May 2017

Sometimes its difficult to tell where the sea ends and the sky begins, the blues merge into one. The turquoise waters of the Maldives are some of the clearest and most pristine we’ve experienced anywhere in the world. Gently lapping at the white sandy shores of 1200 atolls, the beauty of this country is hard to surpass, it really is what dreams are made of.

Having been fortunate enough to visit this tropical utopia several times over the last decade, it still hasn’t lost its magic, all of us pinching ourselves each time we return and in my case, to the horror of the boys, often bought to tears at the sheer magnificence of it all.

Gili Lankanfushi in the North Male Atoll, is where we have laid our heads each time. Originally Soneva Gili, under the Six Senses branding, its 2012 takeover has seen it retain much of the Six Senses philosophy along with its rustic charm and understated luxury

The resort is an easy 30 minute private boat transfer from Male. On arrival you are greeted by your designated Mr Friday, who is your personal butler for the duration of your stay, attending to your every whim whether it be band aids or band lists for the Bose systems that pipes through each villa.

“No News, No Shoes” is their moto and bike in the only form of transport available on the island. With a selection of over water accommodation to pick from, none of the options will disappoint. There is a dreamy over water spa complete with glass panel flooring where you can watch the underwater world passing by whilst indulging in a treatment. The gym next door looks out across the Indian Ocean, a welcome distraction whilst working out. The resort is also home to an Ayurvedic doctor whose specialty lies in the creation of individual programs for guests looking to gain optimum health and wellness. If indulging in culinary delights is more your thing, there a four exquisite restaurants that cater for every taste spread through out the island.

Much thought has been put into the design of the villas, and everything we could want for and more is here at our fingertips. Immersed in understated luxury, I admire how they have managed to adhere to the strong environmental ethos of its original owners.

From private lounging deck on the upper level complete with spa, to a lower sundeck which just requires me to take 3 steps forward and I am floating in the warm, pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. There is a private gym and water garden with separate showering area via way of an open air walkway. The bathtub sits below a wall of glass that when flung open provides the most amazing views for you to enjoy whist indulging in your soak, all the while offering complete privacy.

For whom money is no object the “Piece de Resistance” of Gili is The Private Reserve. There to accommodate fourteen of your nearest and dearest, you will be indulged in a once in a lifetime experience. Covering 1700 square meters over several levels it is something to behold. Complete with private cinema, large gymnasium, sauna, steam room, luxurious glass infinity pool, split level bathing decks, outdoor slide and spa treatment room there is something here for everyone in this unmatched Elysium.

Island life can be as slow as you like or for those that appreciate action and activities there are plenty on offer. From paddle boarding, scuba diving and coconut picking through to paragliding and surfing the outer breaks, there is something for everyone. A visit to one of the neighbouring islands to see how the local Maldivians live is an afternoon well spent as is a talk by the resident Marine Biologist who also accompanies you out to the reefs where you can learn about the regeneration of corals and marine rescues and rehabilitations. Peruse their extensive vegetable gardens which supplies the restaurants on the island with fresh produce or just lie back, toes in the sand, under the stars and indulge in a midnight cinema experience.

Champagne and Cocktails flow freely each Tuesday night at One Palm Island. Each guest is invited to join the General Manager here to immerse themselves in the local cuisine and entertainment whilst watching the sun sink across the Indian Ocean.

Indulge in an underground wine tasting session with Gili’s expert wine sommelier and over 400 wines from around the globe. Dinner can be served here as well, a sumptuous feast that fills the huge drift wood table that holds center stage in this underground cave. This magnificent piece of wood is stepped in history. Washed up on the shores after the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami that devastated so many communities across the Indian Ocean. This species, native to Thailand is thought to have been swept thousands of kilometers across the Andmanan and Indian Ocean finally finding its resting place on the shores of One Palm Island.

Island Life

A visit to the Maldives is bucket list worthy. Since our first visit eight years ago, these tiny atolls have seen rapid change with resorts for every taste and every budget throwing open their doors.

This is the type of holiday you seek out when you are in need of a total disconnect. We have returned to her shores when we have been seeking refuge. Its unwavering beauty and its peacefulness does wonders for the soul and we always return to reality reconnected and recharged, ready to take on the world again.