Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Male international airport. Being one of the very first luxury resorts in the Maldives, this island is filled with history, charm, and soul. The moment we hopped on board the speedboat, we were asked to remove our shoes and placed them in a bag. Gili Lankanfushi is also a no shoe island, very fitting for barefoot luxury. Upon arriving the island, the Palm beach really stood out from a distance, its a large beach space with just tall and beautiful palm trees and nothing else, giving total island vibes.
Accommodations + Service
Here at Gili Lankanfushi, there are only water villas, including different features such as with or without pool, private hammocks in the ocean, but they all have a roof top terrance and direct access to beautiful lagoon. There are also Crusoe Residences and the Private reserve, which are stand alone water villas, and only accessible by boat. Guests can enjoy total privacy with personal service from their Mr. Fridays.
The architecture and design that was put into building Gili Lankanfushi is truly exceptional, there’s no concrete material shown at any of the water villas. There is a rustic and sophisticated look and feel to these massive villas, the layout of all the villas are separated by a common living space in the middle, and with bedroom and bathroom on each end. I was staying at the Villa Suite, the living space and bathroom are open air space which is very nice. The overall interior design is rather different compared to most of the other island resorts around Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi definitely has it’s charm - it makes you want to relax, and that’s precisely what and island resort is supposed to be! There’s also a day bed that could be converted into a bed at night, and guests can simply request that so they can sleep upstairs while stargazing.
Spa + Activities
Meeru Spa, an overwater spa facility that features 6 treatment rooms, as well as Ayurvedic Treatment Champa, steam and sauna rooms and an open-air relaxation area. The interior design here at the spa gives a rustic yet therapeutic vibe, allowing guests to unwind and relax during their treatments. With glass bottom design over the treatment bed, guest can look at corals and fishes that swim by during a massage.
Restaurants and Bars
There are 3 main dining outlets, a chocolate room, ice cream and popsicle station, and a beautiful underground wine cellar.
Kashiveli, the main restaurant on the beach, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast includes a wide range of fresh squeeze juice menu, and fruit station, guacamole and salsa station, fresh pastry and hot kitchen, etc… There are plenty of items on the a la carte menu to order as well. And 4 nights per week, the restaurant have different theme nights, turning into buzzing market experience, with the Asian Street Market, Mediterranean Spice Souk, Passage to India and Maldivian Seafood Grill nights. And the remaining 3 nights, its set course with a rotating signature menu.
By the Sea, a lovely Japanese fine dining restaurant, serves a la carte and Teppanyaki. Also has a wide range of sake!
