The Residence Maldives sits on Falhumaafushi in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, reached by a 55-minute flight to Kooddoo and a 7-minute speedboat ride. Its house reef runs for 3 km and starts just metres from the shore, shallow enough for beginners and deeper further out, with turtles and reef sharks.
The 94 villas have thatched roofs, high ceilings and French windows. On the beach are Beach Villas (138 m²), Beach Pool Villas (158 m²) and two-bedroom Beach Pool Villas (273 m²); over the water are Water Villas (137 m²), Water Pool Villas (156 m²), Deluxe Water Pool Villas (182 m²) in the most private spot, and two-bedroom Water Pool Villas (282 m²).
The Dining Room is the beachfront bistro for world, Asian and Indian Ocean cooking; The Falhumaa serves seafood and grills at the end of a 230-metre jetty over the reef, with afternoon high tea; The Beach Bar sits partly in the pool, and The Library Bar above the lobby has billiards and chess. The Spa by Clarins, which the resort calls the first in the Maldives, has six pavilions at the end of a jetty. A one-kilometre bridge links the island to its sister resort on Dhigurah, where the dive centre and water sports are currently based.