Maldives from Havelock North | Maldives Postcards
Why people come here
Gili Lankanfushi is one of those rare resorts that checks all the boxes. It’s close to Velana International Airport, so you don’t waste half your holiday in transit. The lagoon is shallow and calm, well suited to families with kids who want to splash around safely. And the house reef is one of the best in the Maldives — The villas are stunning, with open-air bathrooms and overwater hammocks, but it’s the personal butlers — Mr or Mrs Friday — who really make the difference. They’ll arrange everything from private sunset cruises to picnics on deserted sandbanks. It's a property where you arrive as a guest and leave feeling like part of the family.
The villas: barefoot luxury
Gili Lankanfushi’s villas are the epitome of barefoot luxury. The resort has 45 overwater villas, each with its own sundeck, open-air bathroom, and direct access to the lagoon. The villas are built from sustainable materials, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The Resort Suite is the largest, with a spacious living area, a private pool, and a rooftop terrace well suited to stargazing. But even the entry-level Villa Suites are incredibly spacious, with outdoor showers and overwater hammocks. The resort’s philosophy is “No News, No Shoes,” so expect to go barefoot and disconnect from the outside world.
Dining: fresh and flavourful
The resort has three main dining venues. The Over Water Bar is well suited to a sunset cocktail, while the By the Sea restaurant offers a changing menu of fresh seafood and international dishes. For a truly special experience, book a private dinner on a sandbank or a destination dining experience on a nearby island. The resort’s chefs are happy to cater to dietary preferences, and the wine list is impressive, with a focus on organic and biodynamic wines.
The house reef: snorkelling paradise
Gili Lankanfushi’s house reef is one of the best in the Maldives. The reef is concentrated with marine life, from colourful fish to turtles and even the occasional reef shark. The resort provides complimentary snorkelling equipment, so you can explore the reef at your leisure. For those who want to learn more about the marine life, the resort’s marine biologist offers guided snorkelling tours and presentations on the reef’s ecosystem.
Signature experiences
One of the most popular experiences at Gili Lankanfushi is the private sunset cruise. The resort’s traditional dhoni boat will take you out into the Indian Ocean, where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon with a glass of champagne in hand. For a truly memorable trip, book a private dinner on a sandbank. The resort’s chefs will prepare a gourmet meal, which you can enjoy under the stars with the sound of the waves lapping at the shore.
Who it suits
Gili Lankanfushi is well suited to couples and honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway. The resort’s villas are incredibly private, and the personal butlers ensure that every detail is taken care of. Families with young kids will also love Gili Lankanfushi. The shallow lagoon is well suited to kids to splash around safely, and the resort’s Mr or Mrs Friday can arrange a range of activities to keep the little ones entertained. The resort is also popular with groups of friends looking for a fun and relaxed holiday.
The honest bit
While Gili Lankanfushi is undeniably beautiful, it’s not the most affordable resort in the Maldives. The resort’s all-inclusive packages are pricey, but they do include a range of activities and experiences. The resort is also quite small, with just 45 villas, so it can feel a bit crowded year-round. And while the house reef is excellent, the resort doesn’t have a dive centre, so serious divers may want to look elsewhere.
Getting there
Flying to the Maldives from Havelock North typically involves a layover in a major hub like Singapore, Dubai, or Doha. From Auckland, expect a total travel time of around 18-24 hours, depending on your layover. Once you arrive at Velana International Airport, Gili Lankanfushi is just a 20-minute speedboat ride away. The resort’s staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to the speedboat, making the transfer process seamless and stress-free.
What is the best time of year to visit the Maldives?
The best weather in the Maldives is typically between January and April, during the dry northeast monsoon season. This period offers blue skies, low humidity, and calm seas, making it well-suited to beach activities and water sports. However, it's also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and lower availability. The wet southwest monsoon season runs from May to October, with more frequent rain showers and higher humidity. Despite the rain, there are still plenty of sunny days, and this period offers more affordable rates.
How do I get to Gili Lankanfushi from Velana International Airport?
Gili Lankanfushi is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The resort’s staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to the speedboat, making the transfer process seamless and stress-free.
What kind of villas does Gili Lankanfushi offer?
Gili Lankanfushi offers 45 overwater villas, each with its own sundeck and open-air bathroom. The villas are built from sustainable materials and blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The Resort Suite is the largest, featuring a spacious living area, a private pool, and a rooftop terrace well suited to stargazing.
What dining options are available at Gili Lankanfushi?
The resort has three main dining venues: the Over Water Bar, well suited to a sunset cocktail; By the Sea restaurant, offering a changing menu of fresh seafood and international dishes; and private dining experiences on a sandbank or nearby island. The resort’s chefs cater to dietary preferences, and the wine list focuses on organic and biodynamic wines.
What activities can I enjoy at Gili Lankanfushi?
Guests can enjoy snorkelling on the house reef, private sunset cruises, picnics on deserted sandbanks, and a range of water sports. The resort also offers a marine biology program, yoga classes, and a spa for relaxation.
Is Gili Lankanfushi suitable for families?
Yes, Gili Lankanfushi is suitable for families. The shallow lagoon is well suited to kids to splash around safely, and the resort’s personal butlers can arrange a range of activities to keep children entertained. The resort offers family-friendly villas and a kids’ club.
What is the house reef like at Gili Lankanfushi?
Gili Lankanfushi’s house reef is one of the best in the Maldives, concentrated with marine life such as colourful fish, turtles, and even the occasional reef shark. The resort provides complimentary snorkelling equipment for guests to explore the reef at their leisure.
What makes Gili Lankanfushi unique?
Gili Lankanfushi is unique for its close proximity to Velana International Airport, making it easily accessible. The resort’s personal butlers, known as Mr or Mrs Friday, ensure that every detail of a guest’s stay is taken care of. The house reef is excellent for snorkelling, and the resort’s philosophy of “No News, No Shoes” encourages guests to disconnect and relax.
Can I arrange a private dinner at Gili Lankanfushi?
Yes, guests can book a private dinner on a sandbank or a destination dining experience on a nearby island. The resort’s chefs will prepare a gourmet meal, which can be enjoyed under the stars with the sound of the waves lapping at the shore.