Latest news with #InterContinentalMaldives
Web Release
11-06-2025
- Web Release
BEHIND THE SCENES AT INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES MAAMUNAGAU RESORT
The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a true jewel in the heart of the Indian Ocean – surrounded by crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches and a green, tropical landscape. But as impressive as the backdrop may be, it is the people behind the scenes who give the resort its special character. With dedication, warmth and professionalism, the staff ensure that every stay is exceptional. One of these dedicated colleagues takes center stage today: Recreation Manager, Suman Saurabh Sahoo. Born in India, he has over 15 years of international experience in leisure and guest services. He joined the resort team in July 2024 after being inspired by the vision of helping to create a completely new leisure department from scratch. His story is an example of the passion and commitment that make InterContinental Maldives what it is – a place where hospitality is lived. Suman Saurabh Sahoo started working as the resort's Recreation Manager in 2024 – a lot has changed since then. 'Our aim from the outset was to focus the resort even more on leisure, activities and entertainment,' explains Sahoo. While the focus used to be primarily on the 'Planet Trekkers' kids' club, the offer has since been expanded extensively. Today, guests of all ages can expect a variety of programs: from Muay Thai boxing and Salsa Dance classes to Aqua Zumba and an exciting children's Pirate Cruise. The numerous STEM activities – exciting workshops and experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, specially designed for young explorers – are particularly special. Sahoo was impressed as soon as he arrived: 'My first impression was overwhelming. The entire management team welcomed me personally – it was very warm and touching.' In addition to the modern and stylish appearance of the resort, he particularly praises the excellent infrastructure: 'The staff accommodation is some of the best in the country – that shows how much care and foresight has been put into the planning here.' What personally fascinates him most about living and working in the Maldives is the unique natural environment: 'The vast ocean, the tropical climate and the peace and quiet that allows me to read or write – it's a gift.' The creative approach to challenges also makes a lasting impression on him: 'In my seven years here, I have learned that there is a solution to every problem – you just have to be creative enough.' And when asked whether the magic of the Maldives can still be felt after all these years, he answers without hesitation: 'Absolutely. Someone once said to me: '99% of the Maldives is underwater' and I always carry that thought with me. It's a privilege to work in a place that others only know from vacation.'
Gulf Insider
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
My Unforgettable Escape to InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
As I stepped off the seaplane onto the floating dock at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean stretched endlessly before me. The warm Maldivian breeze and the gentle lapping of waves instantly melted away the stresses of life. Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, this private island paradise delivered an experience that was both luxurious and soul-recharging, making it a perfect getaway for Gulf residents. Image Credits: InterContinental Maldives Travelling to Maamunagau from Bahrain and other GCC countries is seamless, thanks to frequent flights to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From Bahrain, I took a direct flight with Gulf Air, a quick 4.5-hour journey. Depending on the season, several airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai also connect Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh to Malé, with flight times and prices ranging from $400-$600. Booking early or during off-peak months often secures better deals. Upon landing in Malé, the resort arranges a 35-minute seaplane transfer to Raa Atoll, costing approximately $290-$700 round-trip per person, included in some packages if you stay four nights or more. The seaplane ride itself is a highlight, offering breathtaking aerial views of scattered atolls and sapphire waters. Image Credits: InterContinental Maldives Alternatively, a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute speedboat ride is available for late arrivals, though I preferred the seaplane's scenic charm. The resort's staff greeted me at Malé with a warm smile and escorted me to a private lounge, ensuring a smooth transition. Arriving at Maamunagau, I was struck by the resort's serene beauty. Soft white sands, palm-fringed terraces, and a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life set the stage for an unforgettable stay. The resort, the first all-club InterContinental property, offers 81 villas, each with Maldivian-inspired interiors and private pools. I stayed in a One-Bedroom Pool Villa, priced at around $1,200 per night. The villa's infinity pool seemed to blend into the ocean, and I spent mornings sipping coffee on my balcony. All guests enjoy Club InterContinental benefits, including a lavish à la carte breakfast, multi-tiered afternoon tea, evening aperitifs, and all-day refreshments at The Retreat and Pool Bar. These perks made every moment feel indulgent without the worry of extra costs piling up. Dining at Maamunagau is a culinary journey. At The Fish Market, I savoured sea-to-table South Asian-inspired dishes, like tuna carpaccio. The Lighthouse, a stunning overwater dome, offered fine dining with delicious lobster ravioli. Café Umi's sushi and The Sunset Bar's cocktails added variety, with six dining venues ensuring every meal was a delight. The resort's proximity to a manta ray sanctuary was a highlight. I joined a snorkelling excursion, swimming alongside mantas. Non-motorized watersports, like kayaking, were complimentary, while jet skiing and e-foiling added thrills for a fee. The AVI Spa, perched over the lagoon, blended Ayurvedic treatments with Maldivian botanicals, and my ocean-facing massage was pure bliss. For families, the Planet Trekkers Kids Club kept younger guests entertained with marine-themed activities. What sets Maamunagau apart is its commitment to sustainability. The resort's Green Engage initiatives, like solar production and coral nursery planting, align with its eco-conscious ethos. Biking around the island, I appreciated the lush greenery and beauty of the island. The tranquil setting, far from the crowded resorts, and the healthy house reef teeming with reef sharks and eagle rays made every snorkel a vibrant adventure. My stay at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau was a masterclass in relaxation. Prices, while premium, reflect the all-inclusive perks and personalized service, from pre-arrival questionnaires to attentive staff like my curator, who tailored my itinerary. For Gulf travellers, the short flight and visa-on-arrival make it an accessible escape. Whether you're a honeymooner, family, or solo adventurer, this resort delivers lifelong memories. For more information visit
Web Release
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
InterContinental Maldives Unveils an Evocative New Artwork 'The Silent Dance' by Kristel Bechara
Web Release Selection Lifestyle By Editor_wr Last updated Apr 28, 2025 Art and culture have intertwined in breathtaking fashion once again at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort with the unveiling of 'The Silent Dance', an evocative new painting created during the exclusive Eid artist residency of award-winning Middle Eastern artist Kristel Bechara. Drawing on the island's conservation work and natural beauty, the painting captures the harmony of marine life through the graceful form of manta rays, positioning the resort as a beacon for meaningful cultural collaboration and artistic expression in the Maldives. Kristel Bechara, known for her signature fusion of vivid patterns and expressive colours against monochromatic backdrops, recently brought her unique aesthetic to the resort during a six-day residency from April 5th to 10th. Beginning the work in her Dubai studio, Kristel completed the final brushstrokes of 'The Silent Dance' while immersed in the island's serene surroundings. Guests had the opportunity to engage with the artist through live sessions and interactive workshops, gaining first-hand insight into her creative process and the environmental message behind the artwork. 'The Silent Dance' is a captivating homage to the fluid beauty of manta rays, creatures that glide through the ocean in silence and symmetry. At the heart of the canvas, three manta rays float in a circular motion above a greyscale coral reef, their wings adorned with intricate, vibrant detailing. The composition mirrors Henri Matisse's famed 'The Dance', replacing human figures with marine life in a rhythmic celebration of movement, freedom, and continuity. This reinterpretation not only showcases Kristel's rich visual language but also speaks to the quiet, powerful interconnectedness of life beneath the waves. By contrasting the colourful mantas with the starkness of a monochrome reef, the piece brings attention to the fragility of marine ecosystems. It reflects the delicate balance between nature's vibrancy and the environmental challenges facing the oceans today. Through 'The Silent Dance', viewers are invited into a meditative moment, a celebration of the underwater world and a call to action to protect it. The unveiling of 'The Silent Dance' further cements InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort as a hub for immersive, artistic encounters that transcend borders. The successful Eid residency with Kristel Bechara not only strengthened cultural ties between the Maldives and the UAE but also created a platform where art becomes a medium for storytelling, sustainability, and shared experience. Beyond its growing role in the cultural landscape, the resort continues to lead in sustainable luxury. Nestled on the edge of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the property is committed to preserving the natural world it calls home. Through its long-standing partnership with The Manta Trust, the resort supports essential research into manta behaviour and habitat, using its proximity to a juvenile manta feeding ground to offer guests rare educational encounters with these majestic creatures. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort's collaboration with Kristel Bechara is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our oceans. As the resort continues to host artists, thinkers, and environmental advocates, it reaffirms its vision as a destination where conservation meets creativity and where every guest leaves inspired by both the land and the sea. Comments are closed.
Web Release
27-01-2025
- Web Release
Experience Thrilling Manta Ray Encounters at The Fourth Edition of The Manta Retreat at InterContinental Maldives
Following the launch of the Manta Retreat in 2022, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort welcomes guests to the fourth Manta Retreat, taking place from the 17th to the 20th of March 2025. Spreading curiosity and excitement to learn about manta rays and their natural habitat, the Manta Retreat offers a great platform to learn, explore and understand these gentle giants while participating in enriching workshops and conservation activities. Participating guests can expect an unparalleled experience centred around the majestic manta rays that inhabit the waters of Raa Atoll. The retreat also includes guided snorkelling excursions that gives guests a chance to swim alongside these gentle giants and observe their behaviour up-close. A series of workshops, including the Manta ID and Manta Research sessions, will provide insights into the identification and study of individual manta rays, offering participants a rare opportunity to adopt and name their own manta. The fourth edition will once again be led by Meral Hafeez, the Manta Trust base leader at InterContinental Maldives. With her marine expertise and passion for educating guests on all manner of underwater creatures, Meral will guide participants through an immersive experience allowing guests to explore the lives of manta rays and the learn the importance of their conservation. Adding to the experience, is another dedicated workshop where attendees can also learn about the fascinating world of plankton, which is the primary food source for manta rays. Further, guided house reef snorkelling sessions will uncover the vibrant marine life around the resort, while the Coral Restoration and Planting Workshop allows guests to contribute directly to the health of the reef. For those eager to deepen their understanding, Meral Hafeez's engaging talk, 'Manta Ray of the Maldives,' will highlight the unique characteristics and behaviours of these magnificent creatures. The retreat also offers a conservation-focused element, emphasising the collaborative efforts between InterContinental Maldives and the Manta Trust. Since 2019, the partnership has supported research and education initiatives aimed at protecting the vulnerable reef manta rays and their oceanic relatives. The retreat helps raise awareness and funds to sustain these vital efforts, ensuring that participants leave not only with cherished memories but also as advocates for marine conservation. This is more than just a retreat; it is an invitation to join a movement dedicated to preserving the ocean's delicate ecosystems. Guests can immerse themselves in the luxury and tranquillity of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. When: From March 17th, 2025 to March 20th, 2025 Inclusions: – One Manta Ray Excursion In Raa Atoll – One Manta Ray Research Trip – Name And Adopt A Manta Ray – Manta ID Workshop – Manta Research Workshop – Manta Ray Of The Maldives Talk – Guided House Reef Snorkelling – Plankton Workshop – Coral Restoration And Planting Workshop – Manta & Devil Rays Of The World Guide Book – The Manta Trust Snorkel Mask Strap – Manta Trust Rash Guard Club InterContinental Additional Benefits: – Daily breakfast in Cafe Umi from 7am to 11am – Afternoon tea from 3pm to 5pm – Evening aperitif from 5pm to 7pm – Pool side soft beverages available from 11am to 6pm – Private lounge access at the Seaplane terminal – Planet Trekkers kids club access – Island butler and 24 hour e-Butler service – Byredo luxury bathroom amenities – 30-minute resort photoshoot session – A range of complimentary non-motorised water sport activities including catamaran sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddling Price: USD1490++ per guest Terms and Conditions: – Minimum age for participants is 10 years and above – All participants have to be confident swimmers to join the snorkelling excursions
