JA Manafaru

The villas are amazing, the staff is kind and polite. Although the directive is “distance” to guests, we could enjoy the stay with smart and friendly workers of the Valtour team. The food is very good, not much included in the all inclusive, but very good quality that is the most important thing! Bravo!!! The island is beautiful and the beach/sea amazing, although the island is not the best one for whom is looking for snorkeling all days. A very good experience but a little bit boring for long stays… there isn’t much to do in the island especially for the people seeking adventure, friendly relations and snorkeling around. We suggest this resort to people looking for complete relax such as retired people or very quite families, not for vibrant and young couples or honeymooners.

We had a wonderful trip…. People have mentioned a long sea plane, it’s 45 minutes longer than some so not a big issue for us. If wearing light clothes, hand held fan, ear plugs we find the sea planes are fine. Room -we had a wonderful sunset water villa, large bedroom, huge bathroom, beautiful large private terrace with plunge pool , and access to great snorkelling. Ladder a bit steep but as they do - they said next time -ask for a different ladder and we can help. Our terrace was a stunning place to watch the sunset with a drink from our customised mini bar. Food was great and varied, mainly à la carte, breakfast buffet, fab coffee and fruit. Drinks initially only one choice of wine by glass, but we asked and were able to have a bottle with greater choice each day. Ashraf the f&b manager was visible and very attentive. As was the general manger Roberto. We had to ask who they were though as no labels on badges. Veli bar is stunning but underused often only a couple of people there, seems a shame. The only swimming pool is in centre of island, if we were with friends or family I would have wanted a sea view swimming pool I think, to all sit around. Level of service was outstanding and all the staff were very helpful and seemed happy. Great to see Many staff are from local islands. Our host Abdho was incredible and encouraged us to what’s app him, any request was met with a speedy helpful response. Snorkelling was much better than we anticipated from reviews, we saw huge shoals fish, turtles, large sting rays, sharks. But house reef coral was average and crown of thorns need dealing with. We snorkelled from our villa and the jetty’s- The lifeguards were both really informative on where to go. Large nurse sharks gather at one jetty night , a real treat, and the security guards had torches to show people. Dive centre was well run, professional and friendly with lots of options. We were the only ones on the boat which was a real treat. Spinner dolphins jumping around was incredible too. Really recommend this resort we hope to return!

We've stayed in 5 Maldives resorts that offer all inclusive plans and JAM is the best (though not the most expensive). Some may be put off by the 80 minute seaplane from Male, but it's worth the journey. The resort provides a friendly personal arrival welcome and departure at Male Velana airport (which has been much improved with the new terminal) and only a short wait between the international and domestic flights. The island has abundant natural beauty including a coral reef excellent for snorkelling (turtles, rays, small reef sharks, moray eel and abundant colourful fish can be seen) either from its two jetties or from both sets of water villas, silver sand beaches, turquoise sea shores and abundant bird life. Mask, fins etc are provided without charge. We stayed in a sunset pool villa which was spacious, very private, comfortable and well looked after. The entry into the sea from our villa was via a vertical ladder, not as easy to use as a sloping ladder fitted at the jetties and some villas, but certainly achievable and rewarding with a 1 or 2 minute swim out to the stunning drop-off. The general vibe is sophisticated but relaxed, not full of loud groups, out of control children or people wanting to wear Gucci stilettos! There are 4 a la carte restaurants and one buffet: the standard of the food is excellent (especially the fresh local seafood, the fruit and the heavenly homemade mango sorbet). Crucially there is a degree of flexibility regarding wine choice at restaurants and in the villa minibar for all-inclusive guests. Soft musical entertainment was provided at the White orchid and Kakuni restaurants during dinner by a charming vocalist. Making dinner reservations is easy using the App they provide and booking a few days in advance if a particular time is desired. The a/c gym is well equipped, spacious and has a lovely sea view! The water sports and dive team led by Juio are friendly yet highly professional: several good dive sites located a short boat ride away and we saw dolphins and mantas on the surface. The island is relatively small to walk or cycle around though buggies can be summoned via your host. The multinational and abundant staff were all delightful, led by Roberto the charming GM. Mentions for Ashraf the F&B manager, Niro who looked after us when we wined & dined in the unique underground Cellar restaurant, and for our host Abdho who is contactable for any requests by WhatsApp 24/7! At present there is no beachfront swimming pool, which some might prefer to the Adami pool which is surrounded by trees:it was not clear whether there's a plan to restore a beachfront pool. The main Velli bar was virtually empty when we visited a couple of times in the evening despite it's premium sunset facing location, which was a pity. This may have been because of the loud music and flashing lights putting people off, or maybe like us everyone watched the sunset every day from their villa with a bottle of bubbly! The wellness spa and teenagers gaming room looked good although we didn't use. WiFi good everywhere. All in all I'd give 6 value for money stars. We had a great 10 days fun and relaxation in paradise and we will certainly be returning to JA Manafaru.

We really enjoyed our stay at JA Manafaru. The island is very beautiful and peaceful, perfect for relaxing and switching off from everything. Big thanks to our butler Dziana. She was very kind, helpful and always ready to assist. Thanks to her we felt comfortable and well taken care of during our whole stay. Thank you, JA Manafaru, for great memories. We hope to come back again.

It was absolutely amazing ! Everything was just perfect. Food, drinks, atmosphere, service, especially our butler Teddy! I will definitely come back!