IS THIS THE BEST RESORT IN MALDIVES? OUR DREAM GETAWAY TO GILI LANKANFUSHI
Vlog
A Dreamy Getaway: Exploring the Exclusive Island Resort
For years, we have dreamed about visiting this extraordinary island resort – Gili Lankanfushi. After countless months of anticipation, we finally made our way to this five-star, highly exclusive destination. Our journey began with a seamless transition from our previous resort to this idyllic paradise, where every moment promised to be unforgettable.
As we were greeted by a friendly staff member from the resort, our excitement grew. The boat ride to the island was swift and comfortable, with our bags promptly taken care of. The resort immediately lived up to its five-star reputation. We found ourselves on a spacious, luxurious boat just for the two of us, setting the tone for the personalized experience that awaited.
Upon boarding the boat, we were introduced to a unique aspect of this resort—its “no shoes” policy. From that point on, we would be barefoot, embracing a more natural and relaxed way of life. The short 15-minute ride from the airport to the resort was refreshing.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink made from a blend of fresh apple, ginger, lemongrass, and sparkling water. The resort staff also provided us with the Wi-Fi password, ensuring we stayed connected even in this remote paradise.
The journey continued with a tour of the resort, where we were introduced to its many amenities. Mr. Tesla, our personal butler, took us on a buggy ride to our villa. Along the way, we learned about the resort’s history. Built by Sonu Shivdasani, an Indian entrepreneur, and his Swedish wife, Eva, this resort is known for its luxurious accommodations and unique features. Although it has since changed management, the visionary spirit of its founders remains evident in every detail.
A key highlight of our tour was the resort’s environmental initiatives. The resort is home to an eco-center where food waste is composted, glass is recycled, and organic gardening is practiced. Most of the produce served at the resort is grown on-site, ensuring fresh and sustainable meals.
Our Villa – a rustic symphony of style and Robinson Crusoe elegance
Arriving to our over water villa we are stunned. The villas, designed in harmony with the environment, offer a unique blend of Robinson Crusoe-esque aesthetics and modern comforts. The spacious layout, adorned with local materials and traditional craftsmanship, exuded a sense of tropical elegance.
From the luxurious king-size bed draped in fine linens to the expansive outdoor deck with direct access to the lagoon, every detail was thoughtfully curated for relaxation and rejuvenation. There is so much attention to the detail that even all the printed materials and the quality of paper used blew our minds.
The highlight was undoubtedly the glass floor panels beneath our outside table area, allowing us to observe the colorful marine life swimming beneath our feet, our own water garden next to the shower and also the wall glass panels in the bedroom and bathroom with standalone bathtub that make the lagoon views unparalleled. Also, the villa’s eco-conscious design ensured that every plastic element was discreetly hidden, maintaining the island’s commitment to sustainability.
One of the highlights of Gili Lankanfushi is its personalized service. Guests are assigned a dedicated butler, affectionately referred to as Mr. Friday, who attends to their every need with a smile. This personalized approach extends to every aspect of the guest experience, whether it’s customized menus tailored to dietary preferences or thoughtful touches like personalized name tags on diving gear. Once we forgot flip flops somewhere on the island and about one hour later Mr. Friday knocked on your doors and delivered them to us.
Spa experience
For those seeking relaxation, the Meera Spa offers a range of treatments, including Balenese-style massages. The spa features six treatment rooms and provides complimentary pre- and post-treatment facilities. The resort also boasts a yoga compound where guests can participate in complimentary yoga sessions each morning.
Indeed, one of the most memorable experiences was our visit to the Meera Spa, located in an over-water villa. The glass floors offered mesmerizing views of the marine world as we indulged in rejuvenating massages—a truly surreal experience.
Fitness enthusiasts are not forgotten, as the resort includes a fitness center and a tennis court with a professional instructor available for lessons.
Activities and Discoveries
The resort offered a plethora of activities, including fishing trips, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing—all complimentary. Additionally, the resort employs two marine biologists who educate guests about the local environment, and they offer complimentary house snorkeling sessions several times a week. On top of that there are themed trips to see the dolphins, sunset Dhoni sundowner, jungle outdoor cinema and a lot more. Our experience was made even better with dolphin cruise and the private romantic dinner.
One of the most enchanting experiences during our stay at Gililankanfushi was the morning dolphin cruise. Setting out from the resort’s private jetty just as the sun began to rise, we embarked on a journey across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in search of these playful marine mammals.
Later in the evening we lived the most romantic and memorable evening at Gililankanfushi and that was our private dinner on the beach, surrounded by flickering triangular lanterns that cast a soft, ambient glow. Arriving at a secluded spot on the pristine sands, we found a beautifully set table adorned with candles, perfectly positioned to overlook the gentle lapping waves of the Indian Ocean. We had one of the most beautiful sunsets full of colors.
The evening unfolded with impeccable service and a menu curated with local delicacies and international flavors, complemented by the serene backdrop of the starlit sky. It was a magical experience, where every detail, from the personalized service to the tranquil ambiance, created a moment of pure bliss and intimacy under the Maldivian night sky.
Special Places
One area that stood out as our favorite at Gili Lankanfushi was the Palm Beach, a truly unique spot that we found to be unparalleled in the Maldives. Nestled amidst towering palm trees and soft, powdery sand, Palm Beach offered a sense of seclusion and tranquility that felt like our own private paradise. It’s the best in the afternoon as the tall palms cast nice shadow on this private piece of beach. A truly unique place not found anywhere else in Maldives.
Our second area that we loved was the visit to the largest standalone overwater villa in the world at Gili Lankan Fushi in the Maldives, we were awe-struck by its sheer grandeur and exclusivity. Accessible only by boat, this architectural masterpiece offered a glimpse into a world of unparalleled luxury and privacy. The highlight was the slide which we enjoyed like kids.
Our third favourite area was the pool. It was so stylish and chic. It is best in the morning as the trendy parasols cast beautiful mirror shadow on to the surface of the mirror like water. An area we loved to hang out.
The resort’s attention to detail and commitment to providing a unique, luxurious yet eco-friendly experience made it clear why guests return year after year. If we returned to Maldives our first choice would be no other than Gili.
As we reluctantly bid farewell to Gili Lankanfushi, we knew this journey had left an indelible mark on us. It wasn’t just a vacation; it was a retreat into paradise, where luxury met sustainability in perfect harmony. Until next time, Gili Lankanfushi remains a cherished memory—a place where dreams come true amidst the beauty of the Maldives.
