The Residence Maldives features two resorts connected by a beautiful boardwalk. Falhumaafushi is older and geared towards more adult pursuits (the spa, sophisticated dining, and a stylish bar). In contrast, the newer Dhigurah has all the ingredients for a family vacation (fun activities, pool games, a kids’ play area, and DJ nights). The best part? Guests at either resort can enjoy the spaces in the other.
Day-time delights
Castaway Island, a slip of breathtakingly beautiful beach beside the connecting bridge, is also shared by both resorts. Think powder-white sand, the bluest of blue sea, and nothing but unspoilt nature surrounding you. At low tide, it’s a stunning romantic idyll that seems to stretch away to the horizon, symbolic of love and hope; one that you’ll want to walk hand in hand with your partner.
It’s just as much the perfect place for solo travellers seeking solitude, because it’s one of the more private and less frequented spots at The Residence Maldives. Soak in the sun, feast your eyes on the blues, read a book, unwind… the world is your oyster here. There’s even a tall swing set up on Castaway Island, where you can soul search while you splash your feet in the waves! Also great for the ‘gram if you’re so inclined, I must say. Especially the heart-shaped bench that seems made for poses and pouts. Families who want to do a Swiss Family Robinson-style picnic can even have the resort’s team set up everything from a cute tepee and games to a bonfire.
As dusk falls…
While I enjoyed Castaway Island in its every avatar throughout the day, what made it especially memorable for me was the fabulous private dinner by the sea curated by The Residence Maldives.
We donned our beach glam and rode to the venue in an electric buggy. As we stepped off elegantly on the boardwalk and went down the steps to the sand, the anticipation built. At first, all we could see was darkness broken by the white froth of the waves in the moonlight. But as we were ushered forward, coloured lights soon showed us the way. Until we came upon a lavish long table set up with proper linen and cutlery, mood lights, fresh flowers, and a well-designed menu.
Now, when they call it ‘Castaway Island’, they really mean it. There’s very little there that wasn’t created by nature. For this dinner, as they do for any type of private dining set-up here, Executive Chef Tarang and the resort’s F&B team had transported everything they needed to prepare and present the meal. And they would do such an impeccable cleanup after, that no one who came there for a dawn stroll would ever imagine what a beautiful dinner experience had been created the night before!
A dinner to remember
They had curated the ideal modern Indian multi-course spread. We started with an amuse bouche of freshly baked mini kulchas with a delicious dip. The ‘shuruwat’ or appetisers saw silken khandvi rolls served with a vegetable keema; a hummus made of chickpea and okra with a chutney aloo tikki; soft beetroot kebabs stuffed with cream cheese and crusted with semolina for a bit of crunch; and for the non-vegetarians – mini pita pockets filled with a tasty chicken tikka mousse.
The gentle sea breeze lifted our hair and our spirits. We kicked off our footwear and enjoyed the feel of the cool sand between our toes. Much joy and delightful conversation kept the mood lively, and the citrusy sorbet served in a halved lime that arrived next as a palate cleanser did that too.
Our appetites whetted, we welcomed the mains. A well-made ravioli stuffed with paneer bhurji in a unique saffron-infused korma, which had western ingredients like broccoli and asparagus. A creamy malai kofta in a methi-makhani (fenugreek and butter) sauce. A delicious dal makhani. Dum aloo or chicken in a rich almond gravy. Served with a vegetable pulao and a chicken biryani, with traditional breads and relishes.
Dessert was a light and pleasing Lavender & Lime Cheesecake that we savoured with our wine and laughter as I thought to myself, “If being castaway on an island means being this pampered, I’ll cheerily volunteer!” It was a fitting farewell dinner that will ensure I return to The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah again and again.
