Barefoot bliss in the Maldives; Exploring the Best of the Maldives: Six Senses Laamu, Soneva Fushi, and Gili Lankanfushi
When you think of paradise, what comes to mind? Crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and an oasis of luxury that lets you escape from the hustle of the outside world. That's exactly what the Maldives offers: a dreamy, secluded escape that feels like a world unto itself. For those who crave something extraordinary, three resorts stand out: Six Senses Laamu, Soneva Fushi, and Gili Lankanfushi. Each offers a unique experience, blending barefoot luxury with stunning natural beauty, top-notch service, and unforgettable memories.
Six Senses Laamu: A Remote Slice of Heaven
The journey to Six Senses Laamu starts with a scenic 65-minute seaplane ride. As we soared through the sky, the vast expanse of the turquoise ocean unfolded beneath us, with nothing but isolated islands for as far as the eye could see. The feeling of remoteness immediately struck me as we touched down on the island, with only a small local island far in the distance—out of sight, out of mind.
This is the true meaning of barefoot luxury. Unlike the polished, designer-driven aesthetic of some other resorts, Six Senses Laamu offers a more stylish, rustic experience that blends perfectly with its surroundings. It's the kind of place where you can truly disconnect from the outside world and feel at peace with nature.
We stayed in a Lagoon Water Villa, which is the lead-in category, perched over the water. It didn’t have a pool, but honestly, I didn’t miss it. The villa was spacious and elegantly designed, with earthy tones and natural materials that made it feel both luxurious and rustic. For families or those wanting more space, the beach villas are a popular choice, offering easy access to the sand and the ocean.
One thing to note is that Six Senses Laamu is remote, so there are only a limited number of villas with private pools. If a pool is important to you, make sure to request an upgrade. Still, even without a private pool, the atmosphere here makes it easy to relax and unwind.
The highlight of our stay was the stunning house reef, just off the main bar. The water was crystal-clear, teeming with marine life, and snorkeling here was nothing short of magical. We joined a guided snorkeling tour with an experienced Irish instructor who made the experience accessible, even for someone like me who isn’t a confident snorkeler. We saw sharks, turtles, and the colorful fish made famous in Finding Nemo. The fact that the reef is so healthy and close to the resort makes it all the more special.
Service here was impeccable, with staff anticipating your needs without being intrusive. Whether it was a quick coffee run or returning from a snorkel, the room was always refreshed, and the staff knew exactly when you’d be back. The arrival experience was simple yet elegant, without the typical big fanfare that some resorts rely on. It set the tone for a stay that was more about relaxation than spectacle.
The sustainability efforts at Six Senses Laamu were also incredibly impressive. From learning about the marine biologist team’s work to witnessing a turtle nest hatch in the middle of the night, I left with a deeper appreciation for the environment and the work being done to preserve it. And who could forget the 24-hour ice cream bar? It was a sweet little bonus after the exciting turtle hatchling event.
For those traveling with families, Six Senses Laamu is a wonderful choice. The kids’ club is both sweet and educational, and we saw the children making face scrubs for their moms—a truly adorable moment. The blend of style, sustainability, and adventure makes this an ideal destination for all types of travellers.
Soneva Fushi: The Barefoot Jungle Escape
If Six Senses Laamu was about rustic elegance, Soneva Fushi takes things further with a barefoot jungle luxury experience. This resort is larger, lush with tropical vegetation, and perfect for those who appreciate nature’s raw beauty. From the moment you set foot on Soneva Fushi, you’re enveloped by a distinct jungle atmosphere. The entire island smells like an Asian tropical greenhouse, thanks to the dense vegetation. Fruit bats swoop around, and the sound of nature is ever-present. This is a place where you truly feel at one with the jungle.
Our accommodation was the impressive Six Bedroom Residence, located right on the beach. It was incredibly spacious, offering a luxurious amount of privacy. Soneva Fushi encourages you to disconnect from the outside world, and it’s easy to do so here—there’s Wi-Fi in the villa, but it’s designed for moments of relaxation, not constant connectivity. For a family or a group, this residence was perfect, offering a true sense of isolation and serenity.
Dining here was a revelation. Soneva Fushi boasts some of the best food I’ve ever had, and this was consistent across every restaurant. The best cocktails I’ve ever tasted were also crafted by their resident mixologists. Each restaurant has its own unique atmosphere, but the attention to detail in the food and drinks was simply unmatched.
One of the resort’s most exciting activities is the zip line, which is a fun and unique way to see the island from above. It’s an exhilarating experience that adds an element of adventure to your stay. The spa was another highlight—massive, outdoor, and wonderfully rustic, offering treatments that perfectly complement the natural surroundings.
Gili Lankanfushi: A Cozy, Chic Retreat
The third gem in our journey through the Maldives was Gili Lankanfushi, a resort that blends rustic charm with cozy luxury. Located just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male, this island is small, intimate, and incredibly easy to navigate. It’s the perfect choice for travellers who want a boutique experience without the long transfers and hassle. The island feels remote, yet the proximity to Male makes it convenient for those looking for an easy arrival.
We stayed in the Villa Suite, the lead-in category, and it was everything I could have hoped for. The villas here are rustic yet incredibly cozy, designed by a woman who had a clear vision for a blend of luxury and natural materials. Each villa is large, overwater, and offers direct access to the sea, where we spent countless hours gazing at the fish and marine life below.
Gili Lankanfushi prides itself on its service, and I can confidently say this was the best service I’ve encountered. The staff was incredibly warm and relaxed, without being overbearing. One of the most touching moments was when they brought me my favourite matcha chia pudding for breakfast—without me even asking—because they had remembered from a previous conversation. This attention to detail made the experience feel personal and special.
Though there is no kids’ club, we did see a few children, and it was clear that Gili Lankanfushi is a family-friendly resort. It’s more tailored to couples and honeymooners, but it still caters to families who are looking for a more laid-back experience. The lack of a formal kids’ club means that parents have a chance to truly disconnect and unwind, knowing their children are welcome but not the focus of the resort’s offerings.
The food here was excellent, and while the service was laid-back and relaxed, this only added to the overall sense of calm. The island encourages you to truly switch off, and leaving our phones in the room became second nature. The sea life around Gili Lankanfushi was abundant; we saw sharks, rays, and colourful fish just beneath our villa, which made the entire experience even more magical.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Maldives Experience
Each of these resorts—Six Senses Laamu, Soneva Fushi, and Gili Lankanfushi—offers something special, but all of them share a commitment to sustainability, service, and the kind of natural beauty that makes the Maldives so alluring. Whether you’re looking for barefoot luxury, a jungle escape, or a cozy, intimate hideaway, there’s a resort here to fit every style of traveller.
From the pristine beaches and healthy house reefs of Six Senses Laamu to the lush, jungle vibes of Soneva Fushi and the relaxed luxury of Gili Lankanfushi, the Maldives remains a top-tier destination for those seeking an unforgettable holiday.
