Gili Lankanfushi

The HPL Group from Singapore has transformed Soneva Gili, carefully selecting 200 items previously on the "No" list that define the Soneva concept. Now, guests can indulge in lobsters and cigars, and live music is reserved for select evenings at the main restaurant/bar. The resort now features whimsical touches like underwater beds in the pool and a hammock strung between columns in the lagoon. A delightful addition is the new floating bar in the lagoon, just a short swim from the beach yet accessible by kayak or shuttle boat. These changes cater to the discerning desires of affluent clientele.

Nevertheless, it's clear this dream resort was envisioned by a visionary British-Indian and Swedish couple. While many other Maldivian resorts excel in various aspects, none quite match Gili Lankanfushi's ability to offer a sanctuary free from visual and mental distractions, coupled with outstanding design and impeccable cuisine.

Unlike other luxury Maldivian resorts that whisk guests from the airport in sleek yachts or seaplanes, Gili Lankanfushi opts for a more understated yet elegant approach. Friendly staff greet guests with homemade lemonade in glass bottles and invite them to embrace the "No news, no shoes" spirit of the Maldives by removing their footwear. While optional, this tradition sets the tone for the entire Gili experience. Many guests opt to spend their entire vacation Barefoot Luxury in the Maldives, experiencing a truly stress-free environment (provided you bring ample financial cushion on your credit card!). As the boat docks, guests have the opportunity to capture a photo against the backdrop of the magnificent villas perched above the stunning turquoise lagoon. The general manager and staff warmly welcome each guest alongside Mr. or Mrs. Friday—the personal butlers named after the fictional companion of Robinson Crusoe.

This intimate resort primarily attracts couples and occasional families, belonging to the HPL Group from Singapore (formerly Six Senses), with visitors hailing from the UK, Russia, Asia, and the US. Even when fully booked, the resort maintains an uncrowded atmosphere, though breakfast and dinner typically see all guests in attendance. Each day features a unique theme; for instance, Tuesdays start with a manager's reception accompanied by local drummers, followed by an Asian street food market.

Gili Lankanfushi eschews straight lines and embraces rounded architecture adorned with natural plaster finishes and raw materials. Every detail, from cups with dimples to rugged saucers, mimics nature's imperfections. The overwater Meera Spa ("ocean" in Sanskrit) exudes tranquility and authenticity, never veering into ostentation but instead enhancing the natural surroundings.

Accommodations consist solely of spacious overwater villas, each offering uninterrupted views of the azure waters and adorned with handcrafted wooden furnishings and cotton fabrics in earthy or solar hues. The resort's layout includes three distinct jetties, where charming wooden cabins emit the authentic scent of the wood. For enhanced privacy, the 7 Crusoe Residences are scattered and accessible only by request via boat, coordinated by guests' personal Fridays, available around the clock.

In stark contrast to conventional designs, Gili Lankanfushi's 45 water villas intertwine a series of rooms, decks, stairs, and roofs that seem organically connected. Some spaces nestle beneath thatched roofs, others beneath open skies, some open to the water below, each providing a cooling sea breeze. Wooden planks and poles remain unadorned, straw remains exposed, and every element exudes luxury within the exclusive resort. Its rustic aesthetic transports guests to a simpler time while seamlessly integrating modern comforts.

This blend of rustic charm and contemporary luxury defines Gili Lankanfushi, making it a haven where guests can disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves amidst the natural splendor of the Maldives.

Gili Lankanfushi is situated on a private island in North Male atoll which is essential for Kaafu Atoll, close to the less lavish (and here and there somewhat less expensive) Paradise Island Resort and Spa which is now and again perceptible and obvious from certain manors. Subsequent to going through traditions at Velana International air terminal, visitors are welcomed by a cordial agent at a numbered booth, and helped with gear to move by speedboat to the retreat. The entire cycle is quick and effective and the outing takes under 30 minutes. Visitors are offered filtered water or a lemon drink, just as to take off and store shoes - vacationer trademark Maldives - "No news, no shoes". Upon appearance, baggage is getting to the manor, which makes the gathering cycle simple and cheerful. 

Maldives is a particular country in the Indian sea comprising of 26 atolls and in excess of 1,190 Islands. Each retreat (more than 120 of them) is situated on a different private island, and most visitors come to appreciate the mind blowing marine life, utilizing jumping and swimming. Extraordinary compared to other riding spots in the nation isn't a long way from Gili Lankanfushi and white sand sea shores encompass the entire island for the individuals who simply need to unwind. While numerous pieces of the hotel feel amazingly quiet, this is the highlight of the atoll, so you can hear the clamor of a boat or plane every now and then.

In this private island resort there are just 45 water manors in various regions of the hotel: either along one of the three wharfs, or dissipated over the turquoise tidal pond. All roomy - as large as at home! - and constructed for the most part from teak wood, cedar, pine, bamboo, eucalyptus and acacia. 

All restored estates offer outdoors living spaces, rooftop porches and private decks with direct admittance to the tidal pond beneath, and there is the expansion of new private pools to the improved Residence and Villa suites for additional detachment. 

The plan of the constructions incorporates lookout windows and common ventilation frameworks, so there is less power and cooling (additionally, visitors are inquired as to whether they need to give cash to kill their impact on carbon). The furniture is upscale, yet not conspicuous - everything has a sea shore look, clean lines, and brilliant texture complements (frequently the shade of a dusk, for example, yellow, orange and red, or turquoise, to coordinate the water). 

The plan of the constructions incorporates bay windows and common ventilation frameworks, so there is less power and cooling (furthermore, visitors are inquired as to whether they need to give cash to kill their impact on carbon). The furniture is upscale, however not gaudy - everything has a sea shore look, clean lines, and brilliant texture highlights (regularly the shade of a nightfall, for example, yellow, orange and red, or turquoise, to coordinate the water). 

The warm, impartial shading range is propelled by the island's common environmental factors for a quieting impact, while privately sourced turquoise textures add glimmers of shading to the new plan. 

Manageability is at the core of the island's vision, and each household item in the new estates and living regions has been uniquely designed by talented skilled worker utilizing upcycled materials. The bed outlines have been produced using reused teakwood, and lampshades handwoven with reused wire network bend to include fish and ocean turtles from the encompassing ocean. 

The end tables are engraved with stars to mirror the starry evening sky and hanging lights created from bamboo prawn catcher bins. Housetop daybeds are made up with rich cloths so visitors have the choice of a climatic night rest underneath the stars, and pad textures custom print with coral examples found on the reefs beneath. 

All open to extra large beds with sentimental white shelters, however there are convenience alternatives and with two beds. The smaller than normal bar is stuffed with wine, brew and tidbits, espresso and drinking water. The living quarters are furnished with CDs and DVD players, Bose and iPod sound systems with a wide choice of music. The immense restrooms have two sinks, a whirlpool shower close to the window, enormous closets and a shower of glass 3D shape, available through a walkway under the open sky. A decent reward - liberal toiletries, including SPF and mosquito shower (for nothing). The lounge room prompts an open sun deck with two sun beds, two loungers and two daybeds. Every manor has a different deck on the rooftop with another feasting table and a sofa under a concealed palapa. There is likewise a spot for yoga and two yoga mats (furthermore, classes are offered on the island each day). Endless supply of the newcomers, every estate sees a container of champagne and bites. 

Every manor has a devoted steward administration obliging all visitors' desires. 

A large portion of them (24) - Villa Suites (210 sqm) are situated along one of the three wharfs encompassing the island. This is the littlest convenience and the most moderate, albeit modest. The lounge room is outdoors and leads straightforwardly to the solarium. The lone room that has cooling is the room. Homes, in any case, are bigger in size and are situated toward the finish of breakwater to give 100% classification. They have an extensive parlor and a bordering lounge area with cooling, a kitchenette and a small wine ice chest. 

Two select family estate with pool confronting the Eastern side of the island. An incredible accomodation to awaken to that tremendous dawn see at water's edge every morning. Set toward the finish of the pier, this unique estate includes an extensive en suite main room, an en suite visitor room, a L-formed pool, a private roof patio and a family room at the furthest finish of the manor, which offers unlimited perspectives on the Indian Ocean. 

To discover isolation and segregation you can at Crusoe Residences - just seven independent estates, like homes, however available exclusively by boat. Transportation remembers a short excursion from the island for a barge boat, which is consistently prepared to get visitors in the terrace. Every one of these rooms additionally has a free private boat (if visitors like) with peculiar names, for example, "Journey Wherever." Villas offer super protection, yet a good ways off the neighbors look, particularly from the veranda. In the washrooms close to the shower there is additionally another exit and a flight of stairs for direct admittance to the tidal pond. These extravagance covers are additionally furnished with an independent lounger in the water a couple of feet from the sun deck - a genuinely great component that will without a doubt be a spectacular and superb in addition to. Between the lounger and the additional space, and the withdrawal of the Crusoe Residences are at costs a couple of steps from Villa Suites and maybe justified, despite all the trouble. 

Two spa suites accompany two rooms each, a spa space for couples, a private rec center and an open jacuzzi on the subsequent floor patio. One of these estates has private admittance to Three Palm Island, which was respected by numerous well known visitors; Novak Djokovic halted here twice. Private Reserve in a monstrous five-segment water estate (it is viewed as the biggest on the planet!) Is outfitted with three rooms, a private film on the subsequent floor, a completely prepared kitchen, a private spa with indoor and outside treatment rooms, and a huge focal lounge for amusement. 

With 5 separate designs and multiple times more the homes the enormous 1,700m2 Gili Private Reserve – the biggest overwater estate on the planet – is found 500m from the principle island and offers four immense rooms notwithstanding a private outside film, ruining spa, cooled exercise center, boundlessness pool and two-story waterslide, straightforwardly into the tidal pond. Typically it wakes up with the appearance of two complete families. 

Turndown administration for all estates is made by your "Friday" when visitors are at supper. Drapes are brought down, the bed is prepared for rest, and cooling is on. 

Administration at Gili Lankanfushi is selective (the lodging utilizes 290 staff!), And every estate is under the consideration of Mr. (or on the other hand Mrs.) Friday, including trips, spa visits, dusk travels and eatery reservations. For Crusoe Residences, the head servants are likewise the purpose of contact for shipping proceed to back to the island.

The hotel is encircled by a tidal pond, and every estate has direct admittance to the water from its own porch. The island flaunts excellent sea shores with white sand, just as obscure palms (they all check!). Close to the fundamental eatery is an open vastness pool ignoring the sea. In the pool there are shallow spots for swimming so here you can now and then discover a few families. This sea shore territory is additionally the solitary zone that is routinely loaded up with hammocks and umbrellas.