Manta rays with majestic wingspans of up to eight metres glided effortlessly beneath us, their graceful movements a striking contrast to the snorkel-clad humans splashing about on the surface.
This breathtaking scene unfolded at a “cleaning station”, a unique spot where these gentle giants come to have parasites removed by small fish in a fascinating example of the intricate symbiotic relationships of the ocean.
The Maldives is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, but manta rays are a particular highlight. Typically, they spend considerable time at stations such as these, not only to be cleaned but also to socialise and warm up after deep dives in colder water. Luxury agents on the latest TTG Luxury Journey were lucky enough to experience these graceful creatures during their stay at the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort – situated near a juvenile manta feeding ground, the resort’s proximity makes it a crucial site for manta ray conservation.
Since 2019, InterContinental Maldives has collaborated with the Manta Trust, an organisation dedicated to the research and protection of these magnificent creatures. Manta Trust has a base on the island and the resort’s first annual Manta Retreat launched in 2022 to raise awareness about manta rays. Wondrous activities for guests include snorkelling trips, workshops about coral restoration and plankton, plus the opportunity to adopt and name a manta ray.
Holly Axelrad, an independent agent with Travel Four Seasons in Harpenden, was particularly struck by the experience of observing the mantas. So much so that her agency has even now adopted a manta ray to support the Manta Trust’s efforts.
She notes: “The location and marine life at InterContinental Maldives is exceptional compared to many other resorts. My clients often seek house reefs combined with the chance to see large marine life without needing to dive, and this resort offers both in abundance.”
Meral Hafeez, the Manta Trust’s base leader at InterContinental Maldives, provided the group with an enlightening talk on manta conservation the night before our excursion.
For Hollie Stillion, an independent agent with Wimbledon’s Swords Travel on her first visit to the Maldives, this presentation coupled with the manta ray snorkelling excursion was the highlight. “The island’s location in the Raa atoll makes it ideal for divers, with manta rays right on the doorstep and the Manta Trust’s presence on the island confirmed we were in a truly special place,” she says.
Sheryl Makin, founder of The Luxury Travel Boutique in London, also emphasises the importance of educating visitors. “I believe it should be mandatory for all tourists to attend an educational talk before participating in manta excursions to ensure they know the necessary guidelines when you encounter them,” she suggests.
Makin says her previous visits to the Maldives were to more rustic resorts some 25 years ago, so this trip promised a blend of luxury and nature she relishes and the InterContinental Maldives exceeded her expectations. “The resort’s ambience blends chic bohemian elegance with Maldivian authenticity, featuring modern luxury and art installations made from recycled materials in the villas,” she notes.
Each villa is equipped with modern amenities such as Smart TVs, Bose speakers, and luxury Byredo toiletries. However, it was the staff’s attention to detail that particularly impressed Makin, including personalised pillowcases and thoughtful touches such as petal baths run in readiness to welcome the agents back to their villas after a busy day around the island. “The resort’s sense of hospitality really stood out for me,” she says, and she also highlights the convenience of the Staytus app, which provided easy access to concierge services.
Room service
Natalie Bennett, from Off Broadway Travel in Welwyn, particularly praises the team’s attentiveness too: “The staff really could not do enough for you. Their attention to detail and the little touches they would leave behind really were lovely, such as messages and illustrations in sand relevant to what we had done left on our doorsteps.”
There are 81 villas on the island, including 30 beach villas, such as the stunning three-bedroom Royal Beachfront Residence, which we wandered around in awe during the resort visit.
The 26 beautiful lagoon villas showcase a unique two-sided concept, combining the overwater element but also offering beach access, along with stylish duplex living. Meanwhile, 25 overwater villas unfurl along the jetty, culminating in a spacious three-bedroom Overwater Residence, which also wowed everyone with its gorgeous design features and endless views of the shimmering ocean.
Family business
The resort offers a variety of activities to keep guests entertained, including watersports, snorkelling on the house reef and wellness programmes with visiting practitioners at the Avi Spa. Meanwhile, children will love the Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club, which is designed like a pirate ship. Stillion particularly appreciated its many features and activities given her focus on family travel via her blog and large Instagram followings at @myhollie_days and @babyinbucks.
“The range of family-friendly accommodation options, especially the lagoon villas, combined with the fantastic kids’ club and child-friendly dining options make this a great choice for families,” she says. “But equally it’s perfect for couples, with The Retreat offering a dedicated adults-only space including a pool and restaurant; I loved it there. I now also know there is always plenty to do in the Maldives.”
She was enchanted by the abundant marine life visible just outside her beach pool villa, including turtles and moray eels. “The Maldives surpassed all my expectations,” she says. “It was even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Flying start
Travel to the Maldives is convenient with British Airways’ direct 10-hour flights from Heathrow to Velana International airport. The outbound overnight flight operates three times a week in summer and daily in winter, with a three-class service offering comfort and convenience on Boeing 777 or 789 aircraft.
“It was an incredible opportunity for me to join a familiarisation trip like this too, in one of the world’s most popular destinations,” says Nicola Fisher, key account manager for UK & Ireland consumer sales at British Airways. “It’s crucial for our trade partners to experience destinations and flights such as these for themselves – it enables all of us to share our genuine excitement and insights with clients.”
The group tried both World Traveller Plus and Club World cabins as part of the trip, giving each of them the confidence and knowledge to encourage upgrade sales, while all agents say they now plan to suggest direct British Airways flights to their clients.
The five-star service continued at InterContinental Maldives’ private lounge at the seaplane terminal in Male, where guests can relax before the 35-minute scenic flight to the resort.
Jennifer Lynch, general manager of ArrangeMY Escape in Worcester, found her first-ever seaplane experience seamless and enjoyable, with the added bonus of the Manta Air service committed to stopping first at InterContinental Maldives. Often seaplanes will have two or three drops, which can make it a hot, cramped and time-consuming process.
Lynch says that now she understands the travel nuances and the idyllic beauty of the Maldives, the team at her agency – which has a big focus on honeymoons – will place a much stronger priority on selling the Maldives, rather than destinations like Mauritius.
Making memories
One of the highlights of the trip was an evening at the resort’s Sunset Bar, shaped like a wooden boat. “The view was amazing from there and the fruit ice cubes mixed with the champagne tasted delicious,” recalls Stillion. “I also got to ‘sabre’ a bottle of the champagne too – using a sword to slice the cork! That was really fun.”
Although a sunset cruise taken by the group didn’t have any success spotting dolphins, Makin says it was a lovely early evening activity nonetheless. “Even though we didn’t see any dolphins, the flowing champagne made up for it,” she says. “It was a beautiful yacht to experience in great company.”
As well as indulgent activities, the trip also included healthy ones, such as morning yoga on a wide, white sweep of beach with some of the spa team to celebrate Global Wellness Day, held on 8 June. As Stillion says: “The beach was hands-down the most beautiful place I’ve ever done yoga.”
The wellness theme continued into Avi Spa, which Lynch says she was blown away by, with its scattering of overwater treatment villas. Some of the agents also took to the water for a group snorkelling session. “I really enjoyed this and thought the two guides were very good, helping us to find exciting marine life such as a starfish and a turtle,” says Bennett. “I also went kayaking with Sheryl and we really enjoyed that, plus we even tried stand-up paddleboarding for the first time.”
Foodie favourites
The resort offers a range of dining options across six restaurants and bars. Club InterContinental – available for all guests – includes benefits such as afternoon tea at The Collective and daily “happy hour” drinks by the pool. The Lighthouse is not only an icon of the island, with its breathtaking 360-degree ocean views from the top, but its unique structure holds a speciality restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes family-style.
Stillion, meanwhile, enjoyed learning about Maldivian cuisine over breakfast at Cafe Umi. “A chef there spent time telling me about local cuisine and what they’d have for a typical breakfast – he gave me tips to take away, and then also made that breakfast for me.”
For firm foodie Bennett, there was plenty of choice. “Our dinner at Cafe Umi on the first night offered a diverse menu with something for everyone, even those who perhaps don’t like Asian food. Being a fan of seafood, I especially enjoyed dinner at Fish Market too, where the interactive concept of choosing your own live seafood was really interesting. Lunch at The Retreat was another highlight for me, with the recommended tuna burger exceeding my expectations.”
“This trip was about strengthening relationships with our UK partners and familiarising them with the unparalleled natural beauty and luxury of our resort, while reaffirming the Maldives as a premier global destination,” explains Laura Bartie, director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. “Known for its charm, cultural diversity, and natural wonders, the Maldives offers a diverse array of experiences, and we are dedicated to showcasing its breathtaking natural beauty through exceptional luxury and personalised service.”
The Maldives remains a top-selling destination for Lusso, with bookings and revenue up almost 25% from the previous year. Partnering with the Cheshire-based operator for the trip gave a chance to show how it has remained steadfastly trade-focused since launching more than 15 years ago.
“This was an amazing opportunity for Lusso to engage with a wonderful group of agents, blended from those having supported us for years together with others that have demonstrated great potential to grow their business with us,” says Lusso’s operations director Mark Hibbert. “A four-night stay was perfect to understand the benefits of this stunning island and increase confidence to sell the resort and wider destination.”
For first-timer Sarah Daley of Small World Travel in Tickhill, Doncaster, the Maldives was a bucket-list destination. “It’s a special holiday for most people, and I had always wanted to visit, so my expectations were high,” she enthuses, having discovered a newfound confidence in selling the Maldives.
“Before this trip, I envisioned the Maldives as an indulgent, tropical paradise. But once I was there, it felt even more special than that; this resort was incredible and truly exclusive. It was like stepping into a dream and is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
How to book it
Lusso offers seven nights at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort from £4,590pp, including 30% discount on room rates (a saving of £2,250pp) with complimentary half-board. Price is based on two adults sharing an overwater pool villa and includes seaplane transfers plus economy flights with British Airways, for stays between 11 May and 30 September 2025 (book at least 90 days in advance). Tel: 01625 591111, email reservations@lussotravel.com
