Our villa deck at Gili Lankanfushi 
Every guest gets a bamboo bicycle
If you’ve been researching luxury resorts in the Maldives, chances are Gili Lankanfushi keeps appearing!
But with nightly rates that rival some of the most exclusive 5-star resorts on the planet, the real question is: Is Gili Lankanfushi actually worth the price and who is it really for?
Often labelled “barefoot luxury,” eco-conscious, and one of the most romantic resorts in the world, Gili Lankanfushi comes with big expectations. After a lifetime of dreaming about the Maldives, I finally had the chance to visit and stay here myself on our honeymoon with my husband. And I can confirm, Gili Lankanfushi is one of the rare places that truly lives up to the hype!
Here’s what makes this Maldive resort so vastly different and when it might and mightnot be the right choice for you.
Check dates & rates for Gili Lankanfushi: Direct Website | Booking.com
What Makes Gili Lankanfushi Different From Other Luxury Maldives Resorts?
From the moment we arrived at the property, time really slowed down and the outside world faded into the background. As my husband and I biked around the island on our bamboo bikes, wandered barefoot along the wooden walkways and relaxed in our villa built from natural, recycled and sustainably sourced materials, I immediately noticed what wasn’t there: stiff formality or performative luxury.
Spotting marine life at the back deck of our villa
No News, No Shoes
Gili Lankanfushi isn’t about polished marble floors, glossy interiors or design choices made purely for Instagram. Instead, the resort is built around a philosophy that has become increasingly rare in ultra-luxury travel: “no news, no shoes”.
That ethos is introduced the moment you arrive, when you’re handed a bag for your shoes on the boat, a subtle signal that for the rest of your stay, footwear is optional, whether at breakfast, dinner or inside your villa.
Glass floor in our Sunset Crusoe Residence
Luxury Service Without the Stiffness
Everything at Gili feels unforced and quietly luxurious, in a way that allowed us to fully relax and just be.
Each villa comes with a dedicated butler, known as your Mr or Ms Friday, who takes care of everything from dining arrangements to excursions, often before you even realise you need it. The service feels warm, intuitive and genuinely personal, striking a rare balance between attentiveness and complete privacy.
Our Ms Friday surprised us on several occasions, from preparing a honeymoon bubble bath in our villa to arranging a beautiful beach setup complete with a hand-drawn message and champagne which were thoughtful touches that made the experience feel truly special.
What sets Gili apart is how intentionally the entire experience is designed to help you disconnect, not only from emails and notifications, but from the constant urge to rush, plan and do more.
While many Maldivian resorts compete on more, more restaurants, more activities, more visual spectacle, Gili Lankanfushi takes the opposite approach. It prioritises space, privacy and intention, creating an atmosphere that feels calm, grounded and deeply relaxing.
Overwater Villas Only: Space, Privacy and Simplicity
For added privacy, Gili has a few standalone villas 
Looking back at our generous Crusoe Residence
One of the most defining features of Gili Lankanfushi is that every single villa is overwater, there are no villas on the beach, which is something very few resorts in the Maldives can claim. And these aren’t compact, hotel-style water villas with your neighbours looking over the fence either!
Expect exceptionally large villas, which are among the biggest in the Maldives, designed to feel more like private residences than hotel rooms. Each villa offers direct lagoon access from your deck and stunning open-air bathrooms that blur the line between indoors and out.
Many villas come with generous outdoor living spaces too and, in many cases, private rooftop decks, making it entirely possible and very tempting to spend entire days without ever feeling the need to leave your villa.
Where We Stayed: Sunset Crusoe Residences
We stayed in one of the limited standalone Sunset Crusoe Residences, located a short boat ride from the main island and designed for complete privacy. These overwater villas are ideal for honeymooners and couples as they are as private as they get!
Our Sunset Crusoe Residence featured a spacious air-conditioned living room, a separate master bedroom and a kitchenette. The semi-open bathroom includes a huge bathtub overlooking the turquoise waters, along with a separate glass shower.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors in the living room opened onto the sundeck, which features catamaran nets suspended above the ocean, sun loungers, overwater hammocks and direct access to the sea. This quickly became one of my favourite spots, where I spent hours lounging, reading and watching manta rays and other marine life go by. We also loved the rooftop terrace, complete with a daybed and dining table, providing another spot to relax and soak in the stunning surroundings.
Some Sunset Crusoe Residences also include a private overwater pool, making them one of the most exclusive accommodation options in the Maldives.
Our spacious, light-filled master bedroom 
Our villa, set amidst shallow turquoise waters
Who the residences are best for:
- Honeymooners and couples
- Travellers craving privacy and quiet
- Families with older children who value space
If you’re drawn to flashy interiors or ultra-modern design, this might feel understated at first and that’s entirely intentional. It’s something I personally loved!
Rather than trying to impress, the villas prioritise natural airflow, abundant light and a seamless connection to the surrounding lagoon and nature, which ultimately makes the space feel calmer, more grounding and far more luxurious to stay in.
See rates & book your overwater villa stay: Direct Website | Booking.com
Short boat ride to the main island for breakfast
The Gili Experience: Slow & Unplugged
Gili Lankanfushi is not a high-energy resort and that’s exactly what makes it so special. This is a place designed for slowing down, not filling your days with back-to-back activities or constant stimulation.
Our honeymoon days naturally unfolded at an unhurried pace. Mornings start with swimming or snorkelling straight from your villa, followed by a leisurely, lavish breakfast overlooking the water.
Eating with our feet in the sand 
Breakfast under palm trees
The spread is anything but ordinary: multiple hot stations, beautifully arranged fresh fruit and an entire chilled room dedicated to cold cuts, artisanal cheeses, yoghurts and no fewer than twelve varieties of honey. Alongside it all, an à la carte menu rounds out the experience, making breakfast into something you indulge over, not rush through.
We find ourselves stretching out every meal, especially when dining over the water with uninterrupted ocean views. Afternoons slip by, whether indulging in spa treatments above the lagoon, losing ourselves in a book on the deck or simply watching the shifting light across the water.
As the evening falls, you can enjoy experiences like dining under the stars on the beach or even sleeping under the stars. Picture a cozy, sumptuous bed set up on your private rooftop, soft lanterns glowing around you and the night sky stretching endlessly above, it’s the kind of stargazing moment that makes you forget the world entirely!
There’s no pressure here to tick boxes or maximise your schedule. In fact, the real luxury is having nowhere you need to be. Many guests choose Gili Lankanfushi for marking a meaningful milestone or deliberately stepping away from the noise of everyday life.
That said, honesty matters. If you’re looking for nightlife, beach clubs or a packed calendar of organised activities, you’ll likely feel restless. Gili Lankanfushi rewards travellers who are comfortable with stillness and for the right person, that’s exactly where its magic lies.
Sustainability Isn’t an Add-On, It’s the Core
Master bedroom looking out to the endless blue lagoon
Many resorts claim to be eco-friendly, but at Gili Lankanfushi, it’s embedded into every aspect of the resort’s operations. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that environmental responsibility is taken seriously, without ever feeling restrictive or forced.
Some of the initiatives that set Gili apart include:
- No plastic bottles: All water is desalinated and bottled on-site, reducing single-use plastic significantly.
- Coral restoration programs: The resort actively contributes to preserving and regenerating the vibrant reef ecosystem surrounding the island.
- A dedicated marine biology team: Guests can learn about and even participate in efforts to protect the local marine life.
- Comprehensive waste reduction and recycling systems: Everything from kitchen waste to guest amenities is thoughtfully managed.
- Eco-conscious architecture: Villas and public spaces are designed to minimise environmental impact while maximizing harmony with the natural surroundings.
What makes Gili truly exceptional is that sustainability doesn’t feel like a compromise, it enhances the entire experience. The reefs are healthier, the water feels cleaner and there’s a tangible connection to the environment that you can feel from the moment you step onto the island.
For travelers who care about the planet without wanting to sacrifice luxury, this philosophy is a major reason why Gili Lankanfushi attracts many loyal, repeat guests who value purpose-driven indulgence as much as relaxation.
Dining at Gili Lankanfushi: Quality Over Quantity
One of my favourite things about Gili Lankanfushi is the dining. There’s no overwhelm from endless restaurant choice, instead we explored the nightly themed buffets and immersive culinary journeys, many of the ingredients sourced straight from the resort’s organic garden, which added such freshness to every dish. The Asian Street Food Market at Kashiveli Restaurant was a personal highlight with vibrant Asian flavours, sizzling woks and a lively yet relaxed vibe.
For a more sophisticated experience, there’s even an underground wine and food pairing cellar, perfect for an intimate evening.
For a more casual option, the poolside eatery serves handmade ice cream (which we couldn’t resist indulging in). For Japanese cuisine, the resort also offers a fine-dining restaurant, where we took a hands-on sushi class. While the class itself was fun and engaging, the highlight was definitely enjoying the fresh sushi we had just prepared ourselves.
The food was consistently excellent and it perfectly matched the pace of the island, unhurried and indulgent without being over the top.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Gili Lankanfushi?
While the Maldives is a destination you can visit year-round, timing can make a difference.
We travelled in late August and were greeted with a brief spell of rain upon arrival, but the skies quickly cleared, giving us many consecutive days of bright, sunny weather.
In general, these are the best months to consider visiting the Maldives:
- December to April: Calm seas, dry weather, peak pricing
- May to October: More humidity and occasional rain, but fewer crowds and better deals
- Shoulder months (April & November): A sweet spot for weather and value
If snorkelling and glassy lagoons are a priority, aim for travelling in the drier months. If you’re flexible and value quieter stays, shoulder season can be exceptional.
Who Gili Lankanfushi Is Perfect For and Who Might Want to Skip It
Before booking, it’s worth knowing who will truly love Gili Lankanfushi and who might find the resort isn’t the right fit.
Staying here is ideal for:
- Honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries, seeking romance and intimacy
- Travellers craving ultimate privacy with every villa being standalone, no neighbours peeking in
- Eco-conscious luxury lovers, who want indulgence without compromising sustainability
- Anyone looking to unplug, rest deeply and reconnect, whether with themselves, a partner or nature
On the other hand, it may not be the right fit if:
- You’re after nightlife, social energy or a party vibe
- You prefer flashy, modern design and high-concept luxury
- You’re travelling on a tighter budget, since this is a high-end experience
- You need constant stimulation or back-to-back activities, as Gili rewards stillness and unhurried living
Is Gili Lankanfushi Worth the Price?
There’s no sugarcoating it, Gili Lankanfushi isn’t cheap and that’s not by accident. But what you’re paying for here goes far beyond a villa with a view. You’re investing in space and privacy and truly personalised service around the clock from your dedicated Mr or Ms Friday butler to staff who anticipate your needs before you even ask.
You’re paying for a rare sense of calm, a place where time seems to slow and the outside world fades away. And you’re supporting one of the Maldives’ strongest commitments to sustainability, with initiatives that protect the reef, marine life and the environment around the island.
Compared to ultra-polished, high-concept luxury resorts, Gili offers something far rarer: soul. If you value experience over excess, if you crave thoughtful, unhurried indulgence, it’s absolutely worth the investment. But if your idea of a perfect getaway is spectacle, nightlife, or flashy interiors, there are other resorts that might better match that vision.
Secure your dates at Gili Lankanfushi now: Direct Website | Booking.com
Booking Tips Before You Go
To make the most of your stay at Gili Lankanfushi, a little planning goes a long way:
- Stay at least 4–5 nights: Shorter stays barely scratch the surface of what Gili has to offer
- Choose a villa with a rooftop deck if possible, it makes mornings, evenings and stargazing unforgettable
- Plan transfers carefully: Although the ride from Malé is relatively quick, timing your arrival can save unnecessary stress
- Ask about seasonal offers or villa upgrades: Even at a luxury resort, there are opportunities to add value to your stay
Final Words
Gili Lankanfushi isn’t trying to impress everyone and that’s exactly what makes staying here so special.
In a destination filled with ultra-polished resorts competing for attention, Gili has stayed true to its philosophy of barefoot luxury, sustainability and intentional living. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, disconnect and truly be present, whether that’s over a long lavish breakfast, a swim straight from your villa or a quiet evening under the stars.
If your idea of luxury is space, simplicity and privacy, Gili Lankanfushi is not just one of the best resorts in the Maldives, it’s one of the best places in the world to experience that kind of luxury.
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