Recommended place to stay:
Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru
Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll, Maldives
- https://www.fourseasons.com
Official star rating:
Maldivian islands tend to be so tiny they can feel claustrophobic, or so large they have a busy, summer-camp vibe. This sophisticated resort hits the sweet spot in-between; large enough to need bikes to buzz around but retaining a sense of intimacy and splendid isolation.
Better still, its beach extends into a coveted sand spit for romantic sunset walks out into the ocean where you’ll feel like you’re walking on water. It has an excellent marine research centre, so underwater adventures are particularly rewarding (there’s a manta-on-call service to ensure you see these extraordinary creatures), but it places as much emphasis on drilling down into wellness as diving into the water.
The spa focus is on Asia’s ancient medical health system. It has a team of ayurvedic doctors who can diagnose your prakruti, your constitution, and doshic energy, current state of health, to give impressive lifestyle and diet recommendations. There’s plenty of indulgence here too though, with overwater or jungle rooms for pampering treatments.
Don't miss
The spa offers a unique ‘night spa’ experience – uber-romantic for couples. Therapists provide beautiful white outfits for you for the Om Supti Spa Ritual, which takes place at night in a private jungle spa. After soothing massages, you soak in a sweet-scented bath in an al fresco stone tub. There’s a swing seat and a starry sky. You ring when you’re ready to be collected.
Surrounding area
The hotel is a 35-minute seaplane ride north of Male, the main island and home to the international airport. It is in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that attracts whale sharks and the world’s largest gathering of manta rays, who migrate here from June to November. The hotel also offers trips to swim with manta rays in nearby Hanifaru Bay, one of the best and only places in the world you can do it.
Price
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