InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort 

Known for occupying the very best locations worldwide, InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) hit the jackpot with InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. Perfectly positioned on the fringes of the Raa Atoll, the resort has easy access to Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where guests can swim among the largest known aggregation of manta rays. Having won an accolade of awards, most recently “Best Hotels in the Maldives” Gold Rank in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, it’s easy to see why in-the-know guests return to this little piece of hidden paradise.

Location

Nestled on a private island, 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is one of the Maldives’ more remote locations offering escapism and privacy in quantities to suit. The resort is enviably positioned 35 minutes by speedboat from Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to Hanifaru Bay – a hotspot for manta rays and a sanctuary for those wanting to reconnect with nature on a deeper level. Guests can swim among majestic manta rays, spot playful pods of dolphins or take in spectacular, fish-speckled vistas from the seclusion of their private villas (during our stay, we witnessed dolphins playing, sharks feeding, and graceful manta rays from the comfort of our bathtub).

Arrival

From a seamless pre-arrival experience, including a brief stop at the hotel’s dedicated lounge at the seaplane terminal, we arrived on the island to the sound of traditional Maldivian bodu beru (big drums). After a quick tour, our island host whisked us to our villa for check-in and a welcome spread of cool coconuts, sweet treats and a freshly-prepared cookie decorating set for our daughter. A dedicated island curator looks after guests throughout their stay, from buggy rides to breakfast to delivering surprise after-dinner treats; if you need anything, they take care of it.

Accommodation

Eighty-one beach, lagoon and overwater villas offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Designed by Avalon Collection, the villas combine contemporary barefoot living and luxurious comfort. Set amid tropical greenery, the twenty-eight beach villas offer a private pool, sunbathing deck and al fresco dining area with captivating beach views. Twenty-four overwater villas enjoy sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and spacious outdoor decks with a private infinity pool. Meanwhile, we opted for a two-storey lagoon villa, which was perfect for our young family. A first-of-its-kind in the Maldives, the lagoon villa provides access both to the Indian Ocean and to a white sandy beach and turquoise lagoon. Highlights of the villa (there were many!) include an outdoor sundeck and infinity plunge pool, unrivalled ocean views, a free-standing bath, gorgeous amenities and personal touches, including a wealth of baby amenities and bicycles parked out front, personalised with our initials. 

Food & drink

As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, guests benefit from a range of complimentary food and beverages throughout the stay, including breakfast, afternoon tea, soft drinks, and evening aperitif with cocktails and canapès. In addition, six distinct dining options cater to all tastes. For dinner, Lighthouse offers 360 Indian Ocean views, candle-lit terrace dining and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Fish Market is a unique sea-to-table, interactive kitchen concept with Southeast Asian flavours, spectacular sunset views and the option to select live seafood under the knowledgeable guidance of the chef team. For all-day dining, Cafè Umi specialises in sophisticated classic favourites with a Japanese accent and a Teppanyaki interactive experience in the evening; poolside, The Collective is ideal for a quick bite with a pizzeria, deli and gelato bar. And for pure tranquillity, The Retreat is an adult-only enclave overlooking the crystal-clear lagoon. 

Things to do

In addition to the usual amenities associated with paradise (think crystal waters, sunshine and abundant places to relax), InterContinental Maldives offers a curated programme of activities to ensure that boredom is not an option. Non-motorised water sports, such as paddle boards, snorkelling on the house reef and canoes, are complimentary, as are group yoga and gym training sessions. Meanwhile, a weekly programme of ocean activities for those wanting to explore further afield includes a sunset dolphin cruise (an incredible experience – we spent 30 minutes watching over 40 spinner dolphins frolicking in the setting sun), night snorkelling, sunrise fishing and trips to the nearby UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Back on dry land, we also enjoyed an incredibly informative Maldivian cooking class during which the chef taught us how to make tuna curry, precisely as his mother had taught him.

Fun for kids

For parents concerned that a luxurious break in the Maldives isn’t consistent with having an active toddler – let me put your mind at ease. Firstly, every aspect has been considered regarding safety; for example, windows and doors in villas are secured with hard-to-reach child locks for added peace of mind. Kids under 12 eat free on their parent’s meal plans, and restaurants offer healthy, sustainable and imaginative kids’ dishes (the chef took great care of our daughter’s ‘smiley face’ pancakes at breakfast!) And then there’s Planet Trekkers – the pirate-themed complimentary kids club (which I’d spend time in even without a little one in tow!) Planet Trekkers is a haven for children with enough toys and games to keep them busy for weeks, beautiful gardens perfect for exploring and a covered splash park. An ever-changing programme of activities runs from 9 am-6 pm and focuses on teaching children about the deep wonders of the Indian Ocean through activities, arts, crafts and mini expeditions. Little adventurers aged 4-12 can stop by the club as they please, while those under four can enjoy the facilities accompanied by a parent or carer. The team also offers a dedicated babysitting service for babies as young as 45 days. 

AVI Spa

For adults, AVI Spa features six overwater treatment villas, steam rooms, ice fountains, a yoga pavilion, and a fitness centre. The treatment villas have been designed to relax each of the senses, from abundant natural light to soothing sounds that transport the body and mind to a deep state of relaxation. All treatments begin with a mineral-rich detoxifying grapefruit and lavender foot cleanse, yogic breathing and meridian tapping ritual. My husband and I opted for a heavenly couples’ massage at the beginning of our stay. I returned later to meet the visiting practitioner Jang for a much-needed emotional release session. During this life-changing session, Jang taught me how to better understand the relationship between my body and mind and simple techniques to feel more connected and relaxed. Meanwhile, my husband was delighted with the 24-hour state-of-the-art gym, which offers complimentary weekly training sessions. I also enjoyed complimentary sunrise yoga on the mornings I woke earlier enough. 

Sustainability

With proximity to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort significantly emphasises sustainability. A team of experienced Marine Biologists staffs the on-island Marine Discovery Centre, excited to share their research about the local environment. Educational activities include screening marine-related films and presentations, collaborating with the MantaTrust Foundation, and expert-led excursions to educate adults and children. InterContinental recently completed its second Manta Retreat, during which guests could gain a deep insight into the research surrounding manta rays and their protection whilst raising funds to support the work of the Manta Trust.

Shoutout to the staff

If I had to pick one reason to return to InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, it would be the staff. Everyone we encountered was genuinely happy to be there and spoke so highly of the IHG brand. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and the personal touches made memories that would last a lifetime. We arrived as guests and left with an extended Maldivian family we cannot wait to see again on our next visit. Fingers crossed, that will be soon! 

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, +960 658 0500, maldives.intercontinental.com