Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi
Lankanfushi Island, 08290 North Male Atoll
Republic of Maldives
www.gili-lankanfushi.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Independent
Shareholders
HPL Hotel & Resorts, Singapore.
Date of Creation
2001
Hotel General Manager
Mr. David Stepetic
David Stepetic joins Gili Lankanfushi fromJumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives, where he held the position of General Manager for three years. Within the role, he became an expert on the country and brings with him an abundance of local knowledge to make sure that Gili Lankanfushi will always be an island that stands apart, offering its guests a truly authentic and intimate expenence. Prior to that, David was the General Manager of Lau cala Island Resort, an exclusive 25 room resort in Fiji.
Hotel Positioning
5-star Luxury
Development strategy
After spending the passed 3 years investing in both heart and front of house infrustruture and team development, Gili Lankanfushi is now concentrating on the development of further guest experiences and has recently upgraded the worlds largest over water Villa, The Private Reserve, also By the Sea Japanese Restaurant and the Over Water Bar & Grill. This year we are working with TropicSurf to introduce Surfing to the Gili portfolio of expereinces.
Gili Lankanfushi
History & Story
Gili Lankanfushi™, Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations. Everywhere you look, marine life abounds. And the gleaming waters beckon.
Date Renewal
The Private Reserve (added Pool and changed 1 Master Suite to Doublex Suite, new Gym with Shower), Over Water Bar (added sun terrace) and By the Sea (Teppanyaki table). Designer HPL Hotels & Resorts.
Date added extensions
2015
Main Strengths, Special Touch
First of all the team : friendly, warm but professional hosts with the high standard service. Secondly, rustic design, eco-luxury concept. Ultimate privacy can be found at Gili Lankanfushi™. With just 45 luxurious overwater villas, including Crusoe Residences and The Private Reserve reached only by boat, you’ll have a piece of paradise all to yourself. Each villa is designed with the utmost attention to detail, and built to be environmentally friendly.
Location
Gili Lankanfushi™ is set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Malé Atoll. This luxury resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the International Airport at Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives.
Key sites/activities in the area
The Maldives boasts extensive coral reef systems and rich marine biodiversity, which means there’s much to see in the surrounding clear waters. Just standing by the edge of the jetty, you can easily spot reef sharks, needlefish and boxfish swimming beneath. Put on a snorkelling mask, don a dive suit and encounter the underwater life up close. Join our resident marine biologist as he enthralls you with stories and maybe even points out a secret hiding place or two.
Fun Facts
Did you know that we have the biggest overwater villa in the world, The Private Reserve? This gigantic and utterly lavish living space in the middle of our turquoise blue lagoon enjoys totally uninterrupted 360 views of the Indian Ocean. The 5 unit building is designed in rustic chic style and sits 500 meters from Gili Lankanfushi and 300 meters from the closest villa, accessible only by boat. Relish the aquatic beauty of Maldives in a world of your own.
Children’s Corner
Families who like to spend their time with their children find Gili extremely child friendly, it gives them the possibility to spend time, play, explore our little island and swim in shallow water (our lagoon Jetties 1 & 2 are not deep).
As well we do have a limited kids program available, from pizza cooking class, sand castle building on the beach, volley ball on the beach, football with the hosts in the host area and painting all this is organized by their Mr or Ms Friday and that makes it special. They know their Mr Friday from day one and get along easily. Also we will provide the bicycles for them so that they can cycle around the island.
If you are looking for some family activities there is a dolphin cruise which will give the kids lots of positive emotions by watching wild dolphins in the ocean. Or guided snorkeling with our Marine Biologist who will try to teach your kids how to treat the ocean and its inhabitants as well as will go for snorkeling with you and will show you lots of interesting stuff and am sure after that kids will want to do it again and again.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of rooms in all: 45
• Villa Suite
Located over-water either side of a jetty, the Villa Suites reflects a harmonious life on the water’s edge. Sit back and relax while looking out to the sea, basking in the sun on your own ‘over water’ sundeck or enjoy your luxurious private oasis on the hidden rooftop sundeck with daybeds as well as dining facilities.
• Residence
The secluded Residences perch high above the transparent turquoise water, at the end of the jetties with panoramic views. In these particularly spacious Residences, life at the water’s edge is best experienced with its private water garden, open-air bathroom and some with Jacuzzis. The sun deck is an equally inviting location just centimeters above the water. Each Residence has a large air-conditioned living room with two large day beds and a dining table can be easily converted to an additional bedroom.
• Crusoe Residence
Secluded for total privacy, Crusoe Residences stand alone in the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. The only way these amazing villas can be accessed is by private rowing boat or by pontoon boat shuttle. Now you can feel the luxurious peace, accompanied only by the beautiful Indian Ocean. The Crusoe Residence has its own private hammock in the lagoon
• Private Reserve
Escape from the world at the Private Reserve, a decadent palace sitting alone over a sapphire lagoon. Accessible only by boat, your nearest neighbours are 300 metres away. It’s just you, the ocean and the freedom of space in the world’s largest overwater villa. Newly upgraded, this spectacular hideaway has everything you could wish for – from private spa, private cinema, own private waterslide to brand new swimming pool within the lagoon.
Restaurants & Bars
• Main Restaurant
Located on the west beach of Lankanfushi, offering a superb natural environment, the Main Restaurant is the place to enjoy a relaxing breakfast or romantic dinner. The style of food caters to all requirements and offers a combination of dishes that allows East to meet West in culinary synchrony.
• Overwater Bar
The bar has been built on stilts over the shallow turquoise blue lagoon, with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean stretching into the far horizon. Cooled by balmy sea breezes and serenaded by the gentle lapping of the lagoon, it is a magical spot to wine and dine. By day, the bar offers a casual menu featuring a wide selection of fresh salad leaves from the garden, sushi, Mediterranean delicacies, daily catch of fish, imported meats as well as local spices and herbs.
• By The Sea Restaurant
Embark on a Japanese culinary adventure at By The Sea, an intimate fine dining experience set high above the beachside jungle with breathtaking ocean views. The unique décor has a hint of the orient, while the beautifully thought-out tasting and à la carte menus cleverly fuse traditional Japanese and other Asian flavours using the daily catch and organic produce from our gardens.
The air-conditioned sushi bar and teppanyaki table add to the exquisite choice, while a fine selection of Japanese sakes and extensive selection of wines compliment the creative cuisine. Sushi cooking classes are also offered, should you wish to learn the art of making handmade delicacies.
• Wine Cellar
Enter through a doorway and descend down a flight of glass stairs to a chilled, cavernous cellar underground. Slip on a winter fleece and put on a hot water bottle under your feet as you explore more than 500 varieties of wine from more than 30 regions around the world. Wine tasting and wine dinners are hosted by our sommelier who will educate and surprise you, stimulating your palate with unexpected food pairings. There’s also the opportunity to discover handmade chocolates as well as artisanal cheese and cold cuts from the deli room.
• Destination Dining
At Gili Lankanfushi, there are many other dining options beside having your meals at the restaurants. The unique dining experience in Gili Lankanfushi will whet your appetite not only with our Chef’s culinary expertise but also the extraordinary settings that will leave an indelible impression.
We offer Bed & Breakfast, Half Board and Full Board packages for our guests.
Wellness
• Meera means ocean in the Sanskirt language, and glass floor panels beneath the massage tables offer a peek underwater to heighten the sensual experience. The Spa offers a range of holistic therapies, and the signature bamboo massage with warmed aromatic oils presents yet another new encounter. Other facilities include six overwater treatment rooms, a yoga or Meditation champa, steam and sauna rooms, as well as a relaxation area with panoramic views of the sea.
• The fitness centre is located at the water’s edge amidst greenery gives a panoramic and clandestine view of the ocean seen through glass walls. Natural elements are used in the décor, with lighting and ambience to complement the surroundings. An iPod dock further enhances your regular workout, completing this exhilarating experience.
•Swimming pool
Corporate & Celebration Events
Celebrations turn into memorable milestones at Gili Lankanfushi. Hold the wedding of your dreams in our over-water chapel – the only one in Maldives. Pop champagne as you watch the sun set from a dhoni cruise and savour the night with a private dinner on One Palm Island. Whether it’s a wedding, honeymoon or special occasion you’re looking at, we can help put together a tailor-made package for those special moments as you envisioned it to be.
Extra Notable Features
• Diving
• Organic Garden
• Yoga Champa
• Jungle Cinema
• Cooking classes
• Watersports
• Marine Biologist team on site.
Hotel & Restaurants Awards
2015
• No. 1 – Top 25 Hotels in the World as per 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards
• No. 1 – Top 25 Hotels in Asia as per 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards
• No. 1 – Top 25 Hotels in Maldives as per 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
2014
• No. 1 in Top 10 Hotels in Maldives as per 2014 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice
• Linara Travel Maldives Award 2014 winner.
Number of employees
287