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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives appoints Rodrigo Buanafina as Resort Manager

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, the pioneer of sustainable barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has announced the appointment of Rodrigo Buanafina as Resort Manager, effective 1st May. An internal promotion from his previous position as Director of Food & Beverage at the five-star eco-resort, Buanafina brings 10 years of luxury hospitality experience to his new role.
As Resort Manager, Buanafina will oversee day-to-day operations of the 45-villa resort, including this summer’s Overwater Bar renovation plans.
‘I am thrilled to be stepping up to the Resort Manager position at what is such an exciting time for Gili,’ said Buanafina, commenting on his appointment. ‘It’s been a joy to be part of this incredible team and iconic property over the last five years and I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter in my Gili journey. I look forward to seeing our beloved island go from strength-to-strength, offering our clients a Maldivian adventure like no other in 2023 and beyond’.
A Brazilian native, Buanafina joined the Gili Lankanfushi team as F&B Manager in 2018 and was quickly promoted to Director of F&B. During his five years in F&B leadership, he oversaw a near 100-strong team and implemented a number of unique gourmet offerings and experiences. Ranging from a new blind-dining experience and Brazilian Churrascaria theme night to a ‘Destination Drinking’ bartender battle, his innovations are credited with elevating the island’s dining offering to one of the most well-reputed in the Maldives.
Prior to his time at Gili, Buanafina held various F&B management roles across other Indian Ocean resorts. Previous experience includes two years as Assistant Director of F&B Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in Portugal and the largest in Europe – accommodating up to 3,100 guests.
Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy. The award-winning eco-resort celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2022, following a complete refurbishment of all 45 villas in 2019.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from $1,440, based on two adults sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included. For more information or to book please visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com
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Summer Island Maldives named among top 10% of hotels worldwide by TripAdvisor

Summer Island Maldives has been recognised as one of the top travel destinations globally, having received the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024. This accolade places the resort among the top 10% of hotels worldwide, based on exceptional traveller reviews and ratings collected over the past year.
Located just 45 minutes by speedboat or a short seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, Summer Island Maldives offers an idyllic barefoot beach retreat. The resort is known for its personalised service, commitment to sustainability, and relaxed luxury, consistently appealing to travellers from around the world.
Mariya Shareef, Chief Operations Officer of Kaimoo Travels and Hotel Services, expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the dedication and passion of the entire team, who work diligently to deliver memorable experiences. She highlighted that the honour is especially meaningful as it is based on genuine guest feedback.
A popular choice for honeymooners and returning guests, the resort features two restaurants, three bars, and a variety of curated experiences, including private sandbank picnics and sunset sailboat cruises. Summer Island Maldives is also widely praised for its strong sustainability practices, such as eliminating single-use plastics, integrating renewable energy solutions, adopting eco-friendly mosquito control methods, and creating the world’s largest 3D-printed coral reef—an initiative recognised by the Guinness World Records.
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards celebrate excellence in hospitality, with winners selected based on consistently high ratings across key categories such as service, value, cleanliness, and location.
This recent recognition joins a growing list of accolades for Summer Island Maldives, including TUI’s Global Hotel Quality Award for 2024 and 2025, as well as the Leading Eco-Friendly Resort Award at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) in 2023.
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Tripadvisor honours Constance Moofushi among Best of the Best Luxury Hotels in Asia

Constance Moofushi in the Maldives has been recognised as one of Asia’s premier luxury destinations, earning the 11th spot in the Best of the Best Luxury Hotels in Asia category at the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025. This accolade highlights the resort’s dedication to delivering authentic and unforgettable luxury experiences in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Situated on a private island, Constance Moofushi combines barefoot chic with exceptional service, offering guests a unique blend of natural beauty and refined comfort. The recognition reflects not only the resort’s appeal but also the consistently high level of guest satisfaction that has become synonymous with the Constance brand.
Part of the esteemed Constance Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Constance Moofushi contributes to the group’s widespread acclaim, with all properties ranked among the Top 10% of Hotels Worldwide by Tripadvisor. These honours underscore the group’s unwavering commitment to quality across its locations in the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Rodrigues, and Madagascar.
The Travelers’ Choice Awards are especially meaningful as they are based entirely on genuine guest reviews and ratings from travellers around the globe. The recognition of Constance Moofushi stands as a testament to the resort’s ongoing pursuit of excellence and its embodiment of the Constance philosophy: ‘True by Nature.’
Featured
Ayada Maldives earns elite recognition in 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards

Ayada Maldives has been recognised as one of TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Hotels in the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards. This luxury private island resort earned the distinction of being named Best of the Best in the Maldives and secured a spot among the top 25 hotels in the world. This prestigious accolade is awarded to less than 1% of TripAdvisor’s eight million global listings. Additionally, Ayada Maldives received top honours in the highly regarded ‘Treat Yourself’ category.
The Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best by TripAdvisor celebrate the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry, acknowledging properties that consistently provide exceptional guest experiences based on outstanding reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period.
This latest recognition further solidifies Ayada Maldives’ reputation for authentic luxury, warm hospitality, and thoughtfully curated experiences. Located in the pristine Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, the resort offers guests a serene and immersive retreat, carefully designed to promote relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation.
With its spacious overwater and beachfront villas, award-winning spa, elevated dining options, and tranquil natural surroundings, Ayada Maldives continues to stand out as the ideal destination for travellers seeking indulgence and renewal in a tropical paradise.
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