Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

The Island

Guests travelling to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru in 2023 will benefit from the island nation’s most elevated arrival experience, thanks to two superlative new additions: The Flying Boxfish seaplane and The Island Café – a Landaa haven located in the new Seaplane Terminal at Velana International Airport.

The wide palm-lined boulevard that leads to the hotel's reception conveys a sense of established tropical grandeur. The resort can be described as Four Seasons with Soneva Fushi prefix. It is the neighbor and almost leading resort in the country, with its luxurious country style, its constant innovations, green conscience and a beautiful island. Landaa Giraavaru has the same advantages, but in a more conventional classic resort option.

The luxury island resort of Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is set in 44 acres of untouched wilderness flanked by one of the largest natural turquoise lagoons in the country. From here guests can snorkel with turtles, manta rays and whale sharks, join pioneering conservation projects in the Marine Discovery Centre, relax and unwind on the white-sand beaches or become immersed in the healing heart of the Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat. The younger guests can enjoy the Kids for All Seasons kids club which is open to children from 4 to 12 years. Teenagers can hang out in the Majaa Maizan, the resort's young adults' centre where they can enjoy a game of pool or table tennis, or enjoy the beach and water sports.

Both beach and over-water villas are incredibly spacious and extremely private with unparalleled sea views. As with all Four Seasons resorts the facilities are fantastic for all ages with plenty on offer to fill your days in the sunshine. Landaa Giraavaru is close to a large number of excellent dive sites, including marine-protected sites and transfers are carried out by specially equipped dive dhonis. The Resort operates its own Dive Centre, licensed by PADI. A multilingual team of dive instructors offers courses for beginners and advanced divers, as well as leading daily dive and snorkelling trips. With the waters surrounding the island being consistently warm it makes the perfect home to enormous shoals of butterfly fish, blue turtles, dolphins and many other exotic, brightly coloured fish.

Other fine sights are lonely sandbanks for you and your partner to get away to during the day or dine on at night. Or, indeed, just the lagoon to dine in. A private yacht is at your command for snorkeling, dolphin watching, cruising and romancing.

Location

The resort consists of one whole island situated in the remote Baa Atoll - a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Visitors reach the hotel via a spectacular 40-minute seaplane flight travelling North West from the Maldivian capital of Male. Since 2019 the Four Seasons Resort Maldives has launched its exclusive seaplane, the Flying Triggerfish. Taking to the skies, the world-exclusive Flying Triggerfish is the first customised DHC-6-300 Twin Otter airplane by Four Seasons, and one of the most luxurious and Instagrammable seaplanes ever to grace the Maldivian skies.

The resort is a stunning paradise hideaway where luxurious seclusion meets wild natural beauty. Like its sister resort Kuda Huraa, it is very family orientated and combines chic with barefoot luxury.

Villas

The resort's 103 villas are well spaced around the island and have been designed in a local style using thatched palm roofs, recycled coral cladding and open-air living rooms based on traditional 'bales'. The land-based villas feel the most authentic and private with their pool gardens surrounded by mature tropical planting and secluded walkways leading to the beach.

The thatched beach and water villas offer features such as private plunge pools and generous outdoor living spaces gazing across the tranquil lagoon. A turquoise gate with traditional Maldivian-style coral walls stands at the entry to each domain, while lush vegetation guarantees complete privacy. Living spaces are refreshed by sea breezes in an open-air bale (traditional thatched hut), while guests can sleep in air-conditioned comfort in teak-furnished sleeping pavilions. All bungalows, villas and suites include: King or twin beds according to preference, down or hypoallergenic pillows, hair dryer, internet access, satellite TV, DVD and CD player, safe, iron and ironing board on request, tea and coffee facilities, phone and minibar. DOWNLOAD RESORT MAP

For families there are two-bedroom villas in the resort, as well as a luxury villa with three bedrooms. Beach Villas and Family Beach Villas also have a 12-metre lap pool, sand-floor living area with sofas and toes-in-the-sand dining, and sea-gazing loft. And 10-minutes by boat from the Landaa Giraavaru is Voavah – a seven-bedroom private island Maldives resort, a luxury yacht named Voavah Summer and a marine territory that’s entirely your own.

Having received a special permission to reuse old corals, traditional Maldivian coral walls were recreated around each villa. It nicely fits the rooms in the environment and visually displays the resort's investment in this country. The rooms themselves are elegant and wealthy decorated. Unusually high ceilings enhance the feeling of spacious luxury. Since the geographical location of the island is East-West, half of the rooms (including water villas) face north, and half look to the south. With a view to the south you will get more sun during the day, facing north, expect the blue sky and empty horizon of the "sapphire" of the ocean

Perched on stilts over the tranquil lagoon, the Water Villas – some with pools – offer panoramic Indian Ocean views through floor to ceiling windows, spacious sundecks, outdoor showers, and nets for over-water lazing. Land & Ocean Villas link land-based living quarters and over-water bedrooms across a vast pool deck, while the uber-luxe Three-bedroom Landaa Estate has its own 80-metre beach and 2,000 square feet of al fresco living space.

In 2019 Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru unveiled new all-pool loft-style overwater villas.

Opening on November 1, the reimagined all-pool water villas at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru will feature twice as much living space outside than in to create vastly extended indoor-outdoor hideaways that bring the ocean closer at all times. A spectacular extension brings the total outdoor area to 182 square metres (1,960 square feet), split into multiple, dedicated zones: sun-drenched decks, shaded social spots and dining areas, over-water hammocks, day bed and an al fresco shower.

A new shaded oceanside living and dining pavilion with swing couch flanks the 12-metre (40 foot) pool, which extends into the lagoon for uninterrupted Indian Ocean views.

Pale wooden indoor floors mimic the external sun-bleached decks for a seamless inside-out connection, which combines with the elevated second floor lounge for a sense of space that extends both horizontally and vertically.

Inside, suspended feature walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and a contemporary design with light colours and dark blue accents imbue the 90 square metre (970 square foot) space with a sophisticated serenity.

Reconfigured bathrooms include sea-view bathtubs and direct deck access, while new overwater hammocks and steps directly into the blue ensure maximum connection to the sea. And what a sublime swathe of sea to be connected to!

Turtles, baby sharks, mantas and even dolphins visit the resort’s lagoon whilst the coral frames attract an ever-expanding abundance of exotic flora and fauna to within a close snorkel of each water villa deck. The resort's new Water Villas not only offer twice more space outside than in with pools that make you feel as though you are swimming out into the ocean but also extend upwards into a sea-view loft and downwards via steps into the ocean for an enhanced sense of space and connection in all directions.

Landaa Estate

Located on the southeasterly edge of the island, away from the hub of the Resort, the chic new Three-Bedroom Landaa Estate at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru accommodates families or groups of six adults and up to five children across 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet) of private quarters and grounds – the biggest and most impressive in the Maldives.

Within the Estate’s traditional coral walls extends a vast beachfront haven with a flowing indoor-outdoor design: unobstructed ocean views combine with a massive sense of space, large sandy frontage, and wall-less living accommodation to bring the outdoors in and fully immerse guests in the absorbing beauty of the surrounding Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

A 25-metre (82 foot) swimming pool lies adjacent to a private 80-metre (260 foot) white sandy beach that gently slopes into the turquoise lagoon. Around the pool, a meandering deck links the living and bedroom accommodations with multiple terraces and outdoor seating, dining and relaxation areas – furnished with sofas and loungers, plus day beds on a “floating” platform. Beyond the deck, just a few steps into the sea, guests find themselves in the vibrant underwater world of the Baa Atoll, declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2011 on account of the unparalleled richness of its marine life.

Throughout the Estate, traditional Maldivian construction melds with contemporary design and furnishings in light airy interiors. In addition, an abundance of idiosyncratic features wow at every turn: from the second-floor plunge pool that cascades via a dramatic wall of water into the main swimming pool, to the upper Stargazing Loungecomplete with comfy sofas and powerful NexStar telescope with computer-automated technology.

The expansive ground floor accommodation opens via a bright spacious hallway onto an open-plan living and dining room, flanked by a sleek kitchen and adjacent maid’s room. Two ground-floor bedrooms include a stunning master bedroom – complete with lounge and dressing area, plus huge en suite bathroom with sunken marble bath and pretty shower garden – and an en suite twin bedroom with lounge and dressing area, and large en suite with shower garden. The third en-suite bedroom – with double bed and state-of-the-art facilities including Bose surround-sound music system – is located on the second floor. Pastel blue, cream and whitewashed furnishings exude a relaxed yet sophisticated beachfront vibe, while all rooms offer uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling views across the sparkling lagoon.

The second floor of the estate is also home to an upper Stargazing Lounge. Here, a large al fresco lounge area and covered plunge pool, sheltered by the Estate’s rooftops, offer wide-reaching sea views and the perfect location for sunset cocktails or night-time stargazing.

Available round the clock to help epitomize a home-from-home experience, the Estate Manager can help arrange a poolside or beach dinner, schedule the day’s activities, or chauffeur guests around via their own private buggy. A personal chef is available to prepare delicious family breakfasts, while each evening hand-delivered cocktails and canapés provide the perfect accompaniment to sunset. Excellent snorkelling can be found just steps off the private beach (walled for additional privacy), while complimentary bicycles for every guest enable leisurely exploration of the wider island.

Restaurants and Bars

Four restaurants and four lounge bars dotted around the island offer guests a wide choice of destination dining. Star turn is the Al Barakat overwater restaurant, decorated with hundreds of Arabian lanterns and serving spicy Lebanese mezze, North african grills and top-notch rose wine. Downstairs you can indulge in some snacks and aperitif, while admiring the sea views, and then move upstairs for a real Arabic banquet.

Blu is located at the western end of the island overlooking a 2-kilometre lagoon serving light antipasti, pizza and pasta during the day and fine Italian cuisine in the evening. The vision of turquoise on blue, space and air, white and sand is of particular importance. The style of the restaurant is barefoot, satisfying and refreshing. The best place for pizza and fizza, that's for sure.

Overlooking the swimming pool and beach, the three thatched-roofed pavilions of Café Landaa are separated by reflecting ponds. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, our chefs create exquisite delights with eastern and western influences. Located adjacent to the seawater pool and overlooking the eastern coast of the island, Fuego Grill is open for dinner. The restaurant offers fresh catch of the day as well as a wide selection of organic and prime cut meats, salads, sandwiches and Asian dishes from an open kitchen pavilion.

Marine Discovery Centre

Located on the island, the Marine Discovery Centre works to enrich the guest experience through education, research and conservation of the marine environment. MDC is probably the best living laboratory in the country. It is the base for pioneering research on manta rays and coral reefscaping, leading to knowledge that will help preserve these at-risk species.

The scientific institute mixes research and the science of the sea with shows (an entertaining interactive pool), education, excursions, shopping and food. Conversations here flow in such channels as the geology of atolls and reefs, the history of turtles and the new miracle of the Maldives: the whale sharks and the Manta rays of Hanifaru bay. From June to September - especially August and September, for whale sharks there is nothing better than the huge masses of plankton accumulating in Baa's atoll waters - and this is a great chance to see one of the biggest underwater creatures in the world. Experience once-in-a-lifetime encounters with a variety of marine creatures while learning about their life and habitat, and even participate in some of the Resort's conservation projects

Crazy about Mantas? Improve your chances of seeing manta rays during your stay at the Resort by planning your trip to coincide with the following key viewing dates, identified by our manta ray specialist as times when mass manta ray feeding sessions are most likely to occur. Valid from MAY 11 2020 – NOV 30 2020

DIVING & SNORKELLING

The only aspect that is not the first class is snorkeling. At least in the expected Maldivian house reef. Coral suffered from bleaching in 2010 which killed most of the bulk of the polyps and because of the 2004 tsunami. However, the solution to the way out of the crisis today is unique not only in the world at the moment, but also attractive and key in itself.

The development was born in the Marine Discovery Center, Marie and Thomas the reefscapers team improved the technique of growing healthy corals on tapered metal frames. Many of them carefully monitor independent growth at several points on the island. Samples are a miracle for snorkeling, as they thrive and attract fish to the lagoon. Guests have the opportunity to sponsor the frame and attach their name to it.

Landaa Giraavaru is just 20 minutes from one of the world's most renowned manta ray hotspots – Hanifaru Bay. Every year between June and October, the lunar tides and monsoon currents trap high concentrations of plankton in the bay's steep side, attracting manta rays and whale sharks from all over the Maldives. With mantas swimming to the surface to feed, snorkellers can easily experience the thrill of the feast. Bathalaa, another renowned manta hotspot, is also within easy reach of the Resort.

There is a PADI-licensed Dive Centre, ready to explore the area's excellent dive sites with you either diving or snorkelling. There is something for all ages and abilities. For the younger participants who want to discover scuba diving from the age of 10 they can enjoy a 12 metre dive. For the certified divers, they have their pick of truly outstanding diving options, including kandus, ancient reefs, wreck diving and much more.

Childcare

Whether your family is young, all grown up or at any stage in between, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a wonderful home base. There are excellent facilities for children with the Kuda Velaa ("little turtle") Club to keep the youngest guests entertained with a range of exciting activities and beach fun - open for children 4 to 12 years. Majaa Maizan, is the young adults' centre, which caters 13 to 18 year olds. It's the perfect place to hang out and meet new friends. Enjoy a game of pool, table tennis or table football or watch a movie, use the PlayStation or access the Internet. Or enjoy beach and water sports.

The hotel can arrange a reliable babysitting service for children under 12 years of age which does incur an hourly fee and a maximum of two children can be looked after per babysitter.

Spa

Named “ Best Holistic Hideaway ” by the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide 2016 and “ Best Innovative Spa Concept ” in the Gala Spa Awards 2016, The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat merges medically accredited therapies with ancient holistic sciences in a 1.2-hectare (3-acre) setting that stretches from the heart of the island to the middle of the lagoon. 10 open-air pavilions - including three dedicated to Ayurveda - offer bespoke wellness experiences that pulsate with life and wisdom, purity and health. Set within its own herb garden, lulled by gentle breezes and healing aromas, the Ayurvedic Retreat is an enclave of ancient knowledge and infinite well-being. With a focus on treating illness, preventing disease and enhancing physical, mental and spiritual well-being, ayurveda teaches us to live with insight and balance. Imagine a kaif in 4 hands with tantric singing, an abundance of fragrant oils, scrubs and body powders, and for hair. You simply dissolve in the hands of ancient knowledge. Selected massages and grooming services can be performed in the privacy of your bungalow or suite.

Under the leadership of Ayurvedic guru Dr. Shylesh Subramanya, The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru – the first to introduce AntiGravity yoga, a Yoga Energy Trail, and Panchakarma to the Maldives – is the world’s first Resort to offer Yoga Therapy Courses: personalised condition-targeting programs devised in conjunction with S-VYASA, the world’s first "university for yoga" and pioneer of yoga therapy through scientific research. READ MORE

Activities

Just steps from your Four Seasons villa or suite are a multitude of options for sports and recreation. The traditional dhoni takes you across the atoll on a half-day snorkelling and picnic excursion. Set sail on our yacht, the Landaa Summer is ideal to cruise into the sunset, and enjoy champagne and canapés as you soak in the sea breeze. With luck, you may even get a glimpse of playful spinner dolphins. A line and some bait are all you need to enjoy the sunset fishing experience. Join fellow guests for an exciting game of beach volleyball, with a fun mystery prize for the winning team. A leisurely jog around the island at dawn or dusk is one of the best ways to enjoy the refreshing island air and keep fit. 

On the three-deck, liveaboard luxury catamaran, Four Seasons Explorer gives scuba divers effortless access to remote shores and exceptional dive and snorkelling sites in the Maldives. Cruises offer unique opportunities to snorkel, waterski, fish, kayak and sail in virtually untouched waters.

The pinnacle of personal submarine innovation: the world’s first 3-person DeepFlight submarine – the Super Falcon 3S – is now available for dive excursions at Landaa Giraavaru. DeepFlight Adventures: piloted submarine excursions for up to two passengers in the DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S, enabling once-in-a-lifetime sub-aquatic explorations of the Maldives only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Individual viewing domes provide a 360-degree view of the Baa Atoll’s incredible underwater world. USD 1500 (+ 12 percent GST) per flight for up to a maximum of two passengers.

With a wide range od adrenalin-fuelled activities at Landaa Giraavaru, the staff is on hand to help make your vacation as active and adventurous as your tolerance allows! The watersports centre is positioned at the western end of the island on Blue Beach, open daily from 0800hrs - 1900hrs. From kiteboarding, JetBlading, wakesurfing and parasailing to scuba diving, dolphin cruises and remote island excursions, the only problem you'll have is finding enough hours in the day!

Since December 2019, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has become the first Resort in the Maldives to make flying dreams come true with the launch of four pioneering hydrofoil experiences: Kite Foiling, Wake Foiling, Lift Foiling and Naish Wing-Surfer.

Reviews

Do you want the holiday to be perfect? Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru does everything to ensure that guests receive an unforgettable beach experience and can enjoy refined relaxation and a relaxing environment. Discover a new collection of unforgettable experiences and new offers, designed with the cultural characteristics and traditions of the Maldives, which can surprise even the most discerning travelers.

“sure well be back soon”, Exceptional, “Perfect Vacation for my family!”, “Unquestionably one of the very best in Maldives - highly recommended!”, “Very lovely”, “A wonderful resort!”

Why stay here? What Guests Love

• Beautiful and comfortable lounge in Male airport
• Magnificent island and beautiful nature
• Friendly and helpful staff
• The bungalows are superb, clean and fresh! Private beach! Service is excellent!
• Family villa is very large and comfy for living with two children
• Stunning beach with soft sand
• the 50 metre infinity pool, the only Olympic-size pool in the Maldives
• A great children's club and a club for teenagers; a special approach to children (beautiful bed linen, gifts on age at arrival, dishes)
• Delicious and varied food, the tastiest dishes in the grill restaurant
• Excellent SPA, Ayurveda center, stunning massage .... well equipped gym and yoga classes.
• Free bicycles
• Excellent diving with Manta rays and whale sharks
• Exclusive DeepFlight Adventures - Exclusive Underwater Experience in Maldives

What You Need to Know

• Four Season Resort is located on the private island of Landaa Giraavaru in Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives) and is 30 minutes (120 km) by seaplane from Male airport.
  Also, Landaa Giraavaru is located 15 kilometers north of Dharavandhoo airport - another option to reach the island at the late arrival in Male - domestic airlines FlyMe + a short speedboat ride (25 minutes).
• The waters surrounding the resort are known internationally as one of the best scuba diving destinations with the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
• Check-in from 14:00 hours; Check-out until 12:00 hours
• It's pricey
• If you prefer quiet and peace, ask (in advance) the rooms closer to the lobby.
• An exotic hideaway on the island of Kuda Hurra. An unspoiled island retreat at Landaa Giraavaru. A luxury, liveaboard three-deck catamaran to explore the pristine blue waters. Three sister properties in the Maldives—all fully linked by impeccable and seamless Four Seasons service—mean you can take the ultimate customized trip to a tropical paradise.
• Each villa comes with bicycles for guests to use around the resort. There is even a tandem bicycle!
• Staying on a half board basis allows you to dine in any of the restaurants - rare in the Maldives
• Activities for all ages - children's club from 4-12 years and a teenagers club giving every guest a chance to do something whilst on the island
• Manta on Call - have a hotline to any Manta spottings
• There are some beach villas closer to the main beach and restaurant. This beach is not private, and is easily accessible for daily events.
• Pioneering marine research and conservation projects in coral transplanting, ornamental fish breeding, manta rays and whale sharks
• The island has its own farm that provides vegetables to resort restaurants.

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