Gili Lankanfushi Maldives has introduced the Gili Lagoon Retreat, a two-bedroom overwater hideaway that gives guests exclusive access to Three Palm Island. The expanded villa brings together two of the Maldives’ most sought-after experiences: living directly above a turquoise lagoon and escaping to a secluded stretch of sand.
Set at the end of the resort’s western-facing Jetty 3, the 369-square-meter retreat is connected to the small island by a new 65-meter walkway. Guests can move easily between the villa’s decks and ocean access points and the island’s beach, sandbank and shaded places to relax.
Overwater Living with a Beach of Its Own
The Gili Lagoon Retreat replaces and expands the resort’s former Two Bedroom Sunset Villa concept. Its defining addition is direct access to Three Palm Island, which now functions as a private outdoor extension of the accommodation.
The setting offers a different view at each end of the day. Guests can cross to the island for a sunrise breakfast before returning to the villa’s deck for an afternoon swim. In the evening, Jetty 3’s western position provides open views of the Maldivian sunset.
Private picnics, breakfasts and sunset drinks can be arranged on the island. Refreshments can also be set up for guests planning to spend the day moving between the beach, sandbank and lagoon. Those who prefer to remain at the villa can arrange private dining in the retreat’s indoor or outdoor spaces.
Inside the Gili Lagoon Retreat
The retreat is designed around two ensuite bedrooms and generous shared living areas. The main bedroom includes a king-sized bed and daybed, while the second bedroom has its own bathroom and pantry.
An expansive deck overlooking the lagoon incorporates an outdoor dining area, an overwater sun deck and steps leading directly into the ocean. Inside, guests have an air-conditioned living and dining room, a pantry and a mini wine chiller.
Wellness facilities include a private steam room and a dedicated workout space. The semi-open-air main bathroom continues the resort’s close connection with the surrounding seascape, with a bathtub, glass-walled shower and separate access to the water.
Upstairs, a rooftop terrace provides another quiet place to retreat. It is furnished with a daybed and a traditional Maldivian swing for reading, resting or watching the sky change color at the end of the day.
Each guest receives a bamboo bicycle for getting around the main resort island. Other amenities include a Bose sound system, Nespresso machine, minibar and chess table. Gili Lankanfushi’s 24-hour Mr./Ms. Friday service can coordinate meals, excursions and personalized island experiences.
A Walkway Built on the Island
The walkway connecting the villa to Three Palm Island was designed and constructed by Gili Lankanfushi’s in-house engineering team. The project was led by Director of Engineering Ahmed Majid, who has worked at the resort for 16 years.
The structure uses Yellow Balau timber across its upper deck, supported by pine beneath and marine-grade fittings selected for the island environment. Building the walkway internally allowed the team to adapt the extension to the existing overwater structure while limiting disruption elsewhere at the resort.
The result gives the retreat a quality rarely found among overwater villas. Guests do not need to choose between the privacy of a villa above the lagoon and the pleasure of stepping onto a quiet beach; both settings are connected within the same accommodation experience.
Barefoot Luxury in North Malé Atoll
Gili Lankanfushi is located in the North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes from Velana International Airport by speedboat. The resort has 45 overwater villas and residences, ranging from open-air villa suites to standalone Crusoe Residences.
At the top end of the collection is The Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi, a four-bedroom residence positioned independently in the lagoon. The new Gili Lagoon Retreat offers a more intimate alternative for couples, families or small groups who want seclusion without being separated from the main island.
Sustainability has long shaped the resort’s approach to design and guest experiences. Its Gili Veshi marine biology center supports reef monitoring, environmental education and conservation activities. Travelers can learn more about these programs in DRIFT’s feature on marine conservation at Gili Lankanfushi.
With the addition of the Gili Lagoon Retreat, the resort has created an accommodation that feels part overwater villa and part private-island escape. It is a simple idea made memorable by the setting: wake above the lagoon, walk to an island for breakfast and return to the deck as the sun drops over the Indian Ocean.
For current availability and further details, visit Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.
