T H E M A N TA R ET R E AT
2 024
T H E M A N TA R ET R E AT
Following the launch of the Manta Retreat in 2022, the third Manta Retreat is set to take place in March 2024. Spreading curiosity and excitement to learn about manta rays and their natural habitat, the Manta Retreat forms a perfect platform to learn, explore and understand these gentle giants and the work of the Manta Trust. Created for travellers who want to experience the little bit extra, who are interested to add true value to their vacations, and do not say ‘no’ to an adventure, the Manta Retreat will take place from 9 to 12 March 2024 at InterContinental Maldives. Participants can look forward to spend some refreshing and exciting days the island-based Manta Trust team and some close-up time with manta rays in the resort’s very own lagoon.
2
M A N TA R ET R E AT
3
YOU R R ET R E AT L E A DER MER AL HAFEEZ
Meral is our Project Manager for the Manta Trust base in Raa Atoll at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. Originally from Canada, Meral has spent a lifetime dreaming of warm, tropical waters and the ecosystems they harbour. Initially drawn to the field of marine conservation due to her love of coral reefs, Meral pursued a bachelor’s degree in law with the intention of tackling protection for these ecosystems in the legal sphere. But she was always drawn back to the water: “Most of my days are spent out on the water looking for manta rays with the aim of recording and observing their behaviour in order to gain vital information relevant for their protection. No matter how many times I’m lucky enough to encounter these animals, each interaction feels like I’m seeing them for the first time – the sense of awe never diminishes. I look forward to sharing the wonders of Maldivian marine life and manta rays with the participants of the Manta Retreat. The ocean is full of surprises and I can’t wait for everyone to get to experience their first manta ray and the wonders of the deep!”
4
MEET THE TEA M
W H AT TO E X PEC T
The third Manta Retreat will focus entirely on meeting the manta rays that call the island’s surrounding waters their home as well as their protection and ocean conservation. Several snorkelling excursions are planned as well as workshops that involve the work of the Manta Trust team. Meral Hafeez, the Manta Trust base leader at InterContinental Maldives will lead the retreat and take participants along to uncover the secrets of manta rays.
5
T H E M A N TA T RUS T
The Manta Trust is one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations. Using co-ordinated global research to aid conservation efforts surrounding manta rays, their relatives and their habitats, the Manta Trust aims to achieve global conservation through Research, Education and Collaboration. Recognizing the unique privilege of occupying an island in such close proximity to a newly discovered juvenile manta feeding ground, InterContinental Maldives began working in collaboration with the Manta Trust in 2019. The area around InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is home to a large and healthy population of manta rays which provides Manta Trust researchers based at the resort incredible access to study these animals. Reef manta rays are listed as “vulnerable” and Oceanic manta rays as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List, the work we do here helps to increase knowledge and understanding, which can be used to guide conservation measures both here in the Maldives but also around the world where manta populations are much smaller, and often threatened. Our team of Manta Trust researchers welcome our guests to join them for educational presentations and sustainably ran excursions.
6
ITINER ARY
M A N TA R ET R E AT ITINER ARY DAY 1
03.00 pm to 03.45 pm Meet the group and Manta Rays of the Maldives Talk at The Collective Delve into the world of gentle giants, as Meral Hafeez from the Manta Trust introduces you to the life and biology of manta rays in the Maldives. Listen to her wonderful stories and learn about our efforts to protect them and their ocean home.
DAY 2 From 10.00 am Standby for Manta Snorkelling in Maamunagau Lagoon Mantas on call, be ready to join for a snorkelling adventure of a lifetime. We keep a close eye on Manta movements in our lagoon and will inform you once the time is right to head out for your first Manta Ray encounter.
03.00 pm to 04.00 pm Manta ID Workshop in the Marine Centre Here is where it begins. Meral will take you through the art of identifying Manta Rays. Understanding their journey is the foundation of our research and protection efforts.
7
DAY 3 09.00 am to 11.30 am Maldives Marine Life and Guided House Reef Snorkelling Meet our Ocean Team at the Marine Centre to fit your snorkelling gear, and head out with our guide to explore the magical underwater world of Maamunagau.
03.00 pm to 04.30 pm Manta Research Workshop in the Marine Centre Listen up and learn how to conduct valid research data. Meral will take you through the procedure of the data collection procedure.
04.00 pm to 06.30 pm Manta Research Trip Embark on your first Manta quest in Raa Atoll with the Manta Trust team. Today we are not just going to look for Mantas but also use a plankton tow, deploy RUVs and collect IDs of our friends.
8
ITINER ARY
DAY 4 03.00 pm to 03.30 pm Plankton Workshop in the Marine Centre What was Plankton again? The foundation of life in our oceans and utterly interesting to have a look at them a bit closer.
04.00 pm to 05.30 pm Coral Restoration and Planting Workshop in the Marine Centre Our Marine Biologist, knows corals and will show you what they are, why we need to protect them and how we can make sure they thrive.
From 08.30 pm The Manta Game Bring your learnings from the last few days to the test. Your knowledge about manta rays, marine life, the oceans and the Manta Trust are testes in this fun and unique game, lead by the Manta Trust team.
9
R ET R E AT I NC LUSIONS
•
One Manta Ray Excursion in Raa Atoll
•
One Manta Ray Research Trip
•
Name and adopt a Manta Ray
•
Manta ID Workshop
•
Manta Research Workshop
•
Manta Ray of the Maldives Talk
•
Guided House Reef Snorkelling
•
Plankton Workshop
•
Coral Restoration and Planting Workshop
•
Manta & Devil Rays of the World Guide Book
•
The Manta Trust Snorkel Mask Strap
•
Manta Trust Rash Guard
STAY BEN E F I TS
•
10
Club InterContinental Benefits: •
Daily Breakfast from 7.00 am to 11.00 am in Café Umi
•
Afternoon Tea from 03.00 pm to 05.00 pm
•
Evening aperitif from 05.00 pm to 07.00 pm
•
Pool side non-alcoholic beverages from 11.00 am to 06.00 pm
•
Private lounge access at Seaplane terminal
•
Planet Trekkers kids club access
•
Island Butler and 24 hours e-Butler service
•
Byredo luxury bathroom amenities
•
30 minutes resort photoshoot session
•
A range of complimentary non-motorized water sports activities including catamaran sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddling
R ET R E AT INCLUSIONS & STAY BEN EF ITS
11
R AT ES •
The participation fee for the manta retreat is USD 1,490 per guest.
T ER MS & CON DI T IONS
12
•
Minimum age for participation is 10 years and above.
•
All participants have to be confident swimmers to be able to join the snorkelling excursions.
SU PPORT M A N TA T RUST
13
Tel: +960 658 0500 | WhatsApp (available 24/7): +960 730 9300 Email: reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com Maldives.InterContinental.com