Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is a luxury eco-resort located in North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. This intimate private island spans 600m x 200m and features 45 overwater villas plus The Private Reserve, the world's largest standalone overwater villa. Famous for its "No News, No Shoes" philosophy, the resort emphasizes barefoot luxury with sustainably-built accommodations, world-class diving, and personalized Mr/Ms Friday service. Gili Lankanfushi was voted the world's number one hotel by TripAdvisor in 2015 and continues to lead in eco-luxury hospitality.
World's #1 Ranked Barefoot Luxury Resort
Eco-friendly private island with 45 overwater villas, world's largest overwater villa, and pioneering "No News, No Shoes" philosophy just 20 minutes from Malé Airport.
Location & Access
Located on private Lankanfushi Island in North Malé Atoll's largest lagoon with crystal-clear waters.
Quick 20-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport with scenic lagoon views.
Compact island measuring 600m x 200m offering intimate, uncrowded atmosphere with just 45 villas.
Surrounded by house reef and protected lagoon perfect for snorkeling and water activities.
Resort Highlights
World's number one hotel voted by TripAdvisor in 2015 with continuing excellence recognition.
Famous "No News, No Shoes" philosophy encouraging complete digital detox and barefoot living.
The Private Reserve: world's largest standalone overwater villa with private boat and water slide.
Pioneering eco-resort using sustainable materials, organic gardens, and zero-waste initiatives.
Gili Lankanfushi MaldivesNorth Malé Atoll luxury resortNo News No Shoes philosophyWorld's largest overwater villa20-minute speedboat transferEco-luxury barefoot resort
Villa Suites
Villa Suite: Open-air living rooms, rooftop terraces with daybeds, and direct ocean access.
Villa Suite with Pool: Extended sundecks with infinity pools, catamaran nets, and sunset views.
Gili Lagoon Villa: Five west-facing villas with spectacular sunset views and water hammocks.
All feature spacious master bedrooms, semi-open bathrooms with infinity tubs, and glass floor panels.
Residences
Residence: Two-floor overwater villas with air-conditioned living rooms and kitchenettes.
Residence with Pool: L-shaped infinity pools, sunrise positioning, and private motorboat access.
Gili Lagoon Residence: Secluded western jetty location with premium privacy and sunset views.
Features include rooftop terraces, private water gardens, and convertible second bedrooms for families.
Crusoe Residences & Private Reserve
Crusoe Residences: Seven standalone villas accessible only by private boat for ultimate privacy.
Family Villas: Two-bedroom accommodations with spacious living areas and children's facilities.
The Private Reserve: World's largest overwater villa with five buildings, water slide, and cinema.
Premium amenities include spa pavilions, gymnasiums, bars, and 24-hour Mr/Ms Friday service.
Villa Amenities & Features
Air conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and Nespresso machines.
Mini wine chillers, minibars, personal safes, and state-of-the-art Bose sound systems with Bluetooth.
Chess tables, personal entertainment centers, and extensive on-demand movie selections.
Direct ocean access, private sundecks with loungers, and steps leading into crystal-clear waters.
Sustainable Design
Traditional construction using sustainable woods, natural materials, and unbleached linens.
Open-air design maximizing natural ventilation and seamless indoor-outdoor living experiences.
Glass floor panels in treatment rooms and villas for marine life observation.
Personal Mr/Ms Friday service providing 24-hour assistance and local cultural insights.
All villas feature overwater design with direct lagoon access. Mr/Ms Friday personal host service included for all accommodations. Crusoe Residences and Private Reserve require boat transfers.
Kashiveli Restaurant
Main Restaurant: Beachfront dining with "coral sands" ambiance using locally-sourced ingredients.
Global Market Nights: Asian street markets, Mediterranean spice souks, and Passage to India themes.
Gili Culinary Journey: Nine-city gastronomic tour featuring international signature dishes.
Organic Garden: Fresh tropical fruits, herbs, and vegetables sourced from resort's extensive gardens.
By the Sea Restaurant
Japanese Fusion: Peruvian-Japanese cuisine with fresh sashimi, hand rolls, and teppanyaki.
Intimate Setting: Only 26 guests capacity with ocean views and jungle surroundings.
Premium Sake Selection: Extensive collection of highest-quality sakes from across Japan.
Local Seafood Focus: Daily catches from local waters prepared by skilled Japanese chefs.
Bars & Specialty Dining
Overwater Bar: 360-degree ocean views with reef sharks and rays visible below glass floors.
Underground Wine Cellar: Romantic wine tastings with 400+ label selection and chocolate pairings.
Poolside Ice Cream: Handmade flavors and artisanal treats near tennis court and swimming pool.
Cocktail Program: Coconut martinis, local ingredient infusions, and sunset sundowner service.
Destination Dining Experiences
Private Beach Dinners: Lantern-lit feasts among towering palms on secluded Palm Beach.
Sandbank Picnics: Exclusive dining setups on uninhabited sandbars with personalized menus.
In-Villa Service: Gourmet room service available 24 hours with extensive international selections.
Sunset Cruises: Private yacht dining experiences with champagne service and ocean views.
Meera Spa
Six overwater treatment rooms with glass floors for marine life viewing during treatments.
Ancient healing practices including Ayurvedic therapy, Tibetan singing bowls, and reiki healing.
Sauna, steam rooms, yoga champa, and upstairs relaxation area with uninterrupted ocean views.
Visiting practitioners program bringing world-renowned wellness experts to the island.
Ocean Paradise Dive Center
PADI-certified dive center with Green Fins environmental accreditation for sustainable diving.
Multilingual instructors offering courses from Discover Scuba to Advanced Open Water certification.
Access to famous sites including Banana Reef, HP Reef, Manta Point, and Okobe Thila.
Nitrox available for certified divers with complete equipment rental and underwater cameras.
Recreation & Entertainment
Fitness Center: Air-conditioned gymnasium with modern equipment and ocean views.
Tennis Court: Professional court with coaching available and equipment provided.
Jungle Cinema: Outdoor movie screening under the stars with comfortable seating.
Library: Quiet reading space with books, magazines, and comfortable lounge areas.
Water Sports & Marine Activities
Complimentary Activities: Kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling equipment.
Surfing with Tropicsurf: Professional surf instruction and access to nearby surf breaks.
Tai Chi Sessions: Morning classes focusing on balance, flexibility, and mental tranquility.
Marine Biology & Conservation
Gili Veshi Marine Biology Shack: Research facility doubling as educational underwater classroom.
Coral Restoration: Hands-on participation in pioneering coral lines project and reef cleaning activities.
Educational Programs: Marine biology presentations and eco-tours with resident scientists.
Snorkeling Safaris: Guided tours to observe reef sharks, tropical fish, and coral gardens.
Cultural & Adventure Excursions
Gili Goes Voyaging: Cultural excursions to local islands and traditional Maldivian communities.
Cooking Classes: Learn traditional Maldivian cuisine and sustainable cooking techniques.
Sunset Cruises: Private yacht charters with champagne service and dolphin watching opportunities.
Tennis with a Pro: Professional coaching sessions and competitive matches on resort court.
Activities subject to weather conditions and marine life patterns. Diving requires certification or completion of resort courses. Some excursions have minimum participant requirements.
Gili Lankanfushi is located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Shared return transfers cost approximately $302 per person (excluding taxes and service charges). The resort operates regular transfers throughout the day, and your Mr/Ms Friday will coordinate all arrival and departure logistics.
Upon arrival at Gili Lankanfushi, guests are encouraged to remove their shoes and embrace barefoot island living. The resort operates on "Gili time" (one hour ahead of local time) to maximize daylight hours. Guests are encouraged to disconnect from news and technology to fully immerse in the peaceful island experience.
Every guest at Gili Lankanfushi is assigned a personal Mr or Ms Friday - a dedicated host available 24 hours to assist with all needs. They help coordinate activities, dining reservations, transportation, and provide cultural insights about Maldivian life. This personalized service is included in all villa categories.
The resort features Kashiveli (main restaurant with global market nights), By the Sea (Japanese fusion), Overwater Bar (all-day dining with ocean views), and an Underground Wine Cellar. Special experiences include destination dining on private beaches, sandbank picnics, and 24-hour room service with international cuisine.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Gili Lankanfushi. However, the resort encourages digital detox as part of the "No News, No Shoes" philosophy. Guests often find the peaceful environment naturally reduces their need for constant connectivity during their stay.
The resort's PADI-certified Ocean Paradise Dive Center is Green Fins accredited for environmental responsibility. It offers access to world-famous sites like Banana Reef and Manta Point. The center provides courses for all levels, from Discover Scuba (minimum age 8) to Advanced Open Water certification.
Yes, families are welcome with Family Villas available featuring two bedrooms and spacious living areas. Children can participate in marine biology programs, learn about coral conservation, and enjoy supervised snorkeling. The resort offers specialized children's menus and activities designed for young guests.
Famous Dive Sites
Banana Reef - Maldives' first dive site with caves, overhangs, and diverse marine life including snappers and sharks.
HP Reef - Renowned site with excellent visibility, coral formations, and frequent manta ray encounters.
Rainbow Reef - Colorful coral gardens with abundant tropical fish and perfect for underwater photography.
Lanka Finolhu Manta Point - Seasonal cleaning station where manta rays gather for feeding and cleaning.
North Malé Atoll Marine Areas
Okobe Thila - Protected marine area with pristine thilas and frequent whale shark sightings.
Nassimo Thila - Deep channel diving with strong currents and large pelagic species encounters.
Maagiri - Excellent site for night diving with unique nocturnal marine life observations.
House Reef - Accessible directly from resort with coral gardens, reef sharks, and tropical fish species.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Malé Capital City - Historic center with National Museum, Sultan Park, and traditional Maldivian architecture.
Hukuru Miskiy Mosque - Ancient coral stone mosque dating to 1658 with intricate carvings and Islamic art.
Local Island Communities - Traditional fishing villages accessible through cultural excursion programs.
Fish Market Malé - Authentic local experience with daily fresh catch displays and traditional trading.
Transportation & Connectivity
Velana International Airport (MLE) - Main gateway just 20 minutes away with international connections.
Malé Harbor - Ferry terminals and seaplane base for transfers to other resort islands.
Hulhumalé Island - Modern development with additional accommodation and airport overflow options.
Seaplane Terminal - Scenic flight routes for transfers to distant atolls and aerial sightseeing.
Check-in & Reservations
Standard check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM with early/late options subject to availability.
50% daily rate charged for 6:00 PM check-out, 100% rate for later departures when available.
Speedboat transfer coordination handled by Mr/Ms Friday with flexible scheduling throughout day.
Room rates typically include breakfast with full-board options available from $185 per person nightly.
Major credit cards accepted with advance payment options for seamless check-in experience.
Transfer & Transportation
Shared speedboat transfers $302 per person roundtrip (excluding taxes and service charges).
Private boat transfers available on request for families and special occasions.
Crusoe Residences and Private Reserve include dedicated boat transfers and private motorboats.
Resort representatives meet guests at airport and coordinate seamless transfer logistics.
Flexible departure scheduling accommodating various international flight times.
Family & Age Policies
Children of all ages welcome with Family Villas featuring two bedrooms and spacious layouts.
Specialized children's marine biology programs and supervised snorkeling activities available.
Discover Scuba Diving programs available for children aged 8 and above with certified instructors.
Children's menus at all restaurants with healthy, internationally-inspired meal options.
Extra beds available in villas for families with additional children traveling together.
Environmental & Sustainability
Eco-resort encouraging guests to minimize plastic use and participate in recycling programs.
Sustainable fishing practices with line-caught fish only and responsible marine tourism.
Coral restoration projects with guest participation in environmental conservation efforts.
Organic garden produce prioritized with local sourcing and minimal food waste initiatives.
Green Fins certified diving practices ensuring marine ecosystem protection and education.
All policies reflect the resort's commitment to sustainable luxury and environmental responsibility. Seasonal variations may apply to certain services and activities.
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr: Dry season with calm seas, perfect for families and optimal diving conditions.
May-Nov: Green season with occasional rain but excellent for marine life and manta ray encounters.
Year-round: Consistent 26-30°C temperatures with warm waters ideal for all water activities.
Manta Season: May-November best for manta ray sightings at cleaning stations and feeding areas.
Ideal Duration
3-4 nights: Perfect for couples seeking digital detox and romantic barefoot luxury experiences.
5-7 nights: Ideal for families and diving enthusiasts to explore multiple activities and sites.
7-10 nights: Comprehensive wellness journey including spa treatments, diving certification, and cultural excursions.
Extended stays: Perfect for complete digital detox and deep immersion in eco-luxury lifestyle.
Target Audience
Eco-Conscious Travelers: Guests seeking sustainable luxury with meaningful environmental impact.
Digital Detox Seekers: Those wanting to disconnect from technology and embrace barefoot living.
Luxury Couples: Honeymooners and romantic travelers seeking intimate overwater experiences.
Families: Multi-generational groups with marine education and cultural learning interests.
Signature Experiences & Itinerary Ideas
Sunrise yoga with Dev followed by organic breakfast and coral restoration participation at marine biology center.
Private Reserve experience with water slide, cinema night, and personalized dining in world's largest overwater villa.
Underground wine cellar tasting with sommelier paired with romantic dinner on secluded Palm Beach.
Multi-day diving certification combining Open Water course with manta ray encounters at famous sites.
Gili Culinary Journey experiencing nine international cuisines with organic garden tours and cooking classes.
Packing & Travel Tips
Minimal footwear needed due to barefoot philosophy - pack flip-flops for transfers only.
Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory, lightweight cotton clothing, and sun protection for extended outdoor time.
Underwater camera gear for marine life photography and coral conservation documentation.
Leave laptops and work devices home to fully embrace digital detox experience.
Personal dive equipment optional as high-quality rental gear available including underwater cameras.
Weddings & Honeymoons
Overwater Ceremonies: Intimate wedding ceremonies on private jetties with traditional Maldivian elements.
Private Reserve Celebrations: Exclusive use of world's largest overwater villa for wedding parties.
Barefoot Beach Weddings: Romantic ceremonies on pristine beaches with personalized "No Shoes" ceremonies.
Honeymoon Packages: Romantic experiences including couples spa, sunset cruises, and underground wine tastings.
Professional photography including underwater and aerial documentation with Mr/Ms Friday coordination.
Anniversary & Milestone Celebrations
Crusoe Residence Retreats: Private villa celebrations accessible only by boat for ultimate privacy.
Destination Dining: Customized meals on sandbars, Palm Beach, or private villa terraces.
Spa Celebrations: Couples treatments in overwater spa pavilions with glass floor marine viewing.
Surprise Arrangements: Mr/Ms Friday coordinated surprises including villa decorations and special amenities.
Custom cake creation using organic garden ingredients and personalized celebration planning.
Corporate & Group Events
Executive Retreats: Small group meetings in Private Reserve with complete privacy and luxury amenities.
Team Building: Marine conservation activities, diving programs, and cultural excursions.
Wellness Retreats: Corporate wellness programs combining spa treatments, yoga, and digital detox.
Incentive Programs: Luxury rewards for high-performing teams with personalized experiences.
Flexible meeting spaces including jungle cinema, underground wine cellar, and overwater pavilions.
Seasonal Events & Programs
Visiting Practitioners: Renowned wellness experts offering specialized treatments and workshops.
Marine Biology Education: Seasonal programs with coral spawning observations and research participation.
Cultural Celebrations: Traditional Maldivian festivals with local community interactions and performances.
Culinary Events: Guest chef collaborations and seasonal menu celebrations featuring global cuisines.
Event Planning Services
Dedicated Mr/Ms Friday coordination ensuring seamless event planning and execution.
Custom menu creation using organic garden produce and fresh local seafood.
Photography and videography services including underwater and aerial documentation.
Transportation logistics including private boat transfers and airport coordination.
All events planned with environmental consciousness and sustainable practices. Advance booking required for Private Reserve and Crusoe Residence celebrations.
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