Name: Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
Address: Lankanfushi Island, Male, Maldives, Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

Maldives, Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

Maldives, Maldives

About the hotel

Style

Cosmopolitan

Rooms

"Gili Lankanfushi is the picture of tropical luxury with 45 dreamy villas stilted over the water, a sanctuary-esque spa and one of the most romantic bars in the Maldives."

After nearly a full year of renovations, the Maldives’ beloved Gili Lankanfushi is officially back. Already one of the island nation’s very best getaways, the resort has returned to the spotlight better than ever. The 45 villas have been given fabulous facelifts, upgrading not only their appearances but also their commitment to environmental sustainability. Expect newly minted private pools, a whole host of new experiential offerings and every bit of the natural beauty that put this luxurious bolthole on the map to begin with.

Heavenly thatched-roof villas are stilted above the turquoise waters and connected by wooden boardwalks that stretch gracefully into the sea. Villas’ interiors flow seamlessly into their exteriors, with open-air living rooms, private rooftop terraces and sundecks from which you can launch yourself right into the ocean. Everything is set in a vision of wood and white, with a luxurious natural elegance that is second to none. Even entry-level villas are wonderfully spacious and come with amenities aplenty; expect catamaran nets (and sun loungers), bamboo bicycles, chess tables and Nespresso machines. For the ultimate experience of luxurious privacy, book one of the seven stand-alone Crusoe Residences – these havens are far removed from the rest of the accommodations and accessible only by boat.

Start the day with breakfast on the beach at the resort’s inspired Kashiveli restaurant. The flavours you’ll find there are many; local produce is featured in traditional Maldivian cuisine, Indian dishes, Mediterranean fare and more. The intimate By The Sea restaurant serves magnificent Japanese with a playful dose of fanfare; the Teppanyaki chef’s culinary acrobatics delight, and the food itself is divine (as is the sake list). In the Dhivehi language, “Fini Foni” means “cold sweet”, making it an apt name for the darling outdoor eatery where you can feast on ice cream and other treats. You’ll want to end every evening at the Overwater Bar as stilted over the lagoon, the bar takes on a sort of surreal beauty at sunset when it becomes the most romantic place imaginable for a glass of champagne beneath the stars.

Whether you prefer a holiday of pure relaxation or one of nonstop adventure, you’re bound to find it here. The overwater Meera Spa is a sanctuary of wellness and rejuvenation; visit for an indulgent treatment or to meditate on the seaside champa. Or explore the surrounding natural paradise under the waves or above them, with all the scuba diving, snorkelling and watersport excursions your heart desires.