{"id":2334,"date":"2023-04-04T03:54:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T17:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/six-surprising-things-about-a-villa-stay-at-ja-manafaru-maldives\/"},"modified":"2024-02-27T12:52:14","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T01:52:14","slug":"six-surprising-things-about-a-villa-stay-at-ja-manafaru-maldives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/six-surprising-things-about-a-villa-stay-at-ja-manafaru-maldives\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Surprising Things About a Villa Stay at JA Manafaru, Maldives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Secret banyan groves, sumptuous dining and a sea filled with bioluminescent stars \u2013 a villa stay at JA Manafaru guarantees endless delight in one of the world\u2019s most extraordinary places.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just one of two resorts in the Maldives\u2019 unspoilt northernmost atoll, this acclaimed private island paradise \u2013 just a 60-minute domestic flight north from Mal\u00e9, the archipelago\u2019s capital \u2013 has long held a legendary status among honeymooners, divers and dreamers alike. From the first exciting moment of touchdown on Hoarafushi Island (a short speedboat from the resort) to the first moments of childlike discovery in your luxury villa, the island delivers countless delightful surprises \u2013 here are just a few of our favourites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to book discover JA Manafaru\u2019s magic? <\/strong>Check out our exclusive offer here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The island is filled with tiny secrets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Iridescent<\/a>
Sugar fine sands at JA Manafaru<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Romantic, mysterious and filled with astonishing details, a brisk walk around the island\u2019s perimeter takes about an hour \u2013 but slow down and there are countless treasures to discover. From a traditional coconut-wood dhoni ship hidden behind white dunes to untold small, shaded groves teeming with shy hermit crabs, the resort has worked tirelessly to keep the intangible feeling of adventure alive. Resort staff hide twelve messages in a bottle daily, each containing a surprise prize for the guest lucky \u2013 or dedicated \u2013 enough to find them.  
 
For a desert island, there\u2019s wildlife in abundance. Lucky geckos laze in the sun, only to shyly scuttle behind branches when approached, and exotic birds yell proudly from the treetops. For dedicated explorers, a secret, off-the-track banyan tree grove awaits, presenting the curious with such a vision of seclusion you’ll swear you’re the only person on the island.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The service is relaxed but flawless <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Romantic<\/a>
Beachfront dining at JA Manafaru<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

JA Manafaru\u2019s all-encompassing service starts from the moment you touch down at Mal\u00e9 Velana International Airport \u2013 you\u2019ll be met by smiling staff and taken to a private airport lounge to await your included, 60-minute domestic transfer to the brand-new Hoarafushi Airport. It\u2019s impossible to subdue the electric feelings of excitement upon disembarking \u2013 by the time you reach your private, luxury transfer to the town\u2019s small marina, you\u2019re already in the resort\u2019s capable hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each villa is designated a dedicated guest experience host, committed to making sure this is unquestionably the escape of your dreams. This bespoke approach to hospitality is the resort\u2019s bedrock \u2013 your host casually checks in twice daily, handling all requests and reservations, and canny bartenders work tirelessly to learn your name and preferences, whether it\u2019s Pina Coladas each sunset at the White Orchid or champagne mimosas with breakfast. Staff walk barefoot, are always comfortable, and every order is meticulously written and confirmed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The villas are simply sublime<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunset<\/a>
Sunset Overwater Villa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chic and understated, each overwater villa at JA Manafaru features traditional Maldivian design flourishes and an unswerving focus on the important things. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views of the arresting Indian Ocean from every side and each deck offers direct ocean access and the perfect sun-kissed oasis to enjoy a flute (or two!) of complimentary welcome champagne as the sun descends below the infinite blue. Your personal guest experience host will work tirelessly to ensure everything you need is handled, while the villa hides a wealth of luxurious amenities, including a personal coffee machine, a selection of handpicked TWG teas and completely sustainable toiletries, including toothbrushes crafted out of recycled driftwood.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The food is unmatched in quality <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Traditional<\/a>
Traditional Maldivian fare<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dining at JA Manafaru may be the biggest surprise \u2013 it\u2019s utterly unmissable. Begin your morning with breakfast at Kakuni, the resort\u2019s oceanfront dining hub, and marvel at the sheer variety on display \u2013 fresh-caught Maldivian fish smoked in-house, a dazzling mountain of fresh fruit ready to be sliced on command and an ice-filled prosecco-mimosa station are only the beginning. You\u2019re also free to order from the restaurant\u2019s exceptional a la carte menu, including the mouthwatering mas huni<\/em>, a traditional Maldivian breakfast consisting of smoked tuna, shredded coconut, chilli and lime, served with steaming dhal and fresh chapati.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lunch and dinners range from sensational to spectacular \u2013 head to Andiamo Bistro & Pool for pillow-soft burrata cheese, handmade pasta or woodfired pizza by the resort\u2019s sprawling central lagoon, or Ocean Grill to sample a seasonal menu showcasing fresh-caught local seafood and imported Australian Angus steak, all served right on the beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The house reef offers a glimpse into the extraordinary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Scuba<\/a>
The house reef at JA Manafaru <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Natural phenomena promises genuine enchantment on this paradise island, one home of the archipelago\u2019s renowned \u2018sea of stars\u2019 \u2013 bioluminescent algae crashing onto the shoreline by night, like twinkling stars dancing brilliantly on the sand. It\u2019s nearly impossible to capture with a camera and utterly spellbinding \u2013 a glimpse of the island\u2019s magic that will stay with you for the rest of your life.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Maldives is an iconic diving and scuba spot, and the resort\u2019s house reef \u2013 sat within a protected coral lagoon, positioned at the end of the island\u2019s north-eastern pier \u2013 is absolutely brimming with a shimmering rainbow of marine life, including the odd manta ray and baby blacktip reef shark. Early risers eager to catch the island\u2019s magnificent sunrise may be granted a glimpse of the elusive hawkbill sea turtle \u2013 critically endangered and the target of extensive conservation efforts \u2013 lazily drifting past like a peaceful mirage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sustainability effort is real at JA Manafaru <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s clear from arrival that the resort is committed to sustainability and conserving the Maldives\u2019 fragile natural wonders. Strong efforts are made to keep plastic off the island, with the resort operating its own glass-bottling plant. Management works tirelessly to preserve the nation\u2019s cultural heritage \u2013 efforts are underway to retrieve the remains of ancient, abandoned coral mosques, with the resort\u2019s small but punchy museum and marine centre showcasing the history of one of the world\u2019s most fascinating island nations. If, somehow, a drifting piece of plastic washes up on the island\u2019s shores, don\u2019t hesitate to pick it up and deliver it to the resort\u2019s staff \u2013 you’ll be surprised at how good it feels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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