The Residence Maldives

I don't know where to start with this review. I have always been quite cynical of all inclusive packages for fear of either being limited by choice or there being compromises in the quality but these fears were dispelled on day one. From the moment we were met at Male airport the exceptional level of service and care started, from the assistance at the airport, the cold drinks and fresh towel service on the boat and the welcome party at the jetty on Dhigurah island, we were made to feel like royalty from the very get go. This service was consistently excellent for our whole two week stay and it's largely down to the outstanding staff whether it's Sajith, Pavan, Jaowad, Walter, Vignesh, Yagyasani, Yna and Ramesh providing levels of service and knowledge that I've not even experienced in Michelin star restaurants, then to Mamta, Sampath, Naffiu and all the other staff who we regularly encountered on a daily basis who were always lovely, helpful and doing their utmost to make your stay perfect. Being a mad foodie I did have a concern that I would get bored of the same old recycled dishes every day but in truth it was the exact opposite. There are several restaurants over the two islands that we could eat in. A few of which we had a single visit included in our package and were all excellent but in reality, the dining room on Dhigurah was where I wanted to eat every day as the food and service was 10/10 with Sajith quietly orchestrating the whole experience like a first class Maitre d'. Of course there is the usual "English" type food if you wanted it but it was the local and South Indian cuisine that really impressed and I was regularly eating curries and dosa's that were better then anything i've ever had down London's Brick lane. I have to make special mention to Chef Walter Hill at Dhigurah's dining room as one evening I mentioned to him how much I love the Char Siu pork and duck from China town in the UK so two nights later, he prepared an unbelievable meal of Peking duck, Char siu pork and Hainese chicken that I will never forget. I also have to mention the spectacular moonlit meal my wife and I had over the water at Falhuuma restaurant on the Saturday night which was like a dream. Then there is the beautiful turquoise seas, the turtles, the eagle rays, the impeccably kept beaches, the golf buggy rides to wherever you want to go, the sunset bike rides on Falhuuma bridge, the Dolphin cruise and all the attention to detail and work that goes into making this a truly special place. I've no doubt there are other resorts that are equally as good but this place exceeded all my expectations. We cannot wait to go back.

One single word…..”Perfection”! An incredible experience from the moment we arrived to the moment we arrived back in the UK. We were treated like royalty by all at this resort. The location was truly amazing; the water villa was beautiful; the resort was spotlessly clean; the service and hospitality was faultless. For a luxury resort there was no pressure or burden for guests to participate in any extra (paid) activities, which were available if you wanted to participate in. The staff were attentive but not at all intrusive (a balance which is often difficult to master). Excessive tipping was not at all expected, but was always graciously received (again, not at all what I was used to from previous experiences elsewhere). We did in fact participate in some of the additional activities, which I would highly recommend. The “earth basket cookery class” was fabulous. I can now cook their Maldivian Tuna Curry, albeit not as perfect as they make it. Thanks to Walter (our chef) and wonderful waiter. We also participated on an organised snorkelling trip - again a truly memorable experience. Our last night was truly unforgettable. We had a private meal on the beach with our own personal chef and waiter (as part of their “vibes” experience). Logistically, the resort is split between two separate islands which is connected by a 1km bridge. Both are freely accessible to all guests. We decided on the “premium all-inclusive package” which we certainly did not regret. If you were on a half-board or B+B package then the costs would be unaffordable for most I suspect. The premium all-inclusive package allowed us unlimited access to all restaurants/bars on both sites. This is In addition to excursions and daily top-up of our minibar (1 bottle of your chosen spirits per day if inclined). As part of the package we had 2 in-room breakfasts, plus a free laundry cleaning service (essential prior to leaving). Our room was cleaned daily by our wonderful housekeeper called “Joynal”. Again always eager to help and support. The food was incredible and plentyful (too much if I was entirely honest). Since this was a single resort there was no need for “wristbands” something that I have come to dislike with all-inclusive resorts. All staff seemed to have a “sixth sense” of who you were, what you had drank and ate last time, and what you had planned… a little strange but not at all unnerving. As a result we never had to prove our ID or room number. The resort clearly takes their environmental responsibility seriously. There are NO plastics on site. They have clearly invested heavily on their “green pledge”, which was certainly noticeable. The tap water is completely safe to drink (something, which I did not expect). This is because of their own water purification plant. I could go on writing endlessly about this resort. They have certainly set the bar high, I am not sure it can be surpassed. Would come back in a heartbeat!

Fabulous resort - 2 islands . Delicious food ,staff fantastic so pleasant and helpful. Buggies perfect for getting around esp. in the heat. Beach pool villa perfect for cooling off and also seeing sunrise. Great pool and watched so many sunsets. Just a beautiful setting.

A beautiful place where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful beaches, marine life, and friendly people.

We had a fabulous stay! The accommodations were wonderful, the restaurants were great, the pools were beautiful, the bikes were a blast, the snorkeling was great, we had a fabulous time. My only suggestions are new paddle boards and having some outdoor sports equipment available for guests to use such as badminton, bocce ball or croquet. The fruit bats were amazing and so fun to watch! The staff was wonderful and they took very good care of us. I highly recommend this being on everyones bucket list!