Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru , Baa Atoll

The larger of the Four Season’s two Maldives offerings, Landaa Giraavaru is located just a 40minute sea plane ride from the international airport. Oozing laidback luxury, the island is large enough to ward off cabin-fever but still retains an intimate desert island feel.

The island is located inside the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, promising superb snorkelling and diving, right off the powdery white sand beaches. This is THE place for nature enthusiasts, with its own marine centre including a turtle rehabilitation unit and dolphin pods often seen just off the shores of the island. The ‘Manta on Call’ service allows you the highest chance of seeing these impressive rays in the flesh, as staff will let you know as soon as any are sighted off the coast.

For those that are looking for pure relaxation, the Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat has a strong emphasis on natural healing, certain to loosen up even the weariest of individuals.

The islands large size means that most guests tend to get around by bicycle, provided by the hotel and neatly initialled for each room member – they even have child-sized bikes. There are 102 rooms in total, ranging from Beach Bungalow with Pool, right up to two-bedroom Water Villas, all exuding personal touches and homely luxury.

With a 2km sand bar, 2 large pools and a selection of restaurants and bars, there is plenty of space to enjoy outside of your villa. The Sea Bar offers trendy cocktails with a twist as there is the chance to view the fish being fed as you sip your drink; the fish include a number of rather a sizeable Lemon Sharks. On the gastronomic front, you have a choice from an excellent buffet, fresh and authentic Italian, to the incredible Moroccan themed restaurant, Al Barakat (the Meze here is delicious.

Last visited and reviewed by Harriet Reeves, Dec 2012