For good reason, Gili Lankanfushi is frequently recognised as the best resort in the Maldives. This magnificent, 45-villa eco-resort is conveniently located 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and manages to give truly unpretentious, laid-back luxury. Each guest is attended to by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday, and bare feet are encouraged (shoes are taken off as soon as they board the boat from the airport). The large, endearingly basic overwater bungalows are constructed of a variety of woods and include rooftop and outside terraces with breathtaking views. Freestanding baths, Nespresso coffee makers, Bose audio systems, and complimentary Wi-Fi are all included as well.
The resort is surrounded by a lagoon and each villa has direct access to the water from its private sundeck. The island is surrounded by beautiful white-sand beaches, as well as 683 palm trees for shade. Next to the main restaurant is an outdoor infinity-edge pool with ocean views. There are shallow areas for swimming so the few families that are at the resort tend to congregate here. This area of the beach is also the only area that is regularly set up with lounge chairs.
Best Time To Visit Gili Lankanfushi
Maldives is a beach destination that is sun-kissed and has a weather which is year-round suitable for a trip. However, the best time to visit Maldives is between November and April, i.e., during the dry season. December to March marks the peak tourist season or the best season to visit Gili Lankanfushi as, during this season, rainfall is almost negligible, and weather remains extremely pleasant. This period is also regarded as the best season to visit Gili Lankanfushi for honeymoon as couples get an opportunity to enjoy all types of activities due to ideal weather conditions. Though, being the busiest season in Maldives, it is also the period when beach resorts in Maldives are expensive.
Things to do in Gili Lankanfushi
Water Sports- The beautiful lagoon at Gili is the ideal location for free water sports including windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Beginners can take lessons at the resort, and experienced travellers can leisurely explore the blue yonder on their own. If you're looking for power and speed, Resort also provides private speed boat rides, fun tubing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, and jet blading.
Excursions- There is a wide variety of guided excursions available for those who want to venture outside the Resort. Explore the marketplaces, mosques, and minarets in the capital city of Malé by meandering through the crowded streets. Another option is to travel to Huraa, a little nearby island 20 minutes north of Gili Lankanfushi, where you can meet some of the locals and admire their amazing handcrafted goods.
Diving- This PADI dive centre is equipped with the latest equipment. Many renowned dive sites including Manta Point are within a 10-minute boat ride. As the 9th most environmentally responsible dive centre in Asia, the team takes environmental practices seriously. The staff ensure that guests of all experience levels get the best service.
Snorkelling- Snorkelling on the house reef is like snorkelling in an aquarium. You can easily spot small sharks and schools of brightly colored fish from the boardwalks. Head to the 15-metre drop-off area where you'll see tortoises and rays.
Surfing- Gili Lankanfushi has some of the best breaks in the Maldives. Tropical water temperatures, consistent swell and low crowds add to the appeal. The Luxury Surfing Company Tropicsurf offers an array of activities for beginners and experienced surfers.
Tennis at Gili- Gili Lankanfushi Resort offers a distinctive recreational tennis program for adults and children in collaboration with Recreational Tennis Coaching. A fun, enriching way to enjoy the tennis match is an enriching experience for all levels of tennis players.
Dining at Gili Lankanfushi
A Canadian head chef oversees the four Gili Lankanfushi restaurants, and there are also a handful of private dining spaces for dinners and beverages. Daily menus are available at the island's Main Restaurant on the west side, which uses vegetables from the island's herb and vegetable garden. Every night there is a different theme for dinner, such as the Asian Street Market on Tuesdays, the Mediterranean Spice Souk on Fridays, and the chef's set menu on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The main event here is breakfast, which is served on the beach. It begins with Barton & Guestier champagne, herbal remedies from Sri Lanka, wheatgrass shots, and a remarkable fresh juice station.
In addition to a variety of Asian cuisines, house-made cereals and granolas, 12 types of honey, and freshly baked pastries such as whole wheat chocolate croissants, there is a fresh fruit station past the drink station. Visitors can stock up on exquisite cheeses and chocolates (for breakfast!) in the Underground Wine Cellar and Chocolate Cave.
The appealing Overwater Bar offers a variety of seating locations with views of the lagoon as well as healthy salads, sushi, seafood specials, and live culinary stations for lunch. In addition to the main restaurant and the themed night, guests can reserve a table for Japanese fusion and saké at By the Sea for supper. There is only room for 26 people at a time in the limited eating space of this above-ground restaurant. A place along the pool where you can get ice cream, popsicles, beverages, and various appetisers is called Fine Foni. The Underground Wine Cellar offers a private dining table, a wine cellar with more than 400 labels, and a sommelier who is available for reservations for special meals and wine tastings. In addition, guests can arrange dinner in the villas, or eat in any one of more than seven private dining spots around the resort, such as One Palm Island, which faces the sunset.
How to Reach Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Resort is 12 km away from Male International Airport. It takes approximately 20 minutes by a speedboat ride to reach the resort.
