Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru is a remote and beautiful natural wilderness that has been tamed to become the most wonderful of holiday hideaways. The island is home to a Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat that was voted ‘Favourite Spa in Maldives’ in the 2012 SpaFinder in the Wellness Readers’ Choice Country Awards.
Accommodation comes no matter where on the island it is located. Beach bungalows face the east and enjoy the rising sun. Each has its own plunge pool and access to the beach.
Water villas are built our on stilts into the lagoon. Of the 40 available 20 are on the sunrise side and the cheaper option while the remaining 20 are on the more expensive sunset side. Of the 40 ten have their own swimming pools and all have steps from their own sun bathing platform leading down into the lagoon.
Beach Villas are larger than the bungalows and are located on the western side of the island from where they can watch the setting sun. Each has its own loft bedroom with daybed and hammock, a 12 metre long swimming pool and access to the widest beach on the island. It was in a villa that we enjoyed our delightful stay.
That only allows the suites as a higher grade of accommodation. There are just 6 and they vary in size and facilities offering 2 or 3 bedrooms with some that boast private kitchens and the chance of complete privacy.
Guests ride around the island on their own bicycles each adorned with its own personalised number plate. Riding the sandy lanes through the vegetation is a delightful way to travel between restaurants, bars, spas and beaches. Anything more mechanised would spoil the tranquil nature of Lanaa Giraavaru.