Gili Lankanfushi | Treading Lightly

Gili Lankanfushi is one of our partner resorts and a marvel in the Maldives. We spoke to the GM, David Stepectic, to discover more about this intimate island in the Indian Ocean. It’s a resort that respects the need for “ecological balance” and nudges guests towards living “a zero-waste existence”.

With a uniquely laid-back philosophy that fuses rustic design and unparalleled service, along with awe-inspiring natural surroundings, Gili Lankanfushi is everything you imagine when thinking of a perfect getaway in the Maldives.

The resort is designed with sustainability and the environment in mind. The Maldives is positioning itself at the forefront of the battle against environmental degradation and climate change. A vital recognition of the extreme fragility of the Maldives ecosystems.

David explains that only footprints in the sand are left behind as sustainability is at the heart of the island’s vision. They've thoughtfully constructed buildings using sustainably sourced materials and recycled telegraph poles, and use organic toiletries in refillable earthenware containers. They even have a Rocket Composter. What’s a Rocket Composter, you may ask? David explains that it's their advanced technology that processes the resort’s waste into compost which in turn is used for the island’s organic herb garden!

For David the Maldives is “defined by the ocean” and his duty is to do everything possible to protect it. Gili Lankanfushi has a marine biology team dedicated to monitoring the health and biodiversity of the surrounding coral reef ecosystems. They track manta rays and turtle populations and remove invasive species such as the Crown of Thorns starfish. These are all supporting pillars to the resort's 'Coral Lines' project, which has been put in place to restore the reef and provide a nursery environment for new corals to grow.

Gili Lankanfushi believes that, like us, conservation starts with education in order to nurture true environmental positive change.

David explained that educating and engaging have become fundamental to their sustainability efforts, from their guests to their staff and the local community. The resort has invested time in creating a programme that revolves around 'Sustainable Living Training'. This helps to educate about pressing environmental issues from recycling and reducing wastewater to food and energy. The resort works closely with the local community and especially with schoolchildren, helping shape the eco-conscious decision-makers of tomorrow. Gili Lankanfushi is a tiny island but with mighty ideas of how hospitality in the Maldives can tread lightly into the future.