Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Location

The hotel is a 35-minute seaplane ride north of Malé in the Baa Atoll, a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve that attracts whale sharks and the world’s largest gathering of manta rays (from June to November). For a two-stop trip, the property can arrange a direct seaplane transfer to sister resort Four Seasons Kudaa Huraa in the North Malé Atoll or a leisurely three, four or seven-night journey aboard the brand’s liveaboard catamaran, Four Seasons Explorer.

Rooms

Ultra-private Maldivian-style beach and water villas feature steep thatched roofs, coral walls, snuggly beds and cosy living areas in island-style turquoise and sand hues as well as enormous bathrooms with twin vanities, indoor and outdoor showers, separate bathtubs and organic toiletries by ila. Huge outdoor spaces include private infinity pools, mezzanine-level lofts accessed by a spiral staircase and direct access to the beach or turquoise lagoon.

Communal Areas

This grown-up, sophisticated retreat creates a sense of tropical grandeur with its coconut boulevard (a long sandy path lined either side with towering palm trees) leading from the arrival jetty to an enormous two-level open-air reception. Traditional Maldivian architecture is complemented with chic contemporary interiors, while the resort’s dazzling white sandbank stretching out into the Indian Ocean adds the wow factor.

Fuel up for the day at Café Landaa with made-to-order eggs, waffles and pancakes and an international buffet of cheeses, charcuterie and Asian fare like Chinese noodles. Come lunchtime head to the bright white Riviera-style Blu overlooking the infinity pool for Italian specialities like burrata salad, pan-seared reef fish and prosciutto pizza. Dine on prime-cut meats with your toes in the sand at casual, beachfront Fuego Grill or sample flavours from Lebanon, Morocco and Armenia under the stars on the roof terrace at overwater Al Barakat. Finish the night with a cool drink on the deck at Seabar or head to the Shisha Bar.

Activities

We were lucky enough to snorkel with a dozen manta rays and even an eight-metre-long whale shark. Another unique service is the ayurvedic consultation where the resident physician analyses your dosha (mind-body) type and gives you diet and lifestyle recommendations accordingly.

Follow this up with a session of anti-gravity (upside-down) yoga or a treatment at sumptuous spa – either overwater or hidden in the jungle. Don’t miss an interactive and educational talk at the Marine Discovery Centre, where injured turtles are nursed back to health, or take a dip in one of four pools including the Maldives’ only Olympic-sized pool.