Luxury Maldives resort Gili Lankanfushi has closed until further notice after a fire ripped through the hotel last week.

Seven of the resort’s over-water villas, one restaurant and a storage facility were destroyed after the blaze broke out at 11pm local time last Wednesday and spread quickly over the thatched-roofed villas.

Extending their sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused on Twitter, resort management confirmed they would be offering future guests and travel partners a range of alternative options during their closure. 

For holidaymakers wishing to proceed with their visit, Gili Lankanfushi will assist “in every way possible” to arrange alternative accommodation.

The resort will issue a full refund to those looking to withdraw their booking and for prospective guests still keen to visit Gili Lankanfushi at some point in the future, staff will hold clients’ bookings until the resort reopens.  

Hotel staff thanked guests for their understanding and patience during “a difficult time”, and praised neighbouring resorts such as Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa for absorbing some of their bookings.

“We understand that Gili Lankanfushi holds a special place in many of your hearts and, whilst there is a challenging recovery period ahead, we are confident about the island’s bright future and look forward to welcoming you back at the earliest opportunity,” the resort tweeted. 

Guests and staff escaped unharmed after the fire broke out on the private island in North Malé Atoll last week, with holidaymakers immediately placed into alternative accommodation.

The blaze, which staff and emergency services brought under control by 5am the following morning, is believed to have started in a stand-alone villa complex called the Crusoe Residence, where stays cost up to $5,000 a night. 

The cause of the fire is still unknown, though the resort is working closely with the Maldives National Defence Force and a full investigation is now underway.