A fire has ripped through the luxury Gili Lankanfushi Resort in the Maldives completely destroying over-water villas and damaging the restaurant and kitchen.
The fire broke out at around 11pm local time last night and was eventually put out by 5am by staff and fire fighters.
The resort said all guests and staff have been accounted for and are being evacuated from the island. It is arranging alternative accommodation.
It said the cause of the fire is not yet know and it is too early to assess the extent of the damage.
A full investigation will be launched in due course.
