Explore uninhabited islands, go island hopping and visit the northernmost point of the Maldives. Meet with the locals while enjoying authentic local experiences, or simply relax on this remarkable secluded Island. Snorkel around the coral-rich reefs of
Haa Alifu Atoll while you watch colourful fish beneath you. Scuba dive in the big blue as the sun rises or night dive to explore the twilight underwater world. Our weekly activity program allows you to do as much, or as little as you want.
For those who have only dreamed of desert island honeymoons, far from the madding crowd is the jewel in the Maldives crown.
Awarded the ‘Maldives Leading Honeymoon Destination’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort’ by the prestigious World Travel Awards for two consecutive years, discover the most romantic of celebratory escapes.
Embark on a journey across the ocean to your very own Robinson Crusoe island to explore as settlers would have done over the millennia. We can arrange a sunrise breakfast, a lunch picnic hamper or even an early supper to make your experience unique and just for you.
Calm Spa Sanctuary
A haven of pure relaxation and wellness where the principles of centuries old Ayurvedic therapies are entwined with eastern traditions. Our wellness journeys are not just for the spirit but are designed to help restore the body and Calm the mind. Treatment from 90 minutes or more.
Our fully equipped fitness centre and stretching studio for enthusiasts to stay in shape. The overwater deck found at this venue is also home to our complimentary morning yoga (reservations required and subject to availability)
Diving & Marine Life
Guided by our PADI certified team, explore marine life around the Haa Alifu atoll, one of the less explored & protected sites for diving in the world. Please reach out to us directly should you have any questions/queries about courses available or diving requirements.
Watersports Centre
Challenge yourself with motorised and non-motorised water activities at the certified Water Sports Centre, including wakeboarding, stand-up paddling, parasailing, seabob, and fun tubes or just pick up your snorkeling gear for complimentary use during your stay with us. Whatever your preference, be assured of a good time out on the ocean.
Excursions
Embark on off island excursions to explore local or deserted islands, Utheemu, the cultural capital of Maldives, showcasing the home of the hero Boduthakurufaanu or sail into the sunset in search of dolphins or for traditional line or big game fishing.
Kids Club
Foster your little creator, environmentalist, marine biologist or athlete. Experiential activities designed for one of the best kids clubs in the Maldives. Our Worldwide Kids certified facility fuels the imagination of young adventurers combining play and discovery into an educational learning experience whilst having fun.
For some energising fun under the sun, book the tennis court for a friendly or competitive game or play a round of beach volleyball. Futsal Pitch, Badminton are also available.
Swimming pools
A beautiful family pool found in the tropical gardens of Andiamo Bistro. An Infinity Pool stretching out into the lagoon by Infinity Bar that is preferred for adult use and a dedicated children’s pool for the younger VIP’s at 'Kids Zone' family space.
Learn To Snorkel
For novice divers who have a curiosity to get closer to the underwater world of the Maldives, learn to snorkel with the dive centre team and discover the aquatic world around JA Manafaru. Then once comfortable, pose your questions to our marine biologists and sign-up for your first snorkel safari of a lifetime.
Manta Ray Adventure
Being the furthest north, Haa Alifu Atoll is blessed to be a waypoint for migrating Manta Rays, a unique location feature that only a few atolls in the Maldives can boast. These majestical gentle creatures stop by cleaning stations within 30-minutes of JA Manafaru for a scrub up. These stations are active between November and April each year and a rare sighting not to be missed.
Snorkeling Safari
With an abundance of coral reefs teeming with life located just a short boat ride away, explore further and take an excursion trip out past the house reef. Let the dive centre team lead you to the endless coral reefs lesser known, and witness even more sea creatures, many of which you may not find on the house reef in our untouched atoll.
Cycling The Island
Our tree-lined paths are perfect for exploring the natural island by bike. With complimentary bicycles for all guests provided with your villa upon arrival, you can explore the 1.5 km island loop. If cycling in sand is not for you, why not keep fit with a morning jog or peaceful stroll at dusk and see the magic of the flying fox and fruit bats as they fly out for an evening of feasting.
Football
If you just can't get away from football even when in paradise, JA Manafaru is home to a futsal court for those with a golden boot. Keep up your skills practicing or why not join a game against local islanders and make it an international cup like no other.
Traditional Maldives Fishing
The Maldives has some of the most sustainable fishing practices in the world and the traditional methods have been handed down from generation to generation. Learn these techniques and try your luck with a fishing trip. Sunrise and sunset are not only the best times to fish in the clear waters in the beautiful Haa Alifu Atoll but also the most scenic.
Photography Session
Selfies not your thing, not to worry, request your private photographer to assist in capturing magical moments of your time in paradise.
Private Island Experience
Whether you are a couple seeking that special private moment or a family keen to explore the purest shores, our Private Island Experience is the perfect indulgence for additional privacy and exploration. Enjoy a short boat cruise and castaway on your own personalised Robinson Crusoe picnic or barbeque to an uninhabited island where the only footprints will be your own.
Turtle Snorkeling
Adventure out into the sea in search of elusive turtles, although they are common in the Maldives, spotting one and even better snorkeling closely is another rare experience this paradise offers. Haa Alifu Atoll is well known to be home to Green, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill species. This excursion guides you to reefs where you can witness turtles from a small distance in their natural habitat.
Tennis
If racket sports are your thing, why not play a game of tennis surrounded by natural jungle, an experience unlike any tennis match you will ever partake in. Tennis aficionados and amateurs alike can meet on our tennis courts and take advantage of the complimentary quality equipment provided.
Jetski Safari
Get even closer to the marine life with the exhilarating experience of a Jetski Safari. Visit remote islands of the Maldives, snorkel hidden reefs and explore enchanting spots only accessible by our environmentally-friendly craft with low emissions and noise levels. Get up close with the island’s natural beauty while preserving its quiet harmony as you glide across the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean as our experienced guides shares their local knowledge.
Motorised Water Sports
Speed across the glassy waters surrounding the island by wakeboard, seabob, flyboard jetpack, wakeboard, waterski or fun-tubing. Maldives water sports for everyone of all ages and at all levels of experience.
Wine And Dine Underground
The Indian Ocean’s hidden secret, a subterranean chamber brimming with some of the world’s finest wines, deep under this remotest of private islands at the very northern tip of the Maldivian archipelago. Pass through an enchanting garden that will lead to this most exceptional of dining destinations. Heavy old oak wood doors keep JA Manafaru’s greatest surprise secure under lock and key.
Upon this grand vault’s doors opening, descend the stone steps into an atmospheric chamber lined with Indonesian volcanic rock, and into a world of fine wines and culinary wonders. The Cellar is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, a must for discerning food and wine enthusiasts seeking the bucket-list experience they never knew existed.
Maldives History Museum
JA Manafaru is proud to be a key supportive member of the local community and the local team have curated a significant collection of historical artefacts and royal antiquities from friends and family. These are displayed at the Utheemu gallery for guests to learn more about this mysterious island nation and the importance of this unique northernmost atoll.
Game Fishing
For the adventurous competitor, there is nothing more exhilarating than big game fishing, and the Maldives is the perfect setting to catch and release in the deep waters of outer Haa Alifu Atoll. Search for the legends of Travelly, Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo or the elusive yet majestic Sail Fish, with refreshments on board for a real ocean experience only the Indian Ocean can offer.
Local Island Excursions
As the most remote northern resort in the Maldives, JA Manfaru prides itself on genuinely being part of the Haa Alifu Atoll commnity. Many of the staff you will meet grew up in this region and their families continue to live here. The Real Maldives is our definition of a more authentic experience, as we bring you closer to the cultural heritage and historic significance of the atoll. Island excursions are available to step away from the comfort of JA Manafaru and into the traditional life of our atoll community sampling authentic local cuisine. Did you know, in the late 1500's, from his home of Haa Alifu Atoll, Sultan Thakurufaanu launched his successful campaign to fight and defeat the Portuguese who ruled over the Maldives. To this day, his victory is commemorated annually as Maldives National Day.
Complimentary Non Motorised Water Sports
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our host of complimentary non-motorised water sports. Skim the turquoise lagoon on a stand-up paddleboard, try your hand at windsurfing or glide over the sparkling waters by kayak.
Dig In Dinner
A very down-to-earth dining experience perfect for guests wishing to capture the uniqueness of their desert island experience. This is a once in a lifetime chance to dine inside the beach with a table and chairs made of the very sand that surrounds you.
Guest Cocktails
The Maldivian heritage is deep and varied across its expanse but one thing that shines is their welcoming and friendly nature. To experience this we welcome all guests to join us for our complimentary weekly guest social event that highlights the traditions of the Maldives with bodu beru drummers, Maldivian crafts and local short eats and treats.
Kitesurfing
With the growth in popularity in kitesurfing, the Maldives has quickly become the luxury destination of choice for budding enthusiasts wishing to take their skills to the next level in paradise. The best time to visit for a kitesurf holiday is between May and October when the south-westerly winds arrive averaging between 15 and 22 Knots. Equipment is available for hire from our water sports team.
Cinema Under The Stars
For something fun why not try a beach cinema experience. Lie back with your feet in the sand and enjoy a private screening of your favourite movie while you enjoy your perfect movie eats.
Barefoot Lobster Dinner
The only grill where seafood takes top billing. Dine with you feet in the sand at Ocean Grill restaurant. Enjoy Indian Ocean lobster served on the beach fresh from our ethical open air tank under the canopy of stars.
Cocktail Class
Our talented bartenders welcome you to try your hand at making a perfect cocktail or mocktail at our weekly scheduled masterclass. One of the creative mixologist team will guide you on flavours, styles, colours and dressings making your favourite classic, one of our signature blends or your own personalised shaken and/or stirred concoction during this hands-on experience.
Parasailing
View your paradise island from a different perspective gliding above the water on a parasailing adventure. Watch the marine life below spotting turtles and rays, while you drift weightlessly flying across the azure waters in safety of our professional water sports team.
Sunset And Dolphin Cruise
Our most popular excursion combines a traditional dhoni, sunset, dolphins and Chef's selection of nibbles and tipples. Dolphins are incredibly beautiful, intelligent and emotional mammals that have held fascination for centuries. They often make their way through Haa Alifu Atoll at sunrise and sunset and on our sunset and dolphin cruise, you can witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat. As the sun sets below the horizon, sip a refreshment on the cruise home in the warmth of the dusk amber ambiance, before heading to dinner marveling in the bright canopy of stars, literally the perfect afternoon to evening Maldivian experience.
Sailing
Glide over the crystal clear waters of the island lagoon, sailing aboard our island catamaran. Depending on your proficiency in sailing, either take the boat out on your own, or enjoy an introduction class with the water sports team. Dawn through dusk, anytime is perfect for this wonderful water journey, master sailing by wind power alone and embrace all the freedom the open waters bring.
Cooking Class
The JA Manafaru culinary team lead by possibly the most experienced Maldivian Executive Chef's around, Chef Moosa Nazeer, loves to share their knowledge of the local cuisine of the Maldives. Learn about Maldivian Short Eats (snacks) in a regular scheduled cooking session or delve deeper with a private masterclass.
Retail Boutique
The JA Manafaru boutique offers an array of local souvenirs as well as essentials like sunscreen. Forgotten your favourite beachwear or wish to pick up some little items on the island, our small range of clothing and jewellery are available to complete your vacation in paradise.
House Reef Snorkeling
The untouched waters of Haa Alifu Atoll invite you to explore the Maldives and we provide a snorkeling package for all levels of diving proficiency. With complimentary equipment provided, take a dip and see first-hand our house reef during the day or explore night snorkeling with a dive centre guide - whenever you choose to explore, snorkeling will take you closer to the treasures of the Indian Ocean to spot turtles, rays and other wonderous creatures of the sea world.
Scuba Diving
Become a scuba diving pro with our water sports centre partners 'Best Dives', official PADI-certified diving instructors who will take you step-by-step on your way to qualification and a new life of diving in the blue planet. As JA Manafaru is the only resort in Haa Alifu Atoll, you will have the opportunity to dive at 33 of the top Maldives sites within a short speedboat ride. What makes JA Manafaru so special for diving is th absence of other divers, as the northmost dive resort you never have to worry about dive spot congestion, a frustration so common with the busier atoll sites. Our expert dive centre instructors are multilingual and will guide you to sites suitable for all levels of diving.
