JA Manafaru Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Fancy a trip to paradise? JA Manafaru, set in the Haa Alif Atoll on a private island, more than delivers. Offering luxurious beach and over-water villas, all with private outdoor pools and dedicated villa host, it’s nothing less than heavenly. Days can be as active or as lazy as you like — soaking up the sun by one of the two delightful swimming pools or visiting the Calm Spa, a hidden oasis of pure relaxation. Choose between Shirodhara or Ayurvedic treatments or experience a traditional Maldivian massage or healing ritual – bliss! A haven for couples, it’s also perfect for families too. There are water sports galore to get stuck into, including diving in the depths of the house reef if you’re a novice, or heading out to more challenging sites further afield. The kids also have their own Cool Zone — a place to play to their heart’s content! When it comes to dining, you’ve several options to choose from, including the award-winning White Orchid for special occasions, the Ocean Grill which is situated right by the water’s edge, or The Cellar which is located two and a half metres below sea level and offers an extensive selection of fine wines from all over the world. For stunning sunsets, head to the Horizon Lounge, grab a cocktail, sit back and enjoy!

Amenities

  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Tennis
  • Water Skiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Kids Club
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Spa

Where is it

On a 35-acre tropical island situation on the northern tip of the stunning Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives. On arrival, you will be met and escorted to a reserved area where you can enjoy complimentary refreshments, whilst waiting for your flight. Transfer from Malé International Airport: 50 minute domestic charter flight, followed by a 10 minute speedboat transfer.

Hotel information

84 bungalows, villas and suites. All with air-conditioning, private wooden deck with outdoor seating, flat-screen TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi Internet access, complimentary daily fruit and water, mini fridge, coffee maker, tea-making facilities, safe, hairdryer, iron and board, bathrobes and slippers. Beach Bungalows with plunge pool, open-air bathroom, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

Half Board (Dine Around): includes breakfast and lunch or dinner in operational outlets. Three 3-course menu for dinner or two-course lunch including water (JA Branded Water). Three courses are defined as one starter, one main course, and one dessert per guest.

Full Board (Dine Around): includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in operational outlets. Two 2-course lunch and three 3-course dinner, including water (JA Branded Water). Three courses are defined as one starter, one main course, and one dessert per paying guest.

All Inclusive (Dine Around): includes daily breakfast, 2-course lunch and 3-course dinner in designated operational outlets (3-courses are defined as one starter, one main course and one dessert per paying guest). A wide selection of beverages including wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, soft drinks, bottled juices and JA-branded drinking water available in operational venues during operational hours. The mini-bar will be replenished once per day. Some surcharges may apply for premium item or premium events. Beverage are available during operating hours of restaurants and bars.

Room upgrades

Sunrise Water Villas allow views of the colourful dawn breaking and views of the marine life through the glass floor panel, with private infinity pool, partially open-air bathroom and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Sunset Water Villas with private pool and views to the west and the sun setting into the sea, with glass floor panel, private infinity pool, partially open-air bathroom and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

One Bedroom Beach Suites with private infinity pool, large living room with DVD player, and separate en-suite bedroom, open-air bathroom, private sundeck and beach cabana with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Two Bedroom Grand Water Suite with private infinity pool, master en-suite bedroom with 1 king-size bed, and additional twin bedroom, sleeping maximum 5 adults.

Two Bedroom Royal Island Suites are on two storeys, with private pool, sauna, steam room and spa pavilion and treatment area, dining and living area, master en-suite bedroom with one king-size bed, and additional twin bedroom, sleeping maximum 6 adults or 4 adults and 2 children.

7 restaurants and bars: Kakuni (global cuisines, all-day dining), White Orchid & Teppanyaki (Asian fusion cuisine), Ocean Grill (meat and seafood, open for dinner), Andiamo Bistro (pizzas, pasta and salads by the main pool, open for lunch and dinner), Infinity Pool Bar (drinks and light snacks by the infinity pool), Veli Bar. The Cellar* (haute cuisine and award-winning 'wine cave', open for dinner). Dining by Design*. Complimentary ice-cream at Andiamo.

Live music and weekly karaoke at Veli Bar. Cinema under the stars*.

2 island pools. Calm Spa* with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms. Fitness Pavilion including fitness centre, stretching studio and yoga terrace. Complimentary non-motorised water sports (one hour, per day, per villa: Kayaks, stand up paddle boards and pedal boats). Water sports centre*. House reef snorkelling. Yoga pavilion. Tennis and badminton court. Coolzone kids club (for ages 3 years+). Hub for teenagers full of games and entertainment. Excursions* and experiences* (including snorkelling, local island excursions and castaway adventures). Designated villa bicycles (per person, per villa).

Complimentary WiFi. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. 24-hour room service*. Babysitting service*.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: to ensure our customer's safety, we are unable to offer over water accommodation to children under the age of 12.

Rating summary

  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2500)
  • Very good (118)
  • Average (25)
  • Poor (8)
  • Terrible (5)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A must do again and again. Best time ever spent on a remote island.

Dec 10, 2024 Angelo M

Most relaxing, friendly and discrete resort ever visited. A must do again and again. Well maintained and managed resort. a place to relax and enjoy life. Not short of marine adventure, with crystal clear and warm sea waters. Day time is wonderful, but so is nighttime, with minimal light and nose pollution.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great beach, service and facilities

Dec 9, 2024 Tobias S

We stayed for a week at JA Manafaru. Some pros and cons: + beautiful sandy beach + top service trying to accommodate guests' requests + two big pools (jungle-like pool in mid of island, sunset pool) - plan in some extra time for seaplane; itinerary was very smooth for us though and well organized by hotel - reef is a bit disappointing
Image of the Tripadvisor rating OUTSTANDING - dream honeymoon

Dec 9, 2024 Abbyjadejack Gold Coast, Australia

Where do I even start…. just WOW!!!! We visited JA Manafaru for our Honeymoon. From the moment we were picked up and taken to the seaplane transfer to get to JA manafaru, all staff were so kind & accommodating. Ps: HIGHLY recommend the seaplane transfer, amazing Birds Eye view, worth every penny! Arrived at JA manafaru, greeted by all accomodation… Read more
Where do I even start…. just WOW!!!! We visited JA Manafaru for our Honeymoon. From the moment we were picked up and taken to the seaplane transfer to get to JA manafaru, all staff were so kind & accommodating. Ps: HIGHLY recommend the seaplane transfer, amazing Birds Eye view, worth every penny! Arrived at JA manafaru, greeted by all accomodation host’s on the jetty with a big wave which made us feel so welcomed. Was greeted by Jason (manager), he was a lovely man and very welcoming. Was given a jet lagged juice on arrival to sip on our buggy ride to our over water Villa with our Amazing host Nishan (also known as Jim). Nishan was absolutely amazing, he made our stay unforgettable!! He also booked all our dinners / some experience’s which was great as it’s one less thing we had to do. He was super responsive / quick to reply to all messages on what’s app if we have any questions. When you book request to have Nishan as your host, you won’t regret it. It was so sad to say goodbye to him, he felt like family and we were only there for just over a week. Thankyou so much Nishan, because of you, you made our experience so easy, relaxing & one to remember forever. 🩵 Rooms were very spacious, beds were huge & super comfy! Rooms were cleaned every day, towels were replaced daily. Fridge was stocked with goodies/drinks and also replaced daily. Food; every single meal we had was amazing!! If you are a fussy Eater like me and don’t really like seafood, don’t worry they have lots of variety. When snorkeling; Lots of nurse sharks / black tip reef sharks, turtles, stingrays/eagle rays, lobsters, LOTS of Dolphins & beautiful fish. Over all our experience at JA manafaru was OUTSTANDING- no words can even describe. If you want to get away and forget about the world this is the place to be. We will be back !! 🩵 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable Experience!!!!!!!

Dec 9, 2024 Josh J

Absolutely stunning.. postcard Experience. Our host Nishan (Jim) was the best, he was so welcoming, friendly and very organised, he had booked in all experiences that we will now cherish forever. All the staff were very friendly. Overall a Super relaxing and an unforgettable experience, thanks Jim and we hope to see you again soon !!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 20th Anniversary bucket list trip

Dec 8, 2024 harran1002 Jacksonville, Florida

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at JA Manafaru, and it was a fantastic experience all around! Our host, Fridavs arranged a complimentary in room lunch on the first day due to our long travels, anniversary “extras”, like a floating breakfast and dessert/champagne in the room. The entire staff was also very welcoming and warm. And the… Read more
My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at JA Manafaru, and it was a fantastic experience all around! Our host, Fridavs arranged a complimentary in room lunch on the first day due to our long travels, anniversary “extras”, like a floating breakfast and dessert/champagne in the room. The entire staff was also very welcoming and warm. And the resort and property itself was stunning. Such a memorable trip! Read less