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.

  • Booking Bonus: Book by 15 Feb '25 to receive up to 20% off the accommodation cost between 10 Jan '25–09 Jan '26, when staying a minimum of 4 nights. 

    Terms and conditions apply. Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. Blackout dates apply. 

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

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality 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 (2591)
  • Very good (118)
  • Average (25)
  • Poor (8)
  • Terrible (5)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Experience With Tip Service And Dining

Jan 24, 2025 lizbattaglia Mississauga, Canada

From the moment we landed at Velana Airport, we were warmly greeted by the staff and quickly escorted to the seaplane lounge, which was a pleasant experience. After a brief wait, we were guided to the seaplane. Upon arrival at the resort, our butler, Aan, took care of everything we needed and always responded promptly through WhatsApp. No matter… Read more
From the moment we landed at Velana Airport, we were warmly greeted by the staff and quickly escorted to the seaplane lounge, which was a pleasant experience. After a brief wait, we were guided to the seaplane. Upon arrival at the resort, our butler, Aan, took care of everything we needed and always responded promptly through WhatsApp. No matter where we were or what we required, every single staff member was ready to assist—always with a smile! The level of service was truly extraordinary. At every restaurant, the staff would pull out your chair for you and place your napkin on your lap. At the end of each meal, we were given an ice-cold hand towel with the loveliest scent. The food was incredible! The variety and flavors were outstanding, and every dish was a treat for the senses. We also had one of the best massages we’ve ever experienced at the spa—it was simply unforgettable. The dive shop was very responsive to our emails, and the house reef exceeded our expectations. It was surprisingly vibrant! While diving there, we spotted nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, turtles, and an abundance of fish. On other dives, we were lucky enough to see two manta rays—a dream come true! We also did the jet ski safari. Although it was expensive, it was absolutely worth it. We told our guides that we were more interested in seeing dolphins than snorkeling, as we had already been diving. They were amazing and took us to an area where we were surrounded by hundreds of dolphins jumping all around us—it was magical! One of the reasons we chose this resort was the excellent communication before our stay. When we emailed the reservations desk with questions, their response was immediate, unlike other resorts where we had to chase answers. From the start, we felt confident that JA Manafaru would deliver an exceptional experience, and they absolutely did! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Five star across the board

Jan 23, 2025 RAP6 London, United Kingdom

As stated in all of the previous reviews this is an incredible luxury holiday experience. Five star across the board. Food. Accommodation. Service. Cleanliness. Our expectations were exceeded. We would love to return and have no hesitation in recommending JA Manfaru.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional service and wonderful island

Jan 22, 2025 Joan B London

From the moment we arrived at Male airport and were whisked away by the lovely JAM staff like VIPs , to a cooling lounge and our waiting sea plane , we had the most wonderful Maldives holiday . The 70 mins sea plane ride is definitely worth it as the island is so peaceful and quiet . We were greeting with cheery waves on the jetty and escorted to… Read more
From the moment we arrived at Male airport and were whisked away by the lovely JAM staff like VIPs , to a cooling lounge and our waiting sea plane , we had the most wonderful Maldives holiday . The 70 mins sea plane ride is definitely worth it as the island is so peaceful and quiet . We were greeting with cheery waves on the jetty and escorted to our beautiful over water villa by our wonderful host Rizam . The island is lush , beautiful and so well looked after by the amazing staff . Everyone on the island is so welcoming and nothing is too much trouble . We particularly enjoyed Kakuni Restaurant and the three amazing speciality dinners they arrange each week. Special thanks to chef Moosa and to all the waiting staff including Shamil , Aimon ( the best barista ) Mohammed and Mauch . Lazing on our deck or in our own pool looking at the Indian Ocean was a real joy . The spa too was amazing . We would love to return next year . We were looked after so well to on our return to Male and the lovely JAM representation personally navigated us through the airport to the BA check in desk . A perfect holiday thank you to everyone . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Most enjoyable and relaxing vacation.

Jan 22, 2025 Claus H

We really enjoyed the resort layout, house reef, and recreational facilities onshore and at sea. The staff were attentive and helpful without being distracting and the variety of excellent dining options kept our stay exciting and free from repetition. We had a very positive experience with the F&B team, especially at Ocean Grill and White… Read more
We really enjoyed the resort layout, house reef, and recreational facilities onshore and at sea. The staff were attentive and helpful without being distracting and the variety of excellent dining options kept our stay exciting and free from repetition. We had a very positive experience with the F&B team, especially at Ocean Grill and White Orchid. We can recognise Maeen, Aiman, Rosa, Pranita, Nim, Zhadi , the Chef, housemaid Tony, Nishan and many more. They were friendly, helpful, and made a lasting impression. We also really enjoyed the festive New Year's celebration and dancing on the beach to the tunes of a really good and entertaining DJ, exceeding our expectations. All in all we had the most relaxing and one of the most enjoyable vacations of our lives and did not regret spending 10 days at JA Manafaru. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Trip of a lifetime

Jan 22, 2025 timpikap1

A trip of a lifetime. From our arrival into Male (YES, even the service we received from the JA Manafaru staff at Velena Airport) to our departure, everything was seamless and immaculate! Everyone was so kind, and the island was so beautiful and detailed. I was in awe every single second I spent there. Thank you to our amazing host, Aan, who made… Read more
A trip of a lifetime. From our arrival into Male (YES, even the service we received from the JA Manafaru staff at Velena Airport) to our departure, everything was seamless and immaculate! Everyone was so kind, and the island was so beautiful and detailed. I was in awe every single second I spent there. Thank you to our amazing host, Aan, who made our stay so wonderful and unforgettable. I will definitely be returning!!! Read less