Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi is one of the Maldives’ best-loved resorts with a uniquely laid-back philosophy.

The resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport, set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Malé Atoll. An intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, the resort boasts unparalleled service with awe-inspiring natural surroundings and is a pioneer of ethical, sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives.

A timeless haven

Ultimate privacy and seclusion can be discovered at Gili Lankanfushi, with just 45 luxurious overwater villas, including Crusoe Residences and The Private Reserve reached only by boat, where you will experience a sanctuary hidden from the world. Each villa is designed with the utmost attention to detail and built to be environmentally friendly. Your own private water garden and sun deck, as well as a separate shower linked to your bathroom by an open-air walkway, allow you to experience living right by the water’s edge.

Located over the water on either side of the jetty, the Villa Suites reflect a harmonious life on the water’s edge. Sit back and relax while looking out to the sea, basking in the sun on your own overwater sun deck or enjoy your luxurious private oasis on the hidden rooftop sun deck with daybeds as well as dining facilities. With a total area of 210 square metres, they boast a king-size bed and a large open-air living room with daybeds as well as a dining area. The overwater sun deck has sun loungers while the open-air private bathroom has a separate glass-walled shower area. The newly added Villa Suites with Pool additionally offer an extended sundeck area parallel to the villa with an infinity pool, sun loungers, two daybeds, and catamaran nets overlooking the sparkling turquoise lagoon.

The seven Crusoe Residences stand alone in the ocean for the utmost privacy and seclusion and a private pontoon boat shuttle provides access to the main island. The Private Reserve with four bedrooms and a private pool covers 1700 square metres of luxurious living in the middle of the lagoon. With private butlers (proudly referred to as Mr. or Mrs Friday) on-call 24-hours, this is state-of-the-art living at its best with the most impressive views imaginable.

Be pampered and indulge

Listen to the relaxing sound of the waves on the shore and the gentle sea breeze whispering across the beach while a professional therapist soothes away the stress and strain of modern living. Meera Spa offers a range of holistic therapies for an unparalleled spa experience in the comfort of your own space. Meera, meaning ocean in the Sanskirt language, offers a peek underwater to heighten your spa experience with glass floor panels beneath the massage table. Spa facilities include six overwater treatment rooms, a yoga area, steam and sauna rooms as well as a relaxation area with panoramic views of the sea.

Dine in extraordinary luxury

Dining options at the resort are endless. The Kashiveli Restaurant is situated in a superb natural environment and is perfect for a relaxing breakfast or romantic dinner. With an East-meets-West focus, there is something to delight every palate. A separate cold room as part of the Kashiveli Restaurant offers a premium selection of cold cuts, cheeses and homemade chocolate. A unique underground wine cellar is home to a wide range of wines from around the world. Here wine and cheese, and wine and chocolate tastings are led by the resort’s expert sommelier.

The overwater bar offers a casual menu enhanced with a wide selection of salads prepared with ingredients from the resort’s organic garden. Local herbs and spices enhance the dishes. For Japanese fusion and a teppanyaki table, By the Sea, with breathtaking views, is a perfect choice.

Prepare to be surprised and delighted with unexpected food pairings with destination dining, where a bespoke dining experience is tailored, especially for you. Choose to dine in the comfort of your villa, sun deck, rooftop terrace, on the beach with the sand in your toes or a deserted island retreat.

Activities galore

There are many renowned dive sites within a short boat ride of the resort, and Manta Point is one where you can dive in a small group with the highly trained Ocean Paradise Dive Centre’s PADI instructors. A surf school is located on the island which works with Tropicsurf and organises surf trips to the nearby breaks for advanced surfers as well as various training programs for beginners. Gili Veshi – Marine Biology Shack is the island’s primary research facility and the central hub for all sustainability and conservation issues.

On-site activities include sunrise yoga, an endless number of watersports, a newly renovated tennis court and volleyball, to name just a few. The resort’s fitness centre is located right at the water’s edge with panoramic ocean views through glass walls. An iPod dock is available to enhance your workout. Excursions including dolphin watching, sunset dhoni cruises, visits to the capital city and local islands can all be easily arranged for your leisure.

There is no other destination in the world that will touch all your senses; a visit to Gili Lankanfushi is an experience that you will never forget.

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