JA Manafaru

JA Manafaru – 15 Nights | A Thoughtful, Honest Review We’ve just returned from a 15-night stay at JA Manafaru and wanted to share a considered review based on a full two-week experience rather than a short visit. This trip came about after we had to cancel OZEN Life Maadhoo at the last minute due to construction works. OZEN was the only Maldives island we had visited previously, so we arrived at JA Manafaru with high expectations and a degree of uncertainty. I’m pleased to say that in many respects, JA Manafaru not only met but exceeded them. The Island – Pure Maldivian Beauty JA Manafaru is a stunningly beautiful island with a very authentic Maldivian feel — elegant, natural, and wonderfully unspoilt. There is a calm, understated luxury here rather than anything flashy, which we loved. One of the real highlights was being able to cycle around the island and also walk the entire circumference. Experiencing the island at that pace — the changing beaches, the light, the colours of the water — was truly special and something we will always remember. Few resorts allow you to feel so connected to the island itself. Beach quality varies slightly depending on location. The sunrise side offers classic white sand and calmer waters, while parts of the sunset side are rockier, though still very beautiful. Overall, the island feels peaceful, refined, and distinctly Maldivian. The Villa Our Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool was beyond our expectations — exceptionally spacious, beautifully finished, very private, and immaculately maintained. It is one of the best villas we’ve stayed in anywhere, and after 15 nights it never once felt cramped or tired. Food & Dining Food across the island was consistently excellent. The quality, flavour, and presentation were all strong, and dining never became repetitive over a long stay. We booked The Cellar for our anniversary, which was outstanding and a true highlight. We were also treated to a complimentary Teppanyaki evening, which was both fun and expertly delivered. Staff & Service The staff are what truly elevate JA Manafaru. The team is wonderfully international — not just Maldivian — and every interaction felt warm, professional, and genuinely caring. A special mention must go to our butler, Mohamed, who was exceptional throughout our stay. Thoughtful, calm, attentive without ever being intrusive, and always one step ahead — he looked after us brilliantly and played a big part in making the experience so enjoyable. Housekeeping, gardeners, restaurant teams and bar staff were all outstanding. We tipped generously in cash throughout our stay because the service genuinely deserved it. Management engagement was also excellent. When we raised concerns, they were handled professionally, promptly, and with genuine care — while we were still on the island. All-Inclusive Experience (Worth Understanding) Before arrival, we were provided with very clear and transparent fact sheets explaining exactly what was and wasn’t included in the All-Inclusive plan, particularly around drinks and premium dining experiences such as The Cellar and Teppanyaki. There were no surprises in that respect. That said, the initial experience of the All-Inclusive package is not quite as seamless as some ultra-luxury AI resorts. Being presented with full bar and wine lists (where many items are chargeable), and initially signing itemised bills showing full pre-deduction totals, can pull you out of the relaxed AI mindset. To the resort’s great credit, once this was discussed with management, they responded exceptionally well. Billing was removed for the remainder of our stay, reassurance was given in writing, and the issue was resolved quickly and professionally. We were also fortunate that, after day five, the resort ran out of prosecco, and without any fuss we were upgraded immediately to house champagne for the remainder of our stay, which was handled generously and without us needing to ask. It’s fair to say that JA Manafaru’s AI is more of a refined, dining-led experience rather than a “no-limits” ultra-inclusive model. Guests who prioritise a very broad drinks package should simply be aware of this before booking. Overall Verdict JA Manafaru is a beautiful, elegant, and genuinely Maldivian island offering outstanding villas, excellent food, and exceptional service. The ability to walk and cycle the island, the sense of space and calm, and the warmth of the team make it feel very special. It surpassed our expectations and, in several ways, exceeded our previous Maldives experience. Most importantly, the way feedback was handled by management left a very positive and lasting impression. If you value: * A truly beautiful island with authentic Maldivian character * Space, privacy, and high-quality villas * Excellent food and attentive service * A calm, refined atmosphere …JA Manafaru is a wonderful choice. We left feeling grateful for the experience — and especially for the people, like Mohamed, who made it so memorable.

Hello Manafaru Team, this was our second stay at this resort, and we were once again impressed by the island's location, the natural surroundings, and the way the villas were integrated into the landscape. This is exactly how I imagine the Maldives experience. We were also once again struck by the extraordinary hospitality of all the staff. It would be unfair to single out any individual employees; they all give their best. If you see the staff not as servants but as individuals and give them attention, they will open their hearts and find joy in looking after their guests. They come from many faraway lands and love to share their stories if you listen to them. It was a real pleasure for us. Minor technical issues were resolved quickly and easily. If the ladies were to get a mirror for blow-drying their hair, everything would be perfect. Honest reviews must also include criticism when it's warranted. We downloaded the food and beverage menus a week before departure to translate them into our language, which made dinner planning a bit easier. Upon arrival, we were surprised by revised menus that unfortunately included significant reductions in the wine category: 100% for bottled wine and 70% for wine by the glass. Had we continued to consume our favorite wines, we would have incurred additional costs of approximately $1500. As repeat customers, and we weren't alone in this experience, this was somewhat disappointing. Ultimately, we made peace with the revised menu and enjoyed our vacation. Thank You Ja Manafaru Wolf&Gaby OWV 211

We were satisfied with the stay. All inclusive covered only few items from the menu and the fees for the rest were high for the offered selection.

Pros: 1. The resort's food services are exceptional, offering a diverse range of cuisines catering to different ethnicities. The restaurants are well-staffed, attentive, and accommodating to guests' needs. As vegetarians, we appreciated their willingness to cater to our specific requirements. 2. The villas are immaculately clean, with a focus on providing extra amenities as needed. The deluxe beach villas are particularly noteworthy, offering serene and pristine beach access. 3. The resort's beach features stunning white sand, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. 4. The resort offers an impressive array of water sports equipment, including snorkeling and kayaking, which are complimentary. 5. Additional amenities, such as a gaming room and movie room, provide entertainment options for guests. 6. Although I didn't have the opportunity to experience the spa, I heard rave reviews from other guests. 7. The resort hosts regular parties, complete with free cocktails, making the half-board option a great value. 8. The resort's lush vegetation and stunning banyan trees are worth exploring. 9. Our host, Thakuru Rizam, provided exceptional service, responding promptly to our needs and ensuring a memorable stay. 10. The ocean water near the resort's jetty is crystal-clear, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat kayaking. 11. Scuba and other water sports are reasonably priced. Cons: 1. The resort's remote location, while ideal for those seeking seclusion, may be a drawback for others. 2. The seaplane schedule can be unpredictable, leading to delays and early departures. 3. We experienced a delay in our seaplane arrival, which impacted our overall stay. 8 hours got wasted from the entire stay which we could have used better otherwise. 4. The water villa's plunge pool was not clean upon arrival, and the filtration system was not functioning properly. 5. The location of the water villas is not ideal for snorkeling, requiring a walk to the main beach. Overall, the resort offers a beyond exceptional experience, with its stunning villas, beautiful beach, and excellent service. However, the remote location and unpredictable seaplane schedule may be drawbacks for some guests. For me personally it was spiritual and dreamy retreat no other resort could have served.

Really recommend splitting the stay between Beach Villa and Water Villa to experience the best of both worlds. The 2 Villa options are unreal!