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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: Traveler Reviews

5.0 of 5
Lankanfushi Island, 20188 (Formerly Soneva Gili by Six Senses)
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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
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418 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    384
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Families
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Couples
300
 
Solo
5
 
Business
3
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Balmain, New South Wales, Australia
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Outstanding Destination”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 17, 2012

There was a great deal of research went into choosing a Honeymoon destination by both myself and my travel agent and friend from Travel Associates at Main Beach Qld. I was given many choices but could not be happier with the eventual destination.

From the time we stepped off the plane in Male the experience has been second to none. We were fortunate enough to stay in a Crusoe Suite and the accommodation can only be described as spectacular. Every infinite detail has been taken into account with the accommodation and the setting has come straight from a travel brochure. The warm and crystal clear waters seem to go on forever and the serenity of the isolation forces relaxation like no other venue I have experienced before (and there has been plenty)

Our "Mr Friday", Rasheed, is only a phone call away to make any arrangements we could ever ask for and nothing is too much trouble. He and the other staff make all the resort experiences truly enjoyable.

Surprises occur each day at Gili Lankanfushi by way of the food. The lunch time Live Stations really need to be experiences to be believed. At no stage did I possibly think one of the highlights in such an incredible but isolated place could be the food but it is. The themed meals gives you the chance to experience the best of the best from around the globe. (My personal favourite was the Asian Market) Only the best local and sourced produce is used and the isolation of the destination certainly doesn't inhibit the attention to quality.

Finally the management from Gili Lankanfushi. Never before have I met an entire team so dedicated to making sure every aspect of your stay is to the standards they and you expect. There is no more accessible management then this team, so much so that their personal contacts are on speed dial on your room phone should they be required. Upon meeting the team regularly on the island, they genuinely want feedback from their guests to make sure all that can be done is being done. Quite frankly, they are just the sort of blokes you want to have a beer with.

I am not one for writing reviews but this place is that good that it is impossible not to write one. Anyone looking for as Maldivian destination - THIS IS IT!!!!

Room Tip: Can only speak for the Crusoe Villa's and cannot fault them.
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  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask BradandSophie about Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
IainMccormack, Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, responded to this review
January 3, 2013
Dear Bradan Sophie,

Thank you for posting an excellent review and strong recommendation for Gili Lankanfushi. I am happy to know that we exceeded your expectations and you had a wonderful experience with us. I have shared your comments with Rasheed same with my management team who made your stay special and they are very happy to read your comments as well. We all look forward to welcoming you back again and this time on your anniversary.

Kind regards, Iain
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Your very own castaway island”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 16, 2012 via mobile

We have now been to this resort twice once on our honeymoon and then again a few years later because we fell in love it with it. The opportunity to just get away from everything, to float in the clearest water you can imagine, walk on sand that really feels like talc, to watch amazing sunsets, swim alongside the fish that you only usually see in exotic tanks (this is one of the best places in the world from divers, and even beginner snorkellers can not fail to see hundreds of fish), to taste amazing food, sleep listening to the sea lapping your villa and shower watching the fish swim beneath you.

This is absolute luxury all the way, from the moment you arrive you feel special and that relaxing is the only option. The villas are devine in their simplicity and beauty, it is your own castaway hut with all the modern comforts you really don't want to sacrifice. You can chill in your air conditioned bedroom or enjoy the view and breeze on your roof top terrace, or drop off you own sun deck to take a swim.

The only negative I can see is for those of you looking for night life or to get away from your travel companion. If you want clubs and bars and high streets to wander this is the wrong island for you. This place is all about time to really get away from everything and enjoy the company you bring with you, be that your other half, your family, or lots of good books and your iPod. If your idea of a great night out is watching the sun set and enjoying a drink or two with some great food, perhaps a chat with some fellow island dwellers and then a nightcap in your villa this is your paradise.
This is an experience that should be on you bucket list.

Stayed January 2012, traveled as a couple
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Sarah C about Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
IainMccormack, Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, responded to this review
January 2, 2013
Dear Sarah C,

Thank you for posting such a wonderful review on Gili Lankanfushi. I am delighted to read that you appreciate the beauty of Gili; from the crystal clear water to the sea creatures that can visibly seen within, the taste of the foods and the modern comfort that our villas can offer. Thank you so much for visiting us again after your honeymoon and considering our resort as hideaway paradise. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

With kind regards, Iain
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Madrid, Spain
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Rest in Heaven”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 12, 2012

This has been our first time (but not the only one) in Gili Lankanfushi. One of the best resorts in the world.

The biggest overwater villas we've ever been into. 330m2. Best breakfast ever!! You will love everything!!

Service is refined and exquisite, we had a great week in a Crusoe Residence and enjoyed a lot the tranquility of the island, the relax at the spa, everything was perfect.

Dinners are owesome, at buffet dinners you will be delightfull with such a great variety and tasty food. The set menus are outstanding!!!

Waiters, Ms Friday, staff at diving center, house keeping, personal traineer, spa staff, chefs, managers and pontoon boys are very nice, we only have good memories from this paradise.

I only have to say that if you are allergic to anything you have to tell everyone, because many dishes are spicy (even little) but that is something an allergic person cannot stand.
No spice, no raw, no pepper, no salt!!! yeah! this is me!

Uncomfortable planes noise at some hours, but you get use to it... is the link that keeps you connected to reality in this paradise =D

I should say that you have to be aware that is a luxury resort, it is expensive but it's worthy.

Not only do we recomend this place, but also We'will be back!

Thanks for making our holidays so memorable!

Room Tip: Best villas are the Crusoe residences but opposite there is an industrial island.. so if you mind ab...
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Masschusetts about Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
IainMccormack, Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, responded to this review
December 13, 2012
Dear Masschusetts,

Thank you for posting such a nice review on Gili Lankanfushi. I am very happy to read that you have consider us as one of the best resorts in the world. I have shared all your comments with my team and they are delighted to know that you had good memories during your stay with us. Thank you also for recommending our resort and we all look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Kind regards, Iain
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bradford, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“The Ultimate Maldives Experience Second To None”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 10, 2012

We have been lucky enough to have visited most of the premier Maldives resorts over the last 10 years including all the One and Only resorts Reethi Rah, Kanuhura and to The Conrad Rangali Island. We have never been back to same island twice, with one exception Gili Lankanfushi - having booked 10 nights immediately upon return from our last visit we were so impressed with the wonderful experience. When we heard that the resort had changed hands we were a little concerned that our 'paradise found' might have changed under the stewardship of new owners. We were delighted to find that the 'perfect' Maldives retreat was as wonderful as ever and if anything had managed to improve on perfection.
When we arrived we were greeted by Iain the resort manager who made sure we had a 5 star experience for every single one of the idyllic 10 nights of our stay. The service was attentive without being intrusive and our 'Man Friday' made sure whatever we wanted would be accommodated with one phone call. They even put on a special personal dolphin sight- seeing trip for my wife's birthday.

FOOD

Having dined in some of the finest resorts in the world we would have to rank Gili Lankanfushi as the number 1. This truly is the finest dining we have come across at any resort. A long chat with the chef revealed the exhaustive processes they use to source the finest local and international ingredients for the menu which is as eclectic as it is flavorsome. We defy any Gourmand not to be bowled over by ingenuity of the chef in creating some truly memorable culinary experiences.

VILLA

Our over water villa was absolutely beautiful and was maintained fastidiously by the room attendant who made sure we were well looked after. Steps at the back of the villa, provided us with direct access to the coral reef which our they gently lowered us into. The crystal clear water and the white sand provided a home to hundreds of the most beautifully colored fish the Indian Ocean has to offer - we had no need to dive to discover this wonderful undersea world a snorkel and flippers provided everything we needed

Spa

Quite simply awesome - We both had massages that made the stresses and strains of the year melt away. My wife enjoyed several of the facial and beauty treatments available, there really is something on offer for everyone, even an old grump like me

Activity

The bicycles outside each room are bags of fun to explore the island and there is a world class tennis court if you fancy a game. The gym was very well equipped and the yoga and Pilates classes excellent. There is all the usual diving and boating trips available but we were happy to relax in our villa. An amazing outdoor cinema shows a classic film on a Wednesday and there is no more a romantic setting on earth,


Overview

If you want the best in The Maldives then for us it has to be Gili Lankanfushi, it has a more laid back and romantic feel than all of the other resorts we have visited - where else can you spend 10 days without wearing shoes and not feel in the slightest under dressed. The staff from the manger downwards were all first class. We are happy to be Evangelists for this wonderful 'paradise found'

Room Tip: All of the villas were excellent
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Ged B about Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
IainMccormack, Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, responded to this review
December 13, 2012
Dear Ged,

Thank you for posting such an amazing review on Gili Lankanfushi. I am delighted to read all your comments from food, villa, Spa down to activities and your overall experience with us. You have a detailed comments that will give an insight to the future guests as to what they can expect from us. Thanks again for considering us the best choice of resort in the Maldives and we look forward to welcoming you back again to our small paradise soon.

Kind regards, Iain
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Purmerend, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
31 hotel reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
“A dream come true”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 10, 2012

Sometimes you arrive on place so exceptional and surreal that it takes a while to acclimate. This special island in the Maldives is such a place. The first hours on the island were being on a filmset of waterworld or a new James Bond movie. The water houses are like boats and big in size. Everything is so natural and luxury in a different way. The sound of the waves under the water house and the blowing wind through the open bathroom was relaxing and sometimes spiritual. Your own Mr. or Mrs. Friday does almost everything to satisfy your needs. The quality of the food is out of this world and in gourmet style. The island is at night romantic with all the candles and torches. The over water SPA is also a recommendation worth. Pamper yourself and close with a Maldivian style sea scrub on the beach.
This place is high on our list to come back because seven days in heaven was not enough…

  • Stayed February 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask vnijhof about Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
IainMccormack, Manager at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, responded to this review
December 13, 2012
Dear Vnijhof,

Thank you very much for posting such a wonderful review on Gili Lankanfushi. I am delighted to read that you found the serenity in our little paradise and enjoyed your stay. Thank you also for appreciating the way we are preserving the nature and considering luxury in a different way. We all look forward to welcoming you back again in the future.


KInd regards, Iain
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Also Known As:
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives North Male Atoll
Address: Lankanfushi Island, 20188 (Formerly Soneva Gili by Six Senses)
Region: Maldives > Kaafu Atoll > North Male Atoll
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Kids Activities Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#1 Luxury Hotels in North Male Atoll
#1 Top resorts Hotels in North Male Atoll
#1 On the Beach Hotels in North Male Atoll
#2 Romantic Hotels in North Male Atoll
Price Range: $$$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives is a short 20 minute boat ride from Male, the capital of the Maldives.It is a tiny coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villas. The forty-four stilted villas plus the vast Private Reserve are crafted in a traditional style from natural materials and offer roof-top and over-water sundecks, featuring open air bathrooms, sumptuous daybeds and a personal entertainment center. For ultimate privacy, we have seven Crusoe Residences that are only accessible by personal boat. Come ashore for some great dining and equally great wines or perhaps a romantic moonlit dinner delivered right to the villa. The possibilities are endless.The interior decoration has been devised to recreate a natural habitat, using sustainable woods, natural materials and traditional fabrics, whilst still offering all the modern day amenities and creature comforts of true luxury. At Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives we are very sensitive to the environment. The utmost care has been taken in developing the island with respect to its ecological balance.The Maldives is a paradise for snorkeling and diving and the resort has its own fully -equipped PADI diving school plus a variety of water sports. This place tops the list of must-do destinations for those in the know. ... more   less 
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