Gili Lankanfushi Maldives unveils world's largest overwater villa
The Gili Lankanfushi has unveiled its most luxurious and secluded residence – the Private Reserve – complete with slide, open-air cinema and infinity pool. Jenny Southan reports
Said to be the world's biggest overwater villa, the new four-bedroom Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives measures a whopping 1,700 sqm. (In the Covid era, this would have been ideal for an "Isolation Vacation" but nowadays it will be more suited to multi-generational getaways.)
Located 500 metres from the shore and 300 metres from any other villa, the residence not only has its own air conditioned gym and spa with a sauna and steam room, but an open-air cinema with surround-sound, a 21-metre-long infinity pool and a waterslide from the top deck that goes straight into the lagoon.Comprised of five villas linked by open-air walkways, the Private Reserve can accommodate up to 12 guests. There is extensive living space, as well as open-air bathrooms with deep-soaking bathtubs facing the ocea. Interiors sport rustic-chic design inspired by the resort’s natural surroundings, as well as hand-crafted, upcycled furniture. A private boat remains at guests’ disposal throughout their time at the Reserve, as well as a 24-hour private butler.
Although guests can eat in the resort's restaurants, why would they want to when there are numerous open-air dining areas at the Private Reserve? Plus they get their own chef, fully-equipped kitchen and ingredients sourced from the island’s own "Gili Garden". Residents can also design their own wine cellar selection from a list of over 400 labels. A cocktail bar can be set up next to the living area and the Bose Bluetooth sound system can play guests' favourite music throughout the residence. The Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, with direct flights from London available.
Nightly rates at the Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi start from US$8,300 per villa per night including breakfast and return boat transfers.