A world renowned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Maldives archipelago is known for its sumptuous crystalline waters, home to a plethora of diverse sea life, numerous corals and different species of fish. Noted for its exceptional marine life, the northern Baa Atoll was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2011 and provides an enriching underwater experience.
Nestled on its northeastern corner, Hanifaru Bay is one of the top 10 snorkelling sites on the planet. The incredibly diverse ecosystem of Hanifaru Bay makes it one of the best places to swim with manta rays and the occasional whale sharks in the Maldives. These gentle giants are generally elusive creatures and are vulnerable to extinction, making the Baa Atoll, and Hanifaru Bay, even more special.
Gentle Giants of Hanifaru Bay
Hanifaru Bay is famous for being a nursery ground for grey sharks. However, from mid-May until December, the reef acts like a funnel, filling up with plankton, attracting hundreds of manta rays to feed.
With 4,400 individual mantas recorded, the Maldives manta rays are one of the preeminent manta populations in the world. Peak times for spotting them during this period are during the full moon and the new moon.
Top Places to Stay Closest to Hanifaru Bay
Visitors can plan their visit to the Maldives during the manta ray season for a rare chance to swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Here are the top places to stay, located minutes away from this exceptional natural spot.
Amilla Maldives
One of the largest luxury resort islands in the Maldives, Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is nestled in the pristine beauty of Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Just a select number of private Pool Beach Villas and Residences grace the island.
The majority are over water villas, scattered like pearls across the azure waves. More than 70% of the island remains a naturally lush paradise, interwoven with verdant walking trails and white sand beaches.
The dining venues and experiences reflect the Maldivian culture, deeply rooted in a rich connection with the earth, sea and trade, and a focus on sustainability.
Javvu Spa balances indulgence and rejuvenation with Eastern and Western therapies, crowned with a taste of Dhivehi Beys, authentic Maldivian herbal treatments sourced from the island gardens and jungle.
Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo is a boutique luxury resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, close to Hanifaru Bay, 126km north west of Male.
It’s the perfect escape for nature lovers, as the island’s own coral reef is a protected area and an outstanding snorkelling and diving site.
This small island, abundant with tropical greenery, measures just 300m by 180m and is fringed by a soft deep white sand beach.
All 50 villas and residences have been designed in a natural style and offer a large private freshwater pool on the sun deck, a hanging Maldivian swing (‘undhoali’), an outsize day bed and incredible sea and beach views.
Focusing on authentic, light food with clean flavours, the three restaurants and two bars are designed to appeal to the senses.
Blissful relaxation for body and soul takes place in the over-water spa where the four treatment suites offer inspiring views.
Soneva Fushi
A natural treasure nestled in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi is one of the largest islands in the Maldives.
With 53 private island villas, the resort is an unparalleled paradise of barefoot luxury, in a sustainable ecosystem of lush jungle, pristine beaches and crystalline waters.
Exploring eleven dining destinations is an adventure in itself at Soneva Fushi, with iconic culinary journeys including the world’s first fine dining zipline experience.
Soneva Soul is a transformative wellness concept that blends thousands of years of ancient healing wisdom with the latest science and innovation.
The Nautilus
The Nautilus is a private ultra-luxury island resort with just 26 beach and ocean houses and residences, where every experience is tailored to guests.
Immersed in the raw beauty of Baa Atoll, in the middle of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and renowned Hanifaru Bay, The Nautilus encompasses 242 x 249 metres of natural beauty.
The resort offers 26 private beach and overwater houses, each with spacious bedrooms, a separate living room, a wide sundeck and a private temperature controlled infinity pool.
The Nautilus’ three restaurants and two bars revel in the spontaneous, crafting bespoke culinary journeys tailored to each taste.
The overwater Solasta Spa has three glass-floored private treatment pavilions where tailored wellness programmes and daily rituals are crafted with natural and organic products.
Finolhu
Spread across four islands, Finolhu’s stunning white sand beaches stretch out for around two kilometres, providing ample space to explore and enjoy.
The resort is located in Baa Atoll just a few minutes speedboat ride from the UNESCO-protected Hanifaru Bay, with some of the flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
All 125 villas are located directly on the beach, on the lagoon or on stilts over the water – while 79 of them have their own swimming pool.
Each villa offers a vibrant design inspired by nature, luxurious furnishings and a high degree of privacy.
Wherever you dine on Finolhu, the cuisine blends craftsmanship, individuality, international style and local ingredients, with freshness as a top priority.
The spa offers relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, such as body wraps, peelings, and ritual applications, using Natura Bissé collection.
