The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi

We stayed for 8 days with my wife in a Beach Villa at The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi and it was truly a real five-star experience from start to finish. For us, the Beach Villa is the best accommodation option. It provides much more privacy than other room types, and the private beach right in front adds a wonderful sense of exclusivity and tranquility. Another very important advantage of this resort is that the atoll has its own house reef. You can simply swim directly from the beach and enjoy the marine life without needing to take a boat somewhere else. During our stay we were able to see plenty of underwater wildlife just by snorkeling around the island, which made the experience even more special. Transportation Everything was perfectly organised by the resort. Their representative was waiting for us immediately at the international arrivals exit in Malé, helped us with our luggage, checked us in for the domestic flight, and escorted us to the airport lounge while we waited for departure. Upon arrival at Kooddoo Airport, the resort team was again waiting for us. After a very short speedboat transfer to the resort, we arrived at the jetty and our luggage appeared directly in our room. The departure experience was just as flawless — from the wake-up call, luggage collection, transfers, and domestic flight arrangements all the way to the final airport departure. Everything was smooth, professional, and perfectly coordinated. Accommodation The accommodation itself was absolutely stunning. It is extremely spacious with: a large separate living area a comfortable bedroom a very large bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower a bathtub and beautiful views toward the beach and ocean. The deck and private beach area were definitely the highlights. Waking up every morning and stepping directly onto the sand is something truly special. Dining We tried all dining options on both islands. This included: the Dining Rooms beach and grill restaurants themed restaurants such as Italian, French and Chinese Every single experience was excellent. Whether it was buffet or à la carte, the food was always fantastically prepared with a wide variety of options. Even during an 8-day stay, there was enough variety in the menus to keep dining interesting every day. Bars The bars were also outstanding. The bartenders were highly experienced and able to prepare any cocktail you can imagine. Service was always friendly, professional, and very attentive. Activities We joined two excursions: Sunset dolphin trip Snorkeling Both were very enjoyable and well organised, and they added a great extra experience during our stay. Housekeeping A very warm and special thank you to our housekeeper Joyhal. He truly went above and beyond every day to make our stay comfortable and perfect. His attention to detail, care for the room, and positive attitude made a real difference in our experience. Our stay at The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi was simply exceptional. Everything — from transportation, accommodation, dining, activities, and service — was handled at a truly five-star level. We would highly recommend this resort and would happily return again.

This is our second trip to The Residence and unfortunately we won’t return for a third. Having celebrated my husband’s 50th here last year what was intended to be a once in a lifetime trip had us quickly booking a second. The positives, the staff. Truly exceptional customer service, where the guest experience is paramount. The location and the facilities, understated with a deep respect for nature and Maldivian culture. The optional extras that make up the whole package, rich experiences to suit all wants. The downside, and for us personally it’s a big one is that the once couples haven of Falhumaafushi is now geared to families. Despite the connected sister island of Dhigurah being built to cater to families. The tranquility of the one pool area on Falhumaafushi is no more. Large family parties, babies and tots, abound. The grown up feel gone. I can’t imagine the disappointment of those honeymooners who have travelled here seeking an intimate, adult, experience. On balance there is a lot to offer, and our experience last year is unmatched, but for new guests I think it important that people are clear on expectations. In short, fabulous family holiday for a range of ages, absolutely not a destination of choice for discerning couple travellers.

Truly a wonderful and warm experience. The staff!! The island! The water! The services! Amazing. The staff made my solo bday celebration truly worth the hike. Though I did have some hick ups, Yusuf TOOK CARE OF EVERYTHING! He SAVED MY TRIP! Pinky my house keeper truly made my trip and brought tears of joy to my eyes, I cannot thank her enough for the decoration, checking on, and always greeted me with a smile. The best hands down bartender is Basar!!! And my photographer Yameen, photos had me speechless

A fantastic week on the smaller of the two islands. We had a water villa with pool which was so worth the extra money. The villa was a very high standard. Great island and fabulous house reef. Food and service amazing. Special shout-outs to Suhana , Tulsi in the dining room for always looking after us so well and to the beach bar manager too.

Fantastic hotel in a serene location... We had a overwater pool villa ( 317 ) sunset. To be fair it was in a perfect location it got the sun from 10am through to sunset & WOW they were amazing. Our villa was cleaned everyday ( Sorry can't remember name ) but he was amazing & delivered cookies every evening ( Nice Touch ). The hotel amenities were great. DINING ROOM Breakfast in dinning room had lots of options & if you could'nt find it the chef would prepare it for you. Lunch in dining room was fantastic, we were standard AI so had a choice of starter & main or main & dessert which we switched around each day. Dinner in dining room was hit & miss in our opinion, no matter what time you went there was always a limited choice & on occasion had to sit & wait for fresh rice / noodles to be replenished. BEACH / POOL BAR We went to the bar on a few occasions before lunch for a few drinks / cocktails. Service at times was a bit slow but they ensured you were served in order of arrival, but as with all beach/pool bars wherever you go they always seem dirty with full ash trays & sticky surfaces. Scraps of food on the floor . LIBRARY BAR We visited this bar a few times after our evening meal & found really nice & relaxing, the bare feet eliment was a nice touch & drinks & cocktails very good. SELECT RESTAURANTS LONG ISLAND We ate at Long Island & food & service was amazing, i have an almond allergy & after ordering our food the executive chef came to our table to advise that no almonds are used in my options which again was a good touch. THE FULHAMAA We also ate here & had a booking for 20.00 but upon arrival we told it had been moved to 20.30, we arrived at 19.45 so had to wait for 45mins which was a little dissapointing as it was Valentines Day. But once seated next to the sea the service & food was great & the live show from the sharks feeding less than 4ft away was truly amazing. LA BAI We had this booked for our first night for 20.00 as we should have arrived on island at 15.00 but due to long delays at Male regarding domestic flight we arrived at 19.00, and then had to attend a welcome meeting so we were too late for our booking which was out of our control. We asked every day to be fitted in but it did'nt happen to our dissapointment as we're looking forward to eating there. CASTAWAY ISLAND We spent x2 morning there & its like being on a deserted island especially if you arrive early as your all alone. Bar service was also great, they make a call for the buggy to collect you when your ready to go for lunch. We had a few disappointments during our stay, firstly being the bikes, mine was fine but the other was to big for my wife & we had to wait 3 days before they found a smaller one for her. My wife hurt her ankle & was picked up by one of the resort managers & driven to our villa, we called reception for someone to attend & look at it & within 5mins a first aider was knocking, it was a sprain & gave pain killers & cream, fantastic service. Only thing to mention about our villa was it in parts looked a bit tired I.E Decking & outside furnature needed a little TLC...apart from that it was amazing, pool big enough to swim in.