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

  • 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 (2536)
  • Very good (118)
  • Average (25)
  • Poor (8)
  • Terrible (5)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing service from amazing staff

Dec 25, 2024 Graham S

My wife and I recently spent two weeks at JA Manafaru, the most northerly Maldivian island and a very unspoilt island with beautiful white sand beaches and plenty of established trees and vegetation to provide shade. Thanks to all the staff who are just so friendly and welcoming, attending to every need. We feel so relaxed and revitalised after… Read more
My wife and I recently spent two weeks at JA Manafaru, the most northerly Maldivian island and a very unspoilt island with beautiful white sand beaches and plenty of established trees and vegetation to provide shade. Thanks to all the staff who are just so friendly and welcoming, attending to every need. We feel so relaxed and revitalised after our time here. A special thanks to our host Mohamed who was always available on WhatsApp and dropped by most days to check if we needed anything to make our holiday even more enjoyable - Mohamed actually made our holiday so special and truly memorable - we hope to see you again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible island resort

Dec 25, 2024 michaellW9274GG Sydney, Australia

Absolutely amazing. We stayed 5 nights after a very busy trip around Kenya and Rwanda. Everything was amazing. The overwater villa was beautiful, the food was absolutely outstanding, the island itself was perfect. The staff were always there is assist or recommend an activity etc. I would highly recommend Ja Manafaru to anyone looking for that… Read more
Absolutely amazing. We stayed 5 nights after a very busy trip around Kenya and Rwanda. Everything was amazing. The overwater villa was beautiful, the food was absolutely outstanding, the island itself was perfect. The staff were always there is assist or recommend an activity etc. I would highly recommend Ja Manafaru to anyone looking for that beautiful Maldives island experience Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect Honeymoon

Dec 24, 2024 Greg P Greater Melbourne, Australia

My Wife and I enjoyed an absolutely amazing Honeymoon at JA Manafaru. From the moment we stepped of the Sea Plane we were greeted by our host, Nishan, who was available to us for our whole stay via WhatsApp, helping with anything from more ice to the room or booking massages and dinner. This was a great service which we really appreciated. The… Read more
My Wife and I enjoyed an absolutely amazing Honeymoon at JA Manafaru. From the moment we stepped of the Sea Plane we were greeted by our host, Nishan, who was available to us for our whole stay via WhatsApp, helping with anything from more ice to the room or booking massages and dinner. This was a great service which we really appreciated. The food was absolutely fantastic in each of the restaurants. We loved using the bikes which come with all rooms, we loved the snorkeling and the morning Yoga. We absolutely loved our time at JA Manafaru and cannot wait to go back again one day. 100% recommend to any newly wed couple for your Honeymoon or a private getaway. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating PARADISE

Dec 24, 2024 Sheik1616

Truly a paradise. Friendly staff, tasty food, excellent view. JA Manafaru will go out of their way and beyond to provide you with comfort and luxury. Resort staff like Mangal- our host, Martina from F&B and restaurant staff Rosa, Nizam infact everyone... was so nice and welcoming. Chef is on another level... tasty and well balanced food. Sea… Read more
Truly a paradise. Friendly staff, tasty food, excellent view. JA Manafaru will go out of their way and beyond to provide you with comfort and luxury. Resort staff like Mangal- our host, Martina from F&B and restaurant staff Rosa, Nizam infact everyone... was so nice and welcoming. Chef is on another level... tasty and well balanced food. Sea food night was amazing and Maldivian local food night was great as well. JA team doesnt leave any stones unturned. They know how to pamper you. Best thing is the whole island belongs to JA and is not share with other resorts unlike most in Maldives. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Truly Excellent!

Dec 23, 2024 richardrF1754US Worcester, United Kingdom

We spent 12 nights at JA Manafaru in November in a water villa on an AI package with a seaplane transfer. The island is naturally beautiful with gorgeous turquoise water. Unfortunately snorkelling was limited to just a couple of trips due to the high winds we experienced during our time there. AI package is comprehensive with a true dine… Read more
We spent 12 nights at JA Manafaru in November in a water villa on an AI package with a seaplane transfer. The island is naturally beautiful with gorgeous turquoise water. Unfortunately snorkelling was limited to just a couple of trips due to the high winds we experienced during our time there. AI package is comprehensive with a true dine around with all restaurants offering a very high standard of standard of cuisine. My only negative was that I didn’t really get on with some of the red wines but there were a couple that were fine. We took advantage of dining in the underground cellar restaurant which was truly exceptional and a unique experience. Other restaurants offered beach dining as well as Andiamo which was gorgeous at night with its jungle setting. The themed buffet nights are also definitely worth booking and some of the best I’ve experienced in the Maldives. The staff were incredibly friendly and the service was always spot on. I’d say that what makes JAM stand out from the 15 or so Maldives resorts I’ve visited is the laid back vibe. Everything seemed so relaxed with a wonderful ambiance. A fantastic all-rounder! Read less