Inside The Annual Manta Retreat At The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort

Join the annual Manta Retreat at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort this March for an unforgettable underwater adventure, says Emma Love.

The Manta Retreat At The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to fantasy island living, not many destinations come close to the Maldives. But for those wanting to do more than fly-and-flop in paradise there is another big draw – manta rays. Alongside whale sharks, they are the star attraction for divers and snorkellers to this 860km north-south atoll chain in the Indian Ocean. Over the last two decades The Manta Trust, one of the world’s leading manta ray research and conservation organisations, has determined that the archipelagic country has the largest stable population of reef mantas in the world. 

Why The Maldives Is A Manta Ray Hotspot

The Manta Trust, a global leader in manta ray research and conservation, has spent two decades uncovering the secrets of these gentle giants in the Indian Ocean. Hanifaru Bay, located in the Baa Atoll, has long been a magnet for manta rays during the May to November monsoon season. However, a new discovery in the Raa Atoll has stolen the spotlight: a nursery site for juveniles in the lagoon surrounding InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort. 

‘It’s the first documented nursery site so it’s incredibly special,’ explains Meral Hafeez, Maldives Manta Conservation Programme project manager of the Raa Atoll, whose research unit is based at the resort. ‘This island sits next to a deep channel that separates the two atolls. We don’t know much about where mantas give birth but one potential reason why this is a nursery site could be that they are having their babies at depth. The pups are left to fend for themselves and see the Maamunagu lagoon as a refuge.’

In 2023, the lagoon was designated an Important Shark and Ray Area – the first step in highlighting it as a critical habitat for mantas and a conservation priority. ‘Mantas act as a flagship species; a gateway to understanding the importance of protecting the broader reef ecosystem,’ continues Meral. ‘The lagoon is so important for mantas that we have applied for it to become a Marine Protected Area. ‘If and when that happens, the MPA designation will allow for greater protections for mantas and their habitats through careful controls of things such as speed limits for vessels and the number of excursion boats allowed near key manta aggregation sites.’ 

The Manta Retreat: A Behind-The-Scenes Experience

Guests staying at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort can snorkel with mantas all year round, when a researcher from Meral’s team is on hand to share insights on everything from their feeding habits to behaviours. On my visit in December, we had barely been in the boat for 10 minutes when the first dorsal fin was spotted peeking out of the water. Feeding on the surface, they paid us no attention as we floated nearby. Despite already learning about reef mantas from Meral during a fascinating talk (part of the Manta Ray Experience package) – they are filter feeders who only use their teeth during mating; the average wingspan is four-and-a-half metres – I’m still momentarily surprised when one barrels my way, mouth gaping wide. It’s like being approached by a huge, graceful underwater bird and, as the manta swims directly below, I get a thrilling glimpse of its monochrome topside. 

For even more close encounters, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort hosts its annual Manta Retreat, from 17-20 March 2025, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage with these magnificent creatures. Guests can join the research boat, supporting the team as they freedive down to photograph the mantas’ belly (like a fingerprint, each one has unique markings), participate in an interactive identification workshop, plankton sampling and data recording. There are very few sites with the potential to specifically see baby mantas.  

Stay In Luxury

The resort offers a range of villas, including beach, lagoon, and overwater options, each featuring private pools and stunning views. I’m staying in the latter, which is kitted out with brightly coloured furniture and geometric rugs layered around the ocean-facing bed. Lagoon villas have direct access to pancake-flat water; beach villas feel especially private. Each also has a set of bicycles and a ‘curator’ contactable via an app. For larger families, there are two- and three-bedroom residencies with a kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining, and additional inclusions like a private chef. 

Dining Choices For Everyone

There are six restaurants and bars on the resort meaning you’ll never get bored. Head to The Retreat, a low-key space for a complimentary pre-dinner mojito (evening aperitifs, afternoon tea and poolside non-alcoholic drinks are Club InterContinental benefits for all guests). Or try Japanese-fusion Café Umi where the sushi perfectly hits the spot (executive chef Deepesh Jose’s previous stints include Nobu Dubai). There’s also seafood-centric southeast Asian fare at Fish Market; Mediterranean-inspired dishes at The Lighthouse and pizza lunches at The Collective. Visiting chefs create special menus across the resort too; recent residencies include Thanos Feskos of two Michelin-star Delta restaurant in Athens.

Wellness Matters

Food isn’t the only area where there’s a rollcall of renowned guest experts. At the AVI Spa, upcoming holistic wellness practitioners include Dr. Afsana Aradhana Ghyas, who will offer reiki healing (15 March to 30 April). I book in for the signature Balinese massage with therapist Vina who manages to unkink my knotty shoulder blades and, the next day, wake early for power yoga, holding poses as the inky morning sky and ocean lighten into a fresh palette of blues.

Book It

Don’t miss the chance to combine luxury with conservation at this year’s Manta Retreat.  

Details:

• Dates: March 17–20, 2025
• Price: From $1,490 per person (based on overwater sunrise pool villa accommodation)
• Includes: Breakfast, club benefits, two manta snorkelling trips, workshops, and the chance to adopt a manta ray.

Visit maldives.intercontinental.com to book your up close and personal manta encounter.