JA Resorts & Hotels, the Dubai-based international hospitality company, will officially launch its fully-owned high-end resort JA Manafaru in the Maldives on November 1st, thereby expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean with a second property.

The company took ownership of the property in the Maldives earlier this year, and subsequently made a substantial investment in soft refurbishments and staff training to upgrade the resort to JA Resorts & Hotels standards.

This represents yet another luxurious addition to JA Resorts & Hotels’ growing portfolio of five-star island hideaways.

JA Manafaru not only marks a milestone for JA Resorts & Hotels as it is the first property the company fully owns and operates outside Dubai, but also for the UAE as this is the first hospitality investment that sees a UAE company own and operate a resort in the Maldives.

David Thomson, chief operating officer of JA Resorts & Hotels commented “This is an exciting progression in our global expansion plans.

“Two incredible island locations have been added to the portfolio, strengthening our international presence and offering greater variety to the discerning holidaymaker looking for a unique and unforgettable getaway.

“JA Manafaru epitomises everything that JA Resorts & Hotels stands for; heartfelt hospitality and a sumptuous island escape.”

Located in the Northern Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, JA Manafaru is 75 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport.

The property boasts 84 keys consisting of beach villas and water villas all with private pools, seven diverse food and beverage outlets, a spa and beauty complex, water sports and PADI dive centre, and extensive children’s entertainment area.

JA Manafaru stands out within the Maldivian cluster of Islands as one of the most untouched locations with a high level of privacy and no distractions, so guests and families enjoy a uniquely memorable holiday completely immersed within the beautiful setting of the paradise island.

With over 10,000 islands making up the Maldives, JA Manafaru stands out as a tranquil paradise, hidden from the world.

Undisturbed by passing speedboats, the island is a haven of lush greenery with uninterrupted panoramic vistas across serene waters. 

JA Resorts & Hotels’ first foray into international expansion, and in particular the Indian Ocean, came towards the end of last year when it took over management of the privately-owned Enchanted Island Resort in the Seychelles.

The Enchanted Island Resort is situated in the middle of a National Marine Park, on an island blessed with eight acres of white sand, rock formations and lush vegetation.

In addition to stunning views of the Indian Ocean, guests can discover some of the world’s most colourful marine life and absolute privacy.

Aimed at the discerning holidaymaker and newlywed couple looking for a genuinely exclusive and secluded luxury getaway, Enchanted Island Resort features ten exclusive villas.

It has already become an ideal hideaway for international music celebrities since its soft opening. Constructed from earthy, rustic materials the eight one-bedroom Private Pool Villas and two two-bedroom Enchanted Signature Villas reflect the unique heritage and colonial past of the Seychelles Islands. 

Each villa has a private infinity plunge pool, walkway to the beach, sundeck, shaded outdoor space, French bathtub, outdoor rain shower, king-size bed and a minibar.

“A number of factors influenced our decision to reach into the Seychelles and the Maldives.

“The outright purchase, in particular, of JA Manafaru was shaped by our prudent growth strategy supported by the long-term strategic investment policy our holding company has implemented in the hospitality sector,” Thomson added.

In addition to expanding operations in other global markets, JA Resorts & Hotels will be announcing the launch of properties closer to home base over the next 18 months with at least three new hotels planned in Dubai prior to 2020.