Barefoot luxury at its finest

Unadulterated moments come to life as luxury meets inspiration at the Residence by Cenizaro, Maldives

Floating in the Indian Ocean, The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi with 94 villas and the Residence Maldives at Dhigurah with 173 villas are located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, also known as the northern Huvadhoo Atoll. As you spend your days and nights breathing clean air, feet dipped in crystal blue water, you can feel the strain of a hectic city life melting away. Barefoot luxury at its finest is what The Residence by Cenizaro is designed to offer.

Stay in the lap of luxury

As you step into this haven, unwinding in the true sense begins, thanks to the muted tones of the interiors contrasted with the azure sea. The understated luxury is perfectly expressed through thatched roofs, natural materials and fabrics accented with local artefacts and wall art, and a 360-degree view from the French windows of the villas. There are beachfront villas, one-bedroom and two-bedroom overwater villas to choose from.

Savour scrumptious meals

Dining out has a whole new meaning at The Residence Maldives. One can choose to dine by the pool in the comfort of their villa, on the beach, or even over the ocean. The chefs ensure that the flavours of everything served excite the palate.

One of the most romantic settings is an evening on a private castaway island when you can feel pages from Robinson Crusoe books come alive. A personal chef serves delicious cocktails and gourmet options inspired by world cuisine, while guests listen the calming ocean breeze, only punctuated with sound of the waves. Each experience is tailored to one’s taste and mood.

To take your dining experience closer to nature, one can opt for the Earth Basket session. Cycle your way around the farms, nursery and gardens or take a walk. The tour gives a peek into the cycle of farming and offers special herbs-infused beverage tasting sessions. As you pick your own harvests that are naturally grown in the vegetable garden. Make your own lunch with fresh produce as a chef guides you during your farm-to-table experience.

Enjoy a wholesome vacation

The vast ocean around is inspiring enough to take a dip into it. But, a holiday at The Residence is beyond that. Spend a 90-minute ride on a Dolphin Cruise gazing at the blue ocean and spotting spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Enjoy the view of the setting sun while enjoying a glass of bubbly.

To take your marine activity a notch higher, opt for snorkelling or deep-sea diving. The PADI Dive Centre at the resort offers various classes and excursions that include snorkelling in nearby reefs and advanced open water diver courses. Exploring the underwater world in the Gaafu Alifu atoll where the resort is located is extremely rich when it comes to marine life. Home to over 1,200 species of fish and coral, you can also spot species of sharks, green turtles, manta and eagle rays. You can snorkel in and around Falhumaa reef or journey in dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat, between five minutes and one hour from the resort to reach dive sites.

For those in love with marine exploration, the fact that The Residence Maldives forms part of Protect Maldives Seagrass initiative by the Blue Marine Foundation and the Maldives Underwater Initiative (endorsed by the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism) makes it extra rewarding.

Recharge your mind, body and soul

The welcoming ambience of Spa by Clarins is a soothing addition to the barefoot luxury that you experience at The Residence. Tucked away at the end of a jetty, overlooking the lagoon, the spa comprises six pavilions and an en-suite hair salon. Every spa and beauty treatment uses Clarins’ products that are made of plant-based active ingredients.

Those looking for yoga and meditation sessions, can head to an open deck and align the mind and body.

If you are planning a trip this year, do check out The Residence by Cenizaro website for special offers, last-minute deals and activities. The properties can be reached by a 50-minute domestic flight from Malè to Kooddoo airport.

Whether you choose to stay at the Falhumaafushi property or the one at Dhigurah, The Residence by Cenizaro is where you can become one with nature in the most effortless fashion.