Gili Lankanfushi

It was our third visit to Gili Lankanfushi, and as always, it was absolutely brilliant. From the moment we arrived, it was pure relaxation, understated luxury, and truly unbelievable service. The entire Gili team are so friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming — they create an atmosphere that feels both world-class and wonderfully personal. It’s the only hotel in the world we feel comfortable returning to year after year, even with our young son — and that says everything. The balance of barefoot luxury and warm, family-friendly hospitality is something Gili does better than anywhere else. Truly one of the best hotels in the world — and I don’t say that lightly. A very special shout-out to Zubba, Shiyan, Robbie, Monica, Ramen, Muffin and the many other incredible people who make every stay so memorable. It’s the people who make Gili what it is, and we’re already looking forward to coming back again.

With just a 20 minute speedboat transfer from Male airport, Gili Lankanfushi is the perfect getaway for those wanting to de-stress & enjoy the beautiful weather. Gili's delightful representative Ahmed met us airport and walked us straight to our waiting speedboat. Docking at Gili Lankanfushi we were warmly welcomed by Florian & introduced to Naff, our Ms Friday for the week. Gili Lankanfushi is a stunning resort. Sustainability and protecting the ocean is its core message. The individual villas are built over the water in a beautiful sympathetic style, using local materials and are both luxurious &rustic at the same time. The main bar and beach restaurant are a reflection of the villas - beautifully crafted, with the perfect ambience expected from such a stunning part of the world. The staff were faultless - engaging, smiling, attentive (without being overly so), they all anticipated our needs and had exceptional attention to detail. Big shout out to Naff, our Ms Friday, who checked in with us twice daily & was always on hand to organise our diary. In short, Gili Lankanfushi is the personification of paradise. We don't usually return to the same place twice, but we will make an exception with Gili.

We had a super relaxing first stay at Gili Lankanfushi. It was our first time and we will go back. Yoga twice a day with Kamal was such a highlight and the reason for coming. He was instructive and asked us about our sore spots and was so knowledgeable, pushing us when we were feeling stronger. We recommend him so much and helped clear our minds! All of the staff we felt were at a very high standard in their industry and one of the reasons we would like to return. Tesla our butler was entertaining and made us feel at home. The spa ladies were very experienced and so lovely, we really trusted them. The food was another highlight, if you like buffet style dining this place is a hit (think high end Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian and Indonesian as well as Maldivian on different nights and also for breakfast). It can be a bit windy but we didn’t mind this as it helped keep us cool during 30 degree heat. Snorkeling around the water villas is a must, we swam with local fish as well as three reef sharks and some sting ray - aim for a 6am morning swim from the steps of your villa there is much activity in the morning. Spinner dolphin watching at 5pm was fabulous too. You can also do snorkelling with the marine biologists however visibility wasn’t great when we went (subject to weather) and we felt the groups too large to get one on one time with the biologists so we felt we didn’t learn much. Tip: book your treatments if you’re into the spa well ahead of time as it is busy in February! Thanks to the team, we will be back.

Just awesome, had the most amazing honeymoon here at Gili in our water villa with pool. Cannot describe how much we have enjoyed our stay from our arrival to our departure felt like one of the family. Our villa was private secluded and snorkelling around it was incredible, stingrays, black tip sharks, needlefish to name a few right there in the lagoon. Our Mr Friday Tesla was so welcoming and also on hand for us. The barefoot ethos is such an amazing thing to do, I think it grounds you and relaxes you more. The staff are so lovely and friendly, they remember your name and things you like, and it’s there before you need to ask. The food is so 5 star plus it has been a pleasure to eat here. Special shout to Monica and Lonzi who made our meals a joy and there smiles are catchy. The manager Florien has done an amazing job here and knows what hospitality is, and e cannot wait to return one day 😊

Gili is a very special place, the setting is magical and the villas are all positioned to allow for privacy and comfort. The staff are outstanding and the food is varied and delicious. The barefoot concept is a lovely idea and one we got used to and the bicycles ideal for getting around as too hot to walk on the jetty! We have already booked our return.