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Scooping Tatler magazine’s 2003 ‘Hotel of the Year’ award, this acclaimed romantic retreat has been ‘wooing’ honeymooners, lovers and those with a yearning to discover their 'inner-Crusoe' being, since its opening in 2001. The essence of stylish island living and the first ‘all water’ villa resort in the Maldives, Soneva Gili is a rustic chic hideaway renowned for its discreet luxury and calm soothing ambience. Set on the tiny island of Lankanfushi, a 15-minute speedboat ride north of Malé, Soneva Gili resembles a sprawling sea village of perfectly appointed villas (44 in total), which linger over a sparkling lagoon threaded with jetties. Each one looks out to sea and with plenty of space between them, Gili's unique water villas appear to almost drift in complete solitude. Crafted in a traditional style from natural materials, each of these generous thatched pavilions features an overwater floating sundeck and a rooftop terrace with a sala bed – perfect for 'romantic starry nights under the stars'. Bathrooms are vast open-air water temples with awe-inspiring views and steps leading down into the lagoon. Whichever of Gili's 'hideaways' you choose –whether it be a Villa Suite, a Residence or a Crusoe Residence – all are exceedingly luxurious. For the ultimate in privacy, the seven Crusoe Residences are hard to beat – standing solo in the lagoon with views across the coral reef to the open sea, these 'lavish love shacks' are only accessible by private boat! Supreme amongst Soneva Gili's villas is the Private Reserve – boasting two master suites with floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides – and a private Spa facility with steam room, sauna, massage pavilion and a gym. A waterslide into the lagoon will keep children entertained, while two butlers are on call at all times. The villa also enjoys exclusive use of a private speedboat with crew should you feel the need to emerge from your palatial splendour! The cuisine at Soneva Gili is 'mouth-wateringly' imaginative – oven-baked bread, Australian beef, French wines and fish from the bountiful sea. Fresh produce is grown on the island – and at Gili, the setting is as memorable as the cuisine itself... whether it be a moonlit dinner on your sundeck, lunch over the water in the alfresco restaurant – or dining under the stars on the pontoon boat as it cruises in the lagoon. Should you grow tired of your daybed, you can simply roll off your sundeck and into the shoals of colourful fish, reef sharks and sea turtles. The daily routine at ‘Gili’ is yours to decide – snorkel, dive, windsurf or unwind with a holistic treatment in one of the glass-floored pavilions in the Six Senses Spa.
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PRICES
Prices per person for 7 nights in a Villa Suite range from £1476 in low season (£199 per person per night) to £2025 in high season (£277 per person per night) including the return speedboat transfer. A minimum 10 night stay applies over Easter – and a minimum 14 night stay applies over Christmas and New Year.
Flights from the UK from £493 (including £140 tax) with Qatar Air
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My Holidays: VIEWED
