Maldivian Castaway
Gili Lankanfushi sits on one of the many atolls peppered around Maldives – a definite part of today’s travel zeitgeist, and one of the dreamiest locations on earth. Wan Zainal Shazali checks himself into one of Maldives’ best-loved resorts for a modern Robinson Crusoe experience.
Gili Lankanfushi’s rustic chic aesthetic belies the supremely luxurious accommodation offering. All 45 villas are located over water and offer direct access to the lucent turquoise waters surrounding the island resort. The design emphasises the connection between the land and sea, with glass floor panels offering a glimpse of the corals blooming below, whilst daybeds on the private roof terraces can be made up with luxurious linens for a night spent sleeping beneath the stars. The one-bedroom Villa Suite that I was assigned to boasts open-air living areas and bathrooms with a roof terrace and air-conditioned bedroom, and private decks with direct access to the lagoon below.
At the end of last year, the previously voted ‘Best Hotel in The World’ by Tripadvisor reopened its doors to its sophisticated eco-conscious guests following an extensive renovation post my visit. Private pools were added to the enhanced Residence and Villa suites for extra seclusion, while the Family Villa with pools are the latest addition to the property featuring two en suite bedrooms, a private swimming pool for children to splash in, a rooftop terrace and a living room over the lagoon connected by walkways. And for those with cash to splash, there is always the option of checking into the Private Reserve; the largest overwater villa in the
world. Measuring 1700 square meters, the building is located 500m from the main island and boasts four bedrooms, open-air cinema, spa, gym, infinity pool and a two-storey waterslide!
While some visitors take time to visit neighbouring local villages or indulge in over water adventures, I was contented spending my afternoons alternating between snorkeling around my villa and enjoying the delights of holistic healing in the spectacular overwater structure at the Meera Spa. Evenings were spent having sundowners on the terrace of the Overwater Bar, soaking in the amazing sunsets and the views of the Indian Ocean beyond. Occupying an enviable position overlooking the calm waters of Gili Lagoon, the bar is often frequented by reef sharks and rays drifting through the languid waters below.
Of course, the star attraction four evenings per week has got to be the transformation of the beach and the Overwater Bar into a buzzing market experience offering culinary delights from Asia to Mediterranean and India to Maldives. The most memorable part of my stay has got to be the surprise sandbank sunset canapes and cocktails organised by Serene, my very own Ms. Friday who hails from Malaysia. This was followed by the most beautiful destination dining experience: a lantern lit feast amongst the towering palms of Palm Beach, to celebrate my advance birthday! And as food and desserts go, the exquisite menu that the chefs orchestrated and their fine flavours do take some beating.
There are of course many other dining options on the resort. Kashiveli, the main restaurant on the beach serves a sumptuous breakfast spread including my favourite traditional Maldivian breakfast of Mas Huni, Maldivian Curry and Roti. There’s even the chance to learn how to make this delicious local curry and take a slice of Maldivian soul home. The Underground Cellar is an intimate dining room built around a huge piece of driftwood, offering a decadent degustation menu while By The Sea is a dining venue that serves delicious Japanese teppanyaki meals and sushi housed above the gym facing the sea!
Other highlights of my visit included the sunset sail on the traditional dhoni around the island and the compulsory dolphin spotting on a luxurious yacht, complete with canapes and drinks. On other occasions, it was just sunny Maldivian days savoured poolside or in the privacy of my own villa, that goes from memorable to magical with each passing hour. In a resort this small, it is amazing that Gili Lankanfushi can offer an extraordinary list of luxuries but the greatest luxury of all is finding total inward peace. There’s no need to do anything. Shoes off, power down and bliss out!