Gili Lankanfushi

From the moment we set foot on the island, we were completely captivated. The warm welcome, the breathtaking beauty, and the overwhelming sense of peace brought me to tears within the first 24 hours. It’s rare to visit a place that not only stuns you with its natural beauty but also touches your heart so deeply. The staff are the soul of this island. Every single person we encountered radiated kindness, joy, and generosity. We had the pleasure of speaking with many of them and even learning a bit about their lives on the island. What stood out most was how genuinely happy and cared for they feel by the management—and it shows. The service is not just excellent, it's heartfelt and authentic. You’re not just a guest here; you’re truly made to feel special and seen. The island itself is a paradise—peaceful, pristine, and incredibly special. It’s a sanctuary where you can really reconnect, spend meaningful time, and refresh your mind and spirit. Every facility, including the watersports offerings, was top-notch. But a very special mention must go to the spa—I visited every day! The treatments were deeply relaxing, and the quality of the products used was exceptional. I cannot wait to return with my family to this extraordinary place. It’s more than a holiday destination—it’s a haven.

Our second trip the the Maldives... first to Gili. While there are many breathtaking places around the world, this island retreat is truly special. Even at capacity, which is only around 100 guests, the resort feels virtually deserted, and with a staff to guest ratio of nearly 3 to 1, service at all levels is exceptional! Our Mr Friday, Tesla, went above and beyond! All the staff were extremely friendly and forthcoming, including the resort manager who was readily available throughout our stay and not only personally greeted us on arrival but also wished us safe travels on departure at the boat dock. We stayed in an overwater villa with pool on Pier one with sunset views. The villa was truly spectacular with rustic luxury motif. Be aware that only the bedroom is air-conditioned, but we didn't find this oppressive as there is usually a lite breeze. Located on the shallow side of the island, with mainly white sand, the water depth ranges from 2-4 feet from low to high tide with a fairly strong current. The deeper waters with direct access to the house reef are on the opposite lagoon side of the island, and more protected from the current, however with more passing marine traffic there is somewhat less privacy. Snorkeling on the house reef is OK, but as throughout most of the Maldives, much of the coral has ben sun bleached and died. Schedule an excursion to one of the nearby reefs to see turtles, sharks, and mantas. Restaurants are located on the lagoon and are outstanding. We were on the half board breakfast and dinner plan. Note that none of the meal plans include any alcoholic beverages. Spending two weeks in the Maldives, and that tail end at Gili, this was the most relaxing holiday we have ever had, and even now some three weeks later, I still feel refreshed and relaxed. Don't even think twice about booking your stay at Gili... No Shoes... No News... just do it!

Having visited five other resorts in the Maldives over the years, I can confidently say that Gili is by far the best. My wife and I stayed in a Lagoon Villa, which was the most stunning overwater villa we have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The views of the lagoon were incredible, and the water was deep enough to swim in—something I was initially concerned about before deciding to upgrade. The bed was extremely comfortable, which is very important to me. As all the reviews mention, the staff is incredibly friendly and goes out of their way to make your holiday an amazing experience. I will be dreaming about that view for a long time!

As always, an absolute highlight – truly a paradise on Earth. The hotel is outstanding, combining elegant design with something even more special: wonderful people. From the moment you arrive, you feel genuinely welcomed. Just in front of the villas lies a fascinating underwater world, full of things to discover

We had the most wonderful stay at Gili Lankanfushi - the setting, the ambiance, the staff, the food - all amazing! Our Ms Friday - Shaany - looked after us and nothing was too much trouble. She was friendly, helpful and great at arranging surprises! Boa, Ibrahim and Alisha welcomed us at every meal and ensured that everything was perfect for us at all times. They were so friendly, kind and chatty and it was always a pleasure to see them. Ramen, the sommelier, showed us around the incredible wine cellar and ensured that our favourites drinks were always ready for us at every meal. Hari - the Head Chef - the creator of the most delicious food! So much thought, love and attention is put into every meal - so many culinary delights for us to enjoy. We can't wait to return!