Landaa Giraavaru
Travelers are spoiled for choice when thinking about where to stay in the Maldives. Stunning properties abound, many with unbelievable offerings like underwater bedrooms and submarine whale viewing. What makes the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru stand out among the crowd is its combination of understated luxury, as exemplified by the Four Seasons brand, and its unique proximity to Hanifaru Bay, one of the best places in the world to see mantra rays and whale sharks. We were lucky enough to travel to Landaa Giraavaru to photograph and to swim with the magical manta in late September at the height of their feeding season. It was a once in a lifetime experience.
After many many hours of traveling, including an extended layover in Doha, we arrived at the Male International Airport bleary and exhausted. We were met outside of customs by our Four Seasons guest liaison and whisked into a cool and serene private airport lounge, where drinks and snacks were provided. Once refreshed, we were escorted to the seaplane terminal for a quick 35-minute seaplane transfer to the resort. In true Four Seasons’ fashion, everything was handled for us and all we needed to do was to sit back and enjoy the incredible views.
Once at the resort, we were taken to our beautiful bungalow complete with reflecting pool and covered cabana for afternoon napping.
Many happy hours were spent standing in the pool and marveling at the gorgeous aquamarine water while watching the sea life swim by.
One of the things we enjoyed most was an over-water net for lounging above the seemingly endless Indian Ocean.
As we are early risers, we chose a sunrise view room. We typically rose before dawn to watch the moon play on the water followed by the most glorious sunrises.
Fresh fruit and homemade cookies were replenished daily, allowing us to have sunrise breakfasts in our room each morning.
This was our introduction to the marvelous granadilla fruit. They are like nothing we’d ever eaten before, filled with a sweet and sticky pulp with edible seeds. They are akin to a passionfruit, but even more perfumed and delicious. I encourage you to try one if you get the chance.
One of the other unexpected pleasures of our stay was the freedom to explore the island on the bicycles which are provided for each room. As the property is quite large, we rode everywhere, including to all our meals. The feeling of riding over the water was something we’ll never forget.
If it rains or a bike ride is not desired, the staff will gladly provide golf cart transport at a moment’s notice.
The property offers a varied selection of restaurants, all with excellent food and the most unbelievable views.
Landaa Giraavaru also boasts a wide array of outdoor activities from scuba certification to tennis, sunset fishing, eFoiling, and night-time snorkeling. As I had a terrible case of seasickness on one of our adventures, the staff offered to take us on a complementary private dolphin cruise on a larger and more stable boat. Knowing my predilection for motion sickness, they very kindly had a supply of ginger tea and ginger candy on hand for me when I boarded. It was only the two of us and a staff of six on a gorgeous yacht, just for our pleasure. This was all arranged simply to ensure that our experience at the resort was exceptional. The kindness of the staff was unparalleled, and the service and assurance of guest happiness was all that the world has come to expect from Four Seasons.
We also loved our over-water yoga classes and the Ayurvedic consultation at their Holistic Wellness Haven that is offered to all guests. We left feeling lighter, more centered, and infinitely less stressed than when we had arrived.
But the pinnacle of our trip was seeing the manta rays through the resort’s Manta on Call program. When the manta are at close proximity, a cell phone notification will signal the opportunity to swim with these remarkable animals.
When the exciting notification came each day, we would pedal our bikes to the awaiting boat and be whisked to Hanifaru Bay. Being surrounded by schools of these dancing wonders, some measuring as wide as 23 feet, was indescribable. Working hand-in-hand with the Manta Trust, Landaa Giraavaru is a leader in manta conservation and education worldwide.
Most evenings just after sunset, we gathered to watch the sharks feed. We loved viewing all the different varieties and sizes. Nurse sharks were plentiful, with the occasional large black tipped, white tipped, or grey reef shark making an appearance. The Maldives is one of 17 shark sanctuaries globally and it provides a safe haven for more than 31 shark species, 29 of which are threatened.
Afterward, we enjoyed gorgeous moonlit walks and exciting night time jungle bike rides on our return to our private sanctuary. We were so sad when our stay came to an end.
Proximity to the mantas combined with laid-back luxury and outstanding Four Seasons’ guest service make Landaa Giraavaru an exceptional Maldives bucket list destination. If you long to swim daily with the magical mantas and to then return to comfort and elegance, there is nowhere like Landaa Giraavaru.
Journey far. Be well.
Danielle and Tom