As the speedboat approaches Gili Lankanfushi, one of the first things that catches your attention are the over-water villas. 45 exclusive, freestanding residences generously sprawled over crystal clear turquoise waters.
Each of these villas is perched on recycled telegraph poles, and the building itself is constructed using sustainably-sourced plantation teak, palm wood and bamboo. To top it off, the roof is made of palm leaves which are found on the island itself. Inside the living room, which is cooled by natural ocean breeze, you will find cleverly insulated coconut ice holders, recycled paper in the compendiums, and refillable ceramic toiletry bottles. This is the eco-paradise of Gili Lankanfushi.
The design of the villas is intended to emphasise the connection between land and sea, and also man’s connection with nature. Which is why whenever possible, local natural materials are skillfully used by Gili Lankanfushi’s very own in-house carpentry team to incorporate into the facilities of the resort. The team, led by Chief Engineer Ahmed Majid, consists of eight dedicated carpenters and painters who recycle used wood into anything from luggage racks, umbrellas and chairs to signages, plates, cupboards and shelves—all proudly made in Gili.
As Ahmed says, “Nature does not waste. And just like nature, nothing goes to waste here. The poles that the jetties and villas are built on are recycled telegraph poles. And when these poles start to age, we replace them but do not discard them. Instead, we salvage the good parts of the wood and remake them into other useful objects. The parts that we don’t use are then given to the local islands for them to use as fuel.”
Luxury doesn’t have to mean excess and wastage. With efforts to reuse, recycle and reduce, Gili Lankanfushi is showing the way to a more ethical and sustainable future.
Discover true luxury of privacy, exclusivity and the freedom and absence of time at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.
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