Gili Lankanfushi

This past Christmas, my family and I once again had the pleasure of returning to Gili Lankanfushi, a place that has become a beloved part of our family tradition. Thanks to my grandmother, who generously invites us on this incredible trip every year, we’ve had the chance to create unforgettable memories together at what can only be described as paradise. This year’s visit was nothing short of spectacular, and we left feeling more connected, grateful, and in awe than ever before. The experience was made even more remarkable by the incredible team at Gili Lankanfushi, who go above and beyond to make every moment special. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Mr. Fridays, Tesla and Bobo, who made our stay truly unforgettable. Their attentiveness, humor, and genuine kindness made every interaction a joy. Whether they were organizing activities, sharing stories, or simply being the best company, Tesla and Bobo turned every moment into a memory. They made us feel not just like guests but like part of the Gili family, and their energy and enthusiasm were absolutely contagious. Another standout of our trip was earning our PADI Advanced Diver certification with the guidance of the fantastic diving instructor, Vivienne. My brother and I owe her so much for her expertise, patience, and passion, which allowed us to explore the incredible underwater world of the Maldives. The highlight? Spotting a leopard shark on our very first dive! Vivienne’s encouragement and deep knowledge of the marine life made every dive unforgettable and opened our eyes to the beauty beneath the surface. It’s an experience we will carry with us forever. The fun didn’t stop there. Surfing lessons with Brendan were another highlight, as he patiently helped the boys and me navigate the waves, even when my own skills left much to be desired! His humor and enthusiasm turned every session into an adventure, and it was impossible not to feel inspired by his love for the ocean. Of course, this level of excellence extends to everyone at Gili Lankanfushi. From the restaurant staff, who delighted us with mouthwatering meals and genuine warmth, to the spa team, who worked their magic to leave us feeling utterly relaxed, every single person contributed to making this stay extraordinary. It feels like one big, passionate family working together to create something truly special. The setting itself is beyond words—pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and villas that offer the perfect mix of luxury and tranquility. But as stunning as Gili Lankanfushi is, it’s the people who truly make it what it is. Their passion, dedication, and genuine care shine through in every interaction, making you feel welcomed and valued. If you’re considering a visit, don’t hesitate. Gili Lankanfushi is more than just a destination—it’s a sanctuary, a place to connect with loved ones and nature, and a source of memories you’ll cherish forever. Thank you to everyone at Gili Lankanfushi, especially Tesla, Bobo, Vivienne, Brendan, and the rest of the incredible team, for making this holiday so magical. We can’t wait to return and continue our family tradition in this paradise.

We're not long back from yet another spectacular week in Gili where we were greeted by a beaming team like old friends and made to feel special from the moment we stepped onto the jetty - a wonderful start to a holiday. Our villa [kept very nicely by Hafeez] was on the lagoon and our delightful Mr Friday, Bobbo, looked after our every need with efficiency and humour and whenever he popped up, he was always smiling and keen to learn a new word! The dining experiences under the auspices of Chef Hari and Shawaaf, are always a treat and the service is second to none. I must list just a few of the team - Riyaz, Shiyan, Lolsy, Rambo, Toby, Boa, Monica, Waabe - do look out for them if you're lucky enough to go to Gili - they make every meal a delight. Watch out for buckets.... The buffets are a particular treat [even for those who don't eat much] - the pizza on Mediterranean Night is as good as Naples' finest! Visam, Tesla and Naff from the excellent Friday department must also be complimented, often coming just to say hello and make us feel so welcome. If you get a chance, a visit to the wine cellar with Guyane is really interesting, and please do not miss the Spa - possibly the best in the world? !It is beautifully located and run so very well by Rianti - we had some wonderful treatments, thanks go to Took [chan rak khun!] and Uh-gen - we're already looking forward to seeing you next December - pop gan mai binaar... There's a very well stocked boutique - thank you Mafas - and an enticing jewellery shop which is hard to resist... Rodrigo, the resort manager, does a superb job overseeing a wonderful team and is very present around and about - sincere thanks to him too. As always, we were very sad to leave but our actual departure ended up with us laughing - and we have the photo to prove it! Thank you to every one of you and roll on next December...

We are a family of four ; our 'children' are now 25 and 21 years old, and this was our 4th stay at Gili over the last 8 years. Everything good that has been written or said about the Maldives (sun/sand/sea) needs not be repeated here. The reason we choose to keep returning to Gili is the people - what genuine, warm and hospitable staff they have, many of whom have been there since our first visit. Just one example : we went on a day trip out fishing, snorkelling and swimming at a sand bar, at the end of which our children declared they could happily spend every day with Alif, Riyaz and Siyan. Then there's Chef Hari, animatedly and passionately entertaining us with his genius culinary creations. Our 'new' friends - Alyssa, Irufan, Sheri... every detail of each of our dining preferences remembered, and delivered with a smile and a personal greeting. The relationships are so authentic that you never forget how they make you feel.... and these are the reasons we will keep returning to Gili.

We travel to the Maldives a few times a year and Gili is one of our favorite properties. Our butler Miffi is one of a kind, the best with kids too! Beach, food, villas are all wonderful. The staff goes above and beyond to make your holidays special. The only thing missing is a kids club, given that there are so many children visiting. The 2-3 activities a days are not enough to keep the little ones entertained and give some private time to the adults.

We had the most amazing family holiday at Gili Lankanfushi that we had all ever experienced, and we have travelled all over the world. From stepping off the plane to the moment we left everything was taken care of. The accommodation was sublime, we stayed in the Private Reserve which was just fabulous. Our resident Fridays were Ratta and Naph and they were the most attentive people making sure whatever we needed was seen to immediately. The food was very good, if we had food in our Villa it was served beautifully by Naph and Ratta - all our orders were correct and we aren't the easiest people to please! The beds were comfortable, our bathroom was beautiful I cannot fault our stay and to be honest, our Fridays made it extra special, especially Naph who went over and above to make sure my birthday holiday was perfect. We loved every minute of it and wish we could have stayed longer :)