MILAIDHOO MALDIVES LAUNCHES BRAND NEW CONSERVATION FOCUSED DIVING COURSE AHEAD OF MANTA RAY SEASON THIS JUNE
Set in the archipelago’s Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – the most spectacular destination for sightings of Manta Rays – lies Milaidhoo Maldives. From June to October, thousands of these beautiful creatures migrate to the Atoll’s plankton-rich waters and guests at Milaidhoo are invited to witness the annual gathering first-hand.
New this year, Milaidhoo has launched a conservation focused Manta Ray awareness diving course by PADI for all certified divers hoping to get up close and personal to these special creatures. In addition to enjoying the memorable experience of meeting these majestic rays, divers will learn how to identify and track them during two theory sessions – covering educational insights on the species behaviour as well as delving into the key conservation efforts needed to protect them. The team at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre at Milaidhoo have also identified several secret diving spots, outside of the marine reserve, where divers can enjoy the most private and exclusive manta experiences.
Home to a spectacular house-reef and being only 12-minutes by speedboat from Hanifaru Bay, known as the biggest seasonal grouping of Manta Rays in the world, guests can swim and snorkel with the rays up close. Summer visitors at Milaidhoo will be welcomed with excursions to Hanifaru Bay, coordinated with the Hanifaru Bay park rangers, who are experts in ensuring guests enjoy the most rewarding sighting opportunities. Additionally, Milaidhoo’s resident Marine Biologist will share their expert knowledge on the fascinating creatures. Reaching up to 7 metres in width, the rays are truly the ocean’s gentle giants and feed on nothing bigger than microscopic plankton.
Milaidhoo Island Maldives is set over 13 acres atop the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is the ideal Maldivian escape for marine life lovers. All villas are just a short, barefoot stroll away from incredible watersports, fitness, spa, yoga, world-class diving and three world-class restaurants, one of which – Ba’theli – is the only Maldivian restaurant in the country. Milaidhoo recently introduced a brand new uber luxe accommodation – the spectacular overwater Two-Bedroom Ocean Residence. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, the Two-Bedroom Ocean Residence is perfect for multigenerational family holidays and comprises two spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms featuring premium Acqua Di Parma toiletries, a large living room and an extensive, sunset-facing private deck with a swing chair, sun loungers and huge freshwater infinity pool with steps straight into the sea, allowing guests to explore Milaidhoo’s incredible house-reef. Due to its premium location at the very end of the lagoon jetty, the overwater Residence offers unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean and the master bedroom features a bathroom that opens up completely for a panoramic ocean view.
HOW: Milaidhoo can be easily reached via a 30-minute seaplane from the international airport in Male or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo domestic airport in Baa Atoll, followed by a 15-minute sea plane to Milaidhoo Island. Scott Dunn offers seven nights at Milaidhoo from £12,100 based on two people sharing a Water Villa on a half board basis and includes return flights from the UK and seaplane transfers. The Manta Ray Diving Course is an additional £362 per person and guests need to present a valid diving certificate. Snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay start from £158 per person. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5060.