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Secluded Beauty in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Located in the far south, just 20 kilometres north of the equator, and on the edge of one of the deepest atolls in the Maldives on a pristine island, you will find the resort, The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi. Designed in harmony with its natural surroundings, the resort combines traditional Maldivian architecture with contemporary elegance and modern comfort. It offers stylish beach and water villas, excellent restaurants, a cool beach bar and an infinity pool with ocean views.
A world away from the everyday.
Together with its sister resort, The Residence Maldives Dhigurah, which can be reached via a 1km bridge, there are countless opportunities to enjoy, relax and explore the stunning coral reef by snorkelling and diving.
The Residence Falhumaafushi is part of the renowned The Residence Hotels by Cenizaro and Leading Hotels of the World Group, and as such one of the best luxury hotels in the Maldives. It is also very popular with honeymooners. This can hugely be contributed to the excellent service, warm-hearted staff and first-class water villas.
Deep blue Infinity Pool
The atmosphere at the infinity pool is extremely relaxed and cosy.
The Beach Bar
The cool Beach Bar was one of our favourite places on this island. With marvelous cocktails, light snacks and tapas, it was a great place to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, the wonderful ocean view and the delicious food made with the freshest ingredients.
Villas with Sea View
The 94 thatched roof villas of The Residence Maldives are located directly on the beach or stand on stilts above the water. Some have their own pool, and they all impress with their simple, elegant ambience, fabulous 360 degree panoramic views, Maldivian architecture and plenty of space and comfort.
Water Villas
The light-flooded bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs and mesmerizing views of the ocean sets these villas apart from the others.
Beach Villas
Each Beach Villa is located directly on the seashore and has direct access to the beach.
Restaurants & Bars
THE FALHUMAA
The Falhumaa fine dining restaurant is spectacularly situated at the end of a 230m jetty above the reef. It offers magnificent sea views and fresh seafood and grilled meats for dinner, complemented by fine wines from around the world. In the afternoon, you can indulge in afternoon tea here.
If you are lucky, you may spot sharks swimming by while you dine.
The exceptionally chic and light-filled bar provides a relaxed setting for after-dinner aperitifs and liqueurs.
We had the privilege to watch Mauritian-born chef, Ashish Sharma Domee, one of the world’s top 100 master chefs, in action. This is the first time a chef from the Maldives has been include in the prestigious World Master Chefs Society.
Ashish is an easy-going and likeable guy who creates extraordinary culinary experiences with his team and creates a unique atmosphere in the restaurant. Every evening he personally greets the guests and asks for their feedback.
Ashish’s special recommendation is the legendary Maldivian Lobster.
Every dish he creates is a culinary delight!
It is especially romantic to dine here in the evening, in the middle of the ocean with the soft lighting of the jetty reflecting on the water.
On the evening of our vow renewal on Castaway Island, we enjoyed a romantic dinner celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary.
The excellent service and the exquisite food including a surprise wedding anniversary cake were excellent. What a great evening!
THE DINING ROOM
The main restaurant overlooks the lagoon and serves buffet breakfasts, light lunches, and international, Asian and Indian dishes with a modern twist in the evening.
Lunch
Dinner
Library Bar
This elegant bar above the lobby is a great place to spend time when the weather is a little less pleasant. With a panoramic view of the ocean, you can relax with a good book or a game of billiards or chess while enjoying cocktails and light snacks.
The Spa by Clarins
The absolute highlight is the hotel’s own, The Spa by Clarins. It is the first and only spa in the Maldives to exclusively use products from the French beauty company Clarins. A range of treatments have been created exclusively for the resort. The spa consists of six pavilions that stand on stilts in the middle of the lagoon and offer breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and the colourful world of the coral reef.
In addition to a platform for yoga, fitness equipment is of course, also available.
Water sports
The numerous leisure activities include various water sports, such as windsurfing and catamaran sailing, a Kids Club and excursions to nearby islands. Snorkelling and diving are particularly good around the island’s reef. And the hotel’s own PADI 5-star diving centre also offers the opportunity to explore the rich underwater world around Falhumaafushi. However, when we visited in October, it was often very windy, so we did not have the opportunity to go snorkelling.
We were in the Maldives during the rainy season. It can sometimes look like this, but fortunately, the heavy tropical showers often do not last long before it is wonderfully sunny again.
{Now and Forever} Honeymoon & Wedding
On the secluded Castaway Island, between the two resorts Dhigurah and Falhumaafushi, you can get married with the magical sunset as the backdrop, the rhythm of the waves and the joyful beat of the Bodhu Beru drums. Everything from the ceremony to the food, décor, photography and entertainment is organised by the resort.
Sunset Celebration
USD 1,200++ per couple
- A symbolic non-religious wedding ceremony
- Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers to escort
- Bridal hair and make-up
- A bridal bouquet
- Wedding cake and champagne to toast
- Symbolic wedding certificate
- Planting of a coconut palm ceremony
- A turndown gift
- 24 digital images
Honeymooners and guests celebrating their wedding anniversary receive:
- One bottle of wine
- Complimentary breakfast at the villa
- One sunset cocktail with canapés at The Beach Bar
- 10% discount on spa treatments (a minimum stay of 4 nights applies)
- Additionally, when booking half board – an upgrade to full board (a minimum stay 7 nights applies)
This offer is valid up to 6 months after the wedding or in the month of the wedding anniversary.
Conclusion
Being able to spend some time in this almost untouched, tropical piece of paradise is simply wonderful. The relaxed ambience throughout the resort and especially in the restaurants by and on the ocean creates a feel-good atmosphere. The other guests also seemed very happy and relaxed. We especially enjoyed the Beach bar, the infinity pool and our romantic dinner at the Falhumaa restaurant. Absolutely fantastic!
Rooms: 94 Villas
Transfer: Transfer by scheduled flight and speedboat. Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
Air Temperature: 24 – 33 degrees Celsius
Water Temperature: 27 – 29 degrees Celsius
Best Time to Visit: (November) December to March
Time Difference: 3 hours
Price: Beach villas from USD 765: It includes sunrise and sunset yoga at the Spa by Clarins (reservation required); One-hour non-motorised water sports daily; Free snorkelling equipment rental throughout your stay; Free access to Castaway Island; Free Wi-Fi; Two complimentary bicycles per room (Standard All-Inclusive)
Early Bird Special: Get 25% discount for bookings made up to 45 days in advance; Upgrade from full board to Standard All-Inklusive meal plan
Honeymoon Special: A bottle of wine, one complimentary breakfast in the villa, one sunset cocktail with canapés in “The Beach Bar”, 10% discount on spa treatments (a minimum stay of 4 nights applies)
Special features: Beautiful natural island; Stunning romantic villas each with an infinity pool; Personalised, charming service
Perfect for: Couples, families, nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, romantic souls, honeymooners, and beach weddings
The Residence Maldives – Brochure
The Residence by Cenizaro is part of Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts and currently comprises six luxury hotels in Tunisia, Mauritius, Zanzibar, the Maldives and Bintan. We have already visited The Residence Mauritius, The Residence Bintan and the enchanting The Residence Zanzibar!
The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi
Falhumaafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Republic Of Maldives
T 960 6820088
info-maldives@theresidence.com
www.cenizaro.com/theresidence
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Please note: Our stay was sponsored by The Residence Maldives. Thank you very much! Nevertheless, our opinions expressed in this article are unbiased.
Monique De Caro
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