Set amid the crystal clear waters of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, the Soneva Gili Resort & Spa on privately owned Lankanfushi island offers guests a simple and environmentally-friendly lifestyle blended with all modern creature comforts.
The resort island and the lagoon provide a unique experience of harmony of life by the water's edge. Soneva Gili is one of the several luxury resorts and spas managed by Bangkok-based Six Senses Hotels, Resorts, Spas which also includes the Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, also located in Maldives and voted the best resort in the world and third best spa in the world. Soneva Gili is the first all- water villa resort in Maldives with the 29 villa suites, eight Residences and seven Crusoe Residences set along four jetties that stretch into the lagoon. All suites and residences are at least 20 metres apart ensuring intimacy and privacy and the Crusoe residences stand side by side 30 metres apart, each with its own private rowing boat for travelling between the residence and the jetty. "Each suite and residence has been built and designed with the utmost attention to detail to ensure the total comfort of our guests," says a resort spokesman. The spacious villas and residences feature all the luxuries found in the most exclusive resorts. "The water sun deck sits just above the water level, dining in one's villa is a panoramic dream, the luxurious amenities are placed in a drawer of the wooden desk, the minibar, personal safe and quadraphonic hi-fi are concealed with the television and VCD in a hand-built wooden cabinet," says the spokesman. "The bathrooms have been designed with a separate shower accessed along an open-air walkway, along its own private water garden. The roof sun deck is a private oasis of luxury, some with Jacuzzis." The resort promises the highest standards of cuisine along with fine wines and excellent malts to ensure a fine dining experience. The spa at Soneva Gili is a sanctuary that pampers guests and awakens their sixth sense, says the spokesman. "Hear the rhythm of the sea; Smell the profusion of the aromas; Feel the expert touch of the therapists; Taste the freshest juices; See the stunning spa designs and Discover the Sixth Sense," the spokesman says. Professional beauty therapists and masseurs provide a holistic experience with an extensive range of treatments starting with a specially designed jet lag treatment to relieve the stress. Lankanfushi is surrounded by a shallow lagoon and enclosed by coral reef providing an ideal setting for water sports, snorkelling and diving. The resort has its own professionally staffed and fully-equipped PADI diving school, offering some of the best diving for both beginners and experienced divers. It also offers a full range of recreational and sports facilities including snorkelling, water sports, deep sea fishing, swimming pool, tennis, volleyball and badminton courts, table tennis, boules and jogging.