What does “luxury” really mean in 2025? It’s no longer about overt displays of opulence; it’s about having a clear conscience and access to the world’s most pristine corners. While the Maldives is awash in five-star resorts, Gili Lankanfushi is one of the true originals.
Dubbed the pioneer of ethical, sustainable tourism in the region, Gili has made its “no news, no shoes” philosophy a fundamental commitment, not just a marketing tagline. The moment you kick off your shoes on the speedboat (yes, they take them away!), you’re instantly enveloped in a sanctuary where conscious design feels like a natural extension of the pristine surroundings.
Every element, from the upcycled teakwood under your bare feet to the zero-waste kitchen, is proof that a spectacular retreat can operate without compromise. It’s a place where you are encouraged to simply exist in the most gloriously responsible paradise on Earth, supported by a dedicated Mr/s Friday who ensures your most extravagant whims are quietly, seamlessly met.
Villas
The accommodation at Gili Lankanfushi is exclusively overwater, comprising 45 villas that underwent an inspired refurbishment led by designer Maverick, whose core vision was to create a space that feels instantly “unpretentious” and “like coming home.” The result is a masterclass in rustic-chic design, favouring upcycled and sustainably sourced materials – from recycled teakwood bed frames to lampshades handwoven with recycled wire mesh that depict marine life.
These spacious sanctuaries, starting with the 210m² Villa Suites, are designed to dissolve the boundary between indoors and the infinite blue. Open-air living areas, deep soaking tubs, and private roof terraces (complete with daybeds for sleeping beneath the stars) create a sense of bohemian glamour. It’s also practical: the open-air design, combined with features like large roof overhangs and counter-current heat exchange systems, minimizes the need for air-conditioning, a subtle but critical sustainability detail that reduces the environmental footprint of your stay.
For the ultimate expression of Maldivian escapism, however, one must look to The Private Reserve. At a staggering 1,700m², it is the world’s largest standalone overwater villa, a fortress of privacy located 500 meters from the main island. It is less a villa and more a private compound, featuring four bedrooms, a private spa with sauna and steam room, an air-conditioned gym, an open-air cinema, and a thrilling 21-meter infinity pool from which a waterslide descends directly into the crystalline lagoon. Serviced by its own luxury yacht and 24-hour Mr/s Friday, The Private Reserve is where high-octane luxury meets deep, uncompromising seclusion.
Gastronomy
The culinary vision, helmed by Executive Chef Hari Govindaraj, is less about imported extravagance and more about hyper-local cultivation, celebrated through a sophisticated plant-based focus. The Gili Garden, an expansive organic farm on the island, supplies the kitchen with fresh herbs, salads, and vegetables, providing the foundation for a must-try plant-based menu and an exclusive Chef’s Plant to Plate dining experience.
The main restaurant, Kashiveli, shifts dynamically, evolving from a gourmet breakfast spot into a vibrant, nightly-themed market experience such as the Asian Street Market or the Passage to India Churrascaria. Meanwhile, the overwater By the Sea restaurant offers Japanese fusion, specialising in authentic sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki using locally sourced seafood, complemented by an extensive selection of premium sake. In line with the island’s ethos, there’s a strict no-plastic policy, and a state-of-the-art ‘Rocket’ composter turns all food waste into fertiliser for the garden, closing the loop on their kitchen supply chain. Even the drinking water is filtered and bottled on-site in reusable glass.
Spa & Wellness
Wellness at Gili Lankanfushi is not an add-on; it’s an integrated practice. The overwater Meera Spa (Meera meaning ‘ocean’) is a sanctuary where treatments are taken over glass-floor panels, allowing you to watch the reef fish flitting below as you relax. The comprehensive spa menu features organic Voya and bespoke Meera products made on the island from plant and oceanic extracts. Guests can indulge in holistic practices like ancient singing bowl sessions, reiki, and crystal healing, or sign up for multi-day Ayurvedic and detox journeys designed to recalibrate the body and mind. Daily complimentary sunrise yoga at the beachside Champa sets the tone for a rejuvenated day.
Activities & Conservation
This is where Gili truly shines as the Maldives’ eco-leader. The true heart of the island’s conservation efforts is Gili Veshi (meaning ‘Gili Environment’), the island’s dedicated marine research facility. Here, you’re invited to go beyond merely observing the house reef; you can actively participate in the innovative Coral Lines Project, attaching coral fragments to the nursery lines or even adopting a coral and supporting the island’s marine conservation efforts. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a tangible opportunity to physically contribute to the regeneration of the reef, making your holiday impact a profoundly positive one.
For those seeking high-octane adventure, the Surf Shack provides private lessons on world-class breaks with TropicSurf instructors while the Ocean Paradise Dive Centre facilitates dives to legendary spots like Manta Point and offers excursions for big game fishing – all guided by a team that works alongside organisations like the Manta Trust to ensure responsible interaction. The jungle cinema, tennis courts, and large beachside infinity pool offer perfect terrestrial counterpoints to the water-based thrills.
Gili Lankanfushi is where luxury retreats its ostentation to become something rarer: a sincere, sustainable, and utterly stylish hideaway. It’s a compelling blueprint for the future of Maldivian travel—a place that proves we don’t have to choose between saving the planet and savouring it.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives start from approximately £1,150 per night based on double occupancy including breakfast.
Lankanfushi Island, North, 08920, Maldives
