The Residence Maldives

First time in the Maldives and was impressed from the moment we got off the aeroplane to the moment we checked out. Staff very friendly and professional, food and services were all fantastic would love to go back one day.

We were on honeymoon. So we wanted great experience, and this resort was perfect. If we could recommend trip, we would recommend this resort.

Excellent services and sites. We were welcome with warmth and smiles. The view was amazing. Beach villas were just great and neat.

Heaven! From start to finish. First off, everyone is always a smiling hello. Special thanks to Samera for my b’day dinner - and everyone at the Falhumaa Restaurant for the beautiful table design, the gluten-free cake and a chorus of Happy b’day. Also to Hafiz in the Digherah Dining Room, Chef Tuk in Falhumaa Fushi Dining Room (gorgeous gluten-free breakfast breadbasket). If you can, go off season! It felt almost empty. Often had Castaway beach and the beach bar to ourselves. We had a water villa, with a beautiful sunset view. It was really lovely - Spacious, elegantly appointed. Indoor and outdoor shower. Mini-fridge, nespresso machine. Even a tote bag for the beach. Everything so well thought through. I was happy not to have reserved the pool villa – liked having the bigger deck. We were in #326, so we had to bike a bit further out the jetty, but worth it for the quiet. We did mostly ride the bikes (not take the buggy). Both islands are beautifully landscaped and flat. The only challenge for me (though not for my husband) was our jetty since it was narrow and had no railings. It kinda scared me – especially when it was windy. Then we took a buggy – which always came almost as soon as we hung up the phone. Food was very good (though I am not picky). Definitely worth it to reserve Falhumaa and Long Island restaurants. Some dishes have a supplemental charge, but many do not. We did not get the drinks package, but they were reasonably-priced (esp compared to NYC). Snorkeling was fantastic, but listen to what they say about the currents. They can get wicked strong (I felt a little undertow once). Because the tide changes every day, so do the hours of the sports/dive centers – so always call ahead.

My husband and I have traveled to different tropical places. We've been to 3 islands in hawaii-oahu, kauai,big island, been to the bahamas, boracay and palawan in philippines, and fiji. Comparing to the Maldives, OVERALL, it is definitely our best one yet. We recently had our 10yr wedding anniversary and did a vow renewal at the Residence Falhumaafushi. The views, the pool and ocean waters, privacy, amenities, food, staff, and pretty much everything, exceeded our expectations! There are 2 resorts on the island, the other is Residence Dhigurah. We noticed the Falhumaafushi had more couples staying and more quiet while Dhigurah had more of families or groups. Coming from California USA, flights to Male (capital of Maldives) is at least a 24hr flight, one of the reasons people will hesitate to visit this beautiful country. Also, it is NOT cheap. Prices are similar to US; plus the green tax, 10% service charge (i asked about this and apparently this is not considered tip) and the Gov't Sales tax. The good thing though is, most resorts are half or all inclusive (food and accommodation). I found a discount on Travelzoo, which was about half off and went for it. Let me share this wonderful experience with y'all: RESERVATIONS: Very responsive. i sent emails at night for all my questions/reservations/price quotes especially because we had our vow renewal there, and i got responses in the morning. They acknowledged my Travelzoo voucher right away. They require you to confirm all your international flight details 14 days prior to arrival, however, for some reason they were asking us for details even a month and a half prior. This was not a problem for us but just something to keep in mind if you are using travel points or you're holding off on booking for flights. TRANSFERS: We paid 960USD total for 2 people for the transfers (green tax included) going to the resort and going back to Male. This is required to be paid 14 days prior to arrival. They do everything for you! (from arriving up to departing) No need to worry where to go, and yes, they speak english. A staff with a sign was waiting soon as we arrived in Male, the domestic airport is just next door. We literally just walked there, the staff guided us and did the check in for us and took us to a complimentary lunch while we wait for our flight. When we got to the domestic airport Khoodoo (1 hour from Male), a 3-minute shuttle ride took us to the speedboat going to the resort which was another 10-15mins. It was indeed a bumpy ride but they provided life vests and even gave us a hibiscus lemonade. ARRIVAL: No waiting in line! (A lot of guests come at the same time, and after a long journey this was much appreciated). They took us straight to our villa/room in a golf cart ("buggy") and a staff did the check-in process there. There is a 100USD/night deposit they collected and they deducted this to our total during checkout. The staff gave us a quick tour of the room and provided us a list of our dinner reservations (you can book this in advance prior to arrival but we chose not to, therefore, they booked us to different restaurants each night). THE VILLA: Comfortable, spacious, and the view was spectacular. It was our first time and we are celebrating our anniversary so we opted for the deluxe water pool villa. Although it's pricier, it was well worth it! I would say you will hear the strong winds and the splash of water under, even lightly shaking the villa sometimes (something to consider when choosing a room). GETTING AROUND: Convenient. Each villa is provided with bicycles to use, you can bike in between the 2 resorts on the island. You may also call a buggy to take you anywhere and they typically come about 10-15mins. All extra charges including in-room mini bar and gift shop items are charged in the room so no need to be bringing cash/card around. They will let you sign a receipt each time and towards checkout you pay for everything all at once. FOOD: Amazing! We had the half inclusive package which included breakfasts and dinners (for dinners, beverages are not included, they charge for still water bottles which was like $4). We always had heavy breakfasts (buffet) so we weren't hungry for lunch. For dinner options, there are 3 restaurants that are semi-formal (dress code and reservations required) and a casual buffet. All the selections were awesome (international cuisines) ACTIVITIES/ENTERTAINMENT: my husband and I didnt get to try any of the excursions/activities, but there's a lot to choose from. Nevertheless, hanging out at the resort was enough for us; swimming in our own pool in the villa, enjoying the sun with other guests at the beach club while having drinks, biking everywhere, playing ping pong and pool table ("the library" was our go to when it was too hot outside), snorkeling and getting massages were all so much fun! Oh the VIEWS.. it's instagrammable anywhere you go! We were actually hoping they have some live entertainment especially at night, most tropical places we've been to have dances and shows. INTERNET/TV/POWER OUTLETS: Wifi is limited to the room and to some areas of the resort. Also, no smart TV so no netflix, but we had a laptop so that worked. There are no USB plugs in the room either so make sure to bring a universal plug. I guess if you are there to relax and unplug then it's a good thing. DEPARTURE: Our flight was at 1:45am the following morning, we were surprised they let us stay until 5:30pm of checkout day. That was like an extra day for us to enjoy. When I asked, they said it's because they won't let their guests wait at the Male airport for that long. Normally in the US, hotels can't wait to kick you out right at check out time and you pay if you want to extend, so this made our whole stay even better! The hospitality is just above and beyond! The staff were all friendly always smiling, they greeted us all the time, and they made sure we have everything we needed. SAJON made sure our vow renewal went smoothly, NAPO/NAFIU took us to the best spots for photos, and ARCHANA from the reception was always ready to assist in everything we needed. HYMAN (i think this is his name) did an awesome job with our candles dinner after the vow renewal, it was truly romantic. Lastly, to our housekeeper, we didnt get his name but, thank you for keeping our room tidy everyday and for the wonderful wedding arrangements on the bed and tub. We are very happy we chose to stay at this place! Thank you everyone!!!! our stay was very relaxing and memorable, we'll see you next time!