CulinaryMarch 16, 2024
Easter Jungle at InterContinental Maldives with Sharky & George and Visiting Chef Marianna Lumb
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort announced a jam-packed and expertly curated Easter activity programme this April. Family-favourite entertainment team Sharky & George will be making their debut on the island alongside former BBC Professional Master Chef contestant Marianna Lumb, who will transform Maamunagau Island into a gourmet paradise. With all activities inspired by ‘The Jungle Book’, additional activities include a charity run led by the island’s very own Manta Trust team and a bespoke Easter Egg Island Hunt.
Activities aside, the resort is welcoming back The Chocolate Factory for its fourth year – situated at the resort’s daytime oceanfront hub, The Collective, guests little and large can indulge in sweet-tooth treats as well as hunt for chocolate eggs on powder-soft sand. With kiddies catered for from dawn ‘til dusk, parents can relax at adults-only The Retreat or join in the fun at this luxury, family-friendly resort. The resort has also launched a fantastic ‘Maldives Easter Jungle’ package, which includes a complimentary snorkelling trip and photo shoot, daily breakfast and dinner, and so much more for the family to enjoy together this Easter.
Sitting on the idyllic Southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and near a juvenile manta ray aggregation spot, the resort supports manta ray research and has its own sustainable waste initiatives and recycling programmes. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, guests are truly spoiled with indulgent complimentary benefits alongside luxurious five-star Maldivian facilities such as overwater villas, an adults-only area and a tranquil spa. With 81 beach, lagoon and over-water villas and residences, as well as six restaurants and bars, the resort enjoys the peace of a boutique hotel but has the facilities of a world-class resort. The resort’s dedicated Planet Trekkers Kids Club also ensures that young adventurers are entertained throughout their holiday with a variety of fun and educational activities tailored to their interests through arts, crafts and mini expeditions.
SHARKY & GEORGE AT PLANET TREKKERS: 28TH MARCH – 3RD APRIL
The high-energy entertainment brand Sharky & George will be making their inaugural appearance at the resort this Easter, visiting from 28th March to 3rd April. Taking over the resort’s signature kids club, Planet Trekkers, Sharky & George will be hosting a curated week-long itinerary of Easter escapades. Tailored for aspiring marine biologists and inquisitive young minds, Planet Trekkers unfolds the marvels of the Indian Ocean through engaging activities such as arts and crafts and mini-expeditions that celebrate Maamunagau Island. The fantastic experiences curated by the Sharky & George team are centred around involving children in imaginative and dynamic games and adventures, aligning seamlessly with the philosophy of Planet Trekkers at InterContinental Maldives. The renowned Sharky & George team will ensure a personalised adventure-packed experience for every child, featuring educational games, creative crafts and spirited pool Olympics.
MARIANNA LUMB, BBC PROFESSIONAL MASTER CHEF FINALIST
Adding to the culinary allure, Chef Marianna Lumb will grace the resort with her expertise, conjuring up bespoke and delicious dishes for guests to savour this spring. Chef Lumb, whose culinary prowess was showcased through her time on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live and as a finalist for Professional Master Chef and Great British Menu, promises a gastronomic journey. The multi-awarded chef from the UK has vast experience in the culinary world, from her critically acclaimed restaurant in Notting Hill, Marianne, known for its innovative and exquisite dining. From the 31st March to 10th April, Chef Lumb will be taking over The Lighthouse, which has a 360-degree view of the resort and the sparkling Indian Ocean below, offering the finest seasonal ingredients and seafood and using local ingredients to stir up some of the best dishes for guests this Easter.
THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY AT THE COLLECTIVE
A visit to the Chocolate Factory at The Collective is also not one to miss – an annual Maamunagau Easter highlight. Once again, the culinary experts have converted The Collective into a Chocolate Wonderland, showcasing artistic displays for the yearly Easter festivities. All creations are Jungle Book-themed and draw inspiration from the enchanting escapades of Mowgli and his friends, as well as the magic of Easter and the unique natural wonders found exclusively in the Maldives. Guests with a sweet tooth will have the opportunity to admire the intricate designs and indulge in a diverse selection of organic chocolate assortments.
EASTER FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Alongside Sharky & George’s special appearance, a specially crafted family activity programme is also running from 29th March to 3rd April at Planet Trekkers. The Planet Trekker Easter programme includes traditional Easter egg hunts, arts and crafts and the thrilling Pirate Cruise in the Maamunagau Lagoon. Families can also relish open-air cinema nights, partake in the kite festival and savour a curated culinary journey across the resort’s range of restaurants. For parents seeking moments of tranquillity, the adults-only ‘Retreat’ beckons with a bar, infinity pool, and an enticing restaurant, providing an indulgent, child-free escape.
InterContinental Maldives is hosting the second Manta Trust Charity Run on 30th March. Guests are not only encouraged to take part but also to gather donations for their run-in support of The Manta Trust. The Manta Trust is one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations and a valued part of the InterContinental Maldives team.
With three Family Beach Pool Villas located steps from the beach and Planet Trekkers Kids Club, families of all sizes will feel right at home with all the space and tranquillity desired from a Maldivian holiday. Each villa features a private plunge pool and a spacious garden, so when little ones return from a day’s adventure, families can reconnect by sharing stories and telling tales underneath the palm trees.
MALDIVES EASTER JUNGLE PACKAGE
The InterContinental Maldives ‘Easter Jungle Package’ includes:
● Enjoy daily breakfast and dinner at designated dining venues.
● Receive a USD 100 Play & Sitting credit at the Planet Trekkers Kids Club.
● Embark on a 90-minute group snorkelling experience for the whole family aboard a boat.
● Capture cherished moments with a 30-minute family photoshoot across the island, including 20 edited images on a USB to take home.
● Participate in a Family Pizza Making Cooking Class at the Collective.
● Benefit from Club InterContinental privileges, including daily afternoon tea from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm,
evening aperitif from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and poolside non-alcoholic beverages and refreshments available daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
● Engage in complimentary non-motorized water sports activities, such as catamaran sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddling.
InterContinental Maldives is offering the Sharky and George kids club on a complimentary basis from 28th March – 3rd April 2024. The club is available for those aged 4 to 12 years old. Rates start from USD 2,847 ++ in a Family Beach Pool villa incl. breakfast for a family of two adults and two children under 12.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.