Featured
Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru unveils new all-pool loft-style water villas
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has unveiled new all-pool loft-style overwater villas.
Opening on November 1, the reimagined all-pool water villas at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru will feature twice as much living space outside than in to create vastly extended indoor-outdoor hideaways that bring the ocean closer at all times. A spectacular extension brings the total outdoor area to 182 square metres (1,960 square feet), split into multiple, dedicated zones: sun-drenched decks, shaded social spots and dining areas, over-water hammocks, day bed and an al fresco shower.
A new shaded oceanside living and dining pavilion with swing couch flanks the 12-metre (40 foot) pool, which extends into the lagoon for uninterrupted Indian Ocean views.


Pale wooden indoor floors mimic the external sun-bleached decks for a seamless inside-out connection, which combines with the elevated second floor lounge for a sense of space that extends both horizontally and vertically.
Inside, suspended feature walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and a contemporary design with light colours and dark blue accents imbue the 90 square metre (970 square foot) space with a sophisticated serenity.



Reconfigured bathrooms include sea-view bathtubs and direct deck access, while new overwater hammocks and steps directly into the blue ensure maximum connection to the sea. And what a sublime swathe of sea to be connected to!
Declared the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, the Baa atoll ecosystem is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the country, home to the world’s largest known population of manta rays, scores of whale sharks, towering thilas, exhilarating kandus, and stunning coral gardens.
In addition, the waters directly around Landaa Giraavaru are home to one of the world’s largest and most successful coral propagation projects. With its 4,000th coral frame planted in May 2019, the Reefscapers project has been working to support the existing reef since before the Resort opened, and is now even putting robots and artificial intelligence to work placing the Resort’s Marine Savers team at the pioneering forefront of global coral reef restoration.
Turtles, baby sharks, mantas and even dolphins visit the resort’s lagoon whilst the coral frames attract an ever-expanding abundance of exotic flora and fauna to within a close snorkel of each water villa deck.
“In an ever-crowded world, luxury is increasingly sought in a sense of space and an ability to enjoy an unrestricted connection with the natural world. Our new Water Villas not only offer twice more space outside than in with pools that make you feel as though you are swimming out into the ocean but also extend upwards into a sea-view loft and downwards via steps into the ocean for an enhanced sense of space and connection in all directions,” General Manager and Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre, 103-villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a 30-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa lies to the south: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides. It features 96 thatched beach and water accommodations constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques to reflect a true sense of the Maldives.
The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two properties via three, four and seven-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.
The latest addition to the Maldives collection, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll opened in 2016 as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils new Premium All-Inclusive package
The Standard, Maldives has announced the launch of a new Premium All-Inclusive experience from May 2026, introducing an enhanced offering aimed at travellers seeking a seamless island holiday in Raa Atoll.
The resort said the new package was designed to combine dining, experiences and entertainment with the natural setting of the Maldives. It added that the offering had been curated with Indian travellers in mind, as India continues to grow as a source market for Maldivian tourism.
The package begins with champagne on arrival and includes access to dining across the resort’s outlets. Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants for lunch and five restaurants for dinner with prior reservation. The resort said the dining programme would range from Mediterranean dishes at Onda to Maldivian cuisine at Guduguda, offering guests a varied culinary experience throughout their stay.
The package also includes a beverage programme featuring premium spirits, wines, cocktails and beers, as well as a fully stocked minibar in each villa.
The culinary programme is led by Director of Culinary Nandakumar Dharuman. The resort said his Indian background adds familiarity for Indian travellers, with Indian breakfast options available alongside international selections. Vegetarian and Jain meals can also be prepared on request.
The Standard, Maldives said the resort would continue to offer a lively atmosphere through activities held during the week, including DJ nights, fire dance performances, bingo evenings and other social events. Breakfast DJ sessions are also part of the programme. In addition, guests booking the Premium All-Inclusive package will receive one complimentary 30-minute spa treatment and one island excursion.
Sonika Adlakha, commercial director of The Standard, Maldives, said India remained an important and growing market for the resort. She said the new Premium All-Inclusive experience was intended to offer Indian travellers a stay that combined dining, entertainment and the natural appeal of the Maldives.
Alongside its social spaces, the resort said it also offers quieter areas for guests seeking a more relaxed experience. All villas at the property include private pools and spacious living areas, allowing guests to stay close to the resort’s dining and entertainment facilities while also enjoying privacy.
Cooking
Kandolhu Maldives announces culinary collaboration with Chef Fabrizio Zanetti
Following a season of culinary collaborations, Kandolhu Maldives has announced that Executive Chef Fabrizio Zanetti will visit the resort this October for a series of dining events.
The resort said the programme would offer guests an opportunity to experience Zanetti’s cuisine through a number of exclusive dining experiences.
Originally from St Moritz, Zanetti has led the kitchens at Hotel Suvretta House in St Moritz for more than a decade. The five-star Suvretta House, built in 1912 by Swiss hotelier Anton Bon, recently opened a new 4,670-square metre spa for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Zanetti has also worked at Michelin-starred establishments including Baur au Lac in Zurich and Savoy Grill in London. His work has been recognised with 17 points in the Gault-Millau Guide 2025 and the Mérite Culinaire Suisse award. In 2024, he was also named Gault-Millau Rising Star of the Year.
The collaboration at Kandolhu Maldives will begin on Wednesday, 14 October, with a three-course à la carte lunch at The Market.
A four-course dinner will follow on Saturday, 17 October, at Olive Restaurant. The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet with Chef Zanetti before dinner is served.
On Wednesday, 21 October, Olive Restaurant will also host a five-course Wine and Dine event, which will include a personal introduction from the chef.
Kandolhu Maldives said each evening event at Olive Restaurant would be limited to 22 guests, offering an intimate dining setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has encouraged guests to reserve early for the programme.
Featured
Coco Collection brings conservation and low-waste living into resort experience
Coco Collection, a Maldivian-owned resort brand, has invited guests to experience a more conscious approach to luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Across its two island resorts, Coco Collection has incorporated environmental responsibility into the guest experience through its Coco Cares philosophy. From nature-led experiences inspired by the islands’ ecosystems to culinary offerings based on fresh, locally grown ingredients, the resorts have been designed to reflect the natural setting of the Maldives while integrating sustainability into daily operations.
At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, this commitment is reflected in the Maldives’ veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, which is operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. As a founding partner of the facility, the resort provides care for injured sea turtles and supports marine conservation awareness. Since its establishment, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, with a rehabilitation success rate of 60%. The resort also continues seagrass preservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and supporting biodiversity in the surrounding waters.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also applies low-waste practices, mindful sourcing, and resource-conscious operations across the resort. This approach extends to Coco Farm, where homegrown produce, handcrafted preserves, and garden-to-table dining experiences are used to bring local flavour and seasonality to the table.
At Coco Bodu Hithi, the same approach is reflected in its food and beverage offerings. To mark Earth Day, the resort has introduced a green-inspired cocktail experience focused on eco-conscious mixology, using fresh ingredients grown on the island.
The resort said its low-waste approach informs all aspects of the guest experience, with attention given to responsible resource use. From the choice of herbs and fruits to preparation and presentation, the offering is intended to reflect respect for the natural environment.
This approach also extends across the resort’s wider culinary programme, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, house-made preserves, and dishes inspired by the Maldives’ natural produce. Through seasonal menus, conscious sourcing, and resource management, Coco Bodu Hithi aims to offer an experience that combines hospitality with environmental responsibility.
-
Action1 week agoEri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling
-
Action1 week agoSirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck
-
Honeymoon6 days agoCentara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers secluded island experiences for couples
-
Awards1 week agoAngsana Velavaru achieves 4.8 rating in British Airways Customer Awards
-
Featured6 days agoGrand Park Kodhipparu to host lunar-themed experiences in May
-
Awards5 days agoKuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
-
Action6 days agoFour Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to stage 14th edition of Surfing Champions Trophy
-
Drink5 days agoSirru Fen Fushi showcases mixology collaboration during Easter programme


