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 (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*.

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. House reef snorkelling. Water sports centre*. 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).

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 (2098)
  • Very good (115)
  • Average (24)
  • Poor (6)
  • Terrible (3)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Simply Exceptional

Apr 26, 2024 RealOpinions1 Glasgow, United Kingdom

Where to begin! Having spent such a long time looking at which Island would be the best fit for us (two couples travelling to the Maldives for the first time) we chose Manafaru in the end due to our connection with the JA brand in Dubai and because of all the exceptional reviews. As such, our expectations were really high and I have to say, they… Read more
Where to begin! Having spent such a long time looking at which Island would be the best fit for us (two couples travelling to the Maldives for the first time) we chose Manafaru in the end due to our connection with the JA brand in Dubai and because of all the exceptional reviews. As such, our expectations were really high and I have to say, they were exceeded. It was a long journey starting out in Scotland, however, it was totally worth it. The seaplane transfer just adds to the experience and adventure. Our sunrise villa was fantastic (perhaps time for a little refresh on the outside furniture) with a brilliantly stocked mini fridge which was refreshed each day. The food in every area was fantastic and the executive chef who has been on the Island for 17 years just couldn’t do enough for us. One thing I hadn’t picked up from other reviews was just how beautiful the inner part of the island is. It’s like being on the set of a movie. I just loved walking and cycling around the island. We took the sunset dolphin cruise which was superb and highly recommend, we saw so many dolphins who swam right along side the boat! On our last day we got to see a reef shark that was swimming right up beside our villa, just incredible. We also had a meal in the cellar, which was an amazing experience! Beyond doubt, above all else on this island is the staff. They are incredible, with a genuine desire to excel everyday. I take my hat off to Jason and Mark as it’s one thing to have a vision to deliver such service, but to actually deliver that across the entire island consistently is no mean feat but boy have you done it. Needless to say, when departure day came we had just one overwhelming thought, when are we returning! We are now actively working on just that. Thank you Jason, Mark and your entire team for an exceptional experience on Manafaru. This is simply a magical place on our planet. Until next time… Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Don’t make us leave!😢

Apr 25, 2024 Richie12353215 London, United Kingdom

From the moment we arrived everything has been perfect…..absolutely perfect. Sabaah, our host, was an absolute diamond and helped to make our stay so incredible. Nothing was to much trouble and he is such a great person….thank you Sabaah! Staff members including Treasure, Nim, Ibbe, Nahir, Raphael, Pranita and Rosa (to name but a few) made our… Read more
From the moment we arrived everything has been perfect…..absolutely perfect. Sabaah, our host, was an absolute diamond and helped to make our stay so incredible. Nothing was to much trouble and he is such a great person….thank you Sabaah! Staff members including Treasure, Nim, Ibbe, Nahir, Raphael, Pranita and Rosa (to name but a few) made our stay fantastic with their high levels of service mixed with adorable humour. Ahmeds care attention to detail was absolutely faultless….thank you for keeping our room looking immaculate….you are fantastic! Dennis and Mary…thank you for your music that made our evenings watching the sun sets so very beautiful. Moosa….you are a legend!!😂😂 Thank you and your team for feeding us and making us feel like part of your family!! Our stay has been epic and all the staff here have made it all the more enjoyable….thank you all….we will miss you dearly! Kealey and Richie Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating JA Manafaru is my paradise and my best memory

Apr 25, 2024 Pattra S

I really like this place. I like everything in JA Manafaru ❤️ and I really like the food here because it's all delicious. JA Manafaru is very good for me. It is the best memory for me. This place is very beautiful. I really like it!! And I want to thank Linda for taking care of us so well for everything. I will definitely come back to visit here… Read more
I really like this place. I like everything in JA Manafaru ❤️ and I really like the food here because it's all delicious. JA Manafaru is very good for me. It is the best memory for me. This place is very beautiful. I really like it!! And I want to thank Linda for taking care of us so well for everything. I will definitely come back to visit here again!! Thank you 😊 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Island Paradise

Apr 25, 2024 Gomez31 Melbourne, Australia

My husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with our two children and our two granddaughters, we stayed in Villa 555, the over the water residence, it was absolutely beautiful and perfect for the six of us. On our arrival at the island we were warmly greeted by Jason the General Manager and some of the wonderful staff including our… Read more
My husband and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with our two children and our two granddaughters, we stayed in Villa 555, the over the water residence, it was absolutely beautiful and perfect for the six of us. On our arrival at the island we were warmly greeted by Jason the General Manager and some of the wonderful staff including our absolutely amazing host Nishan. There was nothing that was too much trouble for Nishan whether it was a restaurant booking or a buggy ride back to the villa from breakfast, or having ice cream delivered to the Villa for the girls, he was always there and smiling 😊 All the staff we so so happy and friendly, but a special mention to food and beverage manager Mark who always managed to find the most amazing wines in the cellar🍾 And also Chef Musa, your food was all so delicious in all the restaurants. And to Fayaz thank you for keeping our Villa so beautiful and clean. Ja Manafaru island is an absolute paradise with beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water and wonderful staff, thank you all for making our holiday so memorable, and we will definitely be back ❤️😊 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent and Beutiful resort

Apr 25, 2024 Hashim A

Excellent customer service. Food and Beverages were abundant and delicious. Warmth and welcoming during arrival. Staffs are very friendly. Executive chef is very professional and take pride in his role. Our host Aan is very professional, proactive and she knows our needs. We would love to visit again and will strongly recommend our friends to stay… Read more
Excellent customer service. Food and Beverages were abundant and delicious. Warmth and welcoming during arrival. Staffs are very friendly. Executive chef is very professional and take pride in his role. Our host Aan is very professional, proactive and she knows our needs. We would love to visit again and will strongly recommend our friends to stay at JA Manafaru resort. Read less