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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.

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Noku Maldives unveils long-term Sea Turtle Conservation Programme

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Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has announced the launch of a dedicated Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, developed in partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre (AMCC). Beginning on 25 November 2025, this long-term initiative strengthens the resort’s commitment to the Vignette Collection pillar Means for Good, reflecting a considered approach to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality.

The waters surrounding Noku Maldives support a naturally thriving ecosystem, characterised by extensive seagrass meadows, coral-rich shallows, and warm lagoons that provide an essential refuge for sea turtles. In recent years, the island has recorded multiple nesting events along its shores — a rare and significant indicator of the health of its marine environment. The new programme aims to safeguard and enhance this natural heritage.

As part of the collaboration, a full-time AMCC marine biologist will be stationed on the island to lead a comprehensive portfolio of conservation activities. This will include monitoring the local sea turtle population, assessing reef and coral health, supporting long-term scientific research, and conducting fieldwork and outreach initiatives across neighbouring islands.

The programme will also enhance guest engagement through educational talks, guided snorkelling experiences, and hands-on conservation workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the underwater world in an enriching and meaningful way.

The initiative complements Noku Maldives’ growing suite of Means for Good activities, which already include reef conservation studies, coral restoration projects, cultural experiences, and community-led programmes. Together, these efforts underpin the resort’s commitment to delivering stays that are rooted in authenticity, responsibility, and deep respect for the natural environment.

“Our lagoon has always been a peaceful refuge for sea turtles and marine life,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager of Noku Maldives. “This partnership with AMCC reflects our dedication to protecting these waters and ensuring they continue to flourish. By bringing conservation, community involvement, and guest education together, we hope to create meaningful and lasting impact for the atoll.”

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From spa rituals to sunrise yoga: Angsana Velavaru champions mindful living

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Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to embark on a holistic journey of renewal that nurtures both body and mind.

At the centre of this experience is the award-winning Angsana Spa, inspired by the timeless essence of Asian wellness traditions. Here, the healing power of touch, scent, and nature come together in harmony. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments designed for both relaxation and family bonding, including restorative massages, revitalising body polishes, and signature rituals that incorporate natural ingredients such as coconut, honey, and tropical herbs. Each therapy aims to rejuvenate, soothe, and restore a deep sense of inner calm that reflects the island’s natural rhythm.

Wellness at Angsana Velavaru extends far beyond the spa. The resort’s approach to wellbeing embraces movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection. Its modern tropical fitness centre provides a tranquil setting for guests to stay active while remaining close to nature. Activities such as aqua aerobics in the Kuredhi Pool and sunrise yoga on the beach combine physical vitality with mindful awareness.

Across the island, guests are encouraged to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. Guided meditation, breathwork sessions, and sunset yoga create opportunities for reflection and relaxation. These practices are seamlessly woven into the resort’s environment, offering a sense of serenity that lingers long after the stay.

Under the guidance of Wellbeing Director Artemasius Harefa, Angsana Velavaru’s holistic programmes align with Banyan Group’s Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, with a focus on rest, movement, mindfulness, and connection. The result is a collection of experiences designed to inspire balance and renewal, giving guests the opportunity to embrace a more mindful way of living.

“Modern travellers seek more than rest; they seek renewal,” said Artemasius Harefa, Wellbeing Director at Angsana Velavaru. “Our goal is to create experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves and the natural world, turning wellness into a meaningful way of life.”

At Angsana Velavaru, wellbeing is not a moment but a continuous journey shaped by nature, connection, and the healing spirit of the Maldives.

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Trans Maldivian Airways named World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025

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Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, has once again strengthened its position as a global aviation leader with new accolades at the World Travel Awards 2025. The airline was named the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2025, acknowledging its continued contribution to air connectivity across the Maldives. The 32nd Annual World Travel Awards ceremony took place at Exhibition World Bahrain and was attended by more than 300 leaders from the international tourism industry.

Established in 1993, TMA has played a central role in shaping the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors. Operating the world’s largest seaplane fleet with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters and serving over 80 resort destinations, the airline provides vital connectivity across the archipelago with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Conducting more than 400 flights daily, TMA remains essential in enabling access to resort islands nationwide.

Commenting on the achievement, A.U.M. Fawzy, CEO of Trans Maldivian Airways, said: “This prestigious recognition from the World Travel Awards, year after year, reflects the trust placed in our team by our partners and guests, and the responsibility we carry as the primary air service provider connecting resort destinations across the Maldives. At TMA, our focus remains on continuous improvement and building on decades of service excellence. As the tourism industry in the Maldives continues to evolve and grow, we will continue strengthening our operations and supporting the long-term development of the Maldives as a world-leading destination.”

TMA continues to enhance its operational capabilities through ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, infrastructure, staff training, and technology-driven improvements, ensuring it meets rising demand while maintaining its hallmark of dependable service.

As the Maldives prepares for further growth in visitor arrivals, Trans Maldivian Airways remains committed to working closely with industry partners, supporting national tourism objectives, and ensuring a seamless and reliable travel experience for guests visiting the country’s island destinations.

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