JA Manafaru Maldives Review – Is This Still One of The Best Resorts?

Instantly, we knew JA Manafaru was special. Within hours of arriving in February 2023, we’d fallen in love with the island.

Indeed, two years later, after revisiting our footage and researching the latest updates, we’re convinced: this northern-atoll hideaway has only gotten better. While other Maldives resorts chase trends and Instagram moments, Manafaru perfects what matters: pristine beaches you’ll have to yourself, five dining venues that never feel repetitive, and the kind of barefoot luxury that makes you forget the outside world exists.

The verdict? If you’re seeking authenticity, serenity, and the freedom to disconnect completely, JA Manafaru delivers one of the finest island experiences in the Maldives.

However, here’s what makes it work in 2026.

Getting There (Now Even Easier)

When we first visited in 2023, the new Manta Air route to Hoarafushi had just launched. Today, the transfer runs like clockwork:

• Twice-daily Manta Air flights (50 minutes from Malé)
• 10-minute speedboat transfer from Hoarafushi
• Early-morning seaplane departures for tight international connections

Actually, the logistics once worried us. Not anymore. From Malé to your villa door, the entire journey feels curated and calm—exactly the tone the island sets from the moment you arrive.

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First Impressions: Space, Privacy & “The Real Maldives”

Step off the boat. A team of smiling staff welcomes you into a world of lush greenery and soft sand pathways winding through 35 untouched hectares. (Karen, the lovely GM during our stay, personally greeted us on the dock—a touch that set the tone for everything that followed.)

Incidentally, JA Manafaru brands itself as “The Real Maldives.” After visiting a dozen resorts across three trips, we’d say that’s accurate.

In short, with just 80 villas spread across the island, you get breathing space. Walk the entire circumference in 20 minutes—yet every corner feels like your private discovery. The beaches on the east and north sides stretch wide and untouched, painted in every shade of blue you’d want in a holiday photo.

This isn’t a resort built for crowds. It’s built for you to disappear.

Dining in 2025: Five Venues, Zero Repetition

JA Manafaru earned TTM’s “Best Culinary Resort” award in 2023, and after seven nights rotating through five distinct venues, we understood why.

Consequently, the quality stays impressively high across the board. In fact, there’s no filler restaurants, no “skip this one” advice needed. Better yet, with à la carte service everywhere except breakfast, you never feel locked into buffet monotony.

Here’s what each venue brings to the table:

Kakuni – All-Day Dining & Breakfast

Start your morning here. Order hot dishes from the menu—perfectly cooked eggs, fluffy pancakes, local fruit—while grazing the continental spread of fresh pastries, juices, and cereals.

The open-air pavilion catches the morning breeze, and the service moves at whatever pace you need. Rush to your morning dive? They’ll fast-track your order. Want to linger over a third coffee? They’ll keep checking in without hovering.

Pro tip: The Maldivian breakfast options (mas huni with roshi flatbread) appear intermittently—order them when you spot them on the menu.

Andiamo – Mediterranean in the Jungle

Hidden among the palms, Andiamo wraps around a meandering lagoon-style pool with cascading water features. The setting alone makes it special.

The food delivers too. Beautifully executed pastas, wood-fired pizzas with blistered crusts, and grilled seafood that tastes like the Mediterranean relocated to the Indian Ocean. Sathees and his team (Nizam, Upul, Imran) run the place with the kind of warm efficiency that makes you want to return every lunch service.

We did. Three times.

Open: 11am–8pm
Vibe: Relaxed, shaded, perfect for a long lunch

Ocean Grill – Barefoot Dining Under the Stars

In short: This is the “Maldives moment” you came for.

Toes in soft sand. Palm trees swaying overhead. Stars emerging as the sun melts into the horizon. Waves lapping just meters from your table.

The menu focuses on local fish and premium grills, and the Maldivian Baked Fish—wrapped in banana leaf and cooked to melting perfection—remains etched in our memory two years later.

Shaad (17 years at the resort) quietly orchestrated our evening with the kind of attentive service that never intrudes. Rose, just back from Myanmar during our stay, brought genuine warmth to every interaction.

Essential: Book ahead. This fills fast, and for good reason.

White Orchid Lounge – Sunset Cocktails & Asian Tapas

Perched on the arrival jetty with 270-degree water views, White Orchid captures the best sunset vantage point on the island.

Arrive at 3pm for high tea—delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, aromatic teas. Stay through golden hour with a cocktail in hand, watching seaplanes glide in and out. Linger into evening for Asian-style small plates (think spring rolls, satays, steamed buns) served until 8pm.

Dharsharna and Raphael keep the energy flowing even during packed evenings. The only challenge? Finding a table during peak sunset hours. Our advice: claim your spot by 5:30pm, settle in, and let the evening unfold.

All-inclusive drinks: 3pm–11pm (longer if needed)

Infinity Bar & Pool – The Social Hub

Poolside or beach-side, Infinity Bar works as both a lounging spot and a social anchor.

Sheehan keeps the drinks flowing, towels cleared from empty loungers, and the vibe relaxed. It’s where you’ll gravitate after morning yoga, between lunch and your afternoon snorkel, or when you just want to people-watch with a cold beer.

Not much more to say: it does exactly what a good resort bar should do, and does it well.

UPDATE: Since we were there, I believe this has closed? Anyone share any photos? What happened?

The All-Inclusive Advantage

We went all-inclusive, and it proved the right call.

The cocktail list runs deep, the wine selection includes solid mid-tier options (with premium upgrades available), and the spirits cover all the classics. Staff rotate between venues during peak times, which means service never drops—you just see familiar faces in different settings throughout the week.

One small note: dining options wind down by 8–9pm (White Orchid stops food service at 8pm, Andiamo at 8pm, Ocean Grill books specific seatings). If you’re a late-night snacker, plan accordingly—though honestly, after the amount of food we consumed, midnight raids weren’t necessary.

Accommodation: Privacy, Pools & Perfect Beaches

One of JA Manafaru’s biggest strengths remains unchanged:

Every single villa has its own private pool.

During our stay, we chose a Deluxe Beach Villa with Family Pool, and it remains one of the best accommodations we’ve experienced in the Maldives.

Highlights:

• A deep black-stone pool framed by two waterfall walls
• A secluded outdoor shower stocked with Elemis products
• A shaded pavilion and hammock
• A second seating area on the beach side, ideal for sunrise coffees or sunset views

Above all, even today, the beach villas remain a strong choice over the overwater villas — especially on the east side, where the sand is wide, the water calm, and the snorkelling close by.

Experiences That Stay With You

Some resort activities fill time. Others change how you see the world.

For us, JA Manafaru delivered both—but it’s the transformative moments we keep returning to when we think about the island.

Morning Yoga: The Best Way to Start Any Day

Every morning at 7am, I made my way to Horizon Pavilion for yoga with Sham.

Here’s what the guidebooks won’t tell you: at that hour, before the sun burns off the marine layer, a fine mist hangs over the water. The air sits perfectly still. No breeze. No boat engines. Just the gentle rhythm of waves lapping against the pavilion’s supports beneath you.

Lying in Child’s Pose on that open-air deck, suspended between ocean and sky, the world felt almost dreamlike—soft-edged, quiet, surreal in the best possible way. The mist blurred the horizon line. The only sounds: Sham’s calm guidance, your own breath, and that endless whisper of water below.

Overall, I missed one session because I overslept. I regretted it immediately.

Why it works so well:
Yoga at 7am isn’t about flexibility or fitness—it’s about catching the island in its most ethereal state, before the day fully wakes up. Sham reads the energy perfectly, adjusting the practice based on who shows up and what the morning feels like. Some days flow gently. Others build heat. All of them ground you.

Pro tip: Set two alarms. This is the experience you’ll remember long after the vacation tan fades.

Conquering Deep Water: My First Scuba Dive

I need to be honest about something: I’m a nervous swimmer.

Twenty-something years ago, I did something stupid—swam out to a diving platform in strong winds, got exhausted halfway back, and nearly drowned. Ever since, deep water triggers sudden panic. Heart racing. Breath shortening. The primal fear that comes from knowing you’re out of your depth.

So when my wife suggested trying the Discover Scuba Diving course with Best Dives Maldives, I hesitated. Hard.

But we’d read a TripAdvisor review about Tibo helping someone overcome their water fears, and the idea of finally breaking through this decades-old anxiety felt… possible. Worth trying, at least.

Enter Kayla.

Expert Training Time

She spent the first 30 minutes on dry land, walking us through every step, every piece of equipment, every hand signal. No rushing. No pressure. Just calm, methodical explanation until the process felt less like jumping into the unknown and more like following a recipe.

Then we entered the shallows.

Kayla worked with us in water where we could stand—first just breathing through the regulator at the surface, then submerging for 10 seconds, then 30, building confidence in tiny, manageable increments.

Within two minutes of being fully underwater, something shifted.

The panic didn’t come. Instead, I felt this overwhelming sense of weightlessness—suspended in crystal-clear water, watching schools of bright fish weave around coral formations, breathing steady and calm, going deeper than I’d ever imagined possible.

Reality Check: I LOVE SCUBA DIVING!

Unbelievably, I wanted more. Deeper. Further. The sensation of actually being underwater—not fighting it, not fearing it, but existing inside it—felt utterly mind-blowing.

We stayed down for 45 minutes at around 5 meters depth. My wife struggled with a leaking mask (frustrating, since she’s the stronger swimmer), but for me? Pure wonder. Ticking something off the bucket list doesn’t capture it—this felt more like unlocking a part of the world I’d locked myself out of for two decades.

Credit where it’s due: Kayla didn’t just teach diving. She rebuilt confidence I didn’t think I could recover. That’s skill operating at another level entirely.

Snorkelling: The Coral Jetty & Drifting the Island

If scuba diving pushed my boundaries, snorkelling at JA Manafaru reminded me why the Maldives earns its reputation.

After walking the long Coral Jetty by Kakuni restaurant, extending deep into the reef, it gives you immediate access to vibrant marine life without needing a boat. Schools of fish, reef sharks, rays—all within easy reach of the surface.

The water clarity? Outstanding. The far northern location means less boat traffic, less sediment, less disturbance. You can see 20+ meters on calm days.

We met a Spanish couple who drifted almost the entire island circumference on the current, returning with photos of turtles, eagle rays, and reef formations that looked computer-generated. (They weren’t. The Maldives really does look like that.)

Best Dives Maldives provides free masks and flippers for your entire stay—just visit their on-site outlet, get fitted, and explore at your own pace.

Top tip: Early morning snorkelling (before 9am) offers the calmest water and best visibility. The fish don’t care what time it is, but you’ll get clearer views and fewer people sharing your reef.

Wellness at Calm Spa

Actually, we’re not usually spa people. Paying Maldives prices for massage feels excessive when you can get similar treatments for $10 on a Thai beach.

But we made an exception at Calm Spa, and honestly? Worth it.

Unusually, the spa sits hidden in the island’s centre, surrounded by meandering lily-pond paths and dense tropical planting. The walk there alone slows your pulse. Shri and Sham (yes, the same yogi Sham who also works as a massage therapist) delivered 90 minutes of indulgence that felt less like “getting a service” and more like deep restoration.

2025 update: The resort now hosts visiting wellness expert Marina Vladykina, offering tailored programmes, breathwork sessions, and private consultations. This adds depth beyond standard spa treatments for travellers seeking more holistic wellness experiences

Everything Else: The Island’s Quiet Pleasures

Beyond the standout experiences, Manafaru offers the kind of low-key activities that don’t sound impressive on paper but create the texture of a perfect island week:

• Bikes for every villa → Cycling to breakfast becomes a small daily pleasure
• A well-equipped gym with sea views → I spotted an eagle ray jumping while on the treadmill
• Tennis courts → Available but honestly, we never found the motivation
• Water sports → Kayaking, paddleboarding, the usual resort offerings
• Live music at White Orchid → Most evenings, unobtrusive but atmospheric
• Stargazing → Minimal light pollution means the night sky looks almost artificially bright

The magic isn’t in any single activity—it’s in the freedom to do as much or as little as you want, without pressure, without schedules, without the resort pushing packaged experiences at you.

Some days we snorkelled twice or more. Some days we barely left our villa. Both felt exactly right.

Beyond the Feelings: How JA Manafaru Actually Performs

TripWorthIt™ Score — JA Manafaru (2025)

Category: The Relaxer

• Accommodation Excellence: 4.80 / 5
• Property & Grounds: 4.73 / 5
• Food & Beverage: 4.00 / 5
• Wellness & Service: 4.40 / 5
• Value & Inclusions: 2.52 / 5

80% Overall TripWorthIt™ Score

Here’s the thing about luxury island reviews: they often drown in superlatives while dodging the practical questions. Beautiful. Exquisite. Unforgettable.

Sure. But does it deliver value? Does the accommodation justify the price? How does it stack up against other high-end Maldives options?

This is where the TripWorthIt™ framework earns its keep. By breaking JA Manafaru down across five weighted pillars—and scoring it specifically for Relaxer-type travelers—we can move beyond “it felt amazing” into “here’s why it works, and for whom.”

After crunching the numbers, JA Manafaru scored 80.00%—one of the highest ratings we’ve awarded any resort.

Here’s how it breaks down, and why each score matters:

Accommodation Excellence — 4.80 / 5

Near-perfect. And we don’t say that lightly.

Manafaru’s villas rank among the most thoughtfully designed we’ve experienced in the Maldives. The combination of exceptional room comfort, private plunge pools in every single villa, refined Balinese-inspired décor, and seamless indoor-outdoor living pushes this category into rare territory.

Our Deluxe Beach Villa with Family Pool scored particularly well:

• Deep black-stone pool with dual waterfall walls creating that constant, soothing trickle
• Secluded outdoor shower stocked with Elemis products (because why not?)
• Two separate lounging areas—one poolside for midday shade, one beachfront for sunset views
• Genuine privacy—not “resort private” where you still see neighbors, but actual seclusion

What cost it the full 5.0? Minor points only: in-room amenities were excellent but not cutting-edge (no smart room controls, standard entertainment setup), and a few villas show gentle aging despite recent refurbishments.

Bottom line: This is where JA Manafaru justifies its premium pricing. The rooms deliver.

Property & Grounds — 4.73 / 5

The island itself is the amenity

Some resorts build elaborate facilities to compensate for mediocre natural beauty. Manafaru doesn’t need to.

The island’s raw beauty—pristine beaches swept daily, lush landscaping that feels organic rather than manicured, soft-sand pathways winding through dense greenery—creates an atmosphere you can’t fake or force.

Why it scores so high:

• Beach quality: The east-side beaches stretch wide and untouched, offering both calm swimming and easy snorkel access
• Overall atmosphere: Tranquil, unhurried, uncrowded—exactly what Relaxer personas crave
• Maintenance: Immaculate without feeling sterile; paths swept each morning, but fallen frangipani flowers left artfully scattered

The slight deduction? Pool facilities beyond the villa pools are good but not extraordinary (Infinity Pool is lovely but not architecturally stunning), and the island’s relative remoteness means fewer surrounding islets for day-trip variety.

Reality check: For travellers prioritising quiet, natural beauty over resort “wow factor” amenities, this category would score even higher.

Food & Beverage — 4.00 / 5

Consistently excellent, with minor evening constraints

This score might look low compared to the others, but context matters: 4.0 for an all-inclusive resort is genuinely impressive.

Across five venues, JA Manafaru maintains quality that would make standalone restaurants proud. Ocean Grill’s Maldivian Baked Fish, Andiamo’s wood-fired pizzas, Kakuni’s breakfast service—nothing felt phoned in or “good enough for AI.”

Where it excelled:

• Variety sufficient for week-long stays without repetition
• Excellent staff who knew our preferences by day three
• Strong mid-tier wine and cocktail selection included

Where it lost marks:

• Limited late-evening options: Most venues close by 8pm (White Orchid) or operate on set seatings (Ocean Grill)
• Peak-time pressure: Occasional waits during 7–8pm dinner rush
• Premium upgrades required for top-shelf spirits and exceptional wines

Would we change anything? Honestly? Extend Andiamo’s hours to 10pm and add a light-bite menu at White Orchid past 8pm. Otherwise, the dining experience punches well above typical all-inclusive standards.

Wellness & Service — 4.40 / 5

This is where Manafaru separates itself from the pack

Strip away the fancy villas and the beaches, and here’s what really makes JA Manafaru extraordinary: the people.

From Naeem (our housekeeper who memorized our minibar preferences) to Shaad (17 years at Ocean Grill, still bringing quiet excellence to every service), the staff elevate every interaction. It’s not scripted hospitality—it’s genuine warmth from people who’ve built careers on this island and take pride in the experience they create.

High scorers:

• Staff attentiveness: 5/5 — Never intrusive, always present when needed
• Spa environment: Strong — Beautiful setting with lily-pond paths, expert therapists
• Yoga sessions: Excellent — 7am sessions at Horizon Pavilion with waves as your soundtrack

2025 enhancement: Visiting wellness expert Marina Vladykina now offers tailored programmes, breathwork, and private sessions—adding depth for travellers seeking more than just massages.

The honest deduction? Spa pricing is eye-watering even by Maldives standards (though the 90-minute indulgence we experienced was worth it), and on-property activities beyond water sports are somewhat limited.

Moreover, for Relaxers: This category delivers exactly what matters—attentive care, peaceful spaces, and staff who genuinely want you to leave refreshed.

Value & Inclusions — 2.52 / 5

The reality check category

Let’s be direct: JA Manafaru is expensive. Like, really expensive.

This is where every remote luxury Maldives resort takes a hit, and Manafaru is no exception. The upfront cost runs high, optional extras (spa, premium drinks, diving) add up fast, and even with all-inclusive packages, you’ll still spend more than most Mediterranean luxury breaks.

Why it scored 2.52 rather than lower:

• Transparent pricing: No surprise charges or hidden fees
• Strong inclusions: The AI package genuinely covers most needs
• Emotional value: The serenity, service, and experience create memories that outlast the credit card sting

The trade-off calculation:
If you measure value purely as “money spent vs. amenities received,” the score stays low.
If you factor in “emotional restoration per dollar” and “quality of experience per hour,” it climbs significantly.

Who should care about this score?
Budget-conscious travellers: absolutely.
Relaxers seeking once-in-a-lifetime rejuvenation who’ve saved specifically for this: the low score matters less.

Overall TripWorthIt™ Score: 80.00%

Verdict: Absolutely worth it—especially for The Relaxer.

Accordingly, here’s what an 80% score actually means:

JA Manafaru isn’t just “nice”: it’s operating at a level where the few weaknesses (price, limited late dining) barely dent the overall experience. Above all, it means the resort understands its identity and executes it with consistency. Consequently, you’ll leave feeling the trip delivered on its promise.

For Relaxer personas specifically, the score would edge even higher. If your travel priorities centre on:

• Deeply peaceful, unhurried days
• Warm, genuine service that anticipates needs
• Spacious villas designed for unwinding
• Outstanding beaches and snorkelling
• Escape from noise, crowds, and daily stress

…then JA Manafaru ranks among the best island experiences we’ve encountered.

The final take: Some resorts chase perfection across every category. Manafaru perfects what actually matters to its ideal guest—and that’s a far more valuable achievement.

Planning Your Own Maldives Trip? Start Here.

If JA Manafaru sparks ideas for your next island escape, take the next step:

• Got an American Express Card? Read how we book Business Class fares and just pay taxes & fees.
• Read our full DIY Maldives Planning Guide: flights, transfers, budgets, timing.
• Explore more Indian Ocean destinations we’ve reviewed, including Velassaru, Emerald Faarufushi and Siyam World.
• Watch our cinematic Maldives films on YouTube for a real feel of each resort.

Wherever you’re heading, our guides keep your planning simple, honest and stress-free.

👉 Start with our Maldives Travel Hub
👉 See our full library of cinematic island films
👉 Compare resorts using TripWorthIt™

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✅ FAQs on JA Manafaru

Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Is JA Manafaru worth the money?

Yes. Namely, if you value privacy, space, quiet beaches, attentive service and a deeply relaxing atmosphere, JA Manafaru delivers exceptional emotional value.
Travellers who prioritise nightlife, day trips or social energy may prefer other islands.

How long should you stay at JA Manafaru?

5–7 nights works beautifully.
For example, if you want deep rest, morning yoga, snorkelling, spa days and time in your villa, 7+ nights is ideal.

Which villa is best?

For most travellers:
Deluxe Beach Villa (East Side) → Best privacy + best beach + best snorkelling access.

For couples:
Sunrise Overwater Villa → Romantic, calm, peaceful water.

Travelling with a families?
Two-Bedroom Beach Villa → Space + shade + huge outdoor area.

We stayed in Villa 305. Undeniably perfect. A true splash out worth it!

Is snorkelling good at JA Manafaru?

Yes. Especially from the Coral Jetty, where the reef drops off into clear blue water.
Expect rays, reef sharks, colourful reef fish and (with luck) turtles.

Early mornings offer the best visibility.

Is JA Manafaru good for first-time divers?

Absolutely. The Best Dives Maldives team showed incredible patience during our first ever scuba experience.
If you’ve struggled with confidence in deep water, they guide you step-by-step until the anxiety fades.

Do you need to book dining in advance?

Only Ocean Grill requires forward planning — pre-book two nights if you can.
Andiamo and Kakuni are flexible.
White Orchid gets busy at sunset, so arrive early.

Is the all-inclusive package worth it?

Yes. With five dining venues and a solid cocktail/wine list included, the AI package removes stress and decision fatigue.
Premium spirits/wines are extra but optional.

How does JA Manafaru compare to other Maldives resorts?

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• Better beaches than Velassaru
• More privacy than Kuramathi
• Less designed/luxurious than Emerald Faarufushi
• More serene than all three
• Stronger service across all categories
• Best for Relaxers (your TripWorthIt persona on this occasion)

Is JA Manafaru good for families?

Indeed: bikes, calm beaches, oceanfront villas and friendly staff make it a solid choice.
However, couples seeking pure tranquillity won’t feel disturbed; the resort absorbs guests extremely well.

Is the island quiet?

Very. If you want nightlife, beach parties or social buzz, this is not the island for you.
If you want serenity and the freedom to disconnect? Perfect.

How easy is the transfer from Malé?

Very easy.

• 50-minute Manta Air flight
• 10-minute speedboat
• Early-morning seaplane available for tight connections

The resort streamlined the whole process; the stress factor is zero.

Additionally, as we were going to another resort afterwards, we actually caught a seaplane back to Malé and then had a boat to our next resort. They organised everything seamlessly.