Madlives resort goes up in flames as panicked guests run for their lives .PICTURES

Holidaymakers have been forced to flee for their lives after a luxurious over-water resort went up in flames (pictured, Gili Lankanfushi resort)

Holidaymakers have been forced to flee for their lives after a luxurious over-water resort went up in flames.

Fire ripped through the villas at the lavish Gili Lankanfushi resort on the North Male Atoll in the Maldives at about 11pm on Wednesday night, Yahoo 7 reported. 

'We were woken up at midnight and rushed out of villas as the fire consumed part of the resort and many villas,' horrified guest Marta Otaduy said.

'There was fire on the palms that fell on the beach. We were terrified.'

Fire ripped through the villas at the lavish Gili Lankanfushi resort (pictured) on the North Male Atoll in the Maldives at around 11pm on Wednesday night

As the island is only accessible via speed boat, Ms Otaduy, her family and other panicked guests fled to the corner of the beach to wait for help

 The fire is thought to have spread from the villas to the restaurant and kitchen at the resort

According to Maldives National Defence Force, strong winds accelerated the spread of the fire (pictured, aftermath of the fire)

Gili Lankanfushi operates a 'no news, no shoes' policy, so visitors have no choice but to enjoy the uninterrupted ocean views, private butler service and robes

The luxurious and glamorous Gili Lankanfushi resort 

The luxurious and glamorous Gili Lankanfushi was voted Trip Advisor's top hotel of 2015 and picked up numerous World Travel Awards along the way. The resort sits on the tiny tropical island of Lankanfushi in the Malé Atoll, Maldives.A sparkling lagoon surrounds the resort, with jetties stretching from the resort and across the crystal water to each of the 45 over-water villasEach villa is individually designed using traditional, sustainable materials and methods.  Facilities and activities at the resort include spa, yoga, dive and water sports center, tennis court, swimming pool, organic garden, library, boutiques, underground wine cellar and a chocolate cave. Gili Lankanfushi operates a 'no news, no shoes' policy, so visitors have no choice but to enjoy the uninterrupted ocean views, private butler service and robes A bar at the resort has a glass-bottomed observation area for guests to watch aquatic life as they sip on cocktails. Big names like Tommy Lee and Adrien Brody have stayed at the luxurious over-water villas.