Explore a Sanctuary Hidden from the World

August 16, 2016 | Gili Lankanfushi | By Maldives Tour Operators - OV Holidays

Comprised of back-to-nature architectural design that utilizes sustainably harvested wood imported from New Zealand, Gili Lankanfushi is the epitome of practical luxury that manifests back-to-nature yet modern concept at the same time.

Explore a Sanctuary Hidden from the World

Fancy staying at the largest (as of now) over-water villa in the world, sliding on the waterslide right from the deck on the second floor of the villa, and splashing yourself into the open ocean, or enjoying a favorite movie with your loved ones at your private entertainment suite that features the latest audio-visual technology?

Book Gili's Private Reserve! This is absolutely everyone's dream villa that guarantees total privacy since it is accessible only by rowing boat or pontoon boat from the main island.

Welcome to Gili Lankanfushi

One thing I cherish the most during my stay is when I get the chance to slide down the curvy slide that leads into the largest natural pool, the open ocean! Swoooosh! Such an exhilarating and priceless moment!

Even the villa that I stay at, which is of the entry category, Villa Suite, is equipped with water hammocks; spacious open-air living area, and my most favorite is the alfresco deck on the second story that provides an unobstructed panorama of the different-shades-of-blue surroundings that evokes magically romantic and sublimely mind-boggling feeling, both during the day and night.

What comes to my mind whenever “wine cellar” is mentioned is a dark, cold, underground place with bottles of wines stacked in cabinets or against the walls. Gili's Wine Cellar, however, does go against the ordinary.

It is a very captivating underground room built in such an ingenious way that evokes my childlike wonder and fascination as I walk down the glass stairs to enter it.

This cave-like room is dominated by irregular shapes with curved edges that come as transparent glass panels on the ceiling and open shelving in the walls where bottles of Gili’s finest wine collection are nestled in.

White pebbles imported from Thailand that cover the whole floor give unique sensation on my feet as I tour barefoot around the cellar. The centerpiece of the room, however, is none other than the wine tasting-cum-dining table constructed of a huge rugged log with several thick glass panels planted on its both sides.

What makes this centerpiece more special is the fact that the log is actually driftwood found on the shore of the island in the aftermath of the legendary 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Sitting at the tsunami table I slowly sip my Riesling Saint Clair from New Zealand. A not-so-strong white wine which is just the sommelier’s perfect choice for a novice and non-alcoholic drinker like me.

To win the heart of its clientele, Wine Cellar serves complimentary pieces of chocolate and cheese during breakfast time. An extensive display of homemade chocolate and cheese are exquisitely arranged in the Cheese Room which is adjacent to the Wine Cellar. You can take your pick from a wide choice of flavors ranging from mainstream ones such as macadamia nut and mango to the exotic flavor of Szechuan pepper, lemongrass and ginger.

Looking forward to the eco-friendly future development of Gili by replacing the regular bikes with bamboo ones, among other things, that is what the General Manager mentions when we meet at the Overwater Bar during a magnificently stunning sunset.

The rosy pink and cherry orange rays radiate so gorgeously in the sky that no one, including the GM, cannot resist taking out cameras and phones to capture the spectacular sight.