Just a month plus after the successful opening of Four Seasons Resort Maldives Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is opening its second resort in the Maldives.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is located in the northern Baa Atoll, 120 km north of Male. The Resort occupies the entire 18-hectare (44 acres) island - a natural wonder with its western tip sloping into a two- kilometre lagoon and surrounded by white sand beaches. The Resort was built amidst the raw beauty and wilderness of the island, making for an atmosphere of sensuous calm and serenity.

Architecture and Design

The architecture and interior design of the Resort is influenced by the work of Sri Lanka's most celebrated architect and interior designer, the late Geoffrey Bawa. His protege, Ismail Murad, led the project, following traditional Maldivian architectural principles and using indigenous materials and details that meld with the surroundings.

While his approach was traditional, Murad created a villa concept new to the Maldives with the Koimala Land and Ocean Villa. It combines the appeal of living on land and sleeping over water. Very spacious at 680m(2) (7,320 sq. ft), the villa consists of a land-based pavilion with private beach access, living and dining area and guest room. It is linked to the sea-based sleeping pavilion with bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower by a wooden walkway that leads past a plunge pool.

Spa

A sanctuary for the senses, the Landaa Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat has been carefully developed in association with experts from Kerala, India, offering a comprehensive approach to physical, spiritual and mental well-being. Nestled in the heart of the island, the spa complex spans 2.5 acres of land and sea with 10 treatment pavilions. The Ayurvedic Retreat is designed for guests to experience the holistic approach of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian "science of life" with 5,000 years of wisdom distilled into a system of practice. Under the guidance of its resident Ayurvedic Physician, the Spa offers a range of the therapeutic Ayurvedic and Tantric treatments; from a nourishing massage and a wellness ritual to a three-day immersion experience and life changing therapy programmes that take place over the course of seven to 28 days.

Dining

The dining experience at the Resort is enhanced by the settings of the restaurants. Perched on the western tip of the island overlooking the two kilometre lagoon, Blu embraces the essence of the Maldives as the place where the ocean meets the sky. Serving contemporary Italian cuisine, its all-white furnishings look out into the endless blue skies and turquoise waters. Alternatively, guests can dine under the stars at the rooftop restaurant Al Barakat and feast on tantalising Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine.

Recreation

For recreation, guests can plunge into a myriad of water sports and activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, or sunset fishing. There are three swimming pools at the Resort including a 'floating' seawater pool. The Kuda Velaa Kids' Club keeps its youngest guests entertained with beach and outdoor activities, creative crafts, and sessions with the Resort's Yogi and Marine Biologist. A Maaja Maizaan Young Adults' Club caters to the interests of teenagers and has an entertainment lounge equipped with a pool table and a selection of teen magazines.

Social Responsibility

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru recognises the importance of responsible tourism and has implemented a number of environmental initiatives to conserve and protect its rich variety of marine life and habitats. The Maldives' first 'Ornamental Fish Breeding Programme' to breed Anemonefish (or Clown Fish) will take place at the Resort's own fish laboratory. The goal is to prevent depletion of some popular species of fish by providing an alternative supply to the aquarium pet trade. At the same time, the programme also provides an additional source of income for the locals as proceeds from any sales stay within the community.