Nestled on the pristine southern tip of the secluded Raa Atoll, adjacent to the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, lies the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. This beautiful private island sanctuary is the perfect place to visit with family, friends or indeed as a couple wanting to really connect and create memories to cherish.
Hotel
The seaplane journey to Maamunagau Island is a spectacle in itself, offering a bird’s-eye view of the atolls. Upon landing, the resonance of the Bodu Beru drums and the warmth of the island greeters encapsulate the spirit of the Maldives, a tradition-rich welcome.
The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort epitomises natural beauty in the Maldives, emerging from the azure waters as a serene island retreat. This tranquil haven boasts pristine, powdery sands encircled by clear turquoise waters and gently swaying coconut palms. Nestled within its own secluded lagoon at the southernmost tip of the Raa Atoll, the resort offers uninterrupted views of the vast ocean, with few other islands in sight.
Adding to its charm is a picturesque sandbank crowned by a lighthouse, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable photographs. Despite its small size, Maamunagau Island invites leisurely exploration, with complimentary bicycles and a 24/7 buggy service available for convenient transportation along shaded pathways weaving through palm groves. What we particularly loved was the resort’s really pretty lagoon located within a circle of villas and linked to the main part of the island by a jetty.
One of the hallmarks of this resort is its unwavering commitment to world-class service. Notably, it is the pioneer in offering Club InterContinental benefits to all guests, ensuring a heightened level of indulgence with daily afternoon tea, evening aperitifs, and all-day refreshments by the pool or beach.
The resort’s dedication to excellence extends beyond its amenities to its surroundings, as it is nestled amidst a vibrant marine ecosystem, home to a remarkable manta ray sanctuary. This distinction renders it the premier destination in the Maldives for snorkelling with manta rays year-round, setting it apart as a beacon among luxury resorts in the region.
Designed with both couples and families in mind, the resort exudes sophistication and elegance, with architecture that seamlessly blends with the tropical landscape. Crafted by acclaimed architects Eco-ID, the resort’s aesthetic is characterised by minimalist elegance, accentuating the natural beauty of the atoll. From the open-air pavilions to the soft colour palettes and subtle textures, every element of the design reflects a commitment to authenticity and refinement.
The resort’s layout is intelligently crafted to offer distinct experiences within three distinct areas: the island, the lagoon, and the overwater villas. Each area boasts its own unique facilities, from expansive private gardens and beach villas to two-storey lagoon villas and overwater retreats. The crown jewels of the property are its six opulent residences, offering spacious living areas, private pools, and breath-taking ocean views.
Guests are spoilt for choice with two communal pool areas, including the main pool overlooking the sunset and The Retreat, an exclusive enclave for adults. Whether lounging by the poolside or indulging in curated cocktails and gourmet delights, every moment at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a celebration of luxury and serenity.
Room
InterContinental’s accommodations are a testament to understated elegance. The overwater pool villas, a sublime fusion of traditional Maldivian design and modern luxury, are sanctuaries of tranquillity, while The Residence with plunge pool represents the pinnacle of privacy, with its generous living spaces and discreet butler service.
Indulge in the ultimate Maldives experience with the stunning lagoon villas offered by the resort, providing direct access to the tranquil waters right from guests’ doorsteps. Spread across two floors, these luxurious villas are designed to immerse visitors in the unparalleled beauty of the ocean.
Each villa boasts an outdoor sundeck where guests can take in breath-taking views of the horizon from their infinity plunge pool. With direct access to the calm lagoon, visitors can easily dip into the pristine waters whenever the mood strikes, experiencing the serenity of island living at its finest.
Crafted to provide the utmost comfort and luxury, these exquisite lagoon villas feature an elevated master bedroom with a sumptuous king-size bed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep as guests listen to the gentle sounds of the ocean. The open-plan bathroom boasts a separate shower and bathtub with an infinity view, allowing guests to unwind in style while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Guests can relax and unwind in the spacious living area, complete with a powder room for added convenience. Stepping outside, they’ll discover an outdoor shower, perfect for refreshing after a day of exploring the island. Leisurely moments can be enjoyed on the terrace or balcony, soaking in the mesmerising views of the lagoon.
The lagoon villas are equipped with an array of amenities to enhance guests’ stay. They can immerse themselves in their favourite music with the AV system featuring a BOSE portable speaker with Bluetooth connectivity. Luxury bathroom amenities by BYREDO ensure a truly indulgent experience.
Entertainment is at guests’ fingertips with a 55-inch smart TV offering a selection of satellite channels. For their comfort, they can choose between down or hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets upon request, ensuring a personalised touch to their stay.
Guests are invited to immerse themselves in unparalleled luxury and stunning vistas at the resort’s exquisite Maldives water villas, each featuring a private pool. Awakening to the gentle lull of the ocean, visitors can savour unobstructed views from their bed, bathtub, or infinity pool, creating an idyllic retreat.
The overwater pool villas are meticulously designed to offer the ultimate indulgence, with every detail carefully curated to elevate guests’ experiences to new heights. Each villa boasts a spacious layout, complete with a plush king-size bed, an open-plan bathroom, and a private infinity pool that beckons for relaxation. Adjacent to the pool, a cushioned daybed provides the perfect spot for basking in the sun, while an open-air dining area sets the stage for intimate meals with unparalleled views of the surroundings.
The resort’s commitment to exceptional service extends beyond the confines of the villa. Guests can enjoy twice-daily housekeeping, including an evening turndown service, ensuring that every moment of their stay is met with the utmost care and attention.
Embarking on adventures is made easy with complimentary beach towels, life vests, and snorkelling equipment at guests’ disposal. They can explore the island at their own pace with complimentary bicycles provided for the duration of their stay, adding an element of freedom and exploration to their Maldives getaway.
Food and drink
The resort’s dining venues are a culinary atlas, charting a course through global flavours with local finesse. The resort boasts seven distinctive restaurants and bars, each offering a unique culinary adventure, all set within thoughtfully crafted and inviting atmospheres.
Dining by Design offers an exquisite culinary experience in a range of intimate island settings, from secluded beaches to remote sandbanks or the privacy of guests’ villas. With curated menus and the service of a personal chef, visitors can indulge in crafted menus fusing the freshest local seafood and premium cuts, paired with fine wines selected by the resort’s sommelier. The dramatic ocean views and the sound of waves add to the ambience, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
The Lighthouse presents a Mediterranean culinary odyssey, where guests can begin their evening with a 360-degree view of the resort and the Indian Ocean atop the lighthouse. Vibrant flavours crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients and seafood await, with options for private tables on the terrace or candle-lit tables on the beach, making it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
For those craving exotic Asian flavours, Fish Market is a culinary haven. Blending the freshest Maldivian seafood with aromatic flavours from Southeast Asia, Fish Market offers a unique sea-to-table, interactive kitchen concept, where guests select their own seafood under the knowledgeable guidance of the chefs.
Cafe Umi offers all-day dining excellence, starting the day with a hearty breakfast and traditional favourites alongside authentic Asian selections. Guests can enjoy a light lunch or explore the extensive dinner menu, with the option for an interactive dining experience at the teppanyaki counter.
The Collective, with its live cooking stations, adds a dynamic edge to dining and, located adjacent to the main pool, offers picturesque views of the beach and the ocean. It houses The Deli, serving fresh juices, pastries, and healthy wraps, a Pizzeria serving wood-fired pizza, and the Island Boutique.
For an intimate gastronomic journey, the Sunset Beach Dining Experience invites guests to dine under a canopy of stars, with the gentle lap of waves playing in the background.
The Retreat, an adults-only enclave perched overwater with stunning views of the lagoon, offers a tranquil sanctuary exclusively for adults. Guests can enjoy sweet and savoury finger food paired with an exquisite selection of tea during afternoon tea or indulge in sundowners or evening digestives of premium wines and cheese.
Avi Pool Bar, situated within the main activity hub of the resort, offers a place to unwind and sip in style. With a swim-up bar and an extensive list of cocktails, mocktails, and other refreshing options, paired with light bites, it’s the perfect venue to relax after a day of exploration.
Sip on champagne cocktails crafted with infused iced spheres as you take in the sunset views at the Sunset Bar. Signature cocktails and expert recommendations from the Champagne sommelier are complemented by delectable canapés and curated music, creating an intimate ambience perfect for unwinding in style.
Spa and wellness
The resort’s Spa and Wellness Centre, floating on the lagoon, is an abode where ancient Maldivian healing traditions meet contemporary techniques. The wellness journey is complemented by thermal therapies, hydrotherapy, and a range of holistic treatments that promote a deep sense of well-being.
Nestled on the serene southern tip of the island, adjacent to the Lighthouse, lies the distinguished AVI Spa, the epitome of tranquillity and rejuvenation at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. This intimate sanctuary beckons guests to embark on a holistic wellness journey amidst breath-taking overwater vistas.
Comprising six luxurious treatment villas perched above the glistening waters, the AVI Spa offers a haven of serenity where guests can immerse themselves in a range of therapeutic experiences. From steam rooms to ice fountains, an outdoor vitality massage pool, a yoga pavilion, and a well-equipped gym, every aspect of the spa is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
At the heart of the AVI Spa is a renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, adept in the ancient arts of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Drawing upon the principles of Chinese wellness, guests are guided on a path to harmony and balance through a selection of bespoke treatments. These encompass a diverse array of offerings, including anti-ageing facial acupuncture, cupping therapy, remedial tui-na massage, body therapies, personalised dietary plans, and herbal medicine.
Furthermore, the resort’s commitment to holistic wellness extends beyond the confines of the spa, with tailored menus catering to every dietary need. Whether guests seek gluten-free, vegan, or other dietary preferences, the culinary team ensures a seamless and balanced wellness retreat experience, without compromising on the overall indulgence.
Each wellness journey at AVI Spa commences with a ritualistic approach, beginning with a mineral-rich detoxifying grapefruit and lavender foot cleanse. Guests are then guided through yogic breathing exercises and a meridian tapping ritual, setting the stage for profound relaxation and receptivity to the transformative treatments that follow.
At AVI Spa, guests are invited to surrender to the soothing rhythms of the ocean and embark on a voyage of self-discovery and renewal, leaving behind the stresses of daily life to embrace a state of profound serenity and well-being.
To do
Maamunagau Island is not just a static paradise but a living, breathing landscape of experiences. The Marine Discovery Centre offers insights into marine conservation, while the Watersports Centre beckons the adventurous with its plethora of oceanic activities. Sunset fishing, dolphin-watching excursions, and traditional Dhoni sailing trips are just a taste of the aquatic adventures that await.
For those inclined towards cultural immersion, the resort organises visits to local islands, providing a glimpse into the Maldivian way of life, its people, and their crafts.
The resort is not only a custodian of luxury, but also of the environment it graces. It stands as a paragon of sustainable luxury, with initiatives like the Green Engage System, which monitors and reduces the resort’s carbon footprint, ensuring that the paradise remains unspoiled for future generations.
The ethos of InterContinental service is omnipresent. Each staff member is not just an employee, but a curator of experience, ensuring that every moment is bespoke, and every desire is met with intuitive grace. The resort’s all-inclusive offering, the InterContinental Maldives Plan, exemplifies this philosophy, providing guests with an array of dining options, experiences, and services that celebrate the art of fine living.
In a nutshell
As the days blend into a seamless experience of discovery and relaxation, guests realise that the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is not just a retreat from the world; it is a journey into a realm of beauty and serenity.
Whether basking in the solitude of their villa’s deck, exploring the depths of the ocean, or simply indulging in the culinary delights, the resort ensures that every moment is imbued with the essence of Maldivian magic. The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is more than a destination; it is an experience that resonates within, long after the footprints on the sand have been washed away by the tides.
Factbox
Rates are from approx. 2,569 USD per night (one bedroom lagoon pool villa). Rates depend on season and villa type.
Address: Maamunagau Island Raa Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Phone: +9606580 500
Email: reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com
Website: ihg.com
