Review: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Luxury Travel Expert

8 months ago

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a sublime holiday in the Maldives with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, which manages three properties in the archipelago. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: ITA Airways Airbus A330neo from Rome to Male
Review: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Review: Four Seasons private seaplane flight in the Maldives
Review: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru (today)
Review: Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah
Review: ITA Airways Airbus A330neo from Male to Rome

Today: Review of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Location: Google maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Four Seasons Preferred Guests

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a fabulous sanctuary that balances ultra-luxury with environmental stewardship. The resort offers 103 villas, including beachfront and overwater options, all designed with traditional Maldivian aesthetics and modern comfort. Guests can experience award-winning Ayurvedic wellness treatments at the resort’s spa or participate in marine conservation programs, such as coral reef restoration and manta ray research. Dining highlights include diverse international menus and sunset beach dinners. Adventure lovers can dive at Hanifaru Bay, famous for its manta ray aggregations, or embark on dolphin cruises. Unique experiences like anti-gravity yoga and bespoke sandbank dinners add an extra layer of magic to a stay here.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in the Maldives.

Have you ever stayed at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this in-depth review of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, I explore every aspect of this iconic resort, from its remote location and island scenery to its architecture, villas, gourmet dining, and exceptional spa experiences:

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is located in the northern Baa Atoll, one of the most biologically significant marine ecosystems in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is home to an extraordinary variety of marine species, from technicolor coral gardens to vast schools of reef fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even endangered species like whale sharks. One of the atoll’s most famous sites is Hanifaru Bay, a seasonal feeding ground where hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks gather in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. The nutrient-rich waters and protective conservation policies make Baa Atoll a haven for snorkelers, divers, and marine biologists alike. Guests staying at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru have privileged access to guided excursions in these waters, often accompanied by resident researchers from the Manta Trust, who are based on-site and work actively in marine conservation and education. Whether you’re a casual snorkeler or a certified diver, exploring Baa Atoll’s vibrant underwater world is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Despite its remote setting in the Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is remarkably easy to reach. After arriving at Velana International Airport in Malé – the Maldives’ main airport – guests are warmly welcomed by Four Seasons staff and escorted to a private lounge in the seaplane terminal. Here, they can relax with complimentary refreshments, snacks and Wi-Fi as they await their transfer. The 35-minute seaplane flight to the resort is part of the experience, offering a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Maldives—turquoise lagoons and lush islands shimmering like emeralds scattered across a sapphire sea. Adding to the charm, Four Seasons operates some transfers with its own boutique fleet of two uniquely designed aircraft: the Flying Boxfish, featuring bold yellow-and-black spots, and the colorful, Picasso-inspired Flying Triggerfish. Upon landing in the resort’s lagoon, guests are transferred by speedboat to the arrival jetty, where they are greeted with cool towels, chilled drinks, and a warm Maldivian welcome from the super-friendly team.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre private island set within one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Maldives, surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. The island is lush with tropical vegetation, tall palms, and wide stretches of soft white sand, creating a perfect balance of wild nature and elegant seclusion. The beach is particularly stunning on the island’s western tip, where the sand is at its finest and sunsets paint the sky in brilliant colors. A standout feature of the lagoon is a long natural sandbank, which emerges at low tide and gently submerges as the tide rises, creating a surreal, ever-changing landscape. It’s an ideal spot for barefoot walks, peaceful reflection, or memorable photos. The nearby house reef offers great snorkeling opportunities and is home to a diverse array of marine life. The resort also leads strong conservation initiatives, including coral restoration and marine research, and depending on the season, guests may spot fruit bats, exotic birds, or even nesting sea turtles along the shoreline. Every part of the island feels thoughtfully preserved, offering an authentic and immersive connection to nature.

The architectural design of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a masterclass in understated elegance, created by renowned Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte. The resort’s structures blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings, using sustainable materials like teak wood, bamboo, and thatch to foster a deep connection with the environment. Each building is carefully positioned to maximize natural light and ventilation, with open-plan living spaces, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite in the ocean breeze and panoramic views. Inspired by traditional Maldivian and South Asian architecture, the villas and communal spaces incorporate subtle cultural elements—carved wooden doors, coral stone walls, handcrafted furniture, and locally inspired decor. The overall design is minimalist yet warm, achieving a perfect balance between tropical simplicity and refined sophistication. Pathways wind gently through dense foliage, enhancing the feeling of privacy and immersion in nature, while wide verandas and shaded terraces encourage barefoot living and a slower pace.

The layout of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is thoughtfully designed to balance convenience, privacy, and natural beauty. At the heart of the island lies the elegant lobby, a boutique, the expansive main pool area, several key restaurants, and the tranquil spa—forming the vibrant social and wellness hub for guests. The beach villas are scattered discreetly along the island’s shores, nestled within lush tropical foliage that provides both privacy and a seamless connection to the soft white sand beaches. Along the western side, a long jetty extends into the lagoon, lined with the resort’s exclusive water villas, offering stunning overwater views and direct access to the vibrant coral reef. Also on the western tip of the island, right next to the start of the water jetty, is a second, smaller pool and another restaurant that’s perfect for enjoying sunset vistas (Blu Beach Club). Meanwhile, on the eastern tip, the staff quarters and service areas are located away from guest spaces. To help guests explore the island with ease, bicycles are provided and a buggy service is available on request, allowing effortless travel between villas, dining spots, and leisure facilities.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers a wide range of villas and suites (103 in total), both overwater and beachside, catering to couples, families, and groups. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to offer the utmost privacy, with high walls, lush vegetation, or strategic overwater placement to ensure seclusion. No matter which category you choose, every villa comes with a sense of serenity and comfort, making it hard to ever want to leave:
- The Beach Villas are nestled among dense tropical gardens and offer direct access to the beach. These villas feature private pools, outdoor living areas, and open-air garden bathrooms, allowing guests to shower under the stars in absolute privacy. The interiors include comfortable king-sized beds, spacious wardrobes, and modern amenities like Bose sound systems and in-villa iPads.
- The Water Villas sit on stilts above the turquoise lagoon and provide uninterrupted views of the ocean. These are ideal for honeymooners or anyone looking for the quintessential Maldivian experience. Each overwater villa includes a sun deck with loungers, a private infinity pool, and direct ladder access to the sea.
- For larger groups or families, the two- to three bedroom water suites and beach villas as well as the four-bedroom Landaa Estate offer expanded living areas, multiple bedrooms, and even private butler service.

During my holiday at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, I stayed in a magnificent Beach Villa with Pool, located on the island’s southern beach (not far from the arrival jetty). A turquoise gate with traditional coral walls lead into the private compound, ensuring seclusion and tranquility. The villa offered a spacious sleeping pavilion with a king-size beds, a comfortable sofa bed, and a bright open-plan living area featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a 55-inch Smart TV, and natural materials like teak, bamboo, and thatch that harmonized with the island’s lush surroundings. The luxurious bathroom included a deep soaking tub, double vanity, an indoor rain shower and an outdoor walled area with a traditional Maldivian shower, complemented by organic bath amenities. Outside, a 12-meter (40 ft) lap pool took center stage in the private garden, flanked by cushioned daybeds and an outdoor sand-floor pavilion ideal for al fresco dining or relaxing under the stars, while a mezzanine loft offered panoramic sea views. The villa offered direct access to the island’s pristine white sand beach.

Dining at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a celebration of global flavors, fresh ingredients, and stunning settings. With four main restaurants, two bars, and personalized dining experiences, guests can indulge in a variety of delicious cuisines prepared by world-class chefs:
- The all-day dining venue, Café Landaa, offers a wide range of Asian and Western dishes in a casual setting. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, Maldivian curry, or a gourmet burger, Café Landaa delivers beautifully presented and consistently delicious options. Each morning also begins at Café Landaa with an extensive buffet breakfast complemented by à la carte dishes.
- Located right on the beach (next to Café Landaa), Fuego Grill specializes in fresh seafood and premium grilled meats. It’s the ideal spot for a laid-back yet luxurious dinner with your feet in the sand.
- Set on the island’s most beautiful stretch of beach, Blu offers gourmet Italian cuisine with a Maldivian twist. The open-air setting is ideal for sunset dinners, and the menu includes handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. As a more tranquil alternative to Café Landaa, guests can choose to start the day with an à la carte breakfast at Blu.
- Al Barakat is an overwater Middle Eastern restaurant named after a 12th-century North African scholar who lived in the Maldives. Al Barakat serves authentic Lebanese, Moroccan, and Armenian dishes, from mezze platters and tagines to lamb kebabs and saffron-infused rice. The atmospheric lantern-lit setting adds to the magic of dining over the water.
- Private dining options—including in-villa dinners, sandbank picnics, and chef’s table experiences—are available for guests seeking something truly unique. Vegan, gluten-free, and wellness-focused menus are also widely available across the resort.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru’s wellness philosophy comes to life at AyurMa, the Four Seasons’ innovative Ayurvedic and integrative health center, which is located on the island’s northern side, right next to the main pool. Set in a series of overwater and garden pavilions, AyurMa offers a unique fusion of Ayurveda, yoga, energy healing, and advanced wellness diagnostics. Guests can consult with on-site Ayurvedic doctors, receive personalized treatments based on their dosha, or even embark on multi-day Panchakarma detox retreats. The overwater treatment rooms feature glass floors that allow you to watch reef fish swim below during your massage, adding an immersive, meditative quality to the experience. The spa menu includes traditional therapies like Abhyanga massages and Shirodhara, as well as modern facials, reflexology, and deep-tissue techniques. Yoga is a central part of the wellness experience: the overwater yoga pavilion hosts daily sunrise and sunset sessions, as well as private yoga therapy and meditation classes.

At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, guests are treated to two standout shared pool areas, each offering its own unique ambiance and experience. Nestled near the resort lobby is a majestic 50 m (165 ft) infinity pool, heralded as the first Olympic-sized pool in the Maldives. Its striking cantilever design floats over the lagoon, creating a sensations-of-swimming-in-the-ocean effect. With a swim-up bar, spacious loungers, attentive towel hosts, and complimentary sunscreen stations, the pool experience feels effortlessly luxurious. Bonsai fruit skewers and chilled smoothies make afternoon relaxation even more indulgent. Right alongside lies a 20 m (65 ft) seawater pool, filled directly from the adjacent lagoon and offering a smoother, saltwater swim. It’s ideal for aqua yoga sessions, beginner scuba practice, or light laps in a scenic setting. Alternatively, guests can head to the Blu Pool, located at Blu Beach Club just steps from the over-water pier. This beachfront pool is surrounded by white sand and cozy cabanas and serves as a romantic spot for sunset cocktails and pizza, with Blu’s attentive poolside service making it extra memorable.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers an impressive range of activities designed to suit every interest and energy level. Water lovers can enjoy a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, sailing, and even exciting experiences like hydrofoiling and seabob rides. The resort’s PADI Five-Star dive center provides expertly guided scuba diving and snorkeling trips to vibrant reefs teeming with marine life, while the on-site Marine Discovery Centre invites guests to learn about coral conservation and interact with marine biologists. On land, guests can stay active with tennis and padel courts, a fully equipped fitness center, and yoga sessions held in a serene overwater pavilion. Families are well catered for with the Kuda Velaa Kids Club, offering engaging activities from crafts to coral. Additional options include sunset dolphin cruises, traditional fishing excursions, luxury yacht trips, and private sandbank picnics, ensuring an unforgettable blend of adventure, learning, and indulgence in the breathtaking Maldivian environment.

Landaa Giraavaru Resort is managed by Four Seasons, probably the best known luxury hotel brand in the world. The Toronto-based company has transformed the hospitality industry in a tale of continual innovation, remarkable expansion and a single-minded dedication to the highest of standards. Four Seasons was founded in 1960 by the young architect Isadore Sharp, but the real breakthrough of the brand came in the seventies with the opening of the Four Seasons London. Although the company went public in 1986, the Sharp family – along with a group of like-minded investors such as Bill Gates and Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal – took the company private again in 2007 to protect the integrity of the brand well into the future. Four Seasons currently manages more than 120 hotels and resorts worldwide. The company also offers private jet travel onboard its own Airbus A321 (with all Business Class layout), and will soon launch private ultra-luxe yacht itineraries.

A stay at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru can be easily combined with a stay at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, thanks to convenient direct seaplane transfers between the two resorts. Landaa Giraavaru is the more luxurious and exclusive of the pair, but Kuda Huraa provides a more intimate and laid-back atmosphere and convenient access to the airport (which is just 20 minutes away by speedboat). Kuda Huraa is set on a smaller island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, offering guests a more relaxed, village-like feel. The resort is known for its charming overwater bungalows and traditional Maldivian design elements that blend harmoniously with the natural environment. It also features a renowned surf school, making it a popular choice for surfers of all levels. Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports, yoga sessions, and creative dining experiences that highlight fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Kuda Huraa complements the luxury of Landaa Giraavaru with its serene charm and vibrant marine life. You read my review of Four Seasons Kuda Huraa here.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru ranks among the top ultra-luxury properties in the Maldives, but that level of excellence comes with a significant price tag. Entry-level villas often start at several thousand dollars per night, which is in line with other five-star resorts in the archipelago. However, the overall cost can quickly escalate once you factor in seaplane transfers, spa treatments, and à la carte dining—all of which are priced separately from the room rate. Unlike some luxury resorts that offer all-inclusive packages, Landaa Giraavaru tends to charge à la carte, making a full-service vacation here potentially more expensive than anticipated. For travelers accustomed to bundled offerings at high-end properties, these additional expenses may slightly temper the feeling of all-encompassing indulgence.

While Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers a sublime setting and thoughtful design, there’s one noteworthy quirk that may stand out to guests who enjoy the simplicity of exploring an island on foot. The island itself is around 800 meters (2600 ft) long—compact enough to feel intimate, yet large enough to offer a sense of space (and definitely large compared to most Maldivian resorts). However, unlike many Maldivian resorts where you can stroll the full perimeter along the beach, Landaa Giraavaru’s eastern tip is off-limits to guests. This section of the island is dedicated to the four-bedroom Landaa Estate (the resort’s most expensive villa) and staff quarters that includes a private beach area reserved for them. As a result, the walking path around the island is interrupted, making it impossible to complete a full beachfront circuit. Of course, this is only a minor limitation in an otherwise harmonious landscape and certainly doesn’t detract from the resort’s overall excellence.

The northern part of Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru’s lagoon is bordered by a seawall designed to prevent beach erosion—a common feature at many Maldivian resorts today. During high tide, the seawall remains partly submerged and largely out of sight, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. However, at low tide, the rock structure becomes visible, particularly from the sunrise-facing villas, especially the water villas situated closest to the seawall. While some guests may find these large rock walls somewhat striking, I personally felt they had minimal impact on the overall view, as they sit far out in the lagoon and do not significantly detract from the island’s stunning natural beauty.

The water villas at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offer a strong sense of seclusion, with no land-facing neighbors and direct access to the lagoon. However, guests should be aware that entering the water may require careful navigation due to surrounding coral reefs. On the island’s southern side, the beach villas are tucked behind dense vegetation, providing peaceful and fully private outdoor spaces. Still, because some beachfront gardens are relatively close to one another, occasional sounds—such as conversations—may carry between the gardens of neighboring villas. Privacy is more limited in the beach bungalows located on the island’s northern shore, where thinner vegetation allows those walking along the beach to occasionally see into the villas’ gardens and private pools. That said, this stretch of beach is rarely visited, as the southern side is more inviting for leisurely walks, so intrusions are uncommon. Overall, all villa types offer a high degree of privacy, each with its own trade-offs in water access and sensory experience.

While Landaa Giraavaru is well known for its exceptional family-friendly offerings—such as a dedicated kids’ club, engaging marine biology programs, and child-friendly pools—it also caters thoughtfully to couples and honeymooners. The resort’s expansive layout, secluded villas, and tranquil spa settings allow for plenty of quiet, intimate moments, especially outside of school holiday periods. That said, during peak family travel times, the atmosphere in some shared spaces like the main pool, beach, and restaurants can become livelier with the presence of children. For couples seeking a consistently serene, adults-only environment, it’s worth considering the timing of a visit. Still, the resort does a commendable job of balancing both audiences, offering spaces and experiences tailored to romance and relaxation alongside its family-focused amenities.

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Pool: 10/10
Rooms: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Wow factor: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10
Overall experience: exceptional 9.3/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru when booking via Four Seasons Preferred Guests:
- Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom,
- A resort or hotel credit of $100 USD
- Upgrade of one room category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas).
- Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings.

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a Four Seasons Hotel (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best weather in the Maldives is between January and April, which also means high season (and skyrocketing hotel rates). The monsoon runs from May to October, peaking in June. It is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season as there is nothing to do on a rainy day except drink, eat, work out, or scuba dive. Especially November and December, which are often labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled in recent years.

HOW TO GET THERE

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is easily reached by a 35 min seaplane flight from Male International Airport (MLE). Check the Wikipedia page of Male International Airport for an updated list of airlines that offer flights to Male International Airport.

PHOTOS

Here’s a selection of my photos of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru . To view more hotel photos (including breakfast, lunch and dinner at the different restaurants), click here.