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Gili Lankanfushi announces revolutionary wellness experiences for festive season
Gili Lankanfushi has announced a revolutionary new programme of international visiting practitioners, expanding the horizons of wellness experiences in the upcoming festive season.
In an announcement, the pioneering luxury eco-resort said the programme includes holistic and progressive healing therapies ranging from energy flow and Ayurveda to Chi Gung bodywork and salt therapy. These therapies, all offered in the spectacular overwater surroundings of the island’s Meera Spa, will promote balance in body and soul, it added.
Visiting practitioners
Kick-starting the new programme of Visiting Practitioners (VPs) in November is Fah Chanettee, a therapist boasting over a decade of experience in Eastern and Western massage techniques, including Abhyanga and Shirobhyanga, Reiki and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as well as traditional Chinese medicine. Fah’s healing therapies focus on stimulating the five senses, promoting energy flow along the bladder meridian, balancing the chakras through colour therapy and healing energy and aura imbalance.
Massage and bodywork practitioner Ryko Kalinko will join the Meera Spa team for the month of December, with a focus on Chi Gung healing. This unique bodywork heals and promotes wellness with transformational breath work, tailored full-body massage, meditation and holographic reflexology, alongside energy healing through polarity therapy and guided chi healing.
“The innovative well-being offering will continue into 2018, bringing together some of the wellness world’s leading practitioners on Gili Lankanfushi for a year-long wellness programme at Meera Spa, with the full line-up of VPs to be announced later in 2017,” the announcement read.
Masters in Residence
The work of the VPs will complement Meera Spa’s long-term Masters in Residence, experts in kundalini therapy bodywork and pain relief therapy, respectively.
Master in Residence Esther Bitongan Balaodan practices kundalini therapy bodywork, harnessing kundalini energy and working through the chakras to promote self-awareness, reduce stress, and facilitate physical and mental healing. Devendra Prasad Pokhriyal, resident yoga and Ayurveda master, specialises in pain relief therapy, using palm reflexology and ancient salt therapy to release deeply-held tension from within the neck, back and shoulders, to optimise emotional health and promote mental wellbeing.
In addition to an exciting programme of well-being journeys and VPs, Meera Spa — meaning ‘Ocean’ in Sanskrit — offers an extensive range of signature therapeutic treatments. Inspired by nature, treatments use local flower petals, organic herbs and earth clays to heal and nurture the skin, as well as organic products by Voya and Sodashi, and Meera products created on the island from the finest oceanic and botanical extracts.
Open air walkways link the steam room, sauna and six treatment rooms, where glass floors allow guests to watch fish flitting amongst the coral during treatments. Following treatments, guests are encouraged to relax in the vast relaxation areas, which boast panoramic ocean views, and enjoy spicy pots of freshly brewed Maldivian ginger tea.
Gili Lankanfushi offers complimentary daily sunrise yoga classes at the beachside Yoga Champa as well as one-on-one yoga, meditation and visualisation practices with the spa team.
Complimentary wellness activities also take place every Wednesday and Sunday from 8-8.45am. Ryko will be offering complimentary Tai Chi Chi Gung throughout November and Fah Colour Meditation throughout December.
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations, where ultimate privacy can be found. This luxury resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
At Gili Lankanfushi, an idyllic personal hideaway is one of 45 spacious, rustic overwater villas crafted from natural wood and glass. A palette of sparkling blues paints the horizon, the ocean stretching to infinity wherever on the island. The open design, with indoor and outdoor living space, allows guests the freedom to be themselves, the sound of the sea and warm breeze soothing all senses.
Featured
Unveiling ultimate escape: GlobeAir’s long-haul service to The Nautilus Maldives
The Nautilus Maldives has announced an extraordinary partnership with GlobeAir, Europe’s leading private jet operator. This exclusive collaboration introduces GlobeAir’s long-haul private jet services to the Maldives, setting a new benchmark for bespoke travel and offering an unparalleled journey into the world of ultimate luxury.
By joining forces, The Nautilus and GlobeAir aim to redefine bespoke travel, combining their expertise to deliver highly personalised and unforgettable experiences for the most discerning global travellers. This partnership seamlessly merges two realms of exceptional luxury, elevating both the travel experience and the destination itself.
GlobeAir’s newly launched long-haul private jet services to the Maldives reimagine private aviation with tailored itineraries, exceptional service, and unmatched comfort. From the moment passengers board, their journey is designed to reflect the elegance and exclusivity synonymous with The Nautilus. This collaboration exemplifies The Nautilus’s commitment to absolute freedom and bespoke ultra-luxury hospitality, where every detail is meticulously curated to ensure an unforgettable experience. Together, The Nautilus and GlobeAir invite guests to embark on a seamless transition from takeoff to the barefoot luxury of the Maldives.
The Exclusive Nautilus Experience:
- A Seamless Voyage: Guests begin their journey with a round-trip aboard a GlobeAir private jet, where every detail is crafted to provide ultimate comfort and personalised service.
- A Timeless Stay in Paradise: Upon arrival at The Nautilus, time slows down, and bespoke experiences take centre stage. With only 26 ultra-luxury boho-chic houses and residences, each space offers complete privacy and is tailored to individual preferences.
- Complimentary Cinema Under the Stars: Guests can indulge in an enchanting beachside cinema experience, featuring a custom bokkura setup and the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean. The evening is complete with a bottle of fine champagne, blending barefoot sophistication with the magic of the Maldives.
Featured
Bond beyond travel: Iain and Debbie’s 40-visit love affair with Reethi Faru Resort
Reethi Faru Resort proudly celebrates the extraordinary journey of two devoted guests, Iain and Debbie, who recently marked a special milestone: Debbie’s 40th visit to the Maldives. Iain, who has visited even more frequently, shares this remarkable tradition with Debbie, which began in 2005 when they discovered the Mahogany Group by chance. Since then, their deep connection with the resort has brought them back year after year.
Iain and Debbie’s love for the Maldives transcends mere vacations, evolving into a meaningful relationship with the resort and its staff. “When we arrive, it feels like we’re meeting family at the end of a very long journey,” Debbie shares, describing the warm and welcoming environment that greets them every time. Their bond with the staff is reflected in the many holidays, birthdays, and special occasions they have celebrated together.
Now retired, the couple enjoys extended stays at Reethi Faru, often spending up to three months a year diving, dining, and relaxing at the spa. Their loyalty to the resort is a testament to the exceptional service and community spirit it fosters. “We know everyone who works in the restaurants, and they treat us like friends,” Iain explains. “Those little touches—like trying something new or receiving a taster dish—make all the difference.”
The emotional connection the couple has with the resort runs deep. “Every time we leave, I cry all day, even though I know I’ll be back in a few months,” Debbie admits. “It’s always very hard to leave such a wonderful place.”
Iain and Debbie have also shared their enthusiasm for Reethi Faru with others, inspiring friends to join them. “We’ve recommended Reethi Faru to many of our friends, and it has become a central meeting point for divers and food lovers,” Iain says. “We all share a common passion for what we love.”
Having now visited Reethi Faru 30 times, the couple has already planned their next trip to the resort, underscoring their unwavering affection for the island paradise.
Reethi Faru Resort remains committed to fostering an environment where guests can create lasting memories and forge deep connections. The resort eagerly anticipates welcoming Iain, Debbie, and all returning guests for many years to come.
Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi wins ‘Best Service’ at 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards
Coco Bodu Hithi, a renowned boutique resort in the Maldives celebrated for its Maldivian-inspired elegance, has received recognition at the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
This prestigious accolade honours outstanding quality across recommended properties worldwide and serves as a trusted benchmark for travellers and industry professionals alike. Coco Bodu Hithi was awarded the title of ‘Best Service’ by Condé Nast Johansens for its exceptional hospitality, which seamlessly blends serene surroundings with meticulous, personalised service.
Additionally, the resort was recently recognised in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean, cementing its position as a leader in luxury travel. Offering a thoughtfully curated guest experience, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to set itself apart within the industry.
The resort also excels in culinary innovation, boasting four exceptional restaurants. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs frequently collaborate with Group Culinary Director and Michelin-starred chef Martin Cahill to craft exquisite dining experiences, reflecting Coco Bodu Hithi’s unwavering commitment to service excellence and world-class gastronomy.
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