Where to Stay in the Maldives: Four Seasons Collection Tour
There is not just one Four Seasons Maldives experience. The brand offers multiple ways to experience the destination, from the easier-to-reach Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to the more remote Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and the ultra-private Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah.
This Four Seasons Maldives review compares Kuda Huraa, Landaa Giraavaru, and Voavah so you can decide which resort is the best fit for your trip. We will walk you through the differences in location, transfers, accommodations, dining, activities, spa experiences, and overall atmosphere, along with how Ourisman Travel can add Preferred Partner benefits to your stay.
Quick Take: Which Four Seasons Maldives Resort Should You Book?
The best Four Seasons Maldives resort depends on the type of trip you are planning. Kuda Huraa is typically the easiest option for a short stay or a first trip to the Maldives because it is reached by speedboat from Malé. Landaa Giraavaru feels more remote and wellness-focused, with a beautiful setting in Baa Atoll. Voavah is the most exclusive option, designed for travelers seeking a private island experience for a single group at a time.
Best for First-Time Maldives Travelers
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is usually the easiest choice for first-time visitors. The transfer is simple, the resort feels polished and approachable, and less coordination is required than with seaplane arrivals.
Best for Honeymoons
Both Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru work beautifully for a honeymoon. Kuda Huraa is ideal for couples who want a smooth arrival and classic overwater villa experience. Landaa Giraavaru is better suited for couples who want something more expansive, private, and wellness-driven.
Best for Families
Kuda Huraa is a strong option for families due to the short transfer and easy arrival. Landaa Giraavaru is also excellent for families, especially those looking for more space, marine life, and a wider range of activities.
Best for a Private Island Buyout
Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah is the clear choice for travelers who want the entire island reserved for their group. This is ideal for milestone celebrations, multigenerational travel, or once-in-a-lifetime gatherings.
Four Seasons Maldives Resorts Compared
Before diving into each property, it helps to understand how different these resorts feel despite sharing the same brand.
| Category | Kuda Huraa | Landaa Giraavaru | Voavah |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | First-timers, shorter stays, families | Wellness, nature, longer stays | Private island buyouts |
| Transfer | Speedboat | Seaplane | Seaplane/private |
| Feel | Classic and polished | Remote and expansive | Fully exclusive |
| Room Style | Overwater villas, beach bungalows | Villas, suites, estates | Full island |
| Family Fit | Very strong | Strong | Best for full group |
| Honeymoon Fit | Classic romance | Private and wellness-focused | Ultra-private |
| Why Book | Easy arrival | True escape | Total privacy |
Preparing for Your Maldives Trip
The Maldives enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures hovering between 77°F and 88°F (25°C to 31°C). The best time to visit is during the dry season, known as Iruvai, which runs from November through April. During these months, travelers can expect clear blue skies, calm seas, and low humidity, ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and overwater villa living. The wet season (Hulhangu), from May to October, brings higher chances of rain and occasional storms, but also fewer crowds and lush, green landscapes.
Book flights to the Maldives airport in Male early to ensure smooth transfers and confirm visa requirements. Most people receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, but check your local government website to confirm.
When packing, think island time! The casual island atmosphere means no need for fancy cocktail outfits—think beach casual. High heels are a no-go; true beach time awaits. More often than not, you’ll be walking in flip-flops throughout the resorts.
How to Get to Four Seasons Maldives
Most travelers arrive at Velana International Airport in Malé. From there, your transfer depends on the resort.
Getting to Kuda Huraa
Kuda Huraa is reached by a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé, which makes it one of the easiest luxury resorts in the Maldives to access. This is especially helpful for families or travelers arriving later in the day.
Getting to Landaa Giraavaru
Landaa Giraavaru requires a seaplane transfer of approximately 35 to 40 minutes. While this adds complexity, it also creates a more scenic and remote arrival experience.
Getting to Voavah
Voavah is located in Baa Atoll and is typically reached via seaplane. Since this is a private island booking, all transfers and arrival details are carefully coordinated in advance.
Pro Tip: Seeing the Maldives from the sky is breathtaking. The Maldives are expansive, and taking a seaplane offers a bird’s eye view of a few islands and the natural beauty of its colorful coral reefs.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Review
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has 103 exquisite villas, including spacious overwater villas with expansive outdoor decks that double the living space for unparalleled indulgence.
This hotel is ideal for travelers seeking a more remote Maldives experience with a strong focus on wellness, marine life, and space. Located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it offers a deeper connection to nature.
This resort works particularly well for couples, families, and multigenerational travelers who want more than just a beach.
Guests are welcomed in the breezy open-air lobby with fresh coconut water served in its shell, and villas await with chilled champagne and a heartfelt welcome note, setting the stage for an unforgettable escape. This stunning retreat, the first gem in the Four Seasons Collection tour, epitomizes Maldives luxury.
Best Rooms at Landaa Giraavaru
The right room depends on your travel style.
Beach Villa with Private Pool
We stayed in the Beach Villa with Pool at Landaa Giraavaru. This is the type of accommodation where we could have spent the whole day enjoying the private pool and beach. All of the beach villas on the island are perfect for families or larger groups. This specific accommodation can sleep up to 3 adults, 3 adults, and 1 child, 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children. There is a spacious full bathroom and outdoor garden shower. Between the outdoor deck area, private pool, dining area, outdoor daybed, and private beach access, there is plenty of space and activities right at your fingertips. The only question is where will you spend the most time?
Two-Bedroom Royal Beach Villa
Completely private, yet just steps from the buzz of Blu Beach Club, this three-pavilion compound unites around a 20-metre pool flanked by a central open-air lounge, day beds, a “floating island” dining room, and its white sand beachfront. This private villa sleeps 6 adults, or 4 adults and 4 children, making it the perfect space for larger families or a couples getaway.
Enjoy picturesque sea views, three outdoor showers, four full bathrooms, a treehouse for star-gazing, and an al fresco living and dining pavilion. This villa is the ultimate family beach retreat.
Sunset Three-Bedroom Water Suite
This ultimate ocean-based accommodation showcases the evolution of over-water living. Vast outdoor decks feature a sunken living room and palm semi-submerged sun loungers, while the master circular bath is just the start of the luxurious interior extras.
This spacious home sleeps 6 guests, including up to 5 children. It features a 65-foot lap pool, two overwater hammocks, direct lagoon access, indoor and outdoor living and dining areas, and what it is most famous for, panoramic views of the ocean and sunset (get your camera ready!).
Three-Bedroom Water Suite Floor Plan
Three-Bedroom Landaa Estate
Maximize beachside escapism in this two-story estate, flanked by its 262-foot beach. Breathe in unobstructed Biosphere Reserve beauty from a waterfall-linked two-tier pool, stargazing lounge, and wall-free indoor-outdoor living spaces, served by a personal attendant.
This ultraluxe estate sleeps 9 guests, including up to 8 children, making it the perfect space for multi-generational travel or 2-3 families traveling together with younger children. Features include three full bathrooms, a 65-foot lap pool, a full kitchen, al fresco dining and living pavilion, and personal attendant staff for the duration of your stay.
Three-bedroom Landaa Estate Floor Plan
Activities at Landaa Giraavaru
Landaa Giraavaru is one of the most activity-rich resorts in the Maldives.
We experienced a thrilling dolphin cruise, witnessing hundreds of majestic spinner dolphins playing around the boat—a true bucket-list moment and a must-see during your stay here. Next up was a private snorkeling expedition aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni, which revealed a vibrant underwater world, showcasing all of the characters reminiscent of Finding Nemo: Nemo, Marlin, Dory, Gill, stingrays, sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and anemones. Anti-gravity yoga added a unique and uplifting touch to her stay and served as a bonding experience with her group. Additionally, at both properties, we learned about marine life and actively contributed to ocean conservation by zip-tying broken coral pieces to frames submerged in the ocean—a meaningful gesture toward coral ecosystem growth.
For a full list of activities offered at the resort, refer to their website. If you would like some help to secure your reservations and craft a more personalized itinerary, our Hotel Plus team can help.
Spa & Dining at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Landaa Giaraavaru is the ultimate wellness resort! They don’t necessarily market it as a wellness property, but we were blown away by the spa experience. The AyerMa spa is run by Naturopathic and Ayurvedic Physicians. We received a naturopathic consultation, where the onsite doctor assessed problem areas in her health by looking at factors such as her irises and tongue.
As far as dining options, our favorite meal experience was at Cafe Landaa for Indian cuisine. We particularly enjoyed the curry butter chicken and lamb chops, and the employees put together a few Indian dances for the group to watch. Overall, in the Maldives, there is a lot of Indian influence on their cuisine and culture. Other dining options include Blu Beach Club, Al Barakat for Arabian cuisine located on an outdoor rooftop, Fuego Grill, a beachfront restaurant offering Asian cuisine, Seabar for lounge-type drinks, and more! What we’re saying is, that if you’re here for a longer stay, there are plenty of dining options to choose from and you don’t have to worry about eating from the same menu every day.
Private Island at Voavah
Voavah is the most exclusive offering in the Four Seasons Maldives portfolio. This is not a traditional resort stay. It is a fully private island designed for one group at a time.
The island spans five acres and accommodates up to 21 guests across seven bedrooms, with a beach house, spa, dive center, and private yacht.
Who Should Book Voavah?
Voavah is best for travelers who want complete privacy and control over their experience. This is ideal for milestone celebrations, family reunions, or small group travel.
Voavah Island Map
There are three villas on this island: the Three-Bedroom Beach Villa, the Mezzanine Suites, and the Two-Bedroom Water Villa. This private island can be used for destination weddings, epic family reunions, or a wellness retreat. The choice is yours because the island is yours. With your own 62-foot yacht, dive center, spa, Beach House, seven bedrooms, and a resident pod of dolphins, Voavah invites you – and up to 21 guests – to dream with your eyes open.
Voavah makes the most sense when privacy is the priority. It is an exceptional option for celebrations or once-in-a-lifetime trips. One island. One booking.
Contact our team to learn more about rates and availability. Don’t forget to ask about the complimentary perks we can add to your reservation!
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Review
After a quick seaplane ride, we found ourselves at the third and final resort of the Four Seasons Maldives Collection: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. Awarded a third-consecutive Forbes Five-Star rating in 2023, Kuda Huraa offers 96 accommodations, including 38 overwater villas. We were once again greeted with fresh coconut water and then received a thoughtful welcome note and a bottle of white wine upon entering her room.
Accommodations at Kuda Huraa
It’s important to note that there is a wide variety of room types and styles at Kuda Huraa. Four Seasons mentioned to our group that many repeat guests specifically request the same room type each year because the rooms have different styles and layouts. Room selection is important, and our team will work closely with the on-site room directors to get you the accommodation that best suits your needs and preferences.
Sunset Water Villa with Pool
We can only describe our stay in the Sunset Water Villa as the ultimate honeymooner’s paradise. All overwater villas have large walk-through closets, large bathrooms, tons of outdoor living space, and direct swimming access (although the current is quite strong). This villa fits 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults and 1 child. It features an infinity pool, overwater hammock, outdoor living and dining pavilion, and private steps that take you straight into the ocean.
Sunset Beach Bungalow with Private Pool
Set amid a garden of tropical foliage and mature palms, the Sunset Beach Bungalows with Pool offer the best of indoor-outdoor living. In this villa, there is space for 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children. The villa comes with one full bathroom, plus an outdoor shower. Choose between an ocean or lagoon view.
Sunset Three-Bedroom Water Suite
This spacious overwater villa offers its own infinity pool, three and a half bathrooms, an outdoor shower, an outdoor dining space, and of course, epic sunset views. The Sunset Three-Bedroom Water Suite sleeps up to 6 adults and 2 children.
Activities at Kuda Huraa
At Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, we engaged in a diverse range of activities. The Marine Discovery Center offered a compelling tour, providing insights into the care of an injured sea turtle and its unique story. For those seeking a thrilling experience, Kuda Huraa emerged as one of the world’s largest surfing destinations. While the full-day surfing excursion off the property was tempting, we opted for an introductory lesson in the lagoon, capturing the essence of this renowned surfing spot without the waves. Additionally, the adventure continued with another spinner dolphin cruise, this time aboard a yacht at a picturesque sunset, accompanied by champagne, a perfect blend of excitement and luxury against the stunning Maldivian backdrop. For a full list of activities and amenities, click here.
Spa & Dining at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
Similar to Landaa Giraavaru, Kuda Huraa also offers a unique spa experience, as it is located on a small private island accessible via a 2-minute Dhoni boat ride. This island is a spa haven. Enjoy glass bottom floors, perfect for spotting colorful fish during a treatment.
We were treated to a welcome dinner at Reef Club, an Italian restaurant overlooking the lagoon. Lunch is also offered here daily, while breakfast is offered daily at Cafe Huraa. Another dinner option is Baraabaru with Chef Hari Nayak’s special menu; this cuisine combines Indian flavors with local fresh seafood. One of the most memorable meals of the trip was dinner on a small private island at the end of the island, accessible by an overwater walkway. Our group was served Maldivian barbecue, hosted by the Director of Food and Beverage, Florian Niessing, and Darla. For a full list of dining options at Kuda Huraa, refer to their website
Kuda Huraa vs Landaa Giraavaru: Which Is Better?
This is the most common question, and the answer depends on your priorities.
Landaa Giraavaru, being larger and more renovated, offers more high-tech features in its rooms, while Kuda Huraa’s charm lies in its smaller, cozier setting with a more traditional aesthetic. While both resorts are beautiful in their unique ways, we recommend starting at Kuda Huraa and ending at Landaa Giraavaru to experience an upgrade.
Both properties cater to families, honeymooners, and water-activity enthusiasts, but Kuda Huraa provides a central hub for socializing, while Landaa Giraavaru offers a more private atmosphere. As they always do, Four Seasons went above and beyond during each dinner, creating a personalized and special experience for our group, and reinforcing their commitment to exceptional hospitality.
Landaa Giraavaru stands out as the ultimate wellness resort, featuring the AyerMa spa run by Naturopathic and Ayurvedic Physicians. On the other hand, Kuda Huraa has a small private island at the property’s end, perfect for secluded dinners or proposals (has to be arranged with Four Seasons, of course)!
The most surprising takeaway? When thinking of the Maldives, travelers will naturally want to stay in the overwater villas. However, our group was equally impressed by the beach villas. They are very private, arguably more private than the overwater villas, and spacious. With the beach as our backyard, we preferred the beach villa to the over-water villa.
If you’re a nature lover, the best time of year to visit is between mid-August and parts of September for Manta Ray diving and snorkeling around the properties.
Is Four Seasons Maldives All-Inclusive?
Four Seasons Maldives is not traditionally all-inclusive. Meals, activities, and transfers are typically separate unless included in a specific package.
Let us Add Complimentary Benefits to Your Stay!
Through our Hotel-Only service, we can book your stay for the exact same rate you find online, with the added benefit of booking your stay with us. We charge zero fees through this service; it is completely complimentary!
When you book with Ourisman Travel, you will be a VIP guest and receive exclusive amenities:
- Exclusive offers
- Room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and property credits.
- With VIP status, hotel management and staff eagerly await your arrival.
- First priority of the best rooms and suites available.
- Guaranteed lowest rates.
- Ourisman Travel, a top-rated travel advisor, offers enhanced service and attention to detail, free of booking fees.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner can generally be combined with any rates you’ll find directly with Four Seasons. The upgrades through Preferred Partner are also prioritized over upgrades through other programs, so you’ll want to use Preferred Partner over a program like Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.
Ourisman Travel’s status as one of Four Seasons’ leading Preferred Partners globally, including being recognized as a Top 25 Four Seasons Advisory and a five-time Four Seasons Preferred Partner award winner, coupled with our daily interactions with property management teams, ensures your preferences are met and your stay is personalized with daily breakfast, varying resort credits, priority upgrades, and a welcoming acknowledgment of your status.
Want to explore other hotel options in the Maldives? Our founder, David, put together an excellent guide during his stay about the best hotels based on the type of luxury you’re looking for. To view our full list of recommended resorts in the Maldives, refer to our Preferred Hotels Map. To get started on planning your trip, please fill out a Travel Request Form or contact us, and we will get back to you within one business day. For a more personalized touch on your trip, you can work with our Hotel Plus team to assist with any reservations, activity scheduling, concierge assistance, and more. Once your stay is booked through us, you will automatically receive exclusive and complimentary perks that you can indulge in throughout your stay. We look forward to turning your trip to the Maldives into an ultraluxe experience.
