Suspended above turquoise lagoons, Gili Lankanfushi evokes a Robinson Crusoe-style escape in the Maldives, where barefoot luxury and exceptional service go hand in hand
Why you'll love it here
- Enjoy the carefree feeling of barefoot luxury from the moment you arrive
- Tour the chef’s garden and witness the garden-to-plate concept first-hand
- Call your 24/7 ‘Mr Friday’ guest experience host to take care of details big and small
- Savour romantic dinners on lantern-lit beaches and private wine tastings
Samantha
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
Perched above the turquoise waters of the Lankanfushi Lagoon, Gili Lankanfushi is one of the Maldives' most distinctive island retreats. Perfect for honeymooners, couples seeking complete seclusion and families who value privacy, the resort combines barefoot luxury with thoughtful, personalised service in an effortlessly elegant setting.
The resort’s thatched villas, crafted from sustainable timber and natural materials, stand on stilts above the lagoon, each featuring expansive over-water decks and panoramic Indian Ocean views. For an even greater sense of escape, the Crusoe Residences are accessible only by boat, while the extraordinary Private Reserve – the world’s largest standalone over-water villa – offers four bedrooms, a 21-metre infinity pool and a dedicated team of Mr & Ms Friday personal assistants.
At the heart of the experience is your personal Mr Friday, who takes care of every detail, from arranging private dining experiences and spa treatments to organising bespoke excursions and watersports.
Days can be as active or as relaxed as you choose. Explore colourful house reefs, sail across the lagoon at sunset or retreat to the award-winning Meera Spa. Dining is equally memorable, with inventive menus showcasing fresh local ingredients and international influences, served in spectacular settings above the water.
Room Options
Villa Suite
A private sanctuary amid the turquoise lagoon, this two-floor, one-bedroom hideaway is ideal for couples. It features a king-size bed with daybed, an open-air living room and a semi open-air bathroom with infinity tub and glass-walled shower. The rooftop terrace offers dining and a daybed, while the overwater sundeck with catamaran nets, loungers and direct ocean access provides the perfect space for swimming and snorkelling.
Villa Suite with Pool
Overwater luxury at its finest, this two-floor villa features a king-size bed with daybed, multiple open-air living and dining areas and a semi open-air bathroom with standalone tub, glass-walled shower and secluded ocean access. The rooftop terrace provides dining and lounging, while the extended sundeck includes an infinity pool, loungers, daybeds and catamaran nets.
Gili Lagoon Villa
Perched over the western lagoon, this two-floor, one-bedroom villa offers uninterrupted sunset views. Featuring a king-size bed with daybed, open-air living room, semi open-air bathroom with infinity tub and glass-walled shower, and a rooftop terrace with dining and daybed. The overwater sundeck includes loungers, catamaran nets and a private water hammock for direct lagoon swimming.
Family Villa
Perched at the end of the western jetty, this 350 m² two-bedroom villa offers unrivalled views of the lagoon. The master suite features a king-size bed, daybed and semi open-air bathroom with tub and glass-walled shower, while the guest suite includes an indoor Jacuzzi. Enjoy open-air living and dining areas, rooftop terrace with Jacuzzi, overwater deck with loungers, direct ocean access and a private wellness and workout room.
Family Villa with Pool
Facing the eastern lagoon, this 385 m² villa captures breathtaking sunrise views. It features a king-size master suite with daybed and pool view, an en-suite guest room and a spacious family room with dining area and pantry. The overwater sundeck offers an L-shaped infinity pool, loungers, daybeds and direct ocean access, while the rooftop terrace provides the perfect setting for family meals or sunset gatherings.
Residence
Set at the tranquil end of Jetty 1, this ocean-facing villa offers an exceptional sense of space for families of up to four. Inside, a king-size master bedroom and spacious living area create a comfortable retreat, while outside, a large overwater sundeck and rooftop terrace invite long days spent enjoying the lagoon views. A dedicated Mr./Ms. Friday service is available around the clock, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
Residence with Pool
Step into the blue and feel the ocean breeze on the large catamaran net above the water. Take refreshing dips in the infinity pool or swim directly in the Indian Ocean. Inside, the spacious living and dining area offers unobstructed lagoon views, while the semi open-air bathroom features a standalone tub and glass-walled shower. The king-size master bedroom includes a daybed, with rooftop terrace and 24-hour Mr./Ms. Friday service.
Gili Lagoon Residence
Slow down and embrace the island’s rhythms in this 250 m² two-floor residence. The king-size master bedroom with daybed, spacious air-conditioned living room and semi open-air bathroom with standalone tub and glass-walled shower offer barefoot luxury. Step onto the overwater sundeck with loungers, catamaran nets and private water hammock, or unwind on the rooftop terrace with dining and daybed.
Sunset Crusoe Residence
Channel the spirit of an explorer in this 250 m² stand-alone island residence. Featuring a king-size master bedroom with daybed, spacious air-conditioned living room (convertible to a second bedroom) and semi open-air bathroom with tub and glass-walled shower, it offers barefoot luxury amid turquoise waters. Step onto the overwater sundeck with loungers, catamaran nets and private water hammock, or enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop terrace.
Island View Crusoe Residence
Embrace the explorer’s life in this 250 m² stand-alone island residence. Featuring a king-size master bedroom with daybed, spacious air-conditioned living room (convertible to a second bedroom) and semi open-air bathroom with tub and glass-walled shower, it offers direct ocean access via overwater sundeck with loungers, catamaran nets and private water hammock. Enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, private boat access, 24-hour Mr./Ms. Friday service and bamboo bicycles included.
The Private Reserve
The world’s largest standalone overwater villa, this 1,700 m² multi-level retreat sits in the heart of a turquoise lagoon. Featuring two master suites, two guest suites, open-air living areas, infinity pool, sea-level sundecks, private gym, cinema, spa pavilion and even a water slide into the ocean, it offers total privacy and sophistication. Luxury yacht transfers, personal boats, bamboo bicycles and 24-hour Mr./Ms. Friday service ensure effortless indulgence.Facilities/Amenities
- Dive centre
- Gym/fitness centre
- House reef
- Overwater villas
- Spa/wellness
- Tennis
Restaurants & Bars
Private Dining Experiences
Private Dining Experiences offer delicious meals in unique island settings. Savour a beachside barbeque with live music, test your palate with a blindfolded “Dining for the Senses” experience, or enjoy a romantic rooftop dinner under the stars. Menus can be tailored or left to our chefs’ creativity, featuring fresh seafood, organic garden produce and bespoke culinary delights.
- Dinner
Organic Garden
The Organic Garden invites you to savour the freshest produce grown without chemical fertilisers or pesticides, from tropical fruits to vibrant herbs and vegetables. Dine amid the greenery with a garden-fresh meal or enjoy a plant-based tasting menu paired with organic wines. Special experiences include private vegan cooking classes and celebratory Champagne breakfasts on your rooftop or pool deck.
By the Sea
Set amidst tropical greenery with breathtaking ocean views, this Japanese-fusion restaurant delivers a sensory dining experience. Watch the expert teppanyaki chef in action as you savour delicate sashimi, hand rolls and seasonal creations made from the freshest local ingredients. Pair each bite with premium sake from the restaurant’s impressive collection.
- Lunch
- Dinner
Kashiveli
Set right on the sand, Kashiveli, which means 'coral sands' in Dhivehi, offers a true taste of place. Begin your day with vibrant tropical breakfasts, then return in the evening for its lively night market, where world flavours meet Maldivian ingredients. Expect global favourites reimagined with island flair, from Indonesian rendang to Moroccan-inspired spice feasts.
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Overwater Bar
Overlooking the turquoise waters of the lagoon, the Overwater Bar serves fresh, seasonal cuisine throughout the day. As evening falls, it's the perfect place to enjoy a signature cocktail while watching the Maldivian sunset unfold.
- Lunch
- Dinner
Underground Wine Cellar
The Underground Wine Cellar offers an intimate setting to refine your palate with over 500 wines from renowned and emerging regions. Guided by expert sommeliers, enjoy tastings paired with gourmet dishes, chocolate or cheese, or take part in weekly themed experiences. From blind tastings to multi-course wine dinners, each visit uncovers new flavours and the artistry of exceptional wine pairings.
Activities & Entertainment
Watersports
Embrace the turquoise waters surrounding Gili Lankanfushi with a range of aquatic adventures. Dive into vibrant coral reefs through the resort’s PADI-certified dive centre, or snorkel alongside turtles, reef sharks, and colourful marine life with guidance from resident marine biologists. Surfing enthusiasts can ride barrels at legendary breaks just minutes from the resort, while kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, and catamaran sailing offer endless ways to explore the North Malé Atoll.
Land Activities
On land, the island provides equally engaging pursuits. Hone culinary skills in cooking classes, perfect your serve on the tennis courts, or unwind with movie nights beneath the stars. Romantic beach dinners, private wine tastings, and sunset dolphin cruises provide unforgettable experiences for couples, while families and solo travellers can enjoy tailored excursions to nearby islands, fishing trips, and luxury yacht adventures.
Spa and Wellness
A sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul, Gili Lankanfushi offers a holistic approach to wellbeing. Far from the distractions of everyday life, guests can reconnect with themselves, rediscover balance, and recharge under the guidance of expert wellness specialists. Customised treatments ensure every visit is tailored to individual needs, whether seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or revitalisation.
Meera Spa
Drawing on traditions from around the globe, Meera Spa blends ancient therapies with modern techniques. Skilled therapists harness the benefits of holistic treatments to restore energy, ease tension, and nurture the body and mind.
Ayurvedic Therapy
Experience the 5,000-year-old science of Ayurveda with personalised therapies and herb-based treatments designed to restore harmony and wellbeing.
Wellbeing & Fitness
Daily movement is celebrated through yoga, fitness sessions, and tennis, allowing guests to maintain their routine while embracing the island’s serene surroundings.
Master in Residence
Specialist healers, including Reiki, Watsu, acupuncture, and crystal sound therapy experts, visit Gili Lankanfushi to host curated wellness programs, offering rare insights and transformative experiences.
Maldives travel information
When to visit Maldives
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +5 GMT
- Flight time: 8 hours, 30 minutes
- Currency: Rufiyaa, US dollar
- Tipping guideline: A 10% service tax is added to most restaurant bills
- Health considerations: travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/139/maldives
- Capital: Malé
- Population: 521,021 (2023)
- National languages: Dhivehi, English
- Electricity and plugs: D/G - 230v, 50Hz
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives/entry-requirements
Other hotels nearby
Looking for more options? You might also like these hotels in a similar location.
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Maldives experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Samantha
Travel Specialist
Maldives travel guides
Want some more help planning your holiday to Maldives? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.
Would you like to speak to a Maldives expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Why Inspiring Travel?
Premium & Exclusive
- Only the best private travel experiences
- Hand-picked collection of world-class luxury resorts
- Diverse portfolio of bespoke & tailored itineraries
Personal & tailored
- Every holiday created to be entirely bespoke
- Exclusive experiences arranged on your behalf
- Personal contact to tailor every aspect of your holiday
Exceptional service
- 24/7 support while you're travelling
- Every detail handled by our concierge team
- Lounge passes, airport meet & greet and private transfers included
First-hand expertise
- The experts in tailor-made travel for 50 years
- Team of well-travelled specialists offering first-hand knowledge
- Network of trusted luxury travel partners
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
