the most joyous, serene smile on her face

view from our living room at Gili Lankanfushi, (c) copyright 2016 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

She had the most joyous, serene smile. She was lying next to her husband on the lounge chair in the back of Gili Lankanfushi's speedboat, and her face radiated the happiest and most joyful smile I've ever seen. They had escaped London's cold 26º F winter weather on a non-stop BA flight from Gatwick and had awakened to the warmth, sunshine, and brilliant blue waters of the Maldives.

I chatted with her after our arrival at #gililankanfushi. She said Gili is their favourite place on earth. They come back every winter, even staying in the same villa. Having been here just 24 hours, I can fully understand why.  

Gili Lankanfushi is as close to my ideal of a resort as anything could possibly be. Absolutely casual (no news, no shoes is their motto), informal luxury, spacious accommodations with gorgeous views, beautiful water, and very good snorkeling.

I wish the Maldives were closer to the U.S., but if you're from the UK like this couple, you can get here on a non-stop 10-hour overnight flight on British Airways. If you fly Club World with its lie flat beds, you'll arrive rested with a good night's sleep. We can book Gili Lankanfushi for our UK clients and provide you with added-value Virtuoso amenties that will save you quite a few £££'s. Drop me a line!

Back from the spa, I'm feeling especially mellow. If you could see me now, you might just notice a joyous and serene smile radiating from my face!

copyright  (c)  2016 by David Ourisman LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.