Action

Mirihi Island Resort launches Manta Ray Safari

Published

7 years ago

September 20, 2018

Mirihi Island Resort is inviting guests to enjoy exhilarating days out swimming with one of the most impressive and elusive species in the world, the majestic manta ray.

Guests of all ages can dive into this once-in-a-lifetime experience and embark on a Manta Ray Safari off the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, organised by the boutique hotel.

Guided by a team of local experts who know the waters like the back of their hand, guests will be taken day sailing aboard a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat or a beautiful 55ft pine-wood yacht in search of these mysterious creatures of the deep.

Manta rays, though daunting in terms of size with a wing span of up to 12 feet across, are harmless to humans, feeding mainly on plankton and small organisms. Unlike their close relative the stingray, the manta ray has no tail stinger or barb and is one of the friendliest creatures in the sea.

If lucky enough to spot the Maldives’ largest sea inhabitant, guests are encouraged to jump into the water and snorkel alongside these gentle giants. Often appearing inquisitive in nature, the rays are known to majestically swoop over and around swimmers, at times coming thrillingly close; a breath-taking and humbling experience.

When not swimming with the manta rays, guests can enjoy intermittent stints of snorkelling where they can spot turtles, dolphins and whale sharks that flit and soar beneath. After an energetic morning keeping up with all manner of marine life guests can retire aboard the luxurious yacht or Dhoni and return to the island to indulge in a lavish lunch.

“We are delighted to unveil a new adventure for guests of Mirihi Island,” Mohammed Shareef, the island resort’s General Manager, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“Spotting and swimming with manta rays is one of the most exhilarating experiences one can have in the Maldives, and this new excursion is sure to create memories travellers will treasure forever.”

Manta Ray Safaris at Mirihi Island take place from 9.30am until 3pm. Prices start from USD 115 (approximately £89) per person (excluding lunch) for a trip on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat or USD 160 (approximately £124) per person (excluding lunch) on the Mirihi Thari yacht, based on 10 guests sharing the excursion. Prices are subject to 10 percent service charge and 12 percent GST.

Located in the South Ari Atoll, Mirihi Island is an intimate resort with only 37 rooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. Guests will immediately feel at ease in the safe and beautiful environment. With sand covered floors throughout much of the hotel, guests can relax upon arrival where they will be encouraged to abandon their shoes and enjoy their stay barefoot with the powder-soft sand between their toes.

Travellers looking to socialise and meet like-minded people can book sunset sailing trips, whale shark safaris, diving trips, visits to local islands, sessions tasting the most comprehensive selection of fine rum in the whole of the Indian Ocean, and can enjoy complimentary weekly beach cinemas, board games, table tennis, football and more.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy some time away from it all in their private water or beach villa, on a secluded beach or while enjoying a pampering spa treatment.

Up Next

Maldives showcased at Japan’s largest travel fair Tourism EXPO Japan

Don't Miss

The Residence by Cenizaro to open second Maldives resort in 2019

Action

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort launches ‘Swim with Nurse Sharks’ experience

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

m@ldives

Nestled in the pristine waters of the Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort introduces Swim with Nurse Sharks, a new guided marine experience offering guests a rare opportunity to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural lagoon habitat.

Located just minutes from the island, the calm, shallow waters provide ideal conditions for observing nurse sharks at rest and in motion. The one-hour experience operates three times a week by speedboat and is designed for small groups, making it suitable for families and confident swimmers seeking a meaningful connection with the ocean.

Guided with care and respect for the environment, the experience reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to marine awareness and responsible interaction with wildlife. Guests gain insight into the behaviour of nurse sharks while exploring one of the region’s few accessible snorkelling sites dedicated to this species.

Available at USD 95++ per person, with special rates for children under 12, Swim with Nurse Sharks adds a distinctive new chapter to the resort’s immersive ocean experiences.

For more information on “Swim with Nurse Sharks” at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, please visit the resort’s website.

Action

Avani+ Fares Maldives to host Michael Owen’s football camp for second year

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

m@ldives

Michael Owen’s Football Camp is returning to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort for a second year, running from 31 March to 3 April 2026 as part of the resort’s Easter holiday programme. Following a strong debut in 2025, the camp will once again see children and teens join the former England striker for hands-on coaching sessions on Fares Island in Baa Atoll.

Designed for kids and teens aged 5 to 13, the four-day camp combines daily training sessions, skills development and team challenges, led by Michael Owen. The programme ends on a high with a celebratory finale, with certificates, medals and jersey signings for every participant. The camp is complimentary for all guests staying at Avani+ Fares Maldives during the event, and each registered participant will receive an official Football Kit, including two sets of customised jerseys, shorts and socks.

Building on the strong response from families last year, the 2026 Football Camp sits within Avani+ Fares Maldives’ broader Easter line-up, pairing structured sports sessions with relaxed island time. Beyond the pitch, younger guests can dip in and out of island adventures at AvaniKids and the Teens Club, with creative arts and crafts and dedicated spaces designed around their age group. Mealtimes are part of the fun too, with Petit Bistro, the resort’s kids-only restaurant, created just for younger guests.

For families keen to get out on the water together, Avani+ Fares Maldives is set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, with snorkelling along the house reef right off the island and a full menu of water sports and dive experiences at this award-winning dive resort.

Commenting on the upcoming camp, Michael Owen said: “Coming back to Avani+ Fares Maldives feels like a natural next step after the energy and enthusiasm we saw at the first camp. It is a special environment for families and the camp is all about helping kids build confidence, develop their skills and most importantly enjoy the game together. I am really looking forward to being back on the island in 2026.”

Avani+ Fares Maldives is designed with families in mind, with a wide mix of accommodation styles to suit different group sizes and travel plans. Options range from interconnecting Pavilion rooms for easy togetherness, to Beach Pool Villas with outdoor space for daytime downtime, alongside over water villas set above the lagoon. For families travelling as a bigger group, the resort also offers spacious two and three bedroom Over Water Pool Residences, with generous living areas and room to spread out between activities.

Package rates start from USD 3,500 for a family of four, including accommodation, seaplane transfers and football camp registration. Based on two adults and two children sharing on a bed and breakfast basis, includes taxes and fees. To book, visit www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives, email fares@avanihotels.com or call  +960 660 1660.

Action

Simply summer at Milaidhoo: Invitation to slow living in the Baa Atoll

Published

7 days ago

February 4, 2026

m@ldives

In a destination often defined by excess, Milaidhoo Maldives offers a different summer narrative: one of restraint, rhythm and rare stillness. Introducing Simply Summer, a seasonal escape that celebrates the art of slowing down within the UNESCO-protected waters of the Baa Atoll.

An intimate island sanctuary, Milaidhoo is designed for travellers who value time as the ultimate luxury. Days unfold unhurriedly, beginning with relaxed oceanfront breakfasts and shaped entirely by choice, from sunrise yoga and snorkelling in pristine coral gardens to long, private hours spent within the calm of one’s villa. Evenings are defined by elegant à la carte dining, inspired by seasonal flavours and served with effortless grace.

The Simply Summer offer enhances this experience with considered privileges rather than excess. Guests are invited to explore the Maldives’ natural wonders through manta ray encounters in the legendary Hanifaru Bay, indulge in restorative rituals at the overwater Serenity Spa, or discover the atoll through curated island adventures, all with exclusive seasonal savings.

A chilled bottle of Ruinart Champagne awaiting guests in their villa sets the tone on arrival, while flexible early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) ensures that time is never hurried. Dining remains a central pleasure, with daily breakfast and à la carte dinners at Ocean Restaurant, complemented by generous dining credits across the island’s culinary venues.

Available for stays from 1st May to 31st October 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights, Simply Summer is an understated invitation to experience the Maldives at its most refined, quietly luxurious, deeply personal and guided by the gentle pace of island life.

Simply Summer – Key Inclusions: