Which Four Seasons Maldives is better? Comparing Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa

Which Four Seasons resort is the best in the Maldives? If you are hesitating between Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, we'll help you choose

5/5/20254 min read

Choosing between the two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives isn’t easy. Both offer exceptional luxury, world-class service, and postcard-perfect settings. But if you're wondering which Four Seasons Maldives is better, it comes down to the kind of experience you're after: a private escape into nature or a stylish island with quick access from Malé.

In this article, we take a closer look at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Kuda Huraa: their locations, villas, atmosphere, and unique strengths, to help you decide which one suits your Maldives getaway best. And while both are extraordinary, we believe that Landaa Giraavaru offers a more exclusive, spacious, and elevated experience overall, making it the best Four Seasons in the Maldives.

Introducing the two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives

The Four Seasons brand is synonymous with service, sophistication, and timeless style, and both of its Maldivian properties stay true to that promise. Yet they cater to very different moods and preferences.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

📍 Location: Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

🛏️ Number of Villas: 103 (overwater and beachfront)

✈️ How to Reach: 35 to 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé

Set in the heart of the remote Baa Atoll, Landaa Giraavaru is surrounded by stunning turquoise lagoons and thriving coral reefs. The island itself is large and lush, offering a sense of space and immersion in nature. It’s designed for guests seeking quiet luxury, nature, and wellness on a grand scale.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

📍 Location: North Malé Atoll

🛏️ Number of Villas: 96 (mostly beachfront, some overwater)

🚤 How to Reach: 25-minute speedboat from Malé

Kuda Huraa is a smaller, more traditional Maldivian island with a village-style layout and palm-lined pathways. Its proximity to the airport makes it ideal for shorter breaks or guests who prefer to avoid seaplane transfers. The vibe is elegant yet casual, with a stronger social and family-friendly atmosphere.

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Why Landaa Giraavaru is the better choice for most travelers

While both resorts deliver the signature Four Seasons excellence, Landaa Giraavaru consistently stands out for its remote beauty, generous space, and immersive experiences. Here’s why we believe it’s the top pick and our favorite Four Seasons resort in the Maldives.

A more spectacular natural setting

The location of Landaa Giraavaru is its biggest advantage. Baa Atoll is considered one of the richest marine areas in the Maldives, and the resort is nestled on a large island surrounded by soft sandbanks and an expansive lagoon. Whether you’re snorkeling in the reef just offshore or kayaking across endless turquoise water, the feeling of being in untouched nature is hard to match.

By contrast, Kuda Huraa, while beautiful, is much closer to Malé and doesn’t have the same sense of isolation or wilderness. For those wanting a real “hideaway” experience, Landaa wins without question.

Bigger villas with more privacy

An other reason why Landaa Giraavaru is the best Four Seasons in the Maldives is the quality of the villas.

Villas at Landaa Giraavaru are larger, better spaced, and more modern in design. Many of the overwater villas stretch out into the lagoon, with large pools, sweeping decks, and uninterrupted views. Even the beachfront options offer private gardens and shaded outdoor areas ideal for those seeking seclusion.

Kuda Huraa’s villas are charming, especially the beachfront bungalows with their classic Maldivian style, but they’re generally smaller and closer together. If space and privacy are priorities, Landaa Giraavaru is the superior option.

Access to world-class diving and manta ray encounters

One of the main reasons travelers choose Landaa Giraavaru is its proximity to Hanifaru Bay, one of the world’s best places to spot manta rays and to snorkel with them. From June to October (or November if you are lucky), guests can swim alongside hundreds of these graceful giants during their seasonal migration.

The house reef is also pretty good for snorkeling, and diving in Baa Atoll is a highlight of any stay. While Kuda Huraa offers surfing and solid dive excursions, the reef life nearby isn’t quite as rich, and there’s no easy access to a site like Hanifaru Bay. Yet, you can do snorkeling with nurse sharks which is absolutely amazing and we highly recommend it if you are staying at Kuda Huraa.

A more refined culinary experience

Both properties serve high-quality food, but Landaa Giraavaru delivers more variety and sophistication in its culinary program. Guests can dine barefoot at Blu Beach Club, enjoy Middle Eastern flavors at Al Barakat, or explore global cuisine at Café Landaa.

Kuda Huraa has a smaller selection of dining venues, including Baraabaru (excellent Indian cuisine) and Reef Club (Italian with ocean views), but overall it offers fewer options, and the dining feels slightly more casual.

When Kuda Huraa might be the better fit

There are, of course, situations where Kuda Huraa might be the better option and your ideal Four Seasons resort in the Maldives:

If you’re planning a short stay and want to avoid a seaplane transfer.

If you're traveling with young children and prefer a more walkable island.

If you're a surfer coming during peak surf season (May to October).

The resort’s location near popular surf breaks and its close-knit layout make it ideal for active, social travelers looking for a relaxed but luxurious vibe.

Final thoughts: Landaa Giraavaru is the better Four Seasons Maldives resort

So, which Four Seasons Maldives is better? While both deliver outstanding experiences, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is the more complete and elevated choice. From its remote setting in the Baa Atoll to its oversized villas, pristine reef, and holistic wellness center, it offers the kind of luxury that feels both rare and deeply personal.

If your vision of the Maldives includes total escape, breathtaking natural beauty, and space to truly unwind, Landaa Giraavaru should be your top choice. You can learn more about this amazing resort in our review of Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.

Let us help you plan your Four Seasons Maldives escape

As a luxury travel agency focused exclusively on the Maldives, we offer expert advice and the best available rates at both Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. Whether you're dreaming of manta rays and sandbanks or surf breaks and easy arrivals, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip.