As many of us look to escape what seems to have been a rather long and dreary winter and go in search for some warm sunshine, there is no better place than the beautiful and tranquil Maldives.
There has also been a sharp rise in people travelling alone and many hotels and resorts are now recognising this trend and catering for the solo traveller.
One such hotel is Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, who offer guests sustainable luxury and solo travellers their new ‘Go it Alone at Gili’ package, where you can try your hand at some sunset sailing, Maldivian cooking lessons and photography masterclasses. Or how about going snorkelling with the island’s marine biologist.
Gili Lankanfushi’s General Manager, Nicolas Khairallah, commented:
“We have seen growing numbers of solo adventurers flocking to our island paradise in recent years to enjoy the stunning natural beauty, abundant activities, world-class dining and spa. with this in mind, we have sought to elevate the experience even further with an exclusive new range of expert-led activities which guarantee to take our guests on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”
Additional benefits for solo travellers include complimentary return speedboat transfers, an 11 percent reduction on all items from the Gili boutique, daily sunrise yoga sessions for early risers, complimentary spa access and water sports.
The new ‘Go it Alone at Gili’ experiences include:
Sensory supper in the sand
You will be transported to a secret island location for a true gourmet experience. Blindfolded, you will be invited to take a leap of faith as your private chef serves up a surprise menu surrounded by the sound of lapping waves, and then inviting you to guess what the dishes are as you savour each and every flavour.
‘Me-Time’ at Meera Spa
Solo travellers will get the chance to enjoy some “me-time” at the Gili Lankanfushi’s tranquil overwater Meera Spa where you can enjoy a blissfully relaxing 120-minute stress-alleviating massage in one of the spa’s famous glass-bottomed treatment rooms.
After your treatment, you can enjoy a restorative spa juice made with ingredients from Gili’s organic garden as well as some healthy Gili cuisine and access to the steam and sauna facilities. And if yoga is your thing, then how about enjoying the daily complimentary sunrise yoga sessions.
Slumber with the stars and Maldivian cooking masterclass
If you have never slept under the stars, then now’s your chance, as you can spend a magical night with just the stars for company on your very own star bed. Or if cooking is more your thing, then how about creating some traditional Maldivian fish curries and sushi rolls under the guidance of Chef Hari, before enjoying the fruits of your labour with fellow classmates.
Snorkelling excursion with resident marine biologist
If you enjoy snorkelling, then how about discovering vibrant coral walls inhabited by small sharks and colourful schools of fish, turtles and rays with Gili Lankanfushi’s resident marine biologist and finding out about Gili’s Coral Line projects and other ecological underwater initiatives.
Gili photography island excursion
If you are a budding photographer, you will get the chance to capture your beautiful, unspoilt and tranquil surroundings at a Gili Lankanfushi’s photography masterclass, where you will be taken to the most picturesque spots on the island to photograph sea life, flora and fauna thrive.
Castaway sunset dolphin cruise
Imagine you are Robinson Crusoe and go in search of local wildlife, eat canapés and enjoy a drink or two with fellow explorers as you embark on a two-hour sunset sailing experience. You will set sail at dusk aboard this traditional Maldivian Dhoni cruise to coincide with the migration of dolphins from the atoll, catching their supper in the deep sea.
The Details
Gili Lankanfushi, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, is located in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. It is ideally suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups of friends.
The resort offers rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with laid-back-luxury living and had a complete refurbishment of all 45 villas in 2019.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi including breakfast, start from £1,397 ($1,722) based on one person staying in a Villa Suite. For more information and reservations please visit: www.gili-lankanfushi.com.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of Our Man On The Ground, a former member of The British Guild of Travel Writers and professional photographer.
Photographs courtesy of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
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