InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched a distinctive wellness package titled ‘Blue Mind Escapes’, developed in collaboration with The Manta Trust and grounded in the principles of Blue Mind Theory. Located amid the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, the resort translates this scientific concept—which holds that proximity to water promotes happiness, calmness, and deeper environmental connection—into a series of immersive guest experiences that foster a meditative state, boost creativity, and alleviate stress.
A UK survey by the Ocean Conservation Trust found that 94% of respondents experienced improved wellbeing after engaging with the ocean, reinforcing the theory’s real-world impact.
Positioned within the Maldives’ largest natural lagoon and surrounded by a vibrant house reef inhabited by black tip sharks, turtles, and manta rays, the resort provides direct access to one of the planet’s most spectacular marine settings. As a longstanding partner of The Manta Trust, InterContinental Maldives enables guests to swim alongside manta rays under expert supervision while learning about their conservation.
Drawing on insights from Meral Hafeez, Project Manager at The Manta Trust, the resort has observed the profound wellbeing benefits of encountering manta rays in their natural habitat. Meral notes that “time seems to slow down, fear is replaced with wonder, and what you're left with is a palpable sense of joy. I think much of this stems from this sense of grandeur the sea evokes - you're constantly humbled by the immensity and power of it all. Feeling a sense of awe also increases our sense of well-being and makes us feel more connected to the world around us.”
Incorporating this specialist input, the Blue Mind Escapes package features overwater meditation, seaside guided yoga sessions, bespoke treatments at AVI Spa, snorkelling excursions accompanied by The Manta Trust, and a private dinner beneath the stars on the beach.
Dawn and dusk yoga and meditation sessions take place on serene overwater decks, where the rhythmic sound of waves sharpens mindfulness and lowers cortisol levels. At AVI Spa, therapies employ marine ingredients and water-inspired techniques to encourage relaxation, regulate circadian rhythms, and ease anxiety, mirroring the physiological benefits central to Blue Mind Theory. Guests may also select an exclusive five-course dinner with champagne served on a secluded sandbank in the Indian Ocean.
For Residences, rates begin at USD 4,745++ per night with a variety of inclusions. Further details are available at maldives.intercontinental.com or by emailing reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com. Residence-specific information can be found at maldives.intercontinental.com