JA Manafaru Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star 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 (2743)
  • Very good (122)
  • Average (26)
  • Poor (8)
  • Terrible (6)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Truly Unforgettable Escape

Jun 25, 2025 leef382 Dalyellup, Australia

We celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary on the island and what a delight it was providing us with an unforgettable experience and leaving us with lifetime memories. From the moment we arrived until we left every staff member we encountered was warm, engaging and made us feel welcomed. From casual chats over breakfast to activity… Read more
We celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary on the island and what a delight it was providing us with an unforgettable experience and leaving us with lifetime memories. From the moment we arrived until we left every staff member we encountered was warm, engaging and made us feel welcomed. From casual chats over breakfast to activity recommendations, every conversation was a joy. A thank you to our thakuru Rizam for all his help during the stay. It was always a pleasure to chat whenever we caught up. We stayed in a Beach Villa with Private Pool and what a spectacular place it was. To be able to walk out to the beach, sit at our private gazibo overlooking the ocean or relaxing in the private grounds with the pool, every moment was a joy. The room itself was thoughtfully designed, comfortable and immaculate. We were all inclusive so to have access to the replenished minibar and wine fridge was a delight. The food at every one of the restaurants was outstanding. Each meal was a celebration of flavour and creativity, from the humble Lasagne for lunch at Andiamo to the delights of the Asian Street Food at White Orchid and the excellent fish dishes at the Ocean Grill. Also thanks to the staff at Calm Spa who supplied us with an awesome couples massage on our anniversary day. I have never felt more relaxed during that massage than i did that day. Thank you JA Manafaru, we had the best most relaxing time ever. This island is more than just a destination, its a whole experience that leaves you refreshed, inspired and dreaming of the day you return . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating More than perfect!

Jun 23, 2025 Zhang N

These days in JA Manafaru is more than perfect! Good view, good room ,kind staffs,delicious food…..everything! I mean everything is good! Thanks to our friend Aan who gives us soooooo much help! Hope we can meet again soon hhhh !This island is more than perfect!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One of the best experience! 😃🥰

Jun 22, 2025 zaan r

There was never a dull moment in our stay at JA Manafaru. We were met with such heartfelt hospitality and care from everyone We met our spectacular villa host sabaah who had taken us for a tour all around the beautiful island. Thanks to him we were able see and experience each and every wonderful aspect of the island through our brief stay. It’s… Read more
There was never a dull moment in our stay at JA Manafaru. We were met with such heartfelt hospitality and care from everyone We met our spectacular villa host sabaah who had taken us for a tour all around the beautiful island. Thanks to him we were able see and experience each and every wonderful aspect of the island through our brief stay. It’s simply a tropical paradise that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime! When we arrived at our water villa, we were met with an absolutely breathtaking view of the crystal clear waters and the silhouettes of the tiny islands from a far. The villa itself was so clean and cozy as well that we could tell there was so much attention given to every little detail. Special thank you to Inash who had made us a small zoo of animals from towel art! One of the best moments of our stay was from our dining experiences from all the outlets we went to. Every meal was a 10/10 delight! Words cannot describe how welcomed we felt. Special mentions to Nizam, Katchey, Chatura, Aanand, Ibbe and Ashraf who met us with warm genuine smiles and their friendly spirits. The whole service team had an excellent sense of humor and never failed to make us laugh. Truly made it a one of a kind experience. I also want to mention Ziyad, Ibbe and shiza who made our in room dining experience exceed all the expectations! For us, very single moment felt so special. JA Manafaru is the best choice for anyone who is looking for a perfect escape into a serene, luxurious and relaxing island life experience. Highly recommended- 10/10! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxurious Maldives stay.

Jun 22, 2025 Ian G Nottingham, United Kingdom

We booked last minute to Manafaru on advice from our travel agent. We have stayed in the Maldives before but thought we would try somewhere new. Manafaru is the most northernmost resort and as such the seaplane trip is around 80 minutes, spent looking down over islets in the Indian Ocean.we were met at the landing station by the team of staff and… Read more
We booked last minute to Manafaru on advice from our travel agent. We have stayed in the Maldives before but thought we would try somewhere new. Manafaru is the most northernmost resort and as such the seaplane trip is around 80 minutes, spent looking down over islets in the Indian Ocean.we were met at the landing station by the team of staff and allocated to Sabaah, who was our personal concierge. He organised bookings for restaurants and any excursions / extras we wanted. We formed a WhatsApp group and he was always available . We stayed a the all inclusive package. The food was excellent and beautifully presented in all the restaurants. You will not go hungry and they catered for most dietary requirements. Drinks were good and the staff soon got to know us and our choice of wines and bubbles. We stayed in the sunset overwater villa and although there was a fair breeze most of the time , would not have changed the room. The walk every night to and from the room looking for fish was memorable. The staff were the main reason we enjoyed ourselves so much. They always were friendly and polite and whoever trained them deserves congratulating. Apologies if I miss anyone or mispel any names , but theee are some names to look out for. Kartic on the beach In various restaurants Rosa,Nim, Nazim, Shadaah, imran, Rishah, Suhaad, Arman, Zitar. All excellent and lovely people . Vipan in the Veli bar always mixed a good cocktail and was ready with our drinks very quickly. We booked the Tapenyaki and it was truly memorable. Cipriani is a top chef and comedian. Great food and what a brilliant evening, a definite must. I managed 4 dives while on the island. All good coral dives. The house reef is in good shape and saw turtles a couple of black tip sharks and my favourite clown fish nests. I was well looked after by Jack and Gui ( sorry!) and would highly recommend. We were sad to leave , but have decided to return next January, so see you after Christmas. Thank you all. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Quiet & luxurious paradise

Jun 22, 2025 Jenny C

Everything was fantastic. A resort of superlatives. Excellent childcare, quality food, staff and taking care. Deluxe SPA offer