Indulge your inner castaway at this elegant, unpretentious Robinson Crusoe island.
If one was to compare the Maldives to haute couture, it would be like finding an original handmade Coco Chanel creation, where the tweed is interlaced with her early days creativity and a sense of ambition. The nation is the size of Portugal but 99% of it is water, the remainder is speckeled with 1,200 lush, white-sand islands in an abstract double helix of north-south oriented atolls. Atolls are essentially the top rings of long-dead, now-submerged volcanoes. As one of the world’s most rarefied geographic reserves and an adult playground of extreme luxury, the Maldives has played host to some of the biggest names in the film, fashion and entertainment worlds. And where better to experience the romance, relaxation and thrill that are on offer than the extraordinary utopia of Gili Lankanfushi.
A brief 20 minute speedboat from the capital Male on the Lankan atoll. The resort’s ethos of “No News, No Shoes” is applied on the spot – with sandals swiftly confiscated by the smiling hosts as soon as you come abroad the speedboat.
Rustic palm-thatched villas float atop blue lagoon waters, silky white-sand beaches, and lush vegetation. As the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes, Gili underwent a complete renovation after a fire destroyed a wing of the resort in 2019. As one of the Maldives’ most eco-friendly resorts the lavish and spacious villas are built with cedar, oak and pine from a sustainable forest in New Zealand. Plastic is banned, glass bottles are recycled as building materials, food waste is composted, and organic toiletries (offered in a variety on fragrances) come in earthenware containers. Each villa comes with handy bikes made from recycled wood (organic cotton pedal covers come as standard to avoid the need for shoes). Gili’s aesthetic is rustic chic - sophisticated simplicity, nothing ostentatious, with wild beaches dotted with sand grass and plainly dressed hosts and butlers flying around with drinks and snorkels.
All the beautiful facilities of Gili Lankanfushi are dwarfed by the simple pleasure of the villas, which come with at least eight seating areas featuring panoramic ocean vistas. From flat sofas in the lounge to a day bed on the roof, to a net hammock stretched over the sea. All rooms are centered around an open-air sitting room, where ocean zephyrs zip in and out and the deck melts into the lagoon. Bedding options range from silk to cotton and feature a choice of eight pillow scents. The bath-cum-dressing room, surrounded by your private water ground, the deck where sleeping under the stars is unmissable and the colonial yet whimsical feel of the villa where odes to life at sea are evident in the furnishings all encourage exploration. For a truly inimitable stay, the Private Reserve is a floating fortress for auspicious guests. Loved by Hollywood and Middle Eastern royalty the Reserve is a private estate far from the other properties, which comes with live-in staff, its own kitchen, entertainment rooms, pool, play areas, boat and gym.
Best known to many for its hospitality, service at the resort is faultless. Guests have their own Mr Friday (of Robinson Crusoe fame) on speed dial to look after them throughout their stay. He can organise lessons, reservations and dining opportunities. The resort boasts of its repeat visitors, due to the almost family-like attachment guests develop towards the staff.
For surfers, the property is less than 15m away from some of the best waves in the region. The Surf School organises expeditions, and offers one-to-one lessons for beginners who finally managed to stand up on the board. The lagoon is teeming with sea life. Snorkelling is infinitely more fun when with an expert marine biologist who can point out the different fish, turtles and coral life. For those who prefer to be on land, an expert tennis coach is on hand for lessons, or just a quick hit on the court and the Meera Spa is a haven of peace above the lagoon, and watch fish from glass floor panels while being pampered from one of 30 different treatments. And the open-air Jungle Cinema is not to be missed.
Gastronomy at Gili is a lavish affair. Chef Harinath Govindaraj’s passionate creations are all produced from the resort’s organic herb garden. Over Water Bar is the resorts main restaurant offering 180-degree sea views. A bountiful menu which also caters for vegans and superfoods enthusiast is accompanied by warm, welcoming staff who stay on at the bar until the last guest leaves. Kashiveli serves up a sumptuous breakfast spread, where homemade jams and honey are an absolute highlight. By night the restaurant turns into a whistle-stop tour of world cuisine, putting on a virtuoso display of Asian street food markets and Brazilian barbeques. At the resort’s Japanese restaurant, By the Sea, chefs conjure up outstanding sushi, sashimi, and Japanese fusion dishes. Staff are on hand to arrange an array of destination dining experiences, from sandbank picnics to dining under the stars. For the wine enthusiasts, the wine cellar holds 500 different wines and champagnes. A tasting afternoon with their resident sommelier is thoroughly encouraged!
Prepare to arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as family to this little slice of heaven.
Villa suites start at 4,668 AED
Check here for Maldives visa requirements
COVID tests for your return are available on site
Please check for changes in COVID travel restrictions before booking.
Photos: Gili Lankanfushi
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