JA Manafaru Maldives

Over Water Villa

Private Pool

In-Villa Breakfast

Floating Breakfast

Bikes

Beach

Andiamo

See our full feature on Andiamo HERE

Pool

Breakfast at Kakuni

See our full feature on Kakuni HERE

See our full feature on Ocean Grill HERE

Spa

Mini Canvas Acrylic Painting

Alchemy Class

Rabbits

Arcade Games

Billiards

Table Tennis

Tennis Court

Tucked away in the far north of the Maldives in Haa Alifu Atoll, JA Manafaru is a beautifully secluded island resort that combines classic Maldivian luxury with an impressive range of experiences for families. The island itself is lush and wonderfully peaceful, surrounded by clear turquoise water and a beautiful reef, while the spacious villas make the most of the spectacular setting.

We stayed in one of the stunning overwater villas, complete with a private infinity pool, expansive deck and direct access to the ocean. Waking up surrounded by endless blue was a highlight in itself, while a floating breakfast served in our private pool made for one of those quintessentially indulgent Maldives mornings. With the reef just outside, it was also incredibly tempting to simply step into the water and snorkel whenever we wanted.

There is plenty to keep families busy beyond the villa. The lagoon is ideal for watersports, with complimentary non-motorised activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. The kids also loved the creative activities, particularly painting their own mini acrylic canvases, as well as visiting the resort’s petting zoo and spending time with the incredibly friendly bunnies. JA Manafaru also has a tennis court, a games and recreation area and a dedicated kids’ club offering arts, crafts and other activities.

For something altogether more tranquil, Calm Spa Sanctuary is hidden amongst the island’s tropical greenery and feels wonderfully removed from everything else. Alongside its treatment rooms, sauna, steam room and plunge pools, the spa incorporates more unusual wellness experiences inspired by both Maldivian and international traditions. We particularly loved discovering experiences such as the alchemy classes and sound healing, which added something more memorable than a traditional resort spa programme.

Dining was another highlight of our stay. Kakuni became a favourite for its excellent breakfasts and relaxed lunches, as well as atmospheric Maldivian and Asian theme nights with sharing platters and live entertainment. Andiamo was perfect for casual poolside dining, with excellent pizzas and panini, while Ocean Grill offered a more elevated evening with alfresco beachfront dining, beautifully prepared seafood and meats, and an impressive wine list. The resort also offers Japanese dining at White Orchid, intimate experiences at The Cellar and other dining options across the island.

What really tied everything together was the team. Service throughout our stay was warm, intuitive and consistently thoughtful, whether we were dining, heading out onto the water or simply relaxing around the resort. JA Manafaru manages to offer plenty to do without ever losing that sense of peaceful island seclusion, making it a particularly lovely choice for a luxurious family escape in the Maldives.

www.jaresortshotels.com/maldives/ja-manafaru

Haa Alifu Atoll, Upper North Province, Maldives

+960 6500 456