatments, pampering massages and hair services. Linked to the mainland by a jetty, six individual pavilions overlook the serene waters of the lagoon. Special spa experiences in-villa and on the castaway island are also available. The large open yoga deck is the perfect spot to embrace spectacular views and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

Signature Activities:
Snorkeling Excursion: Take a boat out and explore the un- spoilt coral reefs nearby the resort on a snorkelling expedition.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Enjoy the scenic view of sunset onboard a dhoni boat enjoying a glass of sparking while looking out for dolphins along the way.
Big Game Fishing: Catch the rising sun over Maldives’ picturesque landscape, and with some luck, your triumphant big fish too.
Diving & Water Sports Activities

Kids Club

Turtle Kids Club – located at The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah – One of the largest in the southern atoll, the Kids Club is an oasis of fun and adventure. From nature walks and beach games, to arts and crafts and fun in the water, young guests will find plenty to keep them entertained, in the care of friendly and professionally trained facilitators. For children aged 3 to 12 years.

All rates are subject to 10% service charge, 12% GST and a Green Tax of USD 6 nett per person per night.

Board options on offer – Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Standard All Inclusive & Premium All Inclusive

The Maldives enjoys a near constant temperature of around 30°C all year round. Its tropical climate has two distinct seasons: dry or northeast monsoon season from December to April, and the southwest monsoon season from May to November, which brings some rain.

Special Touches for all guests, all meal plans.

Complimentary cold towel and welcome drink on arrival
Complimentary ironing of 2 items per person during the stay
In-Villa – a bathtub overlooking the beach or lagoon, 43 inch LCD
Smart TV in the bedroom, personal safe, coffee machine with daily refillable capsules.
Complimentary access to the common beach pool – comfortable sun lounges & towels.
Complimentary scheduled transfer by buggy to assist in-house guests in the island or bicycles is available on request.
Complimentary yoga class; Sunrise or Sunset (based on scheduled classes and avail on sign up while in the resort)
Complimentary use of gymnasium with sauna facilities
Complimentary use of non-motorized water sport (excluding lessons)
Complimentary WiFi in the villa and access to The Library – with access to a wide selection of books, board games, internet services or select the latest DVD/CD to watch in the comfort of your villa

Sustainability: The Residence Maldives has introduced a series of sustainability projects as further steps towards being more eco-friendly. Both hotels form part of ‘Protect Maldives Seagrass’ initiative launched by the Blue Marine Foundation and the Maldives Underwater Initiative and endorsed by the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism in an attempt to protect the delicate ecosystem of the marine life. The resort has also installed solar panels to produce its own electricity and to reduce its diesel consumption; introduced a rain water harvesting system; removed plastic water bottles and replaced them with glass with the introduction of the water recycling plant; recycled food waste into compost for the Earth Basket kitchen garden and started producing their own herbs, fruits and vegetables which the chefs incorporate into restaurant meals.