Who is Gili Lankanfushi for?
This is undeniably a destination for once-in-a-lifetime vacationers such as honeymooners. But what was lovely to learn was that many of the guests return year after year, such is the family-like feel of the resort. And of course, due to the Gili’s sustainability credentials, it will also appeal to the eco-conscious traveller. (It’s also a hit with recent A-list guests Chris Hemsworth and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.)
One of the most desirable aspects of Gili is its location on the North Male Atoll and therefore near the airport. Unlike most other resorts that require a sea plane transfer, Gili is a mere 20 minute speedboat journey from Male airport. (Although this does mean you occasionally hear planes taking off and landing if the wind is blowing in a certain direction).
The whole island is barefoot in keeping with Gili’s ‘no news, no shoes’ ethos which encourages guests to indulge in a total switch off from reality. (You can of course wear shoes, but most people don’t – even in the evenings at dinner or when riding the bamboo bikes throughout the resort. My one pair of heels stayed in my suitcase for the entire trip!)
The service is literally some of the best in the whole region, due to the fact that Gili has the highest staff to guest ratio in the Maldives: 45 villas and 300 staff which is approximately 6 staff for every guest at capacity. As Nicolas Khairallah, the charming GM told me: ‘This means we can offer guests the greatest of all luxuries – time. We find that guests want to get to know the team and this luxury means that for example, the waiter can take their time to chat to the guest while serving the meal.”
Each room is assigned their own personal butler who is on hand 24/7 to help with any requests or questions and can book you spa treatments, tennis, jungle open air cinema sessions, dolphin spotting cruises, fishing trips, surfing lessons, snorkelling or simply advise you on the weather forecast.
While there isn’t a kids club at the resort, there are many activities for families with children. Each restaurant has a kids’ menu and babysitting can be arranged by your butler.
Ismail Niyaz