Maldives 03.02.2025 Caron Bluestone
This article was written by Caron Bluestone, a PR specialist and friend of TransIndus, who recently went to Gili Lankanfushi resort in The Maldives.
Among the thousands of islands constituting the Maldives, this resort stole our heart long ago. Returning for the sixth time proved just as magical as our very first visit, but this trip held an extra layer of meaning. It was our son's Bar Mitzvah and 13th birthday, and our island family outdid itself in ways that still leave me speechless. From the moment we stepped off the speedboat—barefoot, of course—we knew something special was in store.
Here, luxury doesn't shout—it whispers. Those large overwater villas, made from reclaimed wood with their thatched roofs and open design, blend into the landscape with ease. Days start when the first rays of sunlight fall through floor-to-ceiling windows, the turquoise waters shining outside. Everything here invites the outdoors inside. You'll dine with your feet in the sand or up on your villa's sundeck, and even sleeping indoors starts to feel like an indulgence when you could be out under the stars. Upstairs, there are two perfectly placed daybeds on the roof of your villa, begging you to spend a night looking up at the Milky Way stretching endlessly above.
This is a place all about being outside. Mornings are spent cycling barefoot on sandy paths—bikes with padded pedals make it easy—riding to breakfast, exploring the island, or simply soaking in the beauty of this barefoot paradise. Afternoons drift by in a haze of contentment, lounging on catamaran nets, swaying in sea hammocks, or cooling off in the infinity pool as the ocean hums softly in the background.
But the real magic of this island is not in its setting; it's in its people. The staff here don't just meet your needs but anticipate them before you know what they are. By the time you sit down to breakfast, your "usual" is already on its way—no words required. Lunches are happy affairs where the kids troop into the outdoor kitchen along with the chefs, having fun, laughing, and experimenting, while we have a leisurely lunch contemplating the hues of the Indian Ocean surrounding us. Dinners are night celebrations; every evening takes on a different theme from somewhere in the world. From fragrant Indian curries to zesty Mediterranean feasts, every taste is as authentic as it is mouthwatering. The best of the best—and I’m a foodie with a critical palate!
And then there was Crispy, our waiter: infectious smile, endless humour, every meal a family reunion. Kids adored him—so much so that they're still in touch. Crispy wasn't just a waiter; he became a friend, making every moment feel special, every meal unforgettable.
Activities here are similarly bespoke: there's no kids' club, but everything is tailored, real, and brimming with authenticity. Gili Veshi is the centre of marine biology on the island, so it used this opportunity to enlighten us all about what surrounds this island in waters. Snorkelling and floating just alongside huge turtles was great, and planting a coral line as a family wasn't less memorable either. A simple but deep gesture, it was. Well, knowing that coral will be building over the years gives us a reason to go back and reconnect with this place we love so much.
For the kids, tennis became a highlight. From lessons on the beach to sessions with the resident pro on the court, they soaked it all in, with free taster sessions throughout the week adding to the fun. And then there was Makif, our Mr Friday. He was everything to everyone: buggy-driving instructor, campfire host, and the ultimate playmate for our children. He made every moment magical, creating memories we’ll treasure forever.
On this island, even amidst all indulgence, sustainability is inbred—from the eco-conscious villas to the passion of marine biologists working long hours to protect the reef, every little detail has been thoughtfully crafted keeping the environment in mind. It's not a holiday; it's a masterclass in how luxury and sustainability can walk together, hand in hand.
On to our celebration. One evening, the beach was a private wonderland: The twinkling fairy lights stretched as if a carpet across the sand to a table where a private chef had prepared a kosher feast. A singer serenading us under the stars, and for Friday night, challah and kosher wine waited for us to bless. We toasted marshmallows over the fire, our toes buried in the cool sand, while the waves delicately lapped at the shore. It was one of those evenings you don't just remember—you relive it in your mind, over and over again.
It's never easy to leave this island. As the speedboat pulled away, I cried—again. This isn't just a place; it is a sanctuary, a home where every detail comes into creating memories that stay long past when you're gone.
To honeymooners, the Maldives may be heaven. For us, it's become the ultimate family retreat. If you're dreaming of a paradise that effortlessly blends understated luxury with life-changing moments, this is the place.
Let TransIndus inspire your journey into a world where simplicity meets sophistication, where every sunrise feels like the start of a dream.
~ Caron Bluestone, 2025.
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