JA Manafaru, Maldives

Forming an almost perfect circle in the Indian Ocean, ringed by white sand and cobalt-blue water, JA Manafaru embodies the tropical luxury ideal of a Maldivian getaway

By National Geographic Traveller The Collection
Published 2 Mar 2017, 14:31 GMT

Forming an almost perfect circle in the Indian Ocean, ringed by white sand and cobalt-blue water, JA Manafaru embodies the tropical luxury ideal of a Maldivian getaway. Here, everything from immersive cultural experiences to mind-settling sessions in the spa or underwater adventures in the colourful reefs awaits guests.

Beyond the dense mangroves, a pale-stone pathway curves around lily-scattered ponds to Calm Spa & Salon, home to 10 open-sided treatment cabanas, each with an outdoor rain shower and bathtub, as well as a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and shady relaxation garden.

Adept therapists customise treatments to each client’s needs, with ayurveda, facials and spa rituals all on offer. Aromatherapy is a particular highlight, the native essential oils helping guests to switch off, although it will be hard to resist a Maldivian massage with organic coconut oil and shirodhara — an ayurvedic therapy where warm oil is poured onto the forehead.

The Romantic Spa Getaway will top the wishlist for honeymooners or couples — think a skin-smoothing exfoliation, followed by a massage and an Elemis Skin Booster facial. Men, too, will find a number of targeted therapies: the High Performance Skin Energiser will rejuvenate and relax. A dip in one of the three pools is a fitting end to an afternoon of treatments, or guests can make the most of the outdoors with an invigorating open-air rain shower.

Blending into the natural surroundings, accommodation options range from palm-sheltered beach bungalows nestled in the jungly interior, to stilted water villas with panoramic ocean views. Mealtimes are equally varied and tempting at the seven restaurants spread across the island: enjoy a teppanyaki table at White Orchid, catch of the day at Ocean Grill, Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Andiamo Bistro and traditional Maldivian fare at Kakuni Restaurant. What’s more, The Cellar is an award-winning wine cave, stocked with a selection of the finest vintages from around the world. A trip to JA Manafaru wouldn’t be complete without a cocktail at the Infinity Bar & Pool, served with views of the sunset.

Don’t miss

Calm Signature Journey, an ayurvedic body massage followed by shirodhara, where warm oil is poured onto the forehead

Need to know

Key Treatments

• Signature rituals, including Manafaru Signature Escape, Elemis Couture Touch and Calm Signature Journey
• Body treatments: Elemis Cellutox Body Wrap, Elemis Muscle Ease Body Wrap, JA Manafaru Signature Polish
• Ayurveda
• Facials
• Men’s treatments

Key Facilities

• 84 villas and suites
• Kids’ club and activity programme
• Calm Spa & Salon
• 7 restaurants and bars
• Five-star PADI & SSI-certified
dive centre and watersports
• Fitness room
• Marine research centre

Contact Information

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