Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives compared

Why I send people to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Landaa Giraavaru is the kind of resort that makes you forget you’re on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean. It’s big—103 villas spread across 44 hectaresand it feels like it. There’s a kids club that actually impresses parents, a marine discovery centre that runs real conservation programs, and a spa with overwater treatment villas that float above the lagoon. The house reef is healthy, with regular sightings of manta rays and reef sharks, and the dive centre is one of the few in the Maldives with a hyperbaric chamber on-site. Plenty of guests who came for a week and ended up staying two because there was just too much to do. That’s the thing about Landaa: it’s not just a place to relax. It’s a place to explore.

The villas: space, not just luxury

Landaa’s villas are some of the most spacious in the Maldives. The overwater options come with private pools, sun decks, and direct access to the lagoon, but the real standout is the Two-Bedroom Land Villa with Pool. It’s 280 square metres—bigger than most city apartmentsand it’s the only villa on the island with a private garden. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you’re travelling with kids or extended family, having a patch of green to call your own makes all the difference. The interiors are classic Four Seasons: teak floors, Maldivian textiles, and bathrooms with outdoor showers. No gimmicks, just timeless design.

Dining: more than just pretty views

Landaa has seven restaurants and bars, and none of them feel like an afterthought. Sea.Fire.Salt is the signature spot, serving wood-fired dishes with ingredients sourced from the resort’s organic garden. I’ve had clients rave about the Maldivian lobster here—grilled over coconut husks and served with a chilli-lime butter sauce. For something more casual, The Shades serves Asian street food by the pool, and The Ocean Terrace does a fantastic breakfast buffet with fresh tropical fruits and homemade pastries. The wine list is extensive, and the sommeliers know their stuff. If you’re celebrating something special, ask for a private dinner on the beach. The team will set up a table on the sand, light it with lanterns, and serve a multi-course menu under the stars.

The house reef: snorkelling without the boat ride

The house reef at Landaa Giraavaru is one of the best in Baa Atoll. It’s a five-minute swim from the beach, and the drop-off starts almost immediately. You’ll see schools of parrotfish, butterflyfish, and if you’re lucky, a reef shark or two. The resort’s marine biologists run guided snorkelling tours, and they know exactly where to find the turtles that nest on the island. The reef is also home to a coral nursery, where the team grows fragments of coral to restore damaged areas. If you’re into diving, the nearby Hanifaru Bay is a must during manta season (May to November). The bay fills with plankton, and the mantas come to feed in huge numbers. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see dozens of mantas at once.

Signature experiences: beyond the usual spa and sunset cruise

Landaa Giraavaru doesn’t just offer the standard Maldives experiences—it elevates them. The spa, for example, isn’t just a place to get a massage. It’s a wellness retreat with Ayurvedic treatments, sound therapy, and even a floating yoga pavilion. The marine discovery centre runs a program called "Manta Trust," where guests can help collect data on manta rays. Kids love the junior marine biology program, where they get to snorkel with the biologists and learn about coral restoration. For something truly unique, book a private sandbank picnic. The resort will take you to a deserted island, set up a shaded dining area, and serve a gourmet lunch while you swim in the shallow waters. It's a property that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own corner of paradise.

Getting there: seaplanes and speedboats

Landaa Giraavaru is a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. The flight is scenic—you’ll see the atolls from above, with the blue-green lagoons contrasting against the deep blue ocean. The resort handles all the transfer logistics, so you don’t have to worry about booking anything separately. Once you land, a speedboat will take you to the island. The whole process is smooth, but seaplanes have weight limits, so if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage, let me know in advance so I can arrange extra transfers.

Who Fede guides to Landaa Giraavaru

Fede guides families here without hesitation. The kids club is one of the best in the Maldives, with activities like treasure hunts, cooking classes, and even a junior marine biology program. The resort also has a teens’ lounge with video games and movie nights, so parents can enjoy some downtime. Couples who love diving or snorkelling will appreciate the healthy house reef and the proximity to Hanifaru Bay. And if you’re someone who likes a resort with a bit of energy—where there’s always something to do—Landaa is a great pick. It’s not a place for complete seclusion, but if you want a mix of relaxation and adventure, it’s hard to beat.

Four Seasons Private Island Voavah: the ultimate buyout

Private Island at Voavah is the polar opposite of Landaa Giraavaru. It’s not a resort—it’s a single, six-bedroom villa that you can book exclusively for your group. The entire island is yours, along with a team of staff that includes a private chef, butler, and marine biologist. There’s a spa, a dive centre, a gym, and even a private beach where you can set up a cinema under the stars. The villa itself is stunning: open-air living spaces, a 40-metre infinity pool, and bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the lagoon. If you’re travelling with a group of friends or family and want complete privacy, this is the most exclusive option in the Maldives.

The honest bits: what no one tells you

Landaa Giraavaru is big, and that means it can feel busy (December to March). The beach isn’t as pristine as some of the smaller, more secluded resorts, and the overwater villas closest to the main area can get a bit of foot traffic. The food is excellent, but it’s not a gourmet destination like some of the ultra-luxury resorts. As for Voavah, the price tag is eye-watering—it’s one of the most expensive private island buyouts in the world. But if you’re splitting the cost among a group, it can actually be a good value compared to booking multiple villas at a high-end resort. The other thing to know is that Voavah is very remote. There’s no house reef to snorkel from the beach, so all marine activities require a boat ride.

What I’d actually book

If I were travelling with my family, Fede would book the Two-Bedroom Land Villa with Pool at Landaa Giraavaru. It’s spacious, private, and has that garden I mentioned earlier—something you don’t find in most Maldives villas. For a couples’ trip, I’d go for the Overwater Pool Villa. It’s got direct access to the lagoon, a private pool, and enough space to spread out. And if I were planning a milestone celebration—like a big anniversary or a reunion with friends—I’d bite the bullet and book Voavah. There’s nothing else like it in the Maldives. The memories you’ll make there are the kind that last a lifetime.