With a beautiful mix of luxury and natural perfection, JA Manafaru is a top choice for travellers seeking adventure, a family time, or a honeymoon experience in secluded settings. Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif; where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, soft white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture, and lush vegetation.
When comfort meets luxury
This chic tropical hideaway features 84 luxurious beachfront and overwater villas and bungalows. Each suite is perfectly hidden, with its own private pool and large outdoor space - with room for loungers, plants, and even a cabaña. The style is aesthetically pleasing, with cream-hued walls and dark wood panelling. The beach bungalows are full of character; some of which have split levels and colourful modern artwork, to the near-identical over-water options. The open-air, granite-clad bathrooms are all huge, and come with “his and hers” sinks, Elemis toiletries, monsoon showers, and whirlpool tubs. For those unfamiliar with budgeting, there are a handful of truly enormous suites – including the “Royal Island”, which comes with a snooker table and its own spa and bar. You can walk round the whole island along the beach in 30 minutes. But if you don’t fancy walking, there are cycles for each villa.
An extravagant feast
Take your taste-buds on a journey at the resort’s seven scenic dining destinations offering an array of gourmet delights. There are three main restaurants – Kakuni, for buffet and fish and coconut-rich Maldivian cuisine; White Orchid, for Oriental fodder including sushi; and Ocean Grill, for steak and lobster (a pool in the middle of the restaurant is filled with dozens of the blighters). A fourth option – The Cellar – is a must. Available to book just once a week, it’s a single table with room for around 10 diners located inside the island’s beautiful underground wine cellar. There’s cocktail bar for the nightcaps. Visit Horizon Lounge, situated on an elevated wooden deck, with cosy interiors and a splendid outdoors terrace. During the day, it is the perfect spot for a pre- or post- workout smoothie as the bar is located next to the gym. Evenings are best savoured over their signature cocktails whilst enjoying live entertainment twice a week. Infinity Bar and Pool serves light bites of gourmet sandwiches, refreshing salads, mouth-watering snacks and desserts from morning to afternoon. A seamless view of the Indian Ocean across the horizon completes this picturesque setting. Located next to the resort’s largest pool and flanked by soaring palm trees, Andiamo Bistro is the perfect spot for a refreshing lunch or dinner. This Mediterranean inspired restaurant offers a wide selection of flavours, from antipasti to hearty shawarmas and pillowy soft pita breads with velvety hummus.
Ditch the mundane
What’s a vacation without a bit of self-care and pampering? Meander through the lush island pathways to discover a hidden oasis of Calm Spa at JA Manafaru. Offering a haven of pure relaxation and indulgence, immerse yourself in authentic Maldivian age-old healing rituals infused with the therapeutic wonders of Ayurveda and aromatherapy, or explore the select range of Elemis facials, massages and anti-ageing treatments. For the adventurous, there are beautiful and pristine sites for diving. Discover this amusing world for yourself at the resort’s PADI and SSI-certified dive centre. Guided by a professional team, get enthralled by the fascinating species of underwater inhabitants. If you’re a fan of watersports, you wouldn’t be disappointed. The inhouse watersports centre offers a variety of activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, catamaran sailing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, mono-skiing, knee-boarding, and water-skiing. For a Maldives island escape, embark on an adventure to one of the resort’s two uninhabited islands for the ultimate experience. A truly secluded retreat to call your own, the private island of Govvafushi and Medhafushi, are perfect for a relaxing day of romantic strolls along white sandy beaches or snorkelling in the cool pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. From day trips to sunset dinners or overnight stays, this is an experience like no other.
All-age friendly
The resort’s staff ensures that guests experience both seamless five-star service whilst also enjoying the freedom to roam as an explorer on the raw, remote beauty of the island. There’s a crèche, cinema and “Cool Zone” with table tennis, fussball, pool table, and even a fully-stocked games room with a flight simulator and Playstation with bucket seat for motor racing nuts. Babysitting is available at the resort plus a dedicated activity program for the little ones. Leisure and recreation include beach volleyball, beach soccer, beach paddle tennis, badminton court, fitness Centre, games room with mahjong and library.