Behind a luxurious getaway at Four Seasons Maldives, lies a fervent ...

Often enough, it’s the everyday scenes that people tend to take for granted. But when you’re residing in the Maldives, the same rules do not apply. Turquoise glittering waters, neon-white strips of sand and idyllic atolls. All of the aforementioned I can’t fathom ever tiring of; my thoughts confirmed by an amiable staff during one breakfast service at Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa. “It’s better than a picture,” he gazed out in adoration. 

He’s right. The resort, that’s just a 25-minute boat ride away from Malé airport, is built on a natural island and cultivated as a lush garden promenade. In a hot destination like the Maldives, flanked by numerous of lavish properties each vying for a slice of the oceanic pie, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is, all things considered, a humbly-sized resort. In turn, the result is a warm, scalable pied-a-terre that beams with the charming inflections of a Maldivian village. One that draws from generations of craftsmen; I see it in the lattic panels and curved roof shapes taking over the resort lobby as well as my overwater villa. Yet, nothing short of the luxury as expected from the Four Seasons, which checks out for anyone who’s seen HBO’s The White Lotus.

Starting from the confines of the villa, where one can easily get lost in the tranquility, the expanse of space and the abyss of blue. I marvel at the glittering waters before me from my outdoor deck that encompasses a private pool, sunbathing lounge, outdoor shower and then some. Undoubtedly, a space fitting to luxuriate on vacation time, before heading out on an adventure. 

An overwater villa at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. Courtesy of Four Seasons Maldives

In Maldives, that means jumping into the deep ocean—getting acquainted with as many species of marine life as possible in clear blue waters. Four Seasons makes that whole journey a breeze—even if it’s your first time open water swimming—with its dedicated snorkels and tours. Each of these trips out of the resort first begins with a preliminary educational briefing, under the guidance of the hotel’s in-house marine biologist, who later then accompanies the tour out to sea. It’s where I learn that nurse sharks are completely harmless and how to tell various whales that have been spotted in the Maldivian ocean apart. When it comes to cetacean sightings on an excursion, it depends on the time of the year and also, utterly down to chance. Lucky enough, a school of dolphins and even a few pilot whales made quite the splash during my few boat rides out to sea. 

The Island Spa at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. Courtesy of Four Seasons Maldives

Meanwhile on land, the resort’s spa—housed on a separate island—stands as its own inviting escape. Lulled by the crashing waves and ocean breeze, I fall into blissful slumber under the deft strokes executed by my Bhutanese therapist. But what was truly unique was the spa’s Healing Tent. In this stylish cocoon, furnished with stylish rugs, I undergo a sound bath as well as a reiki healing session. As I revel in the hazy state, the best thing to surmise the session was a cold plunge. Shrouded in nature and facing the calm waters, my body acclimated to the sub-zero temperatures, but not without some resistance. Soon after a few deep breaths in and out, as guided by my therapist, I managed to fully submerge myself for about five minutes. Upon exit, my senses were awakened, with what felt a lot like a full-body baptism. 

Between the sumptuous daily breakfast services at Café Huraa to lauded Indian restaurant Baraabaru at Kuda Huraa, there’s plenty to look forward to with every meal. The latter has launched a special collaboration with famed New York-based chef Hari Nayak—resulting in a menu that sees Nayak’s mastery of modern Indian cuisine coming to life through fresh Maldivian ingredients. Like one of his specials, Ghee Roasted Baby Eggplant, creamy aubergine coated with red chili and the tang of tamarind as well as a Bengali-style slow-cooked mutton prepared with black masala. 

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. Courtesy of Four Seasons Maldives

Just a few days immersed in Four Seasons’ Maldivian living and it’s easy to yearn for an extension—preferably one without an end in sight. Fortunately, “The White Lotus” wasn’t done with me just yet. An hour’s ride on the resort’s seaplane, and I arrive at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. And by first survey of the land, I realise whispers from Kuda Huraa rang true: Landaa is the bigger, flashier sister of Kuda Huraa. At 44 arces (Kuda Huraa standing at 12), there’s more land to explore and uncover, more lush greenery planted and primed, with the resort designed to be an unspoiled jungle of sorts. It makes sense then, that each guest gets a personalised bike, just so to explore the resort at a more efficient pace. 

The massive grounds constitute its very own farm—rearing its own poultry, growing its own vegetables and even mushrooms, as well as a huge spa sanctuary dedicated to Ayurvedic practices. I learnt that my body’s fiery constitution could do with more bitter and sour foods like green leafy vegetables and yogurt, as well as more intentional slow walks to quieten my mind. With a wealthy trove of treatments catered to your body’s needs and aliments, one can easily find a session to restore and heal from. Mine turned out to be a ‘Align With The Earth’ ritual, that encompassed a foot wash, frankincense smoke, singing bowls and a slow massage with grounding vetiver, ginger, patchouli and jatamansi. My therapist’s deft use of crystals also laid claim to the nourishing energies from the earth. Two hours in this sanctified space, and it felt like a respite in a respite, as if it was even possible to disassociate myself further from the materialities of life.

Blu Beach Club, the Italian restaurant at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. Courtesy of Four Seasons

Mind well-sated, my body sought out the best foods the resort had to offer. From warm pitas and hummus at a Middle Eastern restaurant to wood-fired pizzas at Blu Beach Club, an Italian spot facing the postcard-shade of blue, I was spoiled for choice. Even at breakfast, the impeccable service from Kuda Huraa extended to my first morning at Landaa, including intel of my usual coffee order.

Like its other property, I gleaned a deeper understanding of Four Seasons’ efforts in marine conservation at Landaa, especially with regards to one of its biggest marine conservation initiatives: coral propagation. To fight the loss of corals from bleaching, this process uses an innovative technique of tying coral fragments onto ‘coral frames’, and then replanting these frames for corals to grow. This novel way of coral restoration has since been evangelised throughout the community—even to other resorts. Landaa’s very own Marine Discovery Centre splays all of its environmental initiatives out for guests to learn and experience. Beyond corals, its efforts include turtle rehabilitation and fish breeding, all of which, a great testament to the hospitality brand’s longstanding vision to safeguard its homeland. 

After all, what is a five-star resort in the Maldives without its natural wonders and the aquatic treasures inhabiting beneath? At Four Seasons, we will never have to find out. 

Book a stay at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa here and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru here.