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Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
My Unforgettable Escape to InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
As I stepped off the seaplane onto the floating dock at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, the turquoise expanse of the Indian Ocean stretched endlessly before me. The warm Maldivian breeze and the gentle lapping of waves instantly melted away the stresses of life. Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, this private island paradise delivered an experience that was both luxurious and soul-recharging, making it a perfect getaway for Gulf residents. Image Credits: InterContinental Maldives Travelling to Maamunagau from Bahrain and other GCC countries is seamless, thanks to frequent flights to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From Bahrain, I took a direct flight with Gulf Air, a quick 4.5-hour journey. Depending on the season, several airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Flydubai also connect Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh to Malé, with flight times and prices ranging from $400-$600. Booking early or during off-peak months often secures better deals. Upon landing in Malé, the resort arranges a 35-minute seaplane transfer to Raa Atoll, costing approximately $290-$700 round-trip per person, included in some packages if you stay four nights or more. The seaplane ride itself is a highlight, offering breathtaking aerial views of scattered atolls and sapphire waters. Image Credits: InterContinental Maldives Alternatively, a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute speedboat ride is available for late arrivals, though I preferred the seaplane's scenic charm. The resort's staff greeted me at Malé with a warm smile and escorted me to a private lounge, ensuring a smooth transition. Arriving at Maamunagau, I was struck by the resort's serene beauty. Soft white sands, palm-fringed terraces, and a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life set the stage for an unforgettable stay. The resort, the first all-club InterContinental property, offers 81 villas, each with Maldivian-inspired interiors and private pools. I stayed in a One-Bedroom Pool Villa, priced at around $1,200 per night. The villa's infinity pool seemed to blend into the ocean, and I spent mornings sipping coffee on my balcony. All guests enjoy Club InterContinental benefits, including a lavish à la carte breakfast, multi-tiered afternoon tea, evening aperitifs, and all-day refreshments at The Retreat and Pool Bar. These perks made every moment feel indulgent without the worry of extra costs piling up. Dining at Maamunagau is a culinary journey. At The Fish Market, I savoured sea-to-table South Asian-inspired dishes, like tuna carpaccio. The Lighthouse, a stunning overwater dome, offered fine dining with delicious lobster ravioli. Café Umi's sushi and The Sunset Bar's cocktails added variety, with six dining venues ensuring every meal was a delight. The resort's proximity to a manta ray sanctuary was a highlight. I joined a snorkelling excursion, swimming alongside mantas. Non-motorized watersports, like kayaking, were complimentary, while jet skiing and e-foiling added thrills for a fee. The AVI Spa, perched over the lagoon, blended Ayurvedic treatments with Maldivian botanicals, and my ocean-facing massage was pure bliss. For families, the Planet Trekkers Kids Club kept younger guests entertained with marine-themed activities. What sets Maamunagau apart is its commitment to sustainability. The resort's Green Engage initiatives, like solar production and coral nursery planting, align with its eco-conscious ethos. Biking around the island, I appreciated the lush greenery and beauty of the island. The tranquil setting, far from the crowded resorts, and the healthy house reef teeming with reef sharks and eagle rays made every snorkel a vibrant adventure. My stay at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau was a masterclass in relaxation. Prices, while premium, reflect the all-inclusive perks and personalized service, from pre-arrival questionnaires to attentive staff like my curator, who tailored my itinerary. For Gulf travellers, the short flight and visa-on-arrival make it an accessible escape. Whether you're a honeymooner, family, or solo adventurer, this resort delivers lifelong memories. For more information visit
Time Out Dubai
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
New hotels in Dubai 2025: The unbelivably cool concepts coming in 2025 and beyond
Dubai is an ever-changing landscape of skyscrapers, huge shopping malls and five-star hotels. And 2025 is no exception to this rule, as there are a number of new hotels in Dubai that we're excited about staying in this year, as well as a handful we're looking forward to seeing spring up in the future. Want to get planning your next staycation? Or just intrigued to see the new hotels opening in Dubai? Keep reading. Incredible new hotels coming in 2025 Ciel (Credit: Supplied) The world's tallest hotel is getting closer to completion by the day, and we can't wait to get inside. Towering over the Marina at a staggering 365 metres the building will also boast a rooftop infinity pool and bar overlooking Palm Jumeirah. As if that's not enough, we're sure the 360-degree glass observation deck, all-day dining or state-of-the-art gym will also impress. Opening date: 2025, TBC Dubai Marina. Moxy (Credit: Supplied) Touching down in summer 2025, the Moxy Al Barsha will be a swish new addition packed with stylish features and fun decor. Designed to be a 'playful lifestyle hotel', the site is well connected to public transport, so it will be an ideal spot for getting around the city from. Opening date: Summer, 2025 Al Barsha. Other hotels coming soon Honeymoon Island The island will have floating water villas (Credit: The Heart of Europe) The Maldivian-inspired resort set to be the latest addition to the Heart of Europe in the Dubai World Islands. Built over the water, the self-proclaimed 5-star island destination will include 121 'floating seahorses', a series of elegant villas with boardwalks and floating jetties connecting each to the main resort. Surrounded by a white sandy beach and landscaped gardens, Honeymoon Island will (of course) be built in the shape of a love heart. Opening date: TBC Dubai World Islands. Jumeirah Asora Bay (Credit: Jumeirah) Named Jumeirah Asora Bay, the site will be made up of both a hotel and plush residences, located on the peninsula of La Mer South. Looking out over the water, the hotel will be 'discreetly' blended into the surroundings, and boast 103 rooms as well as 20 villas. If you love the trip so much that you can't bring yourself to leave, then you can consider a permanent move into one of the 29 residences, with anywhere from four to six bedrooms. Opening date: TBC Kempinski Floating Palace (Credit: Instagram/ What it says on the tin, this new hotel will be floating on the Arabian Gulf. The five-star 163-key hotel will be located on the water off Jumeirah Beach Road, and feature high-end restaurants, boutique shops and a spa. Those with yachts will also be able to dock up here and make use of the five-star amenities. Opening date: 2026 Jumeirah Beach Road, Marbella Resort The Marbella Resort and its sweet views (Credit: @theheartofeurope_official) Getting ready to wow guests, the Marbella Resort is set to be a Spanish-inspired haven by early 2026, and looks seriously impressive. Boasting 150 rooms, the five-star hotel will be surrounded by nature, as over 500,000 square metres of coral reefs will be introduced. Allowing you to go snorkelling around the island, guests will be able to spot over nine different types of coral and 30 species of fish, according to developer the Kleindienst Group. Opening date: 2026. Dubai World Islands. Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai Credit: Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai The first Six Senses property in the UAE, this new opening on Palm Jumeirah's West Crescent will have 61 hotel rooms and 162 branded residences. One of the big draws to the new opening is the 60,000 sq ft social and wellness club. Inside, you'll find a longevity clinic, IV lounge, biohacking room, massage circuit pool, squash court and the Six Senses Spa. Elsewhere in the hotel, there will also be restaurants, bars, pool, kids' club, a games room, and even a library to get a few pages in. Opening date: 2026. West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel and Residences Developer Nakheel has shared that Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences will be the first luxury hotel and residential living area available at the new Dubai Islands development. Those lucky enough to check in or live at Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences can expect a prime waterfront location with the same level of service the Rixos brand provides in its other hotels. One, two and three-bedroom apartments with terraces will be available as well as four-bedroom duplexes with private pools, beach houses including gardens plus ten luxury villas. Opening date: Q4 2026. Dubai Islands. Other things to do in Dubai UAE public holidays 2025 revealed It's not too early to make plans In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades 110 best things to do in Dubai Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
