InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has confirmed the return of its acclaimed Manta Retreat for 2026, scheduled to take place from 24 to 27 March, aligning with the Maamunagau manta season when juvenile manta rays are frequently sighted in the lagoon just offshore. Building on the strong response to previous editions, the retreat is positioned as a distinctive blend of luxury, education, and hands-on conservation, appealing to travellers seeking meaningful experiences that connect them with the natural world.
The resort will once again collaborate with The Manta Trust, one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations, to co-host the programme and deliver an immersive experience centred on marine science and sustainability. Set on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and adjacent to a recognised juvenile manta ray aggregation site, the resort offers guests exceptional access to important research and observation areas, allowing for close engagement with one of the Maldives’ most iconic marine species.
Throughout the retreat, participants will take part in guided reef snorkelling, manta excursions led by experts from The Manta Trust, coral restoration and planting workshops, and a series of interactive educational sessions that explore manta biology, behaviour, and the broader marine ecosystem. Guests will also be invited to adopt and name a manta ray, directly supporting ongoing conservation and research initiatives while fostering a personal connection to marine protection efforts.
The long-standing partnership between the resort and The Manta Trust, established in 2019, continues to play a central role in the programme’s success. The 2026 retreat will be led by The Manta Trust’s base leader, Meral Hafeez, who will guide manta encounters and share insights into the organisation’s work in the surrounding waters. Guests will gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on daily research activities, including observing and recording manta ray behaviour, contributing to the understanding and preservation of this vital habitat.
Maamunagau Lagoon’s designation in 2023 as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) further underscores its significance as a priority conservation site. The lagoon remains a key focus area for ongoing research, offering guests the rare opportunity to observe manta rays in their natural environment just moments from the resort. Certified divers are also accommodated with access to dedicated dive sites featuring manta ray cleaning stations, showcasing the rich biodiversity and complex marine ecosystems that define the Maldives.
Beyond the retreat’s conservation-focused experiences, guests can enjoy the resort’s collection of overwater villas, rejuvenate at AVI Spa, and explore a diverse range of dining concepts, all designed to complement a refined island lifestyle. The participation fee for the Manta Retreat is USD 1,550++ per night, per room, based on double occupancy, with a minimum stay of four nights. The package includes one manta ray research trip, guided house reef snorkelling, manta ray adoption, educational workshops, and accommodation in a luxury villa or residence on a half-board basis, presenting a comprehensive and enriching escape that combines purpose, discovery, and understated elegance for global travellers.
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