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Ten ways to stay, play, feel safe at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

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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.

Cooking

Island-inspired plant-based delights await this January at Nova Maldives

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Each year, the number of people participating in Dry January continues to grow, with more individuals embracing this alcohol-free movement. Similarly, Veganuary is expected to reach new heights in 2025, surpassing the 25 million participants who took part this year, marking it as a record-breaking year for exploring plant-based foods.

Nova Maldives invites guests to celebrate Dry January and Veganuary 2025 with a variety of plant-based and alcohol-free offerings. These culinary experiences are designed to embody the wellness-focused and island-inspired lifestyle that Nova champions.

Throughout January, Nova’s expert mixologists will host interactive cocktail-making classes, providing guests with an opportunity to refine their skills while enjoying the resort’s tranquil surroundings.

Dining options during this special month include vibrant creations at Soul Kitchen and refreshing mocktails at Wink Bar. Featured dishes include the Maldivian Coconut & Vegetable Curry and Kopee Faiy Salad, both crafted from sustainably sourced local ingredients for an authentic taste of Maldivian culture. Among the alcohol-free beverages are the tropical Solis Sunset Cooler, inspired by the sunsets over South Ari Atoll, and the Cucumber Basil Fizz, a refreshing blend of basil and cucumber flavours.

For those wishing to recreate these dishes and drinks at home, Nova provides full recipes, encouraging culinary exploration inspired by island cuisine.

Featured Recipes:

  • Maldivian Coconut and Vegetable Curry (Tharukaaree Riha): This traditional Maldivian dish combines fresh vegetables with creamy coconut milk for a hearty, plant-based meal. The recipe highlights local ingredients and supports sustainable farming practices.
  • Kopee Faiy Salad (Kopi Fai): A refreshing side dish made with Kopee Faiy leaves, grated coconut, lime juice, and salt. Simple to prepare, this salad is a burst of freshness and complements any meal perfectly.
  • Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Stack with Herb Pesto: Enhanced with crispy slices of fried breadfruit, this dish combines the savoury flavours of grilled vegetables with a homemade herb pesto, offering a nutritious and satisfying option.

Signature Mocktails:

  • Solis Sunset Cooler: A tropical blend of passion fruit juice, lime, and coconut water, topped with soda for a refreshing finish.
  • Cucumber Basil Fizz: A vibrant mix of fresh cucumber and lemon juices with basil syrup, creating an invigorating beverage.

General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru emphasises Nova’s commitment to showcasing authentic Maldivian cuisine, “At Nova, we’re passionate about presenting dishes rich in fresh, plant-based ingredients. With the growing global trend toward mindful eating and health-conscious choices, our new recipes not only highlight local produce such as coconuts, spices, and tropical fruits but also cater to those seeking sustainable and nourishing dining options.”

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Self-love and serenity: The Nautilus Maldives’ Valentine’s Day experience redefined

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In 2025, The Nautilus Maldives, an award-winning ultra-luxury private island hideaway, invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a sanctuary for the soul. This year’s celebration transcends traditional notions of romantic love, guiding visitors on a transformative journey of self-love and personal well-being. Set amidst untouched beauty and profound serenity, The Nautilus reimagines love as a connection that begins within, forming the foundation for relationships to flourish with greater depth and meaning.

This Valentine’s Day, The Nautilus emphasises the importance of self-love. Solasta Spa’s exclusive Valentine’s offerings are thoughtfully curated to inspire moments of self-discovery, renewal, and reconnection with both oneself and loved ones. Holistic psychotherapist and life coach Lucía Garcia-Giurgiu, based in New York, highlights the philosophy behind these offerings: “The most important relationship we have is the one we have with ourselves.” In alignment with this belief, The Nautilus encourages guests to explore their personal passions and engage in activities that inspire them, either individually or with a partner.

For those embarking on a personal journey, the Aromatherapy Journey provides a sensory escape that enhances physical and mental well-being. The Four-Hand Synchronised Massage, performed by two therapists in perfect harmony, offers a deeply restorative experience. Couples are invited to join a Self-Care Masterclass, where Solasta Spa’s skilled therapists teach gentle massage techniques for partners to practice on one another. Each couple receives a curated self-care kit—including essential oils, massage oil, and a soothing scrub—enabling them to continue their wellness journey at home.

Among the tailored Valentine’s experiences is a Synchronised Yoga session, where couples are guided through partner-based poses by a skilled instructor, fostering physical closeness and trust. Alternatively, guided meditation sessions focusing on gratitude and presence include synchronised breathing exercises and the calming resonance of Tibetan singing bowls, enhancing connection and mindfulness.

For those drawn to creative pursuits, private art workshops offer a chance to bond through artistic expression. Nature lovers may find peace during a guided barefoot walking meditation, immersing themselves in the island’s pristine landscapes for a grounding and serene experience.

Through these curated experiences, Solasta Spa provides a space where mutual respect and appreciation flourish, celebrating each partner’s individuality and the unique qualities they bring to the relationship. By embracing these differences as strengths, couples can deepen their connection, cultivate appreciation, and nurture a love that grows from within.

As twilight falls over The Nautilus, couples are invited to embark on romantic dining experiences designed to rekindle connection and shared joy. The Secluded Sandbank Journey offers a private sunset cocktail, accompanied by the gentle serenade of a singer, followed by a magical five-course dinner under the stars. Guests can toast with champagne and awaken to a floating breakfast at sunrise, creating an intimate moment to begin the new day.

For those seeking beachside elegance, Thyme Beach hosts a Gourmet Dinner featuring a five-course menu paired with champagne. This experience is followed by breakfast served in the comfort of the guests’ house or residence the next morning. At Zeytoun, the Champagne Dinner showcases Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an enchanting oceanside setting, complete with bespoke turndown touches to conclude the evening. Each culinary journey celebrates connection, blending gastronomic artistry with moments of rediscovered love, creating memories to be cherished long after the evening fades.

Whether guests seek a retreat for self-reconnection or a sanctuary to rediscover love with a partner, The Nautilus offers an experience that transcends the ordinary. Each moment is thoughtfully crafted to honour individuality and connection, inviting visitors to begin 2025 with a renewed sense of meaning. At The Nautilus, every experience is designed to reflect the uniqueness of each love story, leaving lasting memories for the year ahead and beyond.

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Worldwide Kids accreditation highlights Dhigali Maldives’ commitment to exceptional childcare

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Dhigali Maldives has announced that its “Play” Kids Club has been accredited by Worldwide Kids, becoming one of only nine such facilities in the Maldives. This recognition underscores Dhigali’s commitment to providing high-quality and inclusive childcare services.

Christian Szabo, the General Manager of Dhigali Maldives, described the accreditation as a significant milestone, emphasising that it affirms the resort’s dedication to offering exceptional and inclusive childcare programs. He expressed pride in joining a network that shares the vision of nurturing young minds.

The “Play” Kids Club caters to children aged 4-12, providing a vibrant array of activities facilitated by certified childcare professionals. This accreditation further solidifies Dhigali’s focus on delivering exceptional family experiences in a safe and stimulating environment.

With this accomplishment, Dhigali Maldives continues to set a high standard for family-friendly luxury, ensuring parents can relax with the confidence that their children are engaged in fun and enriching activities during their stay.

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