October 2021: Gili Lankanfushi is delighted to announce that it has won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Residences 2021 and Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2021 at this year’s World Travel Awards 2021.

A luxury resort famed for its eco-minded spirit, sustainability is at the heart of Gili Lankanfushi, with an emphasis on preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine eco-system and leaving only footprints behind.

Most recently, the resort announced that more than 300 coral lines have been planted as part of its Coral Lines project, launched in 2014. With 20-50 small, living coral fragments arranged on each rope line, the new milestone of 300 coral lines consists of over 12,000 pieces of coral that have been attempted to be reintroduced to the reef environment. This year alone, 39 consisting of 11 species of corals have been transplanted, resulting in an increase of fish life and green turtles around the coral sites.

As the first resort in the Maldives to work on low-tech, high-efficiency coral reef recovery techniques with rope, the one-of-a-kind project nurses the corals in the lagoon for one year before transplanting the ropes to One Palm Island Reef. Here, the corals are expected to become stronger, bigger and improve the biodiversity and health of One Palm Island Reef over time.

The World Travel Awards is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive globally with over 28 years of history. Despite ongoing global challenges, the appetite and interest for travel increased with more voters in 2020 than any other year. With over 2 million votes casted, Gili Lankanfushi won two categories, namely, the Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Residences and Maldives’ Leading Green Resort in 2021.

Located on a private island nestled in the largest lagoon in the Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi is home to 45 overwater villas split across 11 categories, each located in a different area surrounding the island.

For more information, please visit www.gililankanfushi.com

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About Gili Lankanfushi

Located in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opened in 2000 as the original over water resort Soneva Gili. In 2012 the island was acquired by HPL (Hotel Properties Limited) a Singapore based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world. Voted number one hotel in the world by Trip Advisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20 minute speedboat transfer from Male international airport. Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360 degree views of the Indian Ocean. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve offer unrivalled privacy. The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of the Gili Lankanfushi, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.

For press information, please contact:

Tammy Gan

Marketing Communications Manager

Email: [email protected]

September 2021: With the year speeding along, there’s no better time to book an extended sojourn in the Maldives and embark on a luxurious escape from the day-to-day. Gili Lankanfushi, located on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, is inviting guests to enjoy 20% off the best available rate as well as complementary half-board upgrade when booking direct and checking into the luxury eco-resort for four nights or more.

Longer stays allow for maximum exploration, relaxation and memory-making while staying at Gili Lankanfushi. With just 45 overwater villas, perched on stilts above the glistening Indian Ocean, the resort’s ethos of barefoot luxury encourages guests to find their perfect way to unwind – from bespoke treatments in the Meera Spa and cooking classes to more adventurous pursuits such as snorkelling with Manta Rays and sunrise yoga.

For those looking to experience all the resort has to offer, here are 10 experiences not to be missed at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.

Wine tasting in the Underground Wine Cellar
The cosy haven of the Underground Wine Cellar can be found at the bottom of a flight of glass stairs, designed around a huge piece of driftwood that was once swept ashore on the island. Here, more than 500 varieties of wine from some of the world’s best wine regions are carefully selected and look after by Gili Lankanfushi’s expert sommelier. Guests can venture across old and new worlds with a tasting session, with non-alcoholic wines also available for those

Donate a Coral Line to the reef rehabilitation programme
Gili Lankanfushi is the pioneer of ethical, sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives. In fact, sustainability is at the heart of the resort with a big emphasis placed on preserving the natural environment and protecting the fragile marine ecosystem. Guests can meet the Marine Biologist to learn more about the surrounding ocean and its inhabitants and even snorkel with them, as well as the chance to donate a coral line as part of the resort’s reef rehabilitation programme. The Coral Lines Project will plant a rope with 20-30 small, living coral fragments, which will then flourish and help rebuild one of the Mother Nature’s most threatened ecosystems.

Blindfolded ‘Dining for the Senses’
Gourmet dining in a secret location with a twist, Gili Lankanfushi’s ‘Dining for the Senses’ dares guests to a blindfolded dinner experience, putting their senses to the ultimate test.

Sleep under the stars
A must-do at least one evening during a Gili Lankanfushi stay, the sleep under the stars experience allows guests to drift into dreamland whilst under the vast blanket of a million stars on the rooftop terrace of their villa. Complete with bubbly and cocktails as well as breakfast in bed the following morning, it’s a treasured memory you won’t forget.

Plant-based dining in the organic garden
Take a walk with Gili Lankanfushi’s Executive Chef Harinath Govindaraj and explore the resort’s very own organic garden. Filled with an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce, the garden is Chef Hari’s playground where he will create game-changing vegan dishes for guests to try, from his signature vegan scallops to scrumptious desserts paired with the finest organic wines.

Ride the waves
The Maldives’ North Malé Atoll is home to unbeatable surfing. Luxury surfing company, Tropicsurf, and their experienced team will curate bespoke lessons and trips, whether you’re a brand-new or seasoned surfer. With some of the best breaks in the country directly on Gili Lankanfushi’s doorstep – three just a five-minute boat ride away and several more within 20 minutes – as well as tropical water temperatures, consistent swell and minimal crowds, it’s the perfect place to learn to surf.

Watch a movie in the Jungle Cinema
An unforgettable movie experience and delightful way to spend an evening while at Gili Lankanfushi, the outdoor Jungle Cinema invites guests to recline in a luxury sunbed, snack on a bowel of freshly popped popcorn and catch a classic film.

Battle of the bartenders
One of the resort’s newest food and beverage concepts, Destination Drinking is in equal parts fun, entertaining and engaging, with more than a shot of laughter to make sure that everyone has a good time. The programme is centred around the theme of Battle of the Bartenders, where some of the island’s best mixologists will compete in creating bespoke cocktails or mocktails to win over the hearts of the guests. The relaxed and light-hearted session gives guests a chance to interact with the witty barmen, who go to all lengths to amuse and delight. All in the spirit of fun, of course.

Sunset Cocktails on a castaway island
There is a small castaway island located close to the main Gili Lankanfushi island, which is open to guests for an extra special sunset experience. Guests can savour delightful canapés and delicious cocktails whilst watching the picturesque Maldivian sun set over glistening waters, a truly one-of-a-kind tranquil experience.

Relax in your own private sanctuary
Sometimes the best way to spend a holiday is to do absolutely nothing at all. From the Villa Suites, 11 of which have private pools and the Gili Lagoon Villas with private hammocks in the sea, to the Family Villas with Pools and Private Reserve – the largest standalone overwater villa in the world – Gili Lankanfushi’s villas have everyone guests need to unwind. No matter where you choose to call home during your stay, each and every villa is taken care of by a Man or Woman Friday, named after Robinson Crusoe’s loyal assistance.

Rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from USD $1,547++ per night in a Villa Suite, based on double occupancy. The Book Direct exclusive offer includes a 20% reduction in all accommodation rates with complimentary upgrade to half-board (breakfast and dinner) when booking a minimum of 4 nights.

For more information, please visit www.gililankanfushi.com

About Gili Lankanfushi

Located in the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opened in 2000 as the original over water resort Soneva Gili. In 2012 the island was acquired by HPL (Hotel Properties Limited) a Singapore based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world. Voted number one hotel in the world by Trip Advisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20 minute speedboat transfer from Male international airport. Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360 degree views of the Indian Ocean. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve offer unrivalled privacy. The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of the Gili Lankanfushi, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.

For press information, please contact:

Tammy Gan

Marketing Communications Manager

Email: [email protected]

Embark on an unforgettable holiday with friends at Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

While the Maldives is famed as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, it is also perfect for groups of friends looking for a fun-filled luxury escape. Set on a pristine private island in the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi is welcoming groups for a well-deserved holiday of relaxation, laughter and unforgettable moment.

With year end holidays soon approaching, there’s no better time to gather your nearest and dearest friends for the holidays in a sanctuary hidden from the world. A unique eco-resort just a 20-minute boat ride from Malé (no need for seaplanes!), Gili Lankanfushi is home to 45 overwater villas including The Private Reserve, the largest standalone overwater villa in the world, as well as 3 restaurants and bars, Meera Spa, and plenty of group-friendly activities.

Here are five reasons Gili Lankanfushi is the perfect destination for your next group trip – whether it’s some quality girl time, a guy’s weekend away, or just a much-needed break with close friends.

The ultimate base for your entire group, The Private Reserve spans more than 1,700 sqm and is situated 500 metres from the main resort with five buildings connected by open-air pathways. Here, friends can enjoy the private spa, open-air cinema, a 21m infinity pool and the best bit – a waterslide directly into the turquoise lagoon below!

For smaller groups, there are 10 other villa categories to choose from, each located in a different area of the island. From the Villa Suites, 6 of which have private pools, and Gili Lagoon Villas with sprawling terraces and a private hammock in the sea, to the Family Villas with plenty of space for your full crew. No matter where you choose to call home during your stay, each and every villa is taken care of by a Man or Woman Friday – named after Robinson Crusoe’s loyal assistance.

For both the foodies in the group as well as those looking to experience the best that Gili Lankanfushi has to offer. From a chef’s table experience in the organic garden and dining for the senses – a blindfolded 4-course dinner experience to heighten your senses and challenge your palate, to popular theme nights such as Asian Street Market, Mediterranean Spice Souk and Passage through Indian Tandoor, as well as Gili Culinary Journey as the culinary team takes you on a food journey on a rotating menu of signature dishes through 9 cities.

Spend your days exploring the natural playground of Gili Lankanfushi, from discovering an underwater world snorkelling off your villa to catching some waves during a surf trip or sunset dolphin cruise. If relaxation is more your thing, Meera Spa with its six overwater treatment rooms will have you feeling zen in no time while the beachside infinity pool is the ideal spot for a sunset cocktail or two.

Beautiful, curated experiences aren’t just for couples. Treat yourself as group with a private sandbank picnic, sunset canapes on the castaway platform or a starlit outdoor seafood dinner at the Overwater Bar. Even if you’re not a morning person, sunset sailing on the Traditional Sailing Dhoni (a Maldivian boat) is not to be missed.

For more information, please visit www.gililankanfushi.com

About Gili Lankanfushi

Located in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opened in 2000 as the original over water resort Soneva Gili. In 2012 the island was acquired by HPL (Hotel Properties Limited) a Singapore based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world. Voted number one hotel in the world by Trip Advisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20 minute speedboat transfer from Male international airport. Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360 degree views of the Indian Ocean. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve offer unrivalled privacy. The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of the Gili Lankanfushi, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.

For press information, please contact:

Tammy Gan

Marketing Communications Manager

Email: [email protected]

18 June 2021 | Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives is delighted to announce that Mr. Nicolas Khairallah has been appointed as the hotel’s new General Manager with effect from 1st June 2021. Mr. Khairallah has been working as Resort Manager of Gili Lankanfushi since October 2017 and brings 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality spanning 5 countries and 3 different continents to his new role.

After completing a post-graduate diploma in Hotel Management at the Swiss Hotel Management School in 2007, Mr. Khairallah joined the team at Sheraton Center, Montreal, Canada as Guest Services Manager where he was recognised as Employee of the Year in 2008. He has also worked as Director of Front Office for the W Hotel in San Francisco from 2011 and was appointed Cluster Director of Operational Innovation by Sheraton & Four Points by Sheraton in 2016, overseeing 3 hotels in Dubai, UAE.

For the past 4 years Mr. Khairallah has served Gili Lankanfushi in his position as Resort Manager, leading day to day operations of the resort and taking full operational control as an interim General Manager for the past 4 months and so is perfectly positioned to take up his new title and role with gusto.

On his new appointment, Mr. Khairallah says:
I am honoured to be appointed to take the helm of one of the top luxury resorts in the Maldives. It is a true privilege to work alongside an amazing team of dedicated hosts who constantly rise above expectations to create timeless memories for our guests. As my Gili Story continues, I look forward to advancing the plan we have in place, to expand our brand’s reach, build stronger connections with the local community, maintain fruitful relationships with our partners and deliver genuine experiences for our guests.

Taking his 15-year career in the hospitality industry and extensive knowledge and experience of luxury brands together with his position as an already established and well-respected member of the Gili Lankanfushi team, General Manager Khairallah is a tremendous asset to the resort team. As the pioneer of ethical, sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi will continue to provide guests with truly memorable experiences and uphold their commitment to fusing rustic design with unparalleled service with awe-inspiring natural surroundings, while striving to further enhance service quality and brand value into the future.
www.gili-lankanfushi.com

For media enquiries, please contact:
Tammy Gan
Marketing Communications Manager
[email protected]

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Editor’s Note: Located in the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opening in 2000 as the original over-water resort, Soneva Gili. In 2021, the island was acquired by HPL (Hotel Properties Limited), a Singapore-based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world. Voted number one hotel in the world by TripAdvisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20-minute speedboat transfer from Malé international airport. Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve, offer unrivalled privacy. The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of Gili Lankanfushi’s ethos, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.

Leading barefoot luxury resort, Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives is delighted to have been recognised in the top 10 leading resorts in Asia and among the top 1% of hotels globally at this year’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards by Tripadvisor.

Recognised as the highest honour and accolade by the site, each year Tripadvisor comb through millions of reviews and ratings from travellers across the globe to identify the very best hotels which provide incredible service and experiences to all guests.  “Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards celebrate the best hotels around the World – big, small, romantic and more, inviting travellers to get inspired and start planning their epic return to travel once it’s safe again,” said Tripadvisor spokesperson Jane Lim.

Gili Lankanfushi is one of the Maldives’ best-loved resorts, with a uniquely laid-back philosophy. Fusing rustic design and unparalleled service with awe-inspiring natural surroundings, Gili Lankanfushi is the pioneer of ethical, sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives.  Located in the languid waters of the North Malé Atoll, a short 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, it is the ultimate place to escape to.  The 45 villas offer open-air living spaces, roof terraces, private decks with direct access to the lagoon below, and private pools found in the Residence and Villa suites for added seclusion and privacy.

The  vast  1,700m2 Private Reserve – the largest overwater villa in the world – is located 500m from the main island and  offers  four  spacious  bedrooms  in  addition  to  a  private  open-air  cinema,  spoiling  spa,  air-conditioned gymnasium, infinity pool and two-storey waterslide, directly into the lagoon.  With sustainability at the heart of the vision, every piece of furniture in the carefully curated villas and communal areas has been custom-made by skilled local craftsmen using upcycled materials. Bed frames are made from recycled teak wood, and lampshade handwoven with recycled wire mesh twist to feature fish and sea turtles.

About Gili Lankanfushi

Located in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opened in 2000 as the original over water resort Soneva Gili. In 2012 the island was acquired by HPL (Hotel Properties Limited) a Singapore based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world. Voted number one hotel in the world by Trip Advisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20 minute speedboat transfer from Male international airport. Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360 degree views of the Indian Ocean. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve offer unrivalled privacy. The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of the Gili Lankanfushi, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.

For press information, please contact:

Tammy Gan

Marketing Communications Manager

[email protected]

March 2021 – Gili Lankanfushi will launch a variety of summer package offers, from Manta Ray diving excursions to surfing adventures for all ages and exclusive new rates for families travelling with teenagers. A lesser considered destination for summer sojourns, families and couples will be delighted to discover the diverse offerings of this island idyll during nature’s lushest season. Where average temperatures remain comfortably warm around 27 degrees and the commonly high humidity levels of the Maldives are countered by short-lived rain showers to clear the air.

Dive In: Manta Ray excursions

Keen-divers and marine life enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that, from June to November, the diverse and abundant underwater world beyond Gili Lankanfushi’s peaceful lagoon is further enhanced by an increased number of Manta Rays which can be spotted congregating in the area at this time. With an estimated population of around 5,000, the Maldives’ is home to the largest known population of reef Manta Rays in the world, one of the many reasons for guests to embark upon a diving or snorkelling excursion during their stay. Guests are invited to join the team of expert instructors on day and night dives visiting a selection of renowned sites in the surrounding area such as Manta Point and Sunlight Tila, both of which are a short boat ride away from the resort.

To book: Manta Ray diving stays start from USD 1175 per night based on 2 guests sharing a Villa Suite (minimum 7 night stay & excludes taxes).

Surf’s Up: Wave Warriors and Silver Surfers

Gili Lankanfushi is the perfect springboard to experience the many revered surf spots of the Maldives. In the summer months, wave breaks in North Male Atoll are at their highest, offering some of the best surfing on the planet. With a variety of surfing spots nearby, it is the ideal location for surfers of all abilities and ages to learn or hone their surfing skills. With tropical water temperatures and consistent swells brought on by seasonal off-shore winds, guests will be accompanied by an experienced instructor from luxury surfing company Tropicsurf who can accommodate a range of abilities: from beginners learning in the lagoon to expert wave warriors looking for a more substantial challenge. Not simply the reserve of younger guests, Gili Lankanfushi encourages all ages to try surfing or wind surfing with a dedicated ‘Silver Surfers’ programme for guests over 50 which includes morning yoga to limber up and a post-surf full body massage at the Meera Spa to revive aching muscles.

To book: Instructor-led surfing adventure stays in partnership with Tropicsurf start from USD 1395 per night based on 2 guests sharing a Villa Suite (minimum 7 night stay & excludes taxes).

Treat Your Teens: exclusive rates for families with big kids

New for the upcoming summer season and perfectly timed ahead of the summer holidays, Gili Lankanfushi will offer families travelling with teenagers an additional 50% discount on the usual supplementary cost incurred for shared villa bookings, reducing the daily supplement from $350 to $175. In addition, older children have the opportunity to dive into the marine wonders with three days’ work experience on The Coral Lines Project, where they can assist on coral reef recovery and report their findings on the Marine Biology Blog. Resident marine biologists will showcase the natural wonders of the deep through opening their eyes to the importance of preserving seagrass before assisting teens on their quest to identify sea-life first-hand. Families can also partake in a healthy cooking lesson with the on-site chef, learning delicious culinary secrets as well as the nutritional benefits of the dishes prepared with all ingredients coming from Gili’s Organic Garden.

To book: Treat Your Teens packages start from USD 2512 per night based on 4 guests in either Residence or Crusoe Residence Island View and includes Full board, transfers and activities (min. 7-night stay & excludes taxes).

www.gili-lankanfushi.com
For media enquiries,
Tammy Gan, Marketing Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Contact: +960 796 6271
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Editor’s Note: Located in the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opened in 2000 as the original over-water resort, Soneva Gili. In 2012, the island was acquired by HPL (Hotel Properties Limited), a Singapore-based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world. Voted number one hotel in the world by TripAdvisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20-minute speedboat transfer from Malé international airport. Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve, offer unrivalled privacy. The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of the Gili Lankanfushi, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.