InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

The Maldives is an archipelago of 1200 islands grouped into 26 atolls dotted across 871 kilometers in the Indian Ocean and is one of the most dispersed countries in the world, where only 200 islands are inhabited by Maldivians, less than 200 islands are tourist resorts and the remaining islands are left untouched or are partially submerged underwater. A paradise for underwater explorers, the Maldives is home to 5% of the world’s coral reefs and over 2000 species of marine species including 14 species of sharks and 23 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises); all of which are protected under Maldivian law.

Our lagoon is an important feeding ground for juvenile manta rays as the large lagoon system provides protective shelter from predators and an abundance of planktonic food for many juveniles during the North East monsoon months of December to April during which time they migrate from Hanifaru Bay.

Located in close proximity to the resort is Maldives’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. Encompassing 139,700 hectares, the Baa Atoll is teeming with hard and soft corals, reef associated fish species, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. Hanifaru Bay is a protected sanctuary within the Baa Atoll most notably known for being one of the very few places worldwide where throughout the year whale sharks congregate to mate and where regularly, the largest gatherings of manta rays can be seen between the months of May to November with more than 100 individuals coming together. Hanifaru Bay is also a nursery ground for grey sharks and sting rays amongst other species. Hanifaru Bay was a declared a “Marine Protected Area” in 2009 and was incorporated into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011.

Did you know that our Sunset Bar is an actual replica of a traditional Maldivian fishing boat called a "dhoni"? In its cellar are over 400 wine labels from all around the world, 40 labels of champagne including vintage and non-vintage, prestige cuvees, rare collections, 1970 port and a Abys champagne which is limited edition and aged in the Atlantic Ocean.