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 fairly long but oh so worth it seaplane ride or domestic flight and speedboat, the island reveals itself in shades of deep green and bright white, its beaches soft and fringed with palms, its turquoise lagoon impossibly clear.
JA Manafaru is one of those rare islands that feels both wild and exquisitely refined — 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 offers. Guests can experience the island from two entirely different perspectives: the deep privacy and jungle-wrapped serenity of its beachfront villas, and the expansive horizon views of its overwater villas — each offering 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
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 flowering shrubs lead to a private door, beyond which lies a serene world of soft sand, deep shade and sunlight glinting off 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 effortlessly 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, Unfiltered
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 offers direct access to shallow, brilliantly clear water. The private infinity-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 different 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 infinite space over water.
A Resort Defined 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 preserved rather than sculpted. The result is an environment that feels effortlessly 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 offers seven restaurants and lounges, each reflecting a different mood:
Ocean Grill, set beside the sea, focuses on grilled seafood and tropical flavours, 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, offers delicious dishes beside a palm-fringed pool — an oasis within the oasis.
White Orchid Lounge brings Asian flavours and a refined, airy atmosphere above the water with stunning ocean views.
The Cellar – an absolute treasure and one of the most attractive in the whole of the Maldives. Do treat yourself to a dining experience here – we did and it was a highlight of our stay. The setting is stunning and the collection of wines superb.
Across every venue, the culinary philosophy leans into freshness, variety and relaxed sophistication — a refinement that never feels pretentious.
Calm and Connection at Spa
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. Set in lush tropical flower filled gardens it’s one of the prettiest spas in the Maldives we’ve visited.
Island Experiences for Every Curiosity
JA Manafaru offers 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 fish.
For those seeking privacy, the island’s long, winding beaches offer plenty of quiet corners. For more active travellers, water sports, tennis, fitness 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 offering 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 staff create moments that feel personal and heartfelt.
In Summary
JA Manafaru is a refined yet soulful island retreat, perfect for those who want space, warmth and the kind of luxury that feels deeply, beautifully lived-in. It’s a beautiful resort that’s well worth the journey and has so much to offer the discerning luxury traveller.
Visit: https://www.jaresortshotels.com/maldives/ja-manafaru
By Lisa Curtiss
