The Manta Retreat is designed for travellers seeking something beyond the traditional Maldivian holiday. It is for guests that value purpose-led experiences and for those who want to learn and understand about manta rays in their natural habitat. The Manta Trust’s aim is to achieve global conservation through innovative research, inclusive education and collaboration to protect and preserve the manta rays. Sitting on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and bordering a juvenile manta ray aggregation spot, guests at InterContinental Maldives will have the opportunity to part take in guided reef snorkelling tours, manta excursions led by the Manta Trust, coral restoration and planting workshops. Guests can also adopt and name their own mantas, as well as taking part in various educational workshops.

With a partnership which has been ongoing since 2019, The Manta Trust’s base leader, Meral Hafeez, will lead guests to meet the manta rays and learn about their crucial conservation in InterContinental Maldives’ surrounding waters. The retreat gives guests exclusive insight into Meral and her team’s day-to-day work, observing and recording the behaviour of the manta rays. Commenting on the retreat, Meral says “No matter how many times I’m lucky enough to encounter these animals, each interaction feels like I'm seeing them for the first time – the sense of awe never diminishes. The ocean is full of surprises, and I can’t wait for everyone to get to experience their first manta ray and the wonders of the deep”.

In 2023, the Maamunagau Lagoon was recognised as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), marking the first step in identifying it as a vital habitat for manta rays and a conservation priority. The lagoon serves as a key research area for the Manta Trust team, giving guests the rare opportunity to observe the rays in their natural environment, just a short boat ride from the island. For certified divers, options are available to ensure all guests find their individual way of interacting with manta rays. Dedicated dive spots in the area around the resort allow divers to observe the natural manta ray 'spa', known as cleaning stations, showcasing the incredible symbiosis of marine life in the Maldives. Post-retreat, guests can make the most of the idyllic overwater villa accommodation, book in for a spa treatment at the AVI Spa, or indulge in one of the resort’s many incredible restaurants.

How to Book

The participation fee for the Manta Retreat is USD 1,550 ++ per night, per room based on double occupancy, with a minimum of 4 nights stay per guest. This includes one manta ray research trip, guided house reef snorkelling, the chance to adopt a manta ray, several educational workshops, and a stay in a luxury villa or residence on a half board rate.