Soneva Gili by Six Senses, Maldives

In true Soneva style, its “no news – no shoes” barefoot living will take you less than a minute to get accustomed to; just ask your Mr or Mrs Friday to pack them away for you. Like all Six Sense properties, Soneva Gili embraces the signature philosophy of S.L.O.W. LIFE, that is, Sustainable Local Organic Wholesome experiences that begin with the rustic luxe décor of villas to the innovative menus of restaurants to the intuitive service of team ‘Fridays’ who look after your every whim; so long as it’s legal, consider it done – sip, swim, lay back and soak in the epitome of overwater resort living

Lankanfushi Island, North Male' Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Located on the private tropical island of Lankanfushi in the Male' Atoll, the resort is a mere 20-minute speedboat ride from the International Airport at Male', the capital of the Republic of Maldives

Fringed with powdery soft white sand around the entire island, there is no shortage of secluded spots to picnic, swim, tan, doze or drift away

Had enough of saltwater? Dip into the freshwater main pool located ashore and head straight for the overwater cabana

Pool, wpa, sauna & steam rooms, gym, WiFi and broadband internet, library, meeting rooms, resident doctor, day use rooms, motorised and non-motorised water sports, tennis, volleyball, PADI certified dive school, organic vegetable garden, gift shop, jewellery shop

A total of 52 villas and residences plus 1 Private Reserve (29 Villa Suites, 8 Residences, 7 Crusoe Residences, 1 Private Reserve)
In all villas and residences: king bed, open air living room with daybeds and dining area, roof top and over overwater sun deck, open air private bathroom, bathtub and shower, air-conditioned bedroom, ceiling fan in living room, espresso machine, chess & backgammon tables, mini bar, personal safe, hairdryer, CD/DVD stereo system with Bose surround sound, satellite TV, DVD and CD library
For total privacy, Crusoe Residences are the way to go – these free-standing super secluded residences are set in the Indian Ocean and are reached by private rowing boat

0200PM / NOON

Main Restaurant – from gourmet breakfasts to romantic dinners for two, the Main Restaurant features an East meets West menu
By the Sea Restaurant – ume-plum stuffed tempura scallops and chef’s recommendation of White snapper ‘Wahoo’ ceviche are just two of the many Peruvian-Japanese inspired dishes on offer. Elevated position for views, sushi bar, open kitchen station and deep daybeds complement the innovative menu
The Bar is a stunning construction over the shallow lagoon and offers snacks and light meals throughout the day. The lunch buffet at the bar is a very casual experience, where you can create your own menu from the wide selection of fresh salad leaves from the garden, sushi, Mediterranean delicacies, daily catch of fish, imported meats and local spices and herbs.
Main Bar – light snacks all day long and carefree create-your-own-menu from daily catch of fish and fresh picked garden salads are reasons to dine on stilts over water
The Wine Cellar and Underground Chocolate Cave –about six feet below ground are all things wine, cheese and chocolate – who needs to be above ground anyway
In-villa dining – always available

Signature Soneva Mr & Mrs Friday Butler service all day & night long

In addition to the array of signature Six Senses Spa menu, Soneva Gili provide full-service Ayuvedic therapies which include treatments, dietary recommendations and yoga programmes; if that all sounds too healthy and proper, pamper yourself with the ultimate near-6 hour Asian Fusion Journey of head to toe facial, scrubs and massages.

Cheese and wine, bees and honey, SovenaGili and couples…need we say more?

This text-book island paradise would have to be one of the most romantic havens in the Maldives… there are two uber romantic wedding package specials... view wedding packages >

The resort’s over-water villas are best suited for adults, however children are welcome

Like all Six Senses properties, SonevaGili is dedicated in the pursuit of minimizing the impact of its activities. The design of the resort and choice of building materials were heavily influenced by the principles of sustainable development; hence the absence of rainforest teak, coral, or turtle shell. Materials such as pine, telegraph poles, palm wood, bamboo and plantation teaks were used instead. Interior joinery and furniture were built from different waste and post-consumer materialssuch as water hyacinth (the reeds that clog rivers), and papier-mâché (old newspapers covered by rice paper).

The resort invests 0.5 % of its annual revenue (about USD80,000) in projects that produce socio-economic returns to the local communities and create differences in the livelihoods of people...read more>