Rodrigo Buanafina Named Resort Manager of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Rodrigo Buanafina has been appointed resort manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the forerunner of sustainable barefoot luxury in the Maldives, effective May 1. Buanafina, who was previously the five-star eco-resort's Director of Food & Beverage, was promoted internally to his new job. He has ten years of expertise in the high-end hotel industry.

As resort manager, Buanafina will be in charge of managing all daily activities at the 45-villa resort, including the plans for the Overwater Bar renovations this summer.

In response to his promotion, Buanafina remarked, "I am thrilled to be stepping up to the Resort Manager position at what is such an exciting time for Gili." "Over the past five years, it has been a pleasure for me to be a part of this amazing team and famous property, and I couldn't be more thrilled for this new phase of my Gili journey. I'm excited to watch our beautiful island continue to grow and provide our guests with an unforgettable Maldivian experience in 2023 and beyond.

Buanafina, a native of Brazil, joined the Gili Lankanfushi team in 2018 as the F&B Manager and was soon elevated to the position of Director of F&B. In his five years as F&B leadership, he managed a staff of around 100 people and put in place a variety of distinctive gourmet offerings and experiences. His ideas, which include a brand-new blind-eating experience, a Brazilian Churrascaria theme night, and a bartender competition called "Destination Drinking," are credited with turning the island's dining scene into one of the most renowned in the Maldives.

Buanafina worked numerous F&B manager positions at other Indian Ocean resorts before his tenure on Gili. Prior experience includes two years as the Assistant Director of F&B Pine Cliffs, the largest Luxury Collection Resort in Europe, located in Portugal and able to host 3,100 visitors.

Located in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives and only 20 minutes by speedboat from the Malé Airport, Gili Lankanfushi is a pristine island. The resort combines rustic eco-design, unmatched service, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a laid-back-luxury, 'no news, no shoes' philosophy that makes it ideal for couples, families, solitary travelers, and groups of all sizes. Following a comprehensive renovation of all 45 villas in 2019, the acclaimed eco-resort celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2022.