Introducing Gili Lankanfushi
A ‘No Shoes, No News’ philosophy permeates Gili Lankanfushi, an iconic property in the Maldives archipelago. Considered one of the finest water villa resorts in the world and the epitome of barefoot chic, it comprises just forty-five exclusive overwater villas. Furthermore, each has a private water garden, including seven Crusoe Residences. And there is an über-chic Private Reserve which can only be reached by boat.
In this tropical island idyll, the dining journey begins by the ocean and from the garden. Fresh fish and home-grown produce from the chef’s herb garden fill the menu. The mesmerising sea views are interrupted only by distant over-water abodes that seem to grow out of the ocean.
Villa interiors have an open-air living room and bathroom, with sun decks both on the roof and over the lagoon. Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated ‘Mr/Ms Friday’ who ensure all your wishes are fulfilled. Choose from moonlit in-villa dining, sunset champagne cruises on board a dhoni or dinners in the gourmet wine cellar. The ‘By The Sea’ restaurant serves Japanese cuisine to the accompaniment of sakes and stunning ocean views.
For active guests, a dive school can train you to be PADI-certified within a week. Sunset and dolphin cruises are available. In addition, there’s a plethora of watersports from Hobie Cats to surfing at the dedicated Surf Centre.
Those looking for relaxation and pampering will love the award-winning Meera Spa with its glass-panelled floors. Here, holistic therapies complement Ayurvedic programmes and yoga.
Little ones are kept entertained by the resort’s Mr and Ms Fridays.
Destination Dining
Guests at Gili Lankanfushi can enjoy an alfresco beach picnic or lunch in the resort’s Organic Garden. In the evening they can savour a secluded dining experience beneath the stars at Palm Beach. And the cuisine will whet your appetite, with tailor-made dinners using fresh and local produce.
Underground Wine Cellar & Chocolate Cave
Enter through a doorway and descend down a flight of glass stairs to a chilled, cavernous cellar. Explore more than 600 varieties of wine and discover handmade chocolates. Another ‘must do’ at Gili Lankanfushi is a tasting dinner swathed in fleeces in the icy underground wine cellar and presided over by an expert sommelier. Followed by a visit to the Chocolate Cave for dessert.
‘Mr or Ms Friday’
Each of the villas at Gili Lankanfushi enjoys the services of a dedicated ‘Mr or Ms Friday’. They ensure that all your dining wishes are fulfilled from the comfort of your villa, the sun deck or your rooftop terrace. The in-villa dining menu is designed to fit in with your personal favourite cuisine and dishes, using the freshest ingredients.
Restaurants & Over-Water Bar
The main restaurant caters for all requirements, Menus change on a daily basis ensuring that guests have a deliciously varied dining experience. A smaller eatery, ‘By the Sea’, offers an intimate dining experience for just 26 guests. Embark on a fusion Peruvian-Japanese culinary adventure to a backdrop of breathtaking ocean views. And at the over-water bar, built on stilts, a Gili Lankanfushi Executive Chef is on hand offering Live Station Dinners.
Prices
Ultimate Destinations works with luxury tour operator Carrier, bringing you the opportunity to stay at this beautiful Indian Ocean resort.
Prices start from £4400 per villa and include flights, 7 nights accommodation with breakfast and transfers.
Call us on 01923 284148 or send an email to info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk for further details. This is a superb destination all-year-round, a very special holiday.
