By Jodie Mason, CEO, Extraordinary Escapes
Luxury Maldives specialist since 2002, with more than 340 days of first-hand experience throughout the Maldives.
We wake to another spectacular morning in the Maldives at Gili Lankanfushi. One of the things we have always loved about Gili is its extraordinary lagoon. Crystal clear, calm and incredibly inviting, it is the perfect place to begin each day. Soft white sand gives way to coral outcrops, home to thousands of tiny iridescent reef fish, making snorkelling directly from your villa one of the simple pleasures that quickly becomes part of your daily routine.
Extraordinary Escapes staying in Gili’s Sunset Two Bedroom Villa
Before the tropical warmth of the day arrives, we head upstairs to the observation deck above our villa. The entry level villas at Gili are so impressive you feel as if you were mistakenly upgraded to an over water home. Designed with the resort’s signature Robinson Crusoe style, they combine natural timbers, open living spaces and complete privacy in a way that still feels as impressive today as it did on our very first visit. The observation deck is one of our favourite places at sunrise. The lagoon is often at its calmest and, if you’re fortunate, you’ll spot eagle rays gracefully cruising beneath you as they search for their breakfast. Watching them glide silently through the shallow water is one of those memorable Maldives moments that never loses its appeal, no matter how many times we visit.
Two Eagle Rays swim past our villa as we look down from our observation deck.
After our traditional morning swim in the lagoon, we climb onto our bicycles and make our way barefoot to breakfast. Each bike carries its own personalised name tag, a thoughtful touch that we look forward to seeing every time we return. As we arrive, our Mr. Friday, Shifaz, is there to greet us. Somehow, he always seems to know exactly where we’re heading without ever being intrusive. Throughout our stay, he quietly anticipates what we need before we even think to ask, making everything feel effortless. One of the things that makes Gili so incredibly special for us is the people. We are welcomed back by familiar faces who have become lifelong friends over more than two decades of visiting the resort.
Some of the team still remember our eldest son from when he first visited as a baby, and today their own children have joined the Gili family and now work alongside them. There is a genuine sense of pride throughout the resort that is difficult to describe. It is one of the reasons we often talk about the “Gili magic.” It is not something that can be delivered in photographs . It is simply something you feel from the moment you arrive. By the second morning, everyone already knows exactly how we take our coffee. Our favourite fresh juices arrive without asking, and every interaction feels warm, genuine and completely natural. It is thoughtful hospitality at its very best.
After breakfast, we cycle back through the island’s winding palm-lined pathways before returning to the overwater boardwalks leading to our villa. Gili Lankanfushi is unique in that every villa is built over the water. There are no beach villas, creating a wonderful rhythm to the island as guests move effortlessly between the tropical gardens, wooden walkways and the spectacular lagoon beyond. The remainder of the morning is spent relaxing on our villa deck. There is something about Gili that encourages you to completely switch off. Even for someone who finds it difficult to slow down, the atmosphere here has a remarkable ability to help you relax without even realising it.
Today, Shifaz has organised a surprise lunch for us. Before arriving, we simply asked if he could create something special, leaving everything entirely in his hands. That is another reason we love Gili. Nothing ever feels impossible. The team genuinely enjoy creating experiences that are personal, unexpected and completely unique to each guest. At one o’clock, Shifaz arrives to collect us. As we walk along the beach, an extraordinary scene unfolds before us. A beautifully dressed private table has been set in the shallow lagoon, with gentle waves lapping around our ankles as we enjoy lunch beneath a shaded umbrella. It is simple, elegant and unmistakably Gili, creating another memory that we will remember long after returning home.
This afternoon we have treatments booked at the beautiful Meeru Spa. Suspended over the lagoon, the individual treatment rooms feature glass floor panels, allowing you to watch colourful marine life drifting beneath while you enjoy your massage. It is yet another experience designed to slow the pace of life and reconnect you with your surroundings.
As evening approaches, we prepare for sunset drinks with members of the Gili Management Team, friends with whom we have shared so many wonderful memories over the past 23 years. Every visit feels like catching up with family, and it is always one of the highlights of our stay. Dinner tonight is at By the Sea, Gili’s outstanding Japanese restaurant. Perched above the lagoon, talented chefs prepare exquisite Japanese cuisine while guests dine overlooking the water below. As darkness falls and the lights reflect across the lagoon, it is one of the most memorable dining settings in the Maldives.
After dinner, we make our way to one of our favourite experiences at Gili Lankanfushi, the Jungle Cinema. Tucked beneath a canopy of swaying palm trees, a private movie night has been prepared just for us. This evening, our all-time favourite Maldives film, Finding Nemo, is waiting on the screen. Oversized beanbags and comfortable loungers are arranged beneath the stars, while bowls of freshly made popcorn, delicious desserts and a perfectly chilled bottle of champagne complete the experience. It is another example of Gili’s remarkable ability to transform even the simplest moments into something truly memorable. As we sit back beneath the palm trees, with the stars illuminating the Maldivian sky above us, it is difficult to imagine a more magical way to end another unforgettable day at Gili Lankanfushi.
Extraordinary Escapes Family with their Gili Family
No two days at Gili Lankanfushi are ever quite the same. Every visit brings new experiences, thoughtful surprises and moments that remind us why guests return year after year. The service is exceptional, the dining outstanding, and every detail has been carefully considered to create a stay that feels effortless from beginning to end.
Gili Lankanfushi is perfect for travellers who value genuine hospitality, exceptional cuisine, understated luxury and experiences curated with extraordinary care. Together with the incredible Gili team, Extraordinary Escapes creates journeys that capture everything we believe makes this remarkable resort so unforgettable.
