KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 102
JA Manafaru, Maldives
A Lush, Secluded Island of Soulful Luxury
There are Maldivian islands that feel like polished design showcases,
others that hum with activity — and then there is JA Manafaru, a lush,
secluded retreat in the northern tip of the Maldives that seems to exhale
calm the moment you step ashore. Reached by a long but worth it
seaplane ride or domestic 昀氀ight and speedboat, the island reveals itself
in shades of deep green and bright white, its beaches soft and fringed
with palms, its turquoise lagoon almost improbably clear.
JA Manafaru is one of those rare islands that feels both wild and
exquisitely re昀椀ned — a resort shaped around natural beauty rather
than imposing itself upon it. Days unfold quietly here. Couples wander
barefoot under the shade of banyan trees; the scent of frangipani lingers
on warm air; and villas are tucked so discreetly into the landscape that
the island feels almost private, even when fully occupied.
What makes JA Manafaru particularly special is not just the scenery,
but the sense of choice it o昀昀ers. Guests can experience the island from
two entirely di昀昀erent perspectives: the deep privacy and
jungle-wrapped serenity of its beachfront villas, and the expansive
horizon views of its overwater villas — each o昀昀ering its own mood, its
own rhythm, its own way of living with the ocean.
Our Stay (Part One): Deluxe Beach Villa with Family Private
Pool — A Secluded Tropical Hideaway
preserved rather than sculpted. The result is an environment that feels
e昀昀ortlessly welcoming — friendly, relaxed, and deeply connected to its
surroundings.
Dining: A Choice of Atmospheres and Flavours
Dining at JA Manafaru is as diverse as its landscape. The resort o昀昀ers
seven restaurants and lounges, each re昀氀ecting a di昀昀erent mood:
Ocean Grill, set beside the sea, focuses on grilled seafood and tropical
昀氀avours, perfect for dinners under the stars.
Kakuni serves international dishes and Maldivian cuisine in a stylish
oceanfront setting.
Andiamo Bistro and Pool, surrounded by greenery, o昀昀ers
delicious dishes beside a palm-fringed pool — an oasis within the oasis.
White Orchid Lounge brings Asian 昀氀avours and a re昀椀ned, airy
atmosphere above the water with stunning ocean views.
Across every venue, the culinary philosophy leans into freshness, variety
and relaxed sophistication — a re昀椀nement that never feels pretentious.
Calm and Connection at Spa
Hidden within thick greenery and just steps from the beach, the Deluxe
Beach Villa with Family Private Pool is one of the most atmospheric
villa categories on the island. JA Manafaru specialises in beautiful beach
accommodation, but this villa stands out for its sheer sense of seclusion.
Pathways lined with palms and 昀氀owering shrubs lead to a private door,
beyond which lies a serene world of soft sand, deep shade and sunlight
glinting o昀昀 water.
At the rear of the villa is a large private pool, embraced by high curving
walls and lush garden foliage and a stunning waterfall. It’s designed
for families or couples who love space — perfect for lazing beneath the
Maldivian sun, swimming in complete privacy, or relaxing on shaded
loungers with the sound of the ocean drifting faintly in the background.
Inside, the villa continues the theme of generous comfort: high wooden
ceilings, natural textures, and an open-plan layout that spills e昀昀ortlessly
into the outdoor garden. The bathroom is particularly beautiful — large
and spacious - a secluded sanctuary with oversized tub.
Our Stay (Part Two): Overwater Villa with Private Pool — The
Ocean, Un昀椀ltered
Switching into an overwater villa at JA Manafaru feels like entering an
entirely new way of inhabiting the island. Whether sunrise-facing or
sunset-facing, the resort’s overwater villas with pools are designed for
immersion — into light, space and the hypnotic sound of the sea.
Suspended above the turquoise lagoon, the overwater villa o昀昀ers direct
access to shallow, brilliantly clear water. The private in昀椀nity-edged pool
becomes an extension of the lagoon itself, while the good sized deck
invites unhurried hours spent between sun, shade and sea. Indoors,
the villas feel bright and modern, with airy wooden interiors, sweeping
ocean views and thoughtful design that keeps the focus on the horizon.
This is where the island feels at its most expansive. Days begin with
the soft blush of dawn across the water, and nights close with the sky
dissolving into stars visible from your deck. Staying overwater gives the
island a completely di昀昀erent personality — quieter, more meditative,
shaped by light and tides. Experiencing both villa types allows guests to
appreciate the duality that makes JA Manafaru so special: deep rootedness on land, and in昀椀nite space over water.
A Resort De昀椀ned by Nature and Soul
JA Manafaru’s design philosophy is simple: let nature lead. Villas
are woven gently into foliage or poised above the lagoon; restaurants
are open to the breeze; and the island’s natural contours have been
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
Tucked away among quiet gardens, the resort’s spa is stunning.
Treatment rooms, including some overwater pavilions, are designed to
blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, using warm woods, soft
light and scents that evoke both land and sea.
Spa rituals incorporate global techniques alongside Maldivian-inspired
therapies, all delivered with exceptional gentleness. Whether choosing
a long, immersive massage, a cleansing body treatment, or a post-sun
ritual, guests leave feeling unhurried and genuinely restored.
The spa also houses a relaxation garden, hydrotherapy facilities and
serene spaces made for lingering — the kind of place one returns to
more than once during a stay.
Island Experiences for Every Curiosity
JA Manafaru o昀昀ers an impressive array of activities, from snorkelling
and diving to Maldivian cooking classes, sunset cruises and private
beach picnics. The lagoon surrounding the island is calm and
beginner-friendly, while nearby reefs reveal vibrant coral life and
schools of colourful 昀椀sh.
For those seeking privacy, the island’s long, winding beaches o昀昀er
plenty of quiet corners. For more active travellers, water sports, tennis,
昀椀tness facilities and a variety of excursions round out the experience.
Service: Warm, Personal and Gracefully Attentive
Perhaps the strongest thread running through the JA brand is the
warmth of its hospitality. The team at JA Manafaru move with genuine
friendliness and intuition — anticipating needs, remembering preferences, and o昀昀ering assistance with a sincerity that feels more like island
hospitality than formality.
Whether arranging a romantic dinner, coordinating a villa move, or
organising a surprise experience, the sta昀昀 create moments that feel
personal and heartfelt.
In Summary
JA Manafaru is a re昀椀ned yet soulful island retreat, perfect for those who
want space, warmth and the kind of luxury that feels deeply, beautifully
lived-in.
Visit: https://www.jaresortshotels.com/maldives/ja-manafaru
By Lisa Curtiss
PAGE 102
