Gangehi Island Resort

Location

An idyllic retreat, this secluded and peaceful island has lush vegetation, on one side it is bordered by a house reef close to the beach, on the other it opens into a blue lagoon. Protected by its barrier reef, the island is a pearl of white sand, shaded by coconut palms and surrounded by crystal-clear sea. The marine life is one of rare beauty: an vibrant variety of tropical fish swim around the coral along with marine turtles and many other Apart from the thousand of multi-colored fish in all shapes and sizes and the corals themselves, there is a whole separate world populated by turtles, manta rays, sharks and dolphins.

The resort used to have a beach problem, with no sand for the beach bungalows and the waterbungalows stranded on a beach, but this has been completely overcome by pumping. Pumped sand is not as fine as original beach sand and some walls have been built in the lagoon, but now there is beach all around and the waterbungalows are over the water.

In addition to the aquatic life around the island there are other types of animals that you may encounter, including Flying foxes, herons, terns (black and white), the Indian Ocean cuckoos and crows. You better not encourage them to come closer by feeding them. Some species of reptiles are present on the island including lizards, geckos and iguanas. DOWNLOAD RESORT MAP

Located on the outskirts of North Ari Atoll, Gangehi Island can be reached within 25 minutes by seaplane from the capital Male’. In order to make full use of the hours of sunlight Gangehi is one hour ahead (+1) of Male time.

Villas

A total of 45 rooms and villas scattered throughout the island and decorated in a simple local style with teak furniture, making Gangehi one of the smallest resort hotels in the country. All rooms have their own veranda, air condition, a minibar and free wireless internet. Club rooms are located in the garden and offer a comfortable space, while the large Garden Villas are bright and spacious, with high wooden ceilings. Beach Villas are scattered right on the sand, each with a shady veranda surrounded by tropical greenery for extra privacy. The newly renovated Water Villas offer stunning sunset views and are equipped with a large wooden terrace with sun loungers and direct access to the crystal clear waters. We strongly recommend upgrade to Overwater Deluxe Villa because of their decor, beautiful dark wood and original antiques from India, plus a spacious veranda with comfortable couches and sun loungers. OverWater Villas and Deluxe OverWater Villas additionally equipped with tea / coffee making facilities, as well as Deluxe OverWater Villas equipped with an iPod dock station and an elegant bathroom with a double sink and a large rain shower. There is also the Family Villa, which has a second bedroom and a bathroom. The TV is only included in Club Rooms and Overwater Deluxe Villas.

Despite the tiny size of the island, the resort has a significant variety of locations. Some beach bungalows (64 sqm) are tucked behind a little vegetation at the very start of the sandbank. 3 more are hidden in the jungle interior and the others are strung around the perimeter with good privacy but varying amounts of sun, beach and vegetation. 12 overwater bungalows (76 sqm) face west from their large, private deck while the other 4 are on a new jetty snaking out into the lagoon with coral all around. 2 face north and 2 face south.

OverWater Villas are larger than Beach Villas, but otherwise very similar. The interiors are spacious, cool and a bit dull. Dark wood is widely used in combination with fabrics and curtains, the design of which is formed of black, brown and white shades. Tinted sliding-door glass offers a great view, but keep the rooms shaded and private.

The closeness to the fascinating underwater world makes this villa the ideal choice if you want to experience an authentic Maldives holiday. Your private veranda features sun loungers, while the lavish bathroom has a shower area and double basins for added convenience. You also have access to sun loungers on the beach, to which you have direct access.

Restaurants and Bars

Finally, the dining is second to none. There are two brilliant restaurants to choose from, the main buffet restaurant is perfectly complemented by the a la carte restaurant. 5-star resorts are coming up around the country and the food standard continues to soar but still dinner on Gangehi competes with the best. Breakfast and lunch are large buffets but dinner is served at the table. Never heavy, never too much, varied and perfectly paced. What a delight that is.

The main restaurant, Veli, is a favorite place for a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a variety of international dishes and open cooking stations. This laidback restaurant serves tantalizing buffets inspired by Italian, International and Oriental cuisine. Don’t miss out the home-made ice cream for dessert! Veli Restaurant also has an adjoining bar where you can head after your dinner for a cocktail or two.

With its magical location in the middle of the lagoon, the Thari lounge and restaurant serves à la carte menu, and is only open in the evening, with lagoon views and with outdoor or indoor seating. This exclusive restaurant is not included in the full board package, but the location is very tempting, as the tables facing directly to the sunset from a wide deck surrounded by corals below. You can also order drinks at Kandu Bar, that is open full day and expires with refreshing fruit juices, beer, wine and cocktails.

This is not a club, but there is a feeling of being connected with each other. Everyone is usually on a full board. There is only one bar and lounge, as well as a small program of events and entertainment that determine the day and week.

Full Board Basis includes:

– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
– High Tea in the afternoon
– Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
– Free use of snorkeling equipment
– Daily replenishment of minibar
– A sunset fishing excursion OR snorkeling excursion
– 30 minutes massage session

Diving

With few guests and fewer divers, attention is on an individual basis and the diving is terrific. Thanks to its strategic location in the North Ari Atoll, the Gangehi Island Resort is able to offer innumerable diving sites suitable for either beginners, more advanced or expert divers with qualified multi-lingual PADI and SSI instructors. The PADI and SSI Dive Center is providing exciting, safe dives for adventurous guests amongst the breath-taking marine life and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It guarantees the highest level of quality and professionalism. So whether you are a young diver, a family, a complete beginner, a single diver, a couple or a group of experienced divers, we invite you to come and dive with us to discover the amazing underwater world!

Gangehi is located within striking distance of some world famous sites to the south as well as the hammerheadshark spot of Rasdhoo to the east. For snorkelers, there are 2 trips a day on the resort’s dhoni. Other regular events are the sunset fishing trips and a nightly film projection.

Activities

A permanent feature is the lovely sandbank that stretches into the lagoon from beside the bar and lounge and restaurant. Soft, white and very fine, the open stretch is ideal for the more communal times - from sunbathing to bocce. And it is from here that guests walk out to house reef snorkelling. Gangehi Lagoon regularly draws the magnificent Whale sharks and, of course, Manta rays and other large fish.

Ginger Spa offers spa treatments combined with a spiritual and meditative experience to achieve well-being of the body and mind. Coconut palms and white beaches frame the luxurious construction, which consists of four original old wooden cottages delivered from Kerala, the cradle of Ayurveda. Antique furniture and decor, candles, oriental music and mysterious fragrances are part of a unique spa experience. The choice of massages (Ayurvedic and Thai) is well known in the Maldives and ranges from relaxation of tension and complete relaxation to invigorating procedures and original Ayurvedic methods.

Before sunset guests are invited to join yoga classes in the open air in the courtyard of the spa, the practice of full relaxation with the help of breathing and stretching exercises.

There is a well-stocked and original boutique on the island (clothing, souvenirs and personal care products). Two highly skilled tailors can do made-to-measure clothes of guests choice with typical material in a short time. Our boutique always offer an excellent selection from the latest collection.

Reviews

Gangehi is a delight for everyone. A great place for couples, with a wonderful sandbank and a vibrant house reef, closed from the waves. You will want to soak everything as far as possible, and then go back next year.

... “Spectacular views. Extremely poor breakfast. Many small issues, that should'n have been.”, “Lovely little island getaway.”, “Superb relaxing week, with amazing scenery, food and friendly staff”, “Amazing”, “Paradise.”, “Gangehi is a perfect place for relaxing”, “Romantic getaway”, “more than expected, must go!”, “Perfect place to stay to rewind and relax. a place we will never forget.”, “Traquil beauty on an extremely welcoming resort.”...

Why stay here? What Guests Love

• Wonderful, helpful and friendly staff
• The OverWater villas are clean and spacious, with beautiful views. Rooms are cleaned 2 times a day.
• The miniature size of the island creates a real sense of privacy and romance, so this is an ideal resort for couples
• Great house reef and amazing snorkeling. Variety of corals, lots of fish, sharks and turtles.
• A magnificent and professional dive center
• Beautiful sandy beach
• A lot of entertainment and excursions to snorkeling with dolphins and manta rays
• Yoga
• Delicious and varied food. Buffet: the best ever.

What You Need to Know

• Gangehi Resort is located on a private island in North Ari Atoll (Alif Alif atoll) and is 25 minutes by seaplane from Male airport
• Check out 10:00-12:00 but flexible The earliest check-in time is 14:00.
• All children are welcome.
• Excessive seaplane rates transfer
• Fittings and furniture may not seem entirely new
• In Club Rooms very high audibility - take a villa on the beach or OverWater Villa

Photos

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