The Residence Maldives features two connected luxury resorts on Falhumaafushi and Dhigurah islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, one of the world's largest and deepest atolls. The twin resorts are linked by the Maldives' longest private boardwalk bridge at 1 kilometer, offering 267 beach and overwater villas combined. Located in the southern Maldives, the resort requires a 55-minute domestic flight to Kooddoo Airport followed by a 5-7 minute speedboat transfer, providing access to pristine house reefs, The Spa by Clarins, and multiple dining venues across both islands.
Twin Island Resort Experience
Two luxury resorts connected by 1km private bridge in Gaafu Alifu Atoll with 267 villas, shared Castaway Island, and access to pristine house reefs with resident marine life.
Location & Access
Located on Falhumaafushi and Dhigurah islands in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, southern Maldives.
55-minute domestic flight to Kooddoo Airport plus 5-7 minute speedboat transfer from Male.
Connected by the Maldives' longest private boardwalk bridge spanning 1 kilometer over ocean.
Situated in one of the world's largest and deepest atolls with pristine coral formations.
Resort Highlights
Falhumaafushi: 94 villas, adult-oriented with sophisticated dining and overwater spa location.
Dhigurah: 173 villas, family-friendly with kids club, activities, and over 2,500 coconut palms.
Shared Castaway Island - pristine beach accessible from both resorts for romantic dining.
Exclusive Spa by Clarins treatment center available across both resort locations.
The Residence MaldivesGaafu Alifu Atoll resortTwin island experience1km private bridgeCastaway Island diningSpa by Clarins
Falhumaafushi Villas
94 beach and overwater villas designed with natural materials and local artifacts.
Adult-oriented atmosphere with sophisticated design featuring teak, rattan, and marble finishes.
Overwater villas with direct house reef access from private decks for snorkeling.
Spacious accommodations with high ceilings, large windows, and private terraces throughout.
Dhigurah Villas
173 individually furnished beach and overwater villas with family-friendly layouts.
Private pools available in select villa categories with sun decks and lagoon access.
Family rooms and interconnecting accommodations ideal for multi-generational stays.
Set among 2,500+ preserved coconut palm trees creating natural tropical ambiance.
Premium Accommodations
Sunset and Lagoon villa categories offering optimal views and privacy positioning.
Overwater villas with glass floor panels and direct access to crystal-clear waters.
East-facing villas provide calmer, more sheltered locations with reduced wind exposure.
Air conditioning, flat-screen TV with DVD player, and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout.
Private bars, minibars restocked daily, and in-villa floating breakfast service available.
Bathrobes, premium toiletries, laptop-compatible safes, and 24-hour room service access.
Stand-alone bathtubs, walk-in showers, and designer bathroom amenities in all categories.
Design & Features
Natural materials including teak, rattan, and marble creating authentic tropical atmosphere.
Local artifacts and traditional Maldivian design elements integrated throughout interiors.
Soothing color palettes with light-filled spaces maximizing ocean and lagoon views.
Private outdoor spaces with sun loungers, dining areas, and direct beach or water access.
All villas include modern amenities and many feature private pools. Guests can freely access facilities on both islands. Children under 12 stay free in parents' room (1 child per room).
Falhumaafushi Restaurants
The Falhumaa: Sophisticated French cuisine restaurant with overwater seating and lagoon views.
Li Bai: Dual-concept venue serving authentic Chinese cuisine and Italian specialties.
The Dining Room: International buffet and à la carte dining with varied daily themes.
The Beach Bar: Casual beachfront dining with light meals and tropical cocktails.
Dhigurah Restaurants
Long Island: Mediterranean tapas restaurant with contemporary Cantonese cuisine options.
The Dining Room: All-day international buffet with Maldivian specialties and themed evenings.
Café Del Sol: Beachfront café with casual dining and infinity pool views.
The Beach Club: Poolside dining with cocktails, light bites, and sunset views.
Dine-Around Experience
Multi-Island Access: Guests can dine at any of the 6 restaurants across both islands.
Reservation System: Specialty restaurants require advance booking with once-per-stay limits.
All-Inclusive Options: Premium packages include access to fine dining venues and beverages.
Themed Evenings: Regular cultural dinner events including Indian, Italian, and local cuisine nights.
Special Dining Experiences
Castaway Island Dinners: Private romantic dining on pristine sandbank between resorts.
In-Villa Dining: Floating breakfast service and private dining with personalized menus.
Sunset Dining: Beachfront tables positioned for optimal sunset viewing during meals.
Cultural Experiences: Traditional Maldivian cooking classes and local ingredient workshops.
Spa by Clarins
Exclusive spa treatment center available on both Falhumaafushi and Dhigurah islands.
Overwater spa pavilions positioned directly on lagoon for ultimate relaxation atmosphere.
Treatments created exclusively for The Residence including signature wellness programs.
Manicures, pedicures, body treatments, facials, and sports massage therapy options.
Kids Club & Family
Comprehensive kids club on Dhigurah with supervised activities and educational programs.
Playground facilities, games room, and age-appropriate entertainment for children.
Family movie nights, treasure hunts, and cultural learning experiences available.
Professional childcare services allowing parents time for spa treatments and romantic dining.
Recreation & Wellness
Infinity Pools: Multiple swimming pools including adults-only and family-friendly options.
Fitness Centers: Modern gymnasia with cardio equipment and yoga class facilities.
Free Bicycles: Resort-wide bicycle access for exploring both islands at leisure.
Sauna facilities, tennis court access, and sunrise/sunset yoga sessions available.
Water Sports Center
Complimentary Activities: Non-motorized water sports including kayaking and windsurfing.
Snorkeling Equipment: Free gear rental with house reef orientation sessions provided.
Motorized Options: Parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing, and banana boat adventures.
Professional PADI dive center with courses and guided excursions to nearby reef sites.
Transportation
Private Bridge: 1km wooden boardwalk connecting both islands with scenic ocean views.
Electric Buggies: Complimentary buggy transport available on request for island mobility.
Bicycle Network: Dedicated paths throughout both islands for safe cycling exploration.
Walking trails, jogging paths, and nature exploration routes across tropical landscapes.
Business & Connectivity
High-speed Wi-Fi with 25+ Mbps available throughout both resort properties.
24-hour reception services, concierge assistance, and multilingual staff support.
Business facilities, laptop-friendly workspaces, and meeting areas for corporate needs.
Hair salon, gift shops, and boutique shopping options across both island locations.
Marine Adventures
House Reef Diving: Pristine coral reefs surrounding both islands with resident sharks and turtles.
PADI Dive Center: Professional instruction and guided diving trips to regional dive sites.
Snorkeling Excursions: Daily trips to nearby reefs and manta ray cleaning stations.
Marine Life Encounters: Regular sightings of reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish.
Island Activities
Bridge Walking: Scenic strolls across 1km private boardwalk with ocean breeze and views.
Castaway Island: Private beach experiences, romantic picnics, and Swiss Family Robinson adventures.
Cycling Tours: Guided and self-guided bicycle exploration of tropical island landscapes.
Cultural Excursions: Local island visits, traditional craft workshops, and community interactions.
Family Entertainment
Movie Under Stars: Weekly outdoor cinema screenings on beach with comfortable seating.
Kids Activities: Supervised programs including treasure hunts, face painting, and cultural games.
Family Adventures: Beach games, sandcastle building, and educational marine life programs.
Teen Programs: Water sports instruction, photography workshops, and island exploration activities.
Wellness & Recreation
Yoga & Meditation: Daily sunrise and sunset sessions in scenic tropical locations.
Spa Treatments: Couples massage, body treatments, and wellness programs at Spa by Clarins.
Fitness Programs: Personal training, aqua aerobics, and group exercise classes available.
Nature Activities: Birdwatching, botanical walks, and environmental education programs.
Activities vary by season and weather conditions. Many water sports and excursions are complimentary, while specialized experiences may require additional charges and advance booking.
The Residence Maldives requires a 55-minute domestic flight to Kooddoo Airport followed by a 5-7 minute speedboat transfer. The resort arranges all transfers - guests cannot make independent arrangements. Transfer costs: Adult $450, Child 2-11 years $370, Infant 0-2 years $103 (roundtrip). Flight details must be provided 7 days prior to arrival.
Falhumaafushi (94 villas) is adult-oriented with sophisticated dining, spa, and quieter atmosphere. Dhigurah (173 villas) is family-friendly with kids club, more activities, and lively pool areas. Both islands are connected by a 1km private bridge and guests can access all facilities on both sides throughout their stay.
Yes, guests can dine at any of the 6 restaurants across both islands. The dine-around concept allows access to The Dining Room, Li Bai, The Falhumaa, Long Island, and beach bars. Some specialty restaurants require reservations and may be limited to once per stay. All-inclusive packages include access to multiple venues.
Absolutely. Dhigurah island is specifically designed for families with kids club, playground, family rooms, and supervised activities. Children under 12 stay free (1 per room), and there are family-friendly pools, shallow beach areas, and educational programs. The resort offers professional childcare services for parents wanting adult time.
The house reef surrounding both islands is home to reef sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and diverse tropical fish species. Many guests spot marine life directly from overwater villa decks or while snorkeling from the beach. The resort offers house reef orientations and guided snorkeling trips to nearby sites with rich marine biodiversity.
Castaway Island is a pristine private beach located between the two resorts, accessible via the connecting bridge. It features powder-white sand, crystal-clear waters, and is used for romantic dinners, private picnics, family barbecues, and peaceful relaxation. The resort can arrange special dining experiences and activities on this secluded beach.
The Spa by Clarins offers exclusive treatments created specifically for The Residence Maldives, including signature wellness programs, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, and sports massages. The overwater spa pavilions provide a serene lagoon setting, and treatments are available on both islands with advance booking recommended.
Marine Protected Areas
Gaafu Alifu Atoll Marine Reserve - One of world's largest and deepest atolls with diverse ecosystems.
House Reef Systems - Pristine coral reefs surrounding both resort islands with resident marine life.
Kooddoo Channel - Deep water channel attracting large pelagic species and manta rays.
Regional Dive Sites - Multiple coral gardens and walls within short boat rides from resort.
Local Islands & Culture
Kooddoo Island - Local airport island with traditional Maldivian community and harbor facilities.
Vilingili Island - Historic settlement with traditional architecture and local handicraft workshops.
Kondey Island - Fishing community offering authentic cultural experiences and local lifestyle.
Thinadhoo Island - Regional administrative center with schools, hospital, and community facilities.
Natural Attractions
Kodahuttaa Island - Uninhabited island perfect for day trips, snorkeling, and private picnics.
Hadahaa Beach - Natural beach formation with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
Regional Sandbanks - Pristine sand islands appearing at low tide for exclusive beach experiences.
Mangrove Lagoons - Protected wetland areas showcasing unique flora and fauna ecosystems.
Transportation & Access
Kooddoo Airport - Domestic airport serving southern Maldives with daily connections to Malé.
Falhumaafushi Dock - Private resort jetty for speedboat arrivals and marine excursion departures.
Kooddoo Harbor - Regional transportation hub for inter-island ferry services and cargo.
Local Dhoni Stations - Traditional boat access points for cultural excursions and fishing trips.
Check-in & Reservations
Standard check-in and check-out times with flexibility subject to villa availability.
Flight details required 7 days prior to arrival for domestic transfer arrangements.
Resort arranges all transfers - independent transfer arrangements not permitted.
Cancellation policies vary by accommodation type and season - check booking conditions.
Transfer & Transportation
Mandatory transfer fees paid at check-out: Adult $450, Child $370, Infant $103 (roundtrip).
Domestic flights operate 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM via Maldivian Airways and FlyMe airlines.
Baggage allowance: 20kg checked, 5kg carry-on with excess fees payable at airport.
Late arrival guests may require overnight accommodation in Malé until services resume.
Weather-dependent transfers may experience delays - flexible scheduling recommended.
Family & Age Policies
Children under 12 stay free in parents' room with existing bedding (maximum 1 child per room).
Children 12-17 years charged additional mandatory transfer fees at property.
Children 13+ charged adult rates for accommodation and meal plans throughout stay.
Professional childcare available at kids club with supervised activities and programs.
Family villas and interconnecting rooms available for larger groups and extended families.
Accessibility & Services
Facilities available for disabled guests - advance inquiry recommended for specific needs.
24-hour reception, room service, and concierge assistance across both island properties.
Medical services available with evacuation procedures for emergency situations.
Multilingual staff providing assistance in English, German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.
Environmental sustainability practices including reef protection and waste management programs.
Policies subject to change based on local regulations and operational requirements. Transfer arrangements are mandatory through resort. All fees are quoted in USD and subject to local taxes.
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr: Dry season with minimal rainfall and calm seas ideal for water sports.
May-Nov: Green season with brief showers, excellent diving visibility, and manta encounters.
Year-round: Tropical climate with 26-30°C temperatures and warm ocean waters.
Peak Marine Life: May-October offers best chances for manta ray and whale shark sightings.
Ideal Duration
4-5 nights: Minimum for romantic getaways with spa treatments and private dining experiences.
6-8 nights: Perfect for families exploring both islands, marine activities, and cultural excursions.
9-12 nights: Extended luxury allowing full resort experience, diving certification, and relaxation.
Special Occasions: Longer stays ideal for anniversaries, honeymoons, and milestone celebrations.
Target Audience
Families: Multi-generational groups appreciating dual-island experience and comprehensive kids programs.
Couples: Honeymooners and romantic travelers seeking luxury with adult-oriented Falhumaafushi option.
Active Travelers: Water sports enthusiasts attracted to house reef diving and marine encounters.
Luxury Seekers: Guests wanting premium all-inclusive experience with exclusive Spa by Clarins treatments.
Signature Experiences & Itinerary Ideas
Sunrise yoga on Castaway Island followed by couples spa treatment and romantic dinner setup.
Bridge cycling adventure exploring both islands with house reef snorkeling and marine encounters.
Family program including kids club activities, movie under stars, and educational marine life sessions.
PADI diving certification combined with local island cultural visits and traditional craft workshops.
Multi-island dining experience sampling all 6 restaurants with wine pairings and themed evenings.
Packing & Travel Tips
Light tropical clothing suitable for year-round warm weather and occasional brief showers.
Culinary Events: Guest chef collaborations, wine tastings, and cooking class demonstrations.
Wellness Retreats: Spa by Clarins special programs with meditation, yoga, and holistic treatments.
Event Planning Services
Professional event coordination across both islands with comprehensive planning services.
Multi-venue dining arrangements utilizing all 6 restaurants with customized menu options.
Photography and videography services capturing memories in stunning natural island settings.
Transportation coordination for transfers, group activities, and inter-island logistics management.
Events benefit from dual-island setup offering variety and privacy options. Advance coordination required for Castaway Island experiences. Weather-dependent activities have alternative indoor venues available.