LANDAA GIRAAVARU, MALDIVES- The waters of the pristine Baa Atoll around Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru are some of the richest in the Maldives. Declared a UNESCO World Biosphere in July 2011, the Atoll is home to nine core protected areas including Hanifaru Bay and Baathala, two renowned manta ray hotspots within easy reach of the Resort.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offers our guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance from June to October to get up, close and personal with majestic manta rays and the world's biggest fish, the whale shark. During this time of the year, a combination of southwestern monsoon currents and lunar tides bring large quantities of planktonic shrimp (mantas' favorite food) to various sites around Landaa Giraavaru attracting large numbers of manta rays.

The manta rays with wing-like pectoral fins that stretch to a length of 13 to 15 feet move gracefully through the water while feeding with their enormous mouths. Having one of the largest comparable brain sizes of any marine animal makes them highly curious, resulting in some very close snorkelling encounters!

Guests who visit the resort during the months of June and November can also sign up for our 'Manta on Call' service: a thrilling experience that sees them collected from wherever they are in the resort when mantas are spotted and whisked away in a speedboat to snorkel with them. Guests are provided with 'Manta Phone' in which they will be called immediately when mantas are sighted.

Landaa Giraavaru's manta ray expert, Guy Stevens – founder of the world-renowned Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP) – has identified the below 'hot dates' for 2015 when manta rays are most likely to converge at renowned local feeding and cleaning sites:

Hot dates for a Manta Visual Feast – 2015

• June 14 to 18
• June 30 to July 4
• July 14 to 18
• July 29 to August 2
• August 12 to 16
• August 27 to 31
• September 11 to 15
• Septemeber 26 to 30
• October 11 to 15
• October 25 to 29
• November 9 to 14
• November 23 to 27

Please note that sightings are subject to weather conditions and the temperaments of the mantas themselves.

Manta Watch!
Available from May 11 to December 20, 2015, the Manta Watch! package is perfect for guests who seek to experience the best of the manta season.

The Manta Watch! package at Landaa Giraavaru includes:

• Round-trip airport transfers by seaplane for two
• Daily buffet breakfast for two
• One 'Manta-on-Call' snorkelling excursion for two persons by speedboat
• A personal coral frame propagation
• One dolphin cruise and marine biologist briefing for two

The four-night package starts from US$ 4,885 and it is subject to 10% service charge and all applicable taxes.

For rates and reservations, please contact your travel consultant, visit www.fourseasons.com/maldives or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888 or email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com

About Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Located 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers a 44-acre jungle retreat in the remote natural wilderness of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with 103 spacious thatched Beach and Water Villas. All feature traditional Maldivian craftsmanship and materials, including the use of recycled coral (by special government permission) and a private turquoise entry gate. Modern comfort with views of sea, sky and tropical vegetation are complemented by a two-kilometer lagoon, cruiser bicycles, PADI 5-Start IDC Dive Center, a full complement of watersports, Marine Discovery Centre, Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat plus four restaurants- all with Ayurvedic options and four bars including the iconic over-water Seabar. http://www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg/

About Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Founded in 1960, Four Seasons continues to define the future of luxury hospitality with extraordinary imagination, unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, and the most genuine and customized service. Currently operating 92 hotels and private residences in major city centers and resort destinations in 38 countries, and with more than 60 projects in development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveler reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.