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Gili Lankanfushi to Reopen its Doors in December 2019

Formerly Soneva Gili, Gili Lankanfushi will once again open its doors on December 1, 2019 with new villas, new experiences, and that signature Maldivian charm.

Formerly Soneva Gili, Gili Lankanfushi will reopen its doors on December 1, 2019 following renovations. Having opened in 2012, Gili Lankanfushi is a 20-minute boat ride from Male and is found in the waters of the North Malé Atoll, complete with 45 refurbished villas featuring open-air living spaces, roof terraces, and private decks with direct access to the lagoon below, according to a press release from Gili Lankanfushi on Tuesday.

ABOVE: Family Villa with Pool rendering.

The Family Villas with Pools are a new addition to the resort, featuring two en suite bedrooms, a private swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace. The vast 1,700 square meter Private Reserve is the largest overwater villa in the world and is located 500 meters from the main island, this stay includes four bedrooms, a private open-air cinema, spa, air-conditioned gymnasium, infinity pool, and a two-storey waterslide leading directly into the water.

Gili Lankanfushi will mark the re-opening of resort with a series of educational and active wellness programs. Dive & Discover is a five-night program for divers that includes daily diving expeditions, guided night time snorkeling, a coral planting experience with a marine biologist to support The Coral Lines Project, and a deep muscle massage at the spa. Surf & Spa is a four-night program that begins with sunrise yoga followed by surf lessons in the lagoon and guided tours to a nearby wake break accompanied by a resident marine biologist.

ABOVE: The Coral Lines project in action.

Holistic Healing is a five-night program featuring a spa experience and education in natural beauty methods, an experience that includes a one-on-one consultation on arrival, daily yoga classes, guided breath-work sessions, bespoke treatments, and an essential oil making workshop to create remedies to take home, according to the press release from Gili Lankanfushi.

The Food and Beverage options with Gili Lankanfushi include Kashiveli located on the beach. Helmed by Executive Chef Hari Govindaraj who has been with the resort for over 12 years, Kashiveli features produce from the organic Gili garden on the premises, growing organic herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Guests will also have the chance to opt for one-on-one classes to learn the art of cooking with seasonal produce from Chef Hari who will also provide hand-written recipes for guests to take home as a memory of their stay, according to the press release from Gili Lankanfushi.

Every piece of furniture in the new villas and living areas are custom made by skilled local craftsmen using a variety of upcycled materials, Gili Lankanfushi claims. These include recycled teak bed frames, lampshades handwoven from recycled wire mesh incorporating fish and sea turtles from the surrounding waters, and cushion fabrics hand printed with coral patterns. Guests will also have the option to set up rooftop daybeds for an atmospheric night’s sleep beneath the stars.

Acquired by Hotel Properties Limited in 2012, Gili Lankanfushi was voted the number one hotel in the world by TripAdvisor in 2015 and remains one of the most luxurious properties in the Maldives.