Gili Lankanfushi

This is a truly lovely medium sized island/resort, and as good as it gets I would say, if you are looking for barefoot luxury with a very personalised approach. The hosts are delightfully friendly and engaged. Our butler, Miffi, produced some wonderful surprises for an anniversary we had. The over water villas are unusually generously proportioned and diving/snorkelling in the areas is very good. The main dining area has a long stretch of beach and offers one of the most memorable dining environments I can recall. The food experience is also as good as I have enjoyed in Asia generally. There are twice daily complimentary cultural experiences of about 45 minutes each allowing you to get to know the staff and the local traditions. I would highly recommend this for a two centre Maldives holiday. Its proximity to Male lends itself beautifully to this. If you like high end boutique hotel experiences, you will probably really enjoy Gili.

Our stay at Gili Lankanfushi was truly unforgettable. The resort itself is stunning, but what makes it so special is the philosophy behind it. The barefoot concept encourages you to slow down, disconnect from everyday life, and reconnect with nature. From the moment you arrive, you feel a sense of peace and freedom that is difficult to find elsewhere. The island is beautifully preserved, blending luxury with simplicity in a way that feels completely natural. Waking up to the sound of the ocean, walking barefoot on soft white sand, and being surrounded by crystal-clear water creates an experience that is both relaxing and grounding. Most importantly, the staff were exceptional. Every member of the team was warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. Their kindness and attention to detail made us feel welcome from the first day until the last. They consistently went above and beyond to ensure that every moment of our stay was perfect. Gili Lankanfushi is more than a luxury resort—it is a place that helps you reconnect with nature, unwind completely, and create memories that will stay with you forever.

Gili is a slice of paradise. It is a unique and beautiful concept that makes for a truly magical experience. The staff are incredible (a huge shout out to the GOAT Tesla) -- every person at Gilli goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. It is "luxury Robinson Crusoe" all the way -- rustic, refined, relaxing. You feel like you are in a movie. There is nothing quite like it! Leave you shoes at home and prepare for a spectacular trip.

Returning to Gili always feels like coming home. This beautiful island holds such a special place in my heart, and it was wonderful to reconnect with so many familiar faces. Incredible food, heartfelt hospitality, and memories that remind me why this place is so unforgettable. A shout out to Siyam and special thank you to Naph for her genuine care and kindness that made our stay even more special. Until we meet again.

Gili Lankanfushi was the perfect getaway to reenergise and recharge the batteries. From the time we arrived we could not have asked for better or more attentive service. Florian and Rodrigo lead by example and this trickles down to all the staff in their attention to detail and the service they provide. We coined the term that “we were busy doing nothing’ whilst there and that made our meals and the few activities that we did do all the more enjoyable. Very lucky to have a clear day for snorkeling and saw sharks, rays and turtles ! Special mention to Monika, Faiz, Wadde, Charito, and Ibrahim for making our stay special. The biggest thanks goes to Rohan who curated some magnificent wine and cheese tasting - the cellar is a must. We hope to return some day soon.