50 SHADES of BLUE

TO THE BLUE INFINITY OF TWO ISLANDS AT THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES.

- By Anushka Gautam

Coldplay's lyrics looped through my mind as the plane began its descent over the Indian Ocean- a mosaic of turquoise waters, soft white sands, and swaying palms slowly coming into view.

After a short domestic flight from the capital city of Male to Kooddoo and a speedboat ride, I caught my first glimpse of paradise: The Residence Maldives. A sweeping tropical escape that unfolds across not one but two islands - Falhumaafushi and Dhigurah — both owned by Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts. Connected by a one-kilometre private bridge suspended above the sea, each is on a separate island that's easily walkable, cyclable or accessible via golf cart.

By the time I arrived at Dhigurah, the views had fed my soul, but my stomach was ready for something more substantial. The team picked up on that immediately and steered me straight to The Dining Room- their breezy, all-day restaurant that spills out towards the lagoon. The buffet was a colourful sprawl of fresh island produce, Asian staples, and Indian Ocean favourites.

TOUCHDOWN IN PARADISE

The island hosts 173 villas, each with its own private pool, fashioned from fine local materials and outfitted with modern comforts. Despite their numbers, the privacy was absolute. Just me, the sound of water lapping at the stilts, and the occasional flash of a reef fish below.