INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES

Snorkelling & Diving

The house reef at InterContinental Maldives is a short swim from the beach. Snorkellers can drift along shallow coral heads where juvenile parrotfish dart between staghorn branches. The drop-off begins around 8–10 metres, so divers can descend into Raa Atoll’s signature channels without needing a boat. Manta season runs from May to November; during these months, the resort’s dive team runs daily manta-search excursions to nearby cleaning stations. For beginners, the resort offers PADI Open Water courses in the lagoon, followed by a gentle drift dive along the outer reef.

Beyond the house reef, Raa Atoll’s deeper channels attract grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and occasional whale sharks. The dive centre keeps group sizes small—four guests per guide—so you can spend more time underwater and less time waiting on the boat. Night dives are offered twice a week; fluorescent corals and sleeping reef fish turn the reef into a different world after dark.

• House reef accessible from beach—no boat required
• Manta season: May–November, daily search excursions
• PADI Open Water courses in the lagoon
• Small groups: max 4 divers per guide
• Night dives twice weekly

Water Sports

The water-sports desk sits on the main jetty, steps from the dive centre. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are free for guests; the resort’s transparent-bottom kayaks let you paddle over the reef without getting wet. For something faster, wakeboarding and jet-skiing are available in the lagoon—calm waters make it easy to find your balance. If you prefer to stay dry, the resort’s Hobie Catamarans are rigged for racing; staff will brief you on the basics before you set off on a short sail to a nearby sandbank.

Fishing trips leave at dawn. The resort’s dhoni is equipped with outriggers and local guides who know where the tuna and mahi-mahi run. Sunset cruises are quieter: the boat anchors near a sandbank, drinks are served, and the crew points out dolphins as the light turns pink.

• Free kayaks & paddleboards (including transparent-bottom models)
• Wakeboarding & jet-skiing in the lagoon
• Hobie Catamarans for sailing to sandbanks
• Big-game fishing at dawn
• Sunset dolphin cruises

Spa & Wellness

The spa at InterContinental Maldives is set in a standalone overwater pavilion. Treatments begin with a foot ritual on the deck, where you can watch fish dart beneath the glass floor. The menu leans toward marine-inspired therapies: warm coconut-oil massages and exfoliations with crushed pearl powder. For couples, the spa offers side-by-side treatment rooms with a shared terrace overlooking the lagoon.

Yoga sessions are held at sunrise on the jetty. The resort provides mats and a guide who adjusts the flow to the group’s level—whether you’re a beginner or a regular practitioner. Private sessions can be arranged on your villa’s deck if you prefer not to share the space.

• Overwater spa pavilion with glass floor
• Marine-inspired treatments: coconut oil, pearl powder
• Couples’ rooms with shared terrace
• Sunrise yoga on the jetty
• Private yoga on villa decks

Dining Experiences

Six restaurants and bars mean you can eat a different cuisine every night without leaving the island. Café Umi serves organic, farm-to-table dishes on the beach; the breakfast buffet includes Maldivian curries and freshly baked roshi bread. The Lighthouse is the resort’s signature restaurant: start with a cocktail at the top for 360-degree views of the atoll, then descend to the main dining room for a tasting menu that changes with the catch. The Retreat is the place for contemporary Maldivian flavours — grilled lobster with local chilli and lime.

For a more casual meal, the pool bar offers light bites and tropical cocktails. The resort’s sommelier curates a wine list that pairs well with seafood; if you prefer beer, the bar stocks a selection of craft lagers from the Maldives’ only microbrewery. Private dinners can be arranged on the beach or on a sandbank at low tide—staff will set up tables, lanterns, and a menu tailored to your preferences.

• Café Umi: organic, farm-to-table on the beach
• The Lighthouse: 360-degree views + tasting menu
• The Retreat: contemporary Maldivian cuisine
• Pool bar: light bites & craft beers
• Private beach dinners on sandbanks

For Families & Kids

InterContinental Maldives welcomes families with children of all ages. The four Residences are well-suited to larger groups: each has multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area that opens onto a private pool. For younger guests, the resort offers a kids’ club with activities like coral painting, treasure hunts, and Maldivian cooking classes. The club is supervised by trained staff and operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Families can also book a private dhoni for a half-day excursion. The boat is equipped with snorkelling gear, and the crew will take you to a shallow reef where kids can safely swim with tropical fish. For older children, the resort offers junior PADI courses; the shallow lagoon is well suited to first-time divers.

• Kids’ club: 9 am–5 pm daily, supervised activities
• Coral painting, treasure hunts, cooking classes
• Family-friendly Residences with kitchens & private pools
• Private dhoni excursions with snorkelling
• Junior PADI courses in the lagoon