Maldives
A large, family-strong island in Baa Atoll's UNESCO biosphere, minutes from the mantas of Hanifaru Bay.
Landaa Giraavaru spreads across a large island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with generously sized villas and the range of an estate rather than a hideaway. The marine discovery centre and resident scientists give it genuine depth, and its location puts it within easy reach of Hanifaru Bay, where mantas gather in numbers from roughly May to November.
It is one of the strongest islands in the country for families, with a serious children's and teens' offering, alongside a substantial spa and ayurvedic retreat for couples. Service is polished and assured in the Four Seasons manner, at a scale that still manages to feel personal.
Families and divers wanting space, marine programming and manta season at Hanifaru Bay
You want a small, intimate island or the lowest-key barefoot feel
A Beach Bungalow with pool for families; Water Villas for the classic lagoon view
May–November for mantas at Hanifaru; November–April for the driest weather
A roughly 30-minute seaplane from Malé
Refined and family-capable; several restaurants and a renowned ayurvedic retreat
Paltino arranges the seaplane transfer, a villa sized for your party, and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay with the marine team when the mantas are in.
Tell us a little about the trip you have in mind and a specialist will be in touch personally. Prefer to talk? Call +1 250-385-3001.