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Ten ways to stay, play, feel safe at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Hidden away on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi provides a luxurious, refreshing and above all – safe – escape for those living in the GCC.
Known as one of the most beautiful eco-resorts in the Maldives, guests can relax with peace of mind that their health, wellbeing and safety are at the heart of Gili Lankanfushi’s guest experience.
From travelling to the destination – just a 20-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport in Malé – to additional hygiene measures, here are 10 ways Gili Lankanfushi is going above and beyond to ensure their valued guests have the safest and most rejuvenating stay possible.
Compulsory PCR tests
In compliance with the Maldives tourism ministry and Health Protection Agency, all visitors arriving from an international destination must conduct a Covid-19 PCR test within a maximum of 96 hours prior to departure.
It is requested that the negative test results are sent to the Gili Lankanfushi reservations team for verification, ensuring guests can step onto the island and enjoy Gili Magic straight away.
For those arriving from another resort within the Maldives, a PCR test must be conducted within a maximum of 48 hours prior to arriving at Gili Lankanfushi.
Guests will also have their temperatures checked upon arrival as well as when departing if required.
Protective face masks
An extra layer of protection, Gili Lankanfushi hosts are required to wear protective face masks indoors at all times as well as in public areas where social distancing is not possible.
This measure aims to safeguard the wellbeing of guests, hosts and partners.
Luggage sanitisation
Gili Lankanfushi’s dedicated team will sanitise all guest luggage upon arrival and departure, reducing any Covid-19 exposure within the resort.
Hand sanitisers will also be available in all public areas and at the entrance of restrooms, allowing guests to sanitise whenever they wish.
Cleaning and disinfecting procedures and frequency have also been increased to maintain sparkly-clean public areas such as restrooms, restaurants and buggies at all times.
Gili Cares
Everything you need to stay safe at Gili Lankanfushi can be found in the ‘Gili Cares’ kit, a welcome hygiene package given to every guest upon arrival.
Including face masks, hand sanitiser and thermometer, the special pack is placed in the guest’s villa and replenished as required.
Each villa also comes with a personal guest experience host known as Mr or Mrs Fridays, named after Robinson Crusoe’s loyal assistant. Day or night, these trusted hosts will be on hand to help with anything guests may need.
Three feet apart, please
While social distancing is now the norm, guests will notice that visual markers are placed around the resort with recommendations to keep one metre apart.
Gili Lankanfushi’s hosts will also provide guidance surrounding social distancing for the safety of everyone enjoying the freedom of barefoot luxury on the island.
Swimming pool
A key element of any Gili Lankanfushi stay, the beachfront infinity pool is the perfect place to unwind, cool off and enjoy a cold beverage or two.
In line with social distancing measures, only 30 guests will be permitted in the pool at any given time – allowing pool goers to have a worry-free experience.
Your own private sanctuary
For those looking for the ultimate socially distanced escape, Gili Lankanfushi’s villa and suites with private pools cannot be beaten.
The resort itself is home to just 45 villas – all located on stilts in the water – across 11 categories including The Private Reserve, the world’s largest standalone overwater villa.

Each villa offers open-air living spaces, roof terraces and private decks with direct access to the exotic underwater world below – ideal for snorkelling adventures or quick dips.
Let Gili team serve you
From ocean to plate, Gili Lankanfushi’s gastronomic vision embraces the bounty of the surrounding waters alongside carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, which feature across the island’s three restaurants.
To minimise interaction, the self-service buffet experiences have been suspended with guests now served by chefs.
Spa safety
A truly luxurious way to relax during a stay, the Meera Spa offers six overwater treatment rooms with glass floors providing a glimpse of the aquatic world below.
A diverse range of therapies and ayurvedic treatments inspired by age-old cultures and knowledge are conducted by the spa’s therapists wearing face masks during treatments.
Same dose of Gili Magic
Despite the new world we now live in, the team Gili Lankanfushi is dedicated to giving guests the same unforgettable and luxurious experiences they are renowned for.
From aquatic activities such as surfing, diving, snorkelling with manta rays and big game fishing to tennis, sunset dolphin cruises, tours of the organic garden, cooking classes and sleeping under the stars, all experiences will be conducted with an extra level of health and safety in mind.

Located in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi opened in 2000 as the original overwater resort Soneva Gili.
In 2012, the island was acquired by Hotel Properties Limited (HPL), a Singapore based company investing in hotels, lifestyle and properties around the world.
Voted number one hotel in the world by Trip Advisor in 2015, Gili Lankanfushi is an easy 20 minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport.
Set in the middle of its own lagoon, guests enjoy a barefoot existence with 360 degree views of the Indian Ocean.
Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 overwater villas, including the vast and secluded Private Reserve offer unrivalled privacy.
The wellbeing of the planet is at the heart of the Gili Lankanfushi, with each stay contributing towards preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and treading lightly.
Featured
Amilla Maldives presents ‘Eid in Harmony’ island celebration
Amilla Maldives is inviting guests to mark Eid al-Fitr with a series of island celebrations under the theme Eid in Harmony, bringing together cultural experiences, family activities and festive dining.
Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is widely celebrated across the Maldives as a time of gathering and shared moments. At Amilla Maldives, the occasion will be observed through a programme of relaxed events designed to reflect the atmosphere of island life and community.
During the celebrations, guests will be able to take part in cultural performances, family-friendly activities and island gatherings highlighting Maldivian traditions. These will include performances of Bodu Beru, interactive island games and creative workshops that offer visitors insight into local culture.
The resort will also present a range of culinary experiences for the occasion. Chefs will prepare festive dishes inspired by both regional and Maldivian flavours, with dining experiences ranging from relaxed daytime offerings by the beach to evening dinners served under the stars.
Set within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the celebrations are designed to offer guests an opportunity to experience the traditions and atmosphere of Eid in a natural island setting.
Guests interested in the full programme of celebrations can access the resort’s Eid 2026 brochure online.
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SO/ Maldives unveils three-day Easter celebration
SO/ Maldives has announced a three-day Easter programme taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026, featuring dining experiences, sunset gatherings, beach cinema and family activities across the island.
Set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lagoon waters, the programme is designed to combine culinary events, music and leisure activities, offering guests a variety of experiences over the Easter long weekend.
The celebrations begin on Good Friday, 3 April, with the Ocean Harvest & Wine Soirée at Citronelle Club. The event features a five-course seafood dinner inspired by South African cuisine, accompanied by a curated wine pairing hosted by a master sommelier. The experience will be limited to 20 guests.
Later in the evening, entertainment will continue at Lazuli Beach Club, where the Vintage Nights at Lazuli event will feature curated wines and DJ music in a beachfront setting.
On Saturday, 4 April, guests will be invited to a Golden Hour Sundowner at the Pavilion Bar, where cocktails will be served during sunset overlooking the lagoon.
The evening will continue with the Starlit Holy Saturday Feast at Lazuli Beach Club, featuring a three-course dinner served outdoors. The programme will conclude with an open-air beach cinema experience, where guests can watch a film on the beach accompanied by popcorn and refreshments.
The programme concludes on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with a series of events along the island’s shoreline. The evening begins with Easter Bloom Cocktail Hours, offering floral-inspired drinks prepared with fruit and botanical ingredients.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the Easter Grand Beach Barbecue at Citronelle Club, featuring grilled dishes served in a seaside setting. The event will also include live saxophone performances and music.
Throughout the weekend, children will have access to a dedicated programme at The Nest, where activities will include Easter crafts, egg decorating, dance sessions and an Easter egg hunt. Additional activities such as face painting, piñata games and creative workshops will also be available.
Through its Easter programme, SO/ Maldives aims to provide a mix of dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities, offering guests the opportunity to mark the holiday while enjoying the island setting.
Featured
Oaga Art Resort brings back Kula Kula Festival with global influences
Kula Kula Festival will return for its fourth edition at Oaga Art Resort from 20 to 25 March, bringing together cultural influences from the Maldives, Brazil and India in a programme centred on art, music and community.
The festival combines the traditions of Eid al-Fitr, the vibrant spirit of Brazilian Carnaval, and the colours of Holi, creating a multi-cultural celebration that highlights performance, heritage and shared experiences.
The programme begins with Eid-related traditions, inviting guests to take part in cultural rituals and performances inspired by Maldivian heritage. The festival continues its collaboration with Kiyavahi Culture Studio, which will present workshops, demonstrations and interactive installations showcasing traditional Maldivian crafts and storytelling.
Guests will have opportunities to explore cultural practices such as Fangi Viyun (thatch weaving), Roanu Veshun (coir rope making), Kasabu Gethun (lacquer work) and Thundu Kunaa Viyun (mat weaving). Through these sessions, participants will also learn about the history and cultural significance of these crafts.
The festival begins with Eid Malhi, a bonfire lit by Oaga’s Rahvehin on 19 March to mark the sighting of the new moon. This is followed by Eid prayers and Eid Sai, a traditional breakfast at Kaa Kada. Throughout the day, guests can take part in activities such as Eid Kulhivaru beach games and Fen Kulhi, which combines water and colour play. The Maali Parade, inspired by Maldivian folklore, will lead guests to a high tea gathering at Raa Baa Beach featuring live performances and traditional attire experiences.
Live entertainment forms a central part of the festival programme, with performances from local and international artists. Guests will experience Boduberu fusion performances by Nuff and Ciam, storytelling rhythms by the Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and electronic music performances by Digital Flock during the Kula Kula Rave.

Dhivehi music will also be featured through performances by solo artist Naffah, while storyteller Amney will share Maldivian folklore through music sessions at O’Fire.
Indian classical music will be represented by sitar player Kalyan, who will perform across multiple sessions during the festival. Brazilian performer Alikko will introduce elements of Brazilian culture through fire shows and performances accompanying dining experiences at Kaa Kada.
Dining experiences will also highlight cultural diversity, with lunch and dinner services featuring themed presentations such as Eid Jaafaiy and Indian-inspired cuisine prepared in collaboration with Kalyan.
Evening programmes will include live music, fire performances, communal barbecues and a collaborative live art and music showcase titled Unethical Projection, featuring both resident and guest artists.
For the first time at the festival, Brazilian Carnaval will be incorporated into the programme. The segment will feature a Brazilian-inspired buffet at Kaa Kada, performances by Alikko and a Kula Kula Rave hosted by Digital Flock.
The final days of the festival will bring together Maldivian, Indian and Brazilian cultural influences under the theme Made of Many, Felt as One. Activities will include music sessions, collaborative performances featuring the Rav drum with Nuff, and storytelling by Amney.
The festival will conclude with a Deserted Day Picnic at Hastheem Sandbank, where guests can enjoy watersports, snacks and DJ sets by Afruh.
Through its programme of performances, cultural workshops and shared experiences, the Kula Kula Festival continues to position itself as a platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange, reflecting the creative identity of Oaga Art Resort.
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