News
JA Resorts & Hotels launches JA Manafaru in Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – JA Resorts & Hotels, UAE-based hospitality group has announced big changes at their spectacular island resort in the Maldives.
JA Manafaru, will shortly complete the re-branding and soft refurbishments of their luxury resort with improvements also being made to enhance the guest experience and comfort.
With over 33 years’ experience in managing and operating resorts and hotels, JA Resorts & Hotels is racing full steam ahead with a keen eye on international expansion.
JA Manafaru marks the second international property of the group in the Indian Ocean after their ten luxury villa island property, Enchanted Island Resort in the Seychelles.
David Thomson, chief operating officer of JA Resorts & Hotels said “We are excited to launch JA Manafaru after a refurbishment of interiors and renewal of experiences.
“We are in the process of ensuring our brand DNA echoes throughout the island resort and making sure guests feel the same warmth and welcome whether it’s Dubai or the Maldives.”
JA Manafaru located in the Northern Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, will present couples and families a high-end holiday offering all year round. Located 75-minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport, the property boasts 84 keys consisting of beach villas and water villas with their own private pool.
With over seven food and beverage outlets, a spa and beauty complex, water sports, PADI dive centre and extensive children’s entertainment area, guests can enjoy several leisure facilities.
The restaurants, villas, suites and guest areas are being refurbished with a new colour palette reflecting the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Every element is being considered in creating a serene and relaxing ambience for guests using warm earthy tones and cool blue shades of the ocean.
Renovations have been completed in the public areas and the interiors of the rooms and soft furnishing will be ready by the end of October.
The restaurants will have new concepts and menus led by well-known Australian Head Chef, Richard Cross.
The resort has also introduced a dedicated seaplane that will depart twice a day from Male airport to reduce guests’ travel time.
The journey to the island is mesmerising as the seaplane coasts above the archipelagos so guests can soak up the scenery.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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