Gili Lankanfushi Reopens with a Splash
October 24, 2019 by Allison Reiber DiLiegro
Gili Lankanfushi is ready to make desert island dreams come true again. The iconic Maldivian hideaway has been closed since January, when a portion of the property was damaged in a fire. The owners took the opportunity to refresh and renovate, so the interiors look fresher than ever. As all employees were kept on during renovations, they’re ready to hit the ground running this December 1st, just in time for the holidays.
What can you expect to discover at Gili Lankanfushi? The property is beloved for its rustic-chic Robinson Crusoe vibe and laid-back philosophy, “no news, no shoes.” The island, with its powdery white sand and baby blue waters, is peppered with thatched-roof restaurants, overwater villas and hammocks that float just above the sea.
While Gili Lankanfushi has the far-flung charm of a castaway island, there’s one very big difference: this private island was made to meet your every desire. And, at just 20 minutes from the airport by speedboat, it’s among the most easily accessible resorts in the Maldives.
The 45 overwater villas offer barefoot elegance with their indoor-outdoor spaces, natural woods and whites. The neutral color palette draws the eye outward to the Indian Ocean’s kaleidoscope of blues. Each villa comes with an expansive outdoor space for soaking up those views, whether it’s a sundeck or a rooftop terrace.
All villas offer direct access to the ocean, where you may spot an eagle ray or a school of technicolor fish passing by. If the sun gets hot, retreat into your indoor living room, with air conditioning and fans, a soaking tub with sea views and a glass-walled shower.
For those seeking total privacy, the Crusoe Residences are a short boat ride from the island. The 250-square-meter two-story villas feature a master bedroom, a spacious living room and a rooftop terrace. If that’s not enough space, splash out on the 1,700 square-meter Private Reserve, the largest overwater villa in the world. Accessible by private boat, it’s set 500 meters out at sea.
For those who choose to leave the villa, the ocean is your playground. There’s snorkeling, diving (including PADI certification), windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing, surfing, wakeboarding and fishing excursions.
Back on land, each guest has a designated bamboo bicycle for exploring the island. There’s tennis with the island pros, cooking classes with the chef, gym sessions with the personal trainer.
Or enjoy holistic treatments, such as the Shirodhara treatment, at the overwater Meera Spa where relaxation areas offer breathtaking views of South Pacific sunsets.
Care for a fresh coconut water after your treatment? That can be arranged. Each villa comes with a butler – so-called “Mr. or Ms. Friday” after Robinson Crusoe’s assistant and friend – who is on hand 24 hours a day. Your Mr. or Ms. Friday will be you main point of contact to arrange meals, spa treatments and excursions throughout your stay. For those traveling with kids, Mr. or Ms. Friday is available for crafts and stories so parents can sneak away.
Desert island dreams really can come true.
Contact:
Gili Lankanfushi
Lankanfushi Island, North Malé Atoll
Republic of Maldives
Telephone: +011 960 664 0304
