Rediscover nature in the Maldives and plunge into the ultimate castaway honeymoon at Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives…
by Eleonora Tucci
Reaching a Maldivian islet has never been so easy. Situated a swift and pleasant 20-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, couples seeking an immediate immersion in island life will find Gili Lankanfushi to be the perfect destination. As soon as you arrive, you’re invited to shed your shoes and feel the warm, soft sand between your toes. Add to that friendly faces upon arrival, a refreshing towel to wipe off the weariness of your long journey and a tonic drink to quench the thirst, and you’ll know you’ve reached paradise at last.
Let the magic of the Maldives sink in as your buggy drifts amongst the palm trees and delivers you to your new home on stilts. Gili Lankanfushi redefines the castaway experience, elevating it to new shores. Boasting 45 eco overwater villas, made with local materials such as teak, palm wood and bamboo, including seven floating Crusoe Residences – equipped with a little boat to take you to shore when needed – you’ll feel the seclusion until reminded you are in the lap of luxury with top-class amenities and unmatched service at your disposal.
Designed for couples, the generously ample Gili Lagoon Villas offer a world of relaxation with plenty of lounge nooks and open air spaces so you never miss a glimpse of the beauty all around – just imagine strolling across a bridge over the gentle lapping of the waves to reach your private outdoor shower – a truly indulgent experience. Spend sunset hour lulled by the ocean dangling from your private hammock or immersed in a bubble bath overlooking the fiery horizon. From soft wooden furnishings, plush sofas dotted around, and a rooftop terrace for stargazing, you can find the perfect spot to connect with your loved one and the natural beauty that surrounds you. While the butler service and comfortable rooms at Gili Lankanfushi are tempting, it’s worth venturing out to experience all the resort has to offer lovebirds and their special occasions. You can choose to simply unwind by the main pool and watch the day go by with a book in hand or hop on your bike and embark on your next adventure.
If you feel the weight of your travels, your first stop should be the Meera Spa, a soothing sanctuary over a tranquil bay. Every visit begins with a mineral rich sea salt foot bath before you are welcomed in one of the overwater treatment rooms, where you can ease into relaxation mode as you lie face down and admire reef sharks and colourful marine life from the glass floor below. The therapies on the extensive spa menu have a strong emphasis on healing from within. To relieve muscle stress, indulge in a Deep Muscle Fusion, a combination of intense massage pressure and herbal oils. But if your skin needs a deep nourishing experience, the Organic Seaweed Leaf Wrap is perfect with its initial exfoliation followed by a seaweed bandaging to purge all impurities.
As you emerge from the serenity of the spa, let the selection of culinary destinations tempt your taste buds. For a scenic luncheon, the Over Water Bar proposes international dishes for any taste, but if you need a recommendation, the island chefs propose their favourite curries, originally hand crafted by their grandmas, also known as Gili Grandma’s curries. For a mid-week lunch with your love, By the Sea opens its doors to welcome couples who love a Japanese-infused meal. Their Bento Box is worth the visit, filled with fresh sushi, tempura prawns and flavoursome gyoza, and make sure you leave room to try the green tea cheesecake. If you are celebrating a special occasion, the Organic Garden is the perfect setting to bond and let love spark. If you are lucky enough to meet Chef Hari there, he’ll take you on a tour of the herbal grounds and the bountiful vegetables and fruits. From homegrown rocket to pomegranates, all grown without the use of pesticides, he’ll curate a menu fit for the event. Gili Lankanfushi thrives in plant-based dining, and there is no better place to savour the best of plant powered dishes than enveloped by the pristine beauty of the Organic Garden.
The world is your oyster when residing at Gili, and if you have energy kicking in after a refuelling lunch, take off on an excursion, whether that’s a surfing lesson with Tropicsurf or a catamaran sailing experience. For diving enthusiasts, the team will take you out to explore the underwater realm teeming with marine life, from sharks and barracudas to turtles and clownfish, you’ll be surprised by the countless species as they dance their way around you. Snorkelling by the house reef is also a must if you want to blend in with the vibrant reefs and schools of fish and mantas and learn all about the coral line projects and initiatives to protect the atolls. If you prefer to stay afloat, you can take a canoe out or embark on an exhilarating dolphin cruise as the sun makes its descent. On land, there’s also a plethora of activities to keep you busy, from tennis lessons to cooking classes and a romantic picnic on a secluded sandbank, collect souvenirs of your time together.
As the sky dips below the horizon, painting the clouds in hues of amber and gold, take a moment in the privacy of your residence and let the day sink in as you get ready for a memorable evening under the starlit sky. The island comes alive at night with unforgettable dining experiences, whether you wish to have your own corner of paradise with a private candlelit beach setting or meet your fellow islanders with a culinary journey at Kashiveli, which at dinner, transforms into a night market offering world-renowned delicacies that you can appreciate with your toes in the sand. For wine connoisseurs, book yourself in for a unique wine and dine experience in the underground wine cellar. With a bottle for every occasion, the sommeliers will elevate your food pairing with the right vino in a design-led atmosphere. You can also take it up a notch with a chocolate or even a blind tasting to really test your palate.
You could call it a night or enjoy the after dinner offerings with a movie under the stars in the tropical outdoor screening area, where cosy loungers and popcorn set the scene to enjoy your favourite watch. Just let the team know and they’ll tailor your evening to make it one for the books. For something out of the ordinary, guests can bask in the moonlight with Gili’s signature ‘moon-bathing’ practice in their overwater villa. The ritual of soaking under the moon calms and soothes the body, helping to reduce stress and improve your sleep. You can also decide to sleep under the stars with a full turndown service on your rooftop terrace for the most precious sleep of your life.
At Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives, your wedding day is nothing short of magical. The stunning resort, with its endless blue skies, crystal-clear waters, and pristine sands, provides the perfect backdrop for your special day. Whether you envision an intimate barefoot ceremony on the beach or a grand celebration under the stars, their dedicated guest service team will work closely with you to design a bespoke wedding that reflects your unique love story. The signature overwater champa pavilion, with its thatched roof and rustic charm, offers an idyllic setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. Surrounded by the shimmering turquoise lagoon, you and your guests will feel as if you’re floating on air. For the ultimate island celebration, a beachfront wedding shaded by the swaying palm trees will leave everyone speechless.
For a Robinson Crusoe wedding inspired party, the Private Reserve ticks all the boxes. Its seclusion and luxurious comforts will please even the most discerning of guests and seduce them with a private pool, a spacious sundeck, cinema and bar to unwind and toast to life’s most important moments. This multi-tiered, rustic-chic dream fort invites you to live out your wildest fantasies, and if you weren’t aware, it holds the title as the world’s largest stand-alone overwater villa. From exclusive dinners to kick-start the celebrations to a couple’s spa pavilion for winding down before the big day, and fun activities like the water slide to continue the festivities, you can forget the everyday and write your own piece of island history.
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives offers an idyllic escape from the ordinary, a sanctuary of serenity where you can reconnect with nature and nurture your love. Let the magic of the Maldives captivate you and the sparkling shores of Gili Lankanfushi infuse your romance with endless keepsakes.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £1,070/$1,440, based on two adults sharing a Villa with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com
