Manta Retreat - The first of its kind to be hosted in the Maldives
Introducing the Manta Retreat
This October, we are diving into the last quarter of the year 2022 with masks, snorkels, and fins on!
While ‘retreats’ and ‘getaways’ are all trending now, this year InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, along with the Manta Trust, have announced the most epic retreat of all! The first of its kind in the Maldives, a Manta Retreat!
The Maldives is without a doubt known for its exquisite underwater beauty. Exploring the abundance of coral reefs, colourful marine life and the sightings of the rare and protected majestic Manta Rays are part of any travellers bucket list. Located in the heart of Raa atoll, our Maamunagau island is a prime location for spotting these gentle giants. The vast richness of our lagoon is an ultimate playground for juvenile mantas to explore and grow into their own before venturing out into the world.
To celebrate and enhance awareness for our waters and all its livelihood, this October, in partnership with the Manta Trust, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced the first of its kind, a Manta Retreat. The untouched, unmatched marine life of our beautiful lagoons is the perfect spot for any marine event to take place. This retreat came to light largely due to the passion and love we have for our marine life and the urgency in calling to protect and preserve them.
Swimming with Mantas is a dream come true for anyone, whether it’s your first or 8th time. However, there are specific standards and ways in which one should go about them. These gentle giants are playful, delicate, friendly, and curious. As humans, it is our responsibility to be mindful of their space and fragility.
The retreat will be led by Manta Trust Project Manager Jess Haines who will speak about the safe ways to swim with Mantas, how to ID them, and other topics which are related to these beautiful creatures.
Who can join?
Guests who are above the age of 16 years and are interested in these graceful beauties or aspiring marine biologists are encouraged to join this very special retreat. The retreat can also be part of your fun holiday adventure in the Maldives because The Manta Retreat offers insightful, in-depth looks at Mantas around the area, their behaviours, and other interesting facts about marine life in general around the area. This will especially be of interest for upcoming marine biologists to get some one-on-one time with Manta Trust, our island-based experts and gain information on the marine life in the Maldives, and build connections with members of the community as well.
Where does it take place?
The retreat will be hosted along the stunning lagoons of our beautiful island which is a prime spot of growth and discovery for juvenile manta rays. We will also be doing trips out to the UNESCO Biosphere reserve in Hanifaru Bay which sees sometimes hundreds of juvenile mantas, oceanic mantas, and even the occasional whale sharks gathered during this season. Additionally, workshops, information sessions, and other insightful dialogues will be open for the interested parties while at the resort, hosted by none other than Jess Haines.
What does it include?
Scheduled from 23 to 28 October, the retreat is set to include: Five nights stay in an Overwater Pool Villa including Half-Board and return transfers | Welcome cocktail | Three Manta snorkelling trips | A house reef night snorkelling experience | A sunset cruise on a luxury yacht with champagne and canapes | Workshops about Manta Ray ID, plankton, turtles, coral restoration and Manta research talks, study material, and more | Complimentary daily breakfast at Cafe Umi | Club InterContinental benefits daily afternoon tea from 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm, evening aperitifs from 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm, and poolside non-alcoholic beverages and refreshments available daily from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm | A range of complimentary non-motorised water sports activities including Catamaran Sailing, Wind Surfing, and Stand-Up Paddling
Happy exploring!