# Manta Ray Resorts Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Give Guests the Chance to Swim with Manta Rays By Joey Haar | Published 2016-09-22 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anantara-kihavah References: [luxtraveladvisor](http://luxtraveladvisor.com/anantara-launches-once-in-a-lifetime-manta-ray-experience/) On the Baa Atoll, off the coast of the Maldives, the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offer guests the opportunity to swim with one of the most bizarre and magnificent creatures of the ocean: the manta ray. As the only publicly accessible location within the [UNESCO Biosphere Reserve](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reset-reconnect-retreat) of Hanifaru Bay, [the Anantara Kihavah resort](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/address-beach-resort) is one of the best places in the world to experience the giant fish. Anantara Kihavah is a PADI-accredited organization, meaning that any guests can quickly get in the water and begin freediving with the manta rays. And the sooner the better, since manta rays collect around Hanifaru Bay based on the time of the month, with the most activity typically near the full moon. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Swimming with Manta Rays:** The trend of offering guests the opportunity to swim with manta rays is growing, providing unique and unforgettable experiences. - **Padi-accredited Resorts:** The trend of resorts becoming PADI-accredited allows guests to quickly and easily participate in underwater activities such as freediving. - **UNESCO Biosphere Reserves:** The trend of resorts being located within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves creates a unique selling point and attracts eco-conscious travelers. ### Where This Applies - **Hospitality:** Hospitality industry, especially resorts and hotels, can take advantage of the trend of offering guests the opportunity to swim with manta rays to differentiate themselves and attract adventure-seeking travelers. - **Diving and Watersports:** Diving and watersports industry can benefit from the trend of PADI-accredited resorts, as it provides more accessibility and convenience for divers. - **Ecotourism:** Ecotourism industry can leverage the trend of resorts located within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to cater to environmentally conscious travelers and promote sustainable tourism. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eid-Inspired Resort Celebrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intercontinental-maldives.md) - [Stingray-Inspired Restaurant Roofs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwater-restaurant.md) - [World-Class Mexican Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanai-resort.md) - [Stone-Textured Island Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patina-maldives.md) - [Tranquil Maldivian Resort Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/resort-app.md) - [Eco-Conscious Adult-Only Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secrets-bahia-mita-surf.md) - [Unique Resort Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allinclusive-by-marriott.md) - [Dolphin-Shaped Tranquil Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dolphin-villa.md) - [Modern Harmonious Minimal Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patina-maldives-resort.md)