Gili Lankanfushi appoints Rodrigo Buanafina as General Manager
Gili Lankanfushi has announced the promotion of Rodrigo Buanafina to General Manager, effective 4 August. Previously serving as Resort Manager at the eco-resort, Buanafina brings 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality to his new role.
As General Manager, he will oversee the daily operations of the 45-villa island and its 300-strong team, guiding strategy for the continued development of the Maldives’ first luxury eco-resort. Reflecting on his promotion, Buanafina said that it was an honour to take on the position at a resort that has been integral to his professional journey over the past seven years. He noted Gili Lankanfushi’s contribution to sustainability, its facilities, and guest experiences, and expressed his commitment to building on this legacy to deliver memorable Maldivian experiences.
Buanafina, a Brazilian national, joined the resort in 2018 as Food and Beverage Manager before being promoted to Director of Food and Beverage. During five years in F&B leadership, he managed a team of nearly 100 and introduced a range of new dining experiences, including a blind-dining concept, a Brazilian Churrascaria night, and a ‘Destination Drinking’ bartender competition. These initiatives are credited with strengthening the island’s reputation for dining.
In 2023, his contribution was recognised with his appointment as Resort Manager, expanding his responsibilities to include resort-wide operations and renovation projects. These developments included the creation of a Marine Biology Centre, the construction of an Overwater Restaurant, and refurbishments across the property.
Before joining Gili Lankanfushi, Buanafina held F&B management roles at The Nittany Lion Inn at Pennsylvania State University and Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Portugal’s Algarve.
Located in the North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, Gili Lankanfushi is known for its rustic eco-design, natural setting, and a laid-back ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy, catering to couples, families, solo travellers, and groups.
Related Posts
Equator Village Concludes Train-the-Trainer Programme
Equator Village’s team has successfully concluded their Train-the-Trainer programme. The programme offered on-the-job coaching sessions for the departmental leaders of the resort to assist them to become better mentors for their employees, and enhance their team-building capacity. The staff took part in a three-day programme in hopes of creating more efficient teams that can offer […]
Hankede tourism project begins
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project took place on April 15, signalling the official initiation of this pioneering project. The physical commencement of the works was inaugurated by the honorable Chief Guest, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, amidst the presence of Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, and members […]
Coral regeneration initiative underway at Outrigger Resort in Maldives
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Guests at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort recently joined the Best Dives Konotta marine biologist and staff to relaunch a coral regeneration project. According to the resort, the previous initiative launched in December 2015 was doing well until the El Nino effect in April raised water temperatures and negatively impacted new growth. On 19 August, […]
