An Eden Is Reborn

Maldives

Some places make very lasting impressions. Gili Lankanfushi, my favourite resort in the Maldives, is such a place. Its long jetties stretch over the lagoon passages to the endless beauty of the ocean blue. All the worries and the burdens of modern life slipped off my shoulders and I regained some of the innocence of Eden.



 

 

Some places make very lasting impressions. Gili Lankanfushi, my favourite resort in the Maldives, is such a place. Its long jetties stretch over the lagoon passages to the endless beauty of the ocean blue. All the worries and the burdens of modern life slipped off my shoulders and I regained some of the innocence of Eden. I was heartbroken when I heard that there had been a fire and Gili Lankanfushi had closed. Thinking myself destined to only revisit the place in dreams and memories, I felt a longing, as if Paradise had indeed been lost. Fortunately, Gili is coming back better than ever, and by late 2019, it will reopen to surely reclaim its crown among the best resort in the Maldives.

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OCEAN CARESS

Gili Lankanfushi is unique in the Maldives because all of its villas are overwater. They offer a mix of intimacy and endless possibility, as they are all one dive away from the turquoise waters of the lagoon or the ocean. But more than just a beautiful place to stay, the resort embodies values of sustainability and barefoot luxury: absolute comfort in the midst of Nature.

EAVES OF PARADISE

The concept of Castaway Chic is perfected at Gili Lankanfushi, playfully referencing Defoe’s novel. Take Mr Friday, your butler, who is always at the ready to arrange the day’s activities, or to organise a romantic dinner by the beach. The Crusoe Residences —cut off from the island and jetties— are a short boat ride away from the common areas, yet it feels like they rest on another world or another time. As the gentle breeze rocks you on your hammock in the sea, you experience a rare sort of pleasure: joy for joy’s sake.

ADVENTURE IN THE SEA

When you emerge from the seclusion of your villa, you find yourself surrounded by the endless possibilities of adventure. Head to the surf shack and gear up to carve the waves, or paddleboard in the lagoon under perfect blue skies. Join the resident marine biologist and uncover the secrets of the ocean. Dive into the sapphire depths for some of the World’s best scuba and snorkeling. If you want to take a break from the water, enjoy the cinema under the stars, or take a lesson with a pro tennis player to refine your serve.

 www.gili-lankanfushi.com

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Soneva Fushi: Best Snorkelling & Diving

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All images by Gili Lankanfushi