FOUR SEASONS LANDAA GIRAAVARU
BAREFOOT LUXURY WITH PURPOSE.
There is a particular moment when you know you’ve truly arrived at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. It’s when you hit the ‘avenue of palms’ a wide sand path with sunlight flickering through the palm fronds - for Maldives aficionado’s, it’s iconic. Add in the Four Seasons very own private seaplanes - the Boxfish and Flying Fish, skimming in and out of the turquoise lagoon all day and you’ve got the perfect introduction to island life - Four Seasons style.
And then there are the villas. Calling them ‘spacious’ doesn’t quite do them justice - they are huge. The freshly renovated beach villas are a dream; generous indoor living areas, plus an outdoor living pavilion that flows to your private pool and straight down to the shimmering ocean.
When it comes to the spa, Landaa takes things up a notice with a floating overwater sanctuary that’s about as serene as it gets. Meanwhile, families can rest easy knowing the kids’ club here is something special - it’s a world of adventures designed just for them. From marine discovery activities to island-inspired crafts, beach games, and even learning about local culture, the days are filled with fun and curiosity. It’s one of those rare places where kids are genuinely excited to head off on their own adventures, giving parents the luxury of some blissful downtime knowing their little ones are in safe (and very creative) hands.
But let’s be honest, the pièce de rèsistance is that iconic two kilometre sandspit. Getting there is an adventure - a short swim or paddle across at low tide brings you to a dazzling ribbon of white stretching into every shade of blue you can imagine. Barefoot and sun-kissed, with salty skin and the island as your backdrop, you are surrounded by nothing but glittering ocean and a few seabirds for company - it really does feel like the edge of the world.
And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, there’s Manta on Call. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Landaa sits on the doorstep of Hanifaru Bay, one of the world’s best places to swim with the manta rays (in season) and the resort has turned it into an experience unlike anywhere else! Here’s how it works: you pop your name on the list, keep your special issue ‘manta phone’ handy, and the moment the manta’s are spotted, you’ll get the call. From that ring you’ve got 20 minutes to jump into your swimmers (if you aren’t already floating around in the pool), grab your snorkel and fins & get down to the marine centre, preparing for the thrill of gliding alongside these gentle giants. It’s part spontaneity, part science, part pure chaos and 100% magic.
Of course, this is Four Seasons, so barefoot luxury comes with purpose. The Marine Discovery Centre is the beating heart of Landaa’s commitment to the ocean. It’s more than an educational hub - it’s where pioneering marine conservation comes to life. The team of biologists here are behind some of the Maldives’ most important ocean initiatives, from rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles to running coral propagation programs that help restore the local reefs. You can even visit the turtle rehabilitation pools and meet the patients before they are released into the wild. For guests, it’s the rare chance to step behind the scenes of real conservation work, ask questions and get involved. Kids and teens can dive even deeper with the Young Marine Biologists program, learning how to care for corals, monitor fish and understand the delicate balance of our reef eco-systems. It’s hands on, inspiring and a reminder that travel here isn’t just about luxury - it’s about leaving a positive impact too.
And then there’s the food! You’ve got the dreamy overwater bar for sunset cocktails, with lanterns flickering over the lagoon. Blu - all powdery sand and endless shades of turquoise, is the spot for long lazy lunches that roll into Aperol-splashed sunsets. And of course, Al Barakat: the signature Arabic restaurant that transports you to the Middle East, only here instead of sand, it’s set above the water with the Maldives glittering beneath.
As they like to say, it’s better in Baa! And after a day of sandspit strolls, manta magic, turtle tales and dinner under the stars, it’s hard to argue.
