The launch of Kooddoo airport on September 10 opening up the southern atolls means tourism to this part of the Maldives should get a boost this winter.
In a timely manner, The Residence softly opens on Gaafu Alifu — one of the largest and deepest southern atolls in the region.
Thatched roofs sit atop the 94 villas with 360-degree ocean views — 44 will have private pools — and 24-hour room service. The main draw will be the Padi dive centre for all levels of snorkellers and scuba divers dipping down to the coral reef rich with barracuda, turtles and white tip sharks.
Keeping the fishy theme, there’s a seafood restaurant on a jetty set 230 metres out to sea and a partially submerged beach bar.
The Clarins spa is the only one in the Maldives with six over-water pavilions for treatments including warm virgin coconut oil and reflexology.
Turquoise Holidays has seven nights from £2,425pp B&B including return international flights and transfers, turquoiseholidays.co.uk, theresidence.com
