Nestled on the unspoilt island of Falhumaafushi in Gaafu Alifu atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, this 94 beach-front and over-water villa resort is an intimate retreat. The beauty of the island’s house reef and its resident sharks and turtles is accessible right from the over-water villa deck. Designed to complement its tropical surroundings and provide a sense of place, the villas have been created using natural materials and are decorated with local artefacts. The Spa by Clarins on both Falhumaafushi and sister resort on adjacent Dhigurah island is exclusive to The Residence in the Maldives and offers a range of treatments created exclusively for the resort – an ideal place to escape as it sits directly on the lagoon. The resort boasts three restaurants and four bars, water sports, a fitness centre, kids club and excursions to nearby islands. The romantic Falhumaa restaurant is located at the end of a 230m jetty, right on the reef facing the Indian Ocean. The diving surrounding the hotel is exceptional and the hotel’s PADI 5* Dive Centre offers all level of snorkellers and scuba-divers the opportunity to discover the un-spoilt coral reefs and rich marine life.