The Residence Maldives

This is the place to stay in the Maldives. The overwater bungalow provided a quiet, private, romantic sanctuary over the crystal clear water. Slow bike rides across the palm covered island to the dining room was the epitome of relaxed island life. The staff were amazing and welcomed us to each meal as friends rather than hotel guests. We experienced everything we had hoped for on the island paradise.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our silver wedding anniversary. This is our 4th time in the Maldives and this is the furthest south we have been. The hotel staff really look after you from the moment you arrive at Male to the moment they deliver you to your room. This continued throughout the holiday. They were so kind and always delivered service with a smile. The food was fabulous on both islands and it is certainly worth trying all restaurants. We booked the Falhumaa via email before arrival for our anniversary meal to ensure we got booked in and they responded extremely quickly and reserved a great table for us where we could watch the sharks whilst eating. They also decorated the table and presented us with a cake which was much appreciated! The other restaurants we booked upon arrival without any trouble (but admittedly the hotel was at 50% occupancy due to the Iran situation). It’s great to have two islands to explore which are so green, offering lots of shade. The bicycles are a fab idea - it was great to get some exercise and be independent too rather than rely on buggies all the time. The snorkelling equipment was good quality and the house reef was fabulous - lots of large fish, sharks and turtles plus eagle rays too. We found it was better off the jetty on D island rather than F Island. We did the dolphin sunset cruise and this was fabulous - we got to see dolphins and a lovely sunset! We had a water bungalow which we loved - I never got bored of watching the turtles and sharks from our deck each day, and even saw a ray and eel. The addition of a lounge in all rooms on F island is a real bonus - these bungalows are much larger than other resorts we’ve stayed in. We also visited the spa which was fabulous. Take note that you have to pay for the dolphin cruise just before you get on the boat so take your credit card with you. We also paid for the spa at the time of use. A couple of negatives - our mattress was really firm which is fine for some people but too firm for us so we didn’t sleep that well which was disappointing. Also the cost of items in the resort shop is jaw droppingly expensive. For example a small fridge magnet cost $24! This is much more expensive than Male airport where a fridge magnet costs just $5, so I don’t know how they can justify the prices. I expect they sell pretty much nothing as a result. So don’t forget your suncream or anything else as you don’t want to be buying anything in the resort shop.

From start to finish an unforgettable experience that we wouldn’t hesitate to repeat should we get the chance. Professional and friendly people who looked after us from arrival to departure in Male including our domestic flight and speedboat transfer. The food and ambience in the resort was first class.

I stayed for a week but could easily have stayed for a year. The accommodation was 5 star as were the services. The restaurants and food was more than I could have hoped for and the staff...well they were outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble and they were always available to help you out. I couldn't have imagined the beauty of the islands and all of the photos you see in the brochures just don't do it justice. I am so glad I took advantage of the Dolphin sight seeing and the snorkelling was spectacular. I can't wait to go again!

First time in the country and first time in the resort. Everything exceeded our expectations! From natural surroundings to resort amenities, from staff friendliness to professionalism, from food selections to the personable service, and on and on… Just to name a few friendly and helpful staff we’ve encountered: Saaidh, Lorenzo, Yusuf, and Zeehan at the front desk of Falhumaafushi island Mimi at dinning hall and Sub at beach bar of F island, and last but not least, Swastika at the dinning hall of Dhigurah island. Really appreciate all of you, and can’t wait to come back with the rest of the family!