Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru sits in Baa Atoll, a seaplane ride from Malé. The property has 103 villas across multiple categories.

For snorkelling, the house reef is limited — most marine life requires a boat trip. Best suited to couples, families, divers, travellers who value space.

Why people come here

Landaa Giraavaru sits in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a designation that means more than just a pretty stamp. The atoll is home to Hanifaru Bay, where hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks gather between May and November. The resort’s Marine Discovery Centre works directly with the Manta Trust, so guests can join researchers on snorkelling trips that feel more like fieldwork than tourism. Guests come for divers who’ve logged thousands of dives, and they still come back wide-eyed after seeing fifty mantas feeding at once. The villas are another reason. Beach villas have private gardens with sand-floor living areas and outdoor showers that open onto the ocean. Overwater villas sit on stilts above the lagoon, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the Indian Ocean look like a screensaver. Each villa has a pool—some are 12 metres longand the beach villas on the sunset side are so private you can swim naked if you want.

The villas: space as a luxury

The resort has 103 villas split between beach and overwater categories. Beach villas are hidden behind turquoise gates and come with lush private gardens, a sand-floor living area, and a loft that doubles as a sea-gazing perch. Overwater villas have panoramic ocean views, spacious sundecks, and direct lagoon access—though you’ll need to navigate some coral to enter the water. The sunset villas are the most sought-after, and for good reason: the light turns the lagoon into liquid gold, and the privacy is unmatched. Families often book the larger beach villas, which can comfortably sleep four. The resort’s size means you won’t feel like you’re sharing the island with a crowd, even year-round.

Dining: more than just a meal

There are four main restaurants and a grill. Al Barakat serves Middle Eastern cuisine in a setting that feels like a Bedouin tent, with low seating and lanterns. BLU is the resort’s signature restaurant, offering breakfast with a view of the lagoon and lunch on a sandbank that appears at low tide. Café Landaa is the all-day dining option, with a menu that spans Maldivian and international dishes. Fuego Grill is where you go for seafood and steaks, cooked over an open flame. The resort also offers private dining experiences—picnics on the sandbank, sunset dhoni cruises with champagne, and in-villa meals where the staff set up a table on your terrace. Half-board is the most popular option, and I always recommend it; the à la carte prices add up quickly.

The house reef: what you need to know

The lagoon at Landaa Giraavaru is sandy, which means there’s no house reef accessible from the beach. Snorkelling and diving trips are by boat, and the resort’s location in Baa Atoll makes this a strength rather than a weakness. The atoll’s reefs are some of the healthiest in the Maldives, and the resort’s dive centre offers excursions to Hanifaru Bay, where manta rays gather in large numbers during the season. The ‘Manta on Call’ service is a highlight: guests receive a waterproof phone that rings when mantas are spotted, allowing them to rush to the dive centre and join a boat trip. It’s a unique way to experience the atoll’s marine life without spending hours on a boat waiting for a sighting.

Signature experiences

The sandbank is one of the most photographed spots in the Maldives. It’s a narrow strip of sand that appears at low tide, surrounded by shallow turquoise water. The resort provides kayaks, so you can paddle out and have the place to yourself. The Marine Discovery Centre offers guided snorkelling trips with marine biologists, where you can learn about coral regeneration and turtle conservation. The spa is split between garden and overwater pavilions, and treatments often include local ingredients like coconut and frangipani. For families, the kids’ club is one of the best in the Maldives, with activities that range from marine biology workshops to Maldivian cooking classes. The resort also has two main pools: one at BLU restaurant, which is one of the most photogenic in the country, and a longer lap pool for guests who want to swim lengths.

The transfer: what to expect

Landaa Giraavaru is a 35–40 minute seaplane ride from Malé. The resort arranges transfers, and the seaplane lands on a floating platform near the island. From there, it’s a quick 3-minute speedboat ride to the jetty. The seaplane journey is part of the experience—you’ll fly over atolls and reefs, and the views are striking. If you’re combining your stay with Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, the resort offers a free seaplane transfer between the two properties. Kuda Huraa is closer to Malé and has a different vibe, but the transfer between the two resorts is seamless and adds variety to your trip.

Who it suits

Suits couples who want privacy and space. The sunset villas are well suited to honeymooners, and the resort’s romantic extras—private sandbank picnics, couples’ spa packages, and sunset dhoni cruises—make it easy to create special moments. Families also love Landaa Giraavaru. The large beach villas can accommodate parents and children, and the kids’ club keeps younger guests entertained. The resort’s size means there’s plenty of room for everyone, and the natural beauty of the island appeals to travellers who want to feel connected to the environment. Divers and snorkellers will appreciate the access to Baa Atoll’s reefs, and the Marine Discovery Centre adds an educational element that’s great for families. If you’re someone who values space, nature, and a resort that doesn’t feel crowded, this is the place for you.

The honest bit

No Reef