Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

A touch of class, a hint of exclusivity. The serenity of this resort works its magic. It’s a body, mind and soul haven. And a gourmet paradise, with its awesome restaurants

Text: Farzana Contractor

If Kuda Huraa was homely, compact and cosy, Landaa Giraavaru swung off like a pendulum, in comparison; it is vast, grand and stately. Since both are Four Seasons’ properties and most people do spend a few days at both resorts, comparisons become the norm, but I will stop right there. Each is a gem. I can assure you. I enjoyed my experiences at both, immensely.

This resort makes a statement the moment you get off the seaplane on to bobbing platform, which is the ‘airport’ when after just a couple-of-minutes speedboat ride you reach the arrival jetty and start to walk on the long, sandy pathway, lined with the tallest of palm trees leading to the lobby. Hmmm… you say in your mind, as you sip the sweetest of nariyal pani and get acquainted with the gracious staff waiting for you. In my honour they had also lined up the chefs of the different restaurants. I thought that was really thoughtful.

My Sunset Water Villa took my breath away. Right up my street. Classy, understated, elegant, all white and totally old-world. Yet, modern and oh so luxurious. One of the best beds I have ever slept in. Except the view and the super deck with your own infinity pool doesn’t allow you to sleep.

The sea hammock, my favourite feature in the outdoors, was so huge I could throw a party on it! That’s where you would find me, way past midnight, idly watching down through the tightly strung net at the most gorgeous marine life. It’s strange how one can do that for hours, so meditative. The underwater lights create such an illusion, the effect is ethereal.

This fish-watching activity extends indoors, too. Going to the loo has never been more pleasurable – the floor has a glass bottom, so there too you watch shoals of fish swim by, iridescent at night.

Hurrah, since the island is large, 44 acres, you have bicycles parked outside your villa, monogrammed et al. So I grabbed mine and went to town on it. Rode, like a maniac, got familiar with the island. Last stop was Blu, for lunch.

What an amazing restaurant, so well-designed. Overlooks the main pool and the ocean yonder. And the food is to die for! I could eat there for a week and not tire. This is where the great Italian chef, Gaetano Trovato arrives with his team twice a year to offer an evolved gastronomic experience to guests.

Dinner at Arnolfo was a class apart. I can honestly say without any exaggeration, it was the best steak I ever ate anywhere in the world, Argentina included. Trust me; I can go back to Landaa Giraavaru just to eat it once again! The Moroccan-themed restaurant, Al Barakat, also is phenomenal.

This resort has paid keen attention to wellness, in various forms. There is yoga, of course and the spa as one would presume is excellent, but it’s AyurMa, the Ayurvedic centre which captivates. The consultations are lengthy and in-depth and you do learn things about yourself you didn’t really know! One more reason to go to The Maldives – discover yourself!