Gili Lankanfushi

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.

Absolutely lovely trip. Barefoot luxury is not an exaggeration. The accommodation is spacious and everything you need. However do not come here if you want marble and Italian furniture. The food was exceptionally divine, wine cellar extensive and every comfort is catered for. The staff genuinely want to please you but are still fun and organised. This runs from housekeeping through to water sports and everything in between. Would love to return.

This was our second time to Gili - we toured around Sri Lanka first on this trip then flew to the Maldives to relax. We think we enjoyed Gili more this time than before. Maybe it’s because we picked up more this time on the attentive and personal service that really marks this place out. It’s a rustic luxury vibe that we really enjoy with the spacious villas being in keeping with the natural environment. We had villa 28 again but there probably isn’t a bad villa they all have pros and cons in terms of their situation. The villas are very large with lots of living space, superior to other places where we have stayed in the Maldives. The service is outstanding nothing is too much trouble and every member of staff is warm and welcoming. Ali who looked after our villa did an exceptional job - he remembered exactly how we liked things we didn’t have to ask. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner we were often looked after by the same people who again remembered us and how we liked our drinks/food it made us feel so looked after. Florian was a member of management that was always available talking to the guests at mealtimes and ensuring that everything was working as it should we appreciated his presence and Interesting information about Gili. The food itself is amazing so well cooked and presented by chef Hari and his team everything is bespoke with so much choice. Worth coming here just for the food. Armani, Rohan, Ali, Previn, Monica, young James to name just some of them all looked after us so well. Our Mr Friday was Tesla who we had on our last visit. He is a lovely person and we looked forward to seeing him every day. He was always available to make our stay perfect even organising some lovely experiences for our 30th wedding anniversary. He made the whole trip so special for us he is a true jewel in a place where great service is the standard. As has been mentioned it’s a short boat ride from Male which we really like but if you want a more isolated location where you can’t see other islands, boat traffic, Male in the distance then Gili maybe isn’t for you. If however you value amazing service, rustic luxury, large villas with plenty of living space, fantastic food then Gili is just perfect.