News
JA Manafaru: Christmas, New Year in tropics
This festive season, JA Manafaru is offering a taste of Maldivian magic with the launch of a new, upgraded events programme running from 23rd December 2023 until 7th January 2024. Inspired by the enchantment of the festive season and Queen’s iconic lyric ‘One dream, one goal, one golden glance of what should be’, the programme will instil ‘A Kind of Magic’ within every element of the guest experience.
The 16-day extravaganza of music, song and dance hosted by actress and theatre artist director Zoie Kennedy-O’Connor and composer husband Des O’Connor will welcome an exotic range of events. From a tantalising spread of culinary experiences and celebratory Galas to a five-day football camp and tennis championship, there are fun and thrills to be had for every guest. UK radio DJ Tom Green, famous for his mid-morning show on HITS radio will also headline performances throughout the festive programme.
Situated in the Maldives’ northernmost atoll, JA Manafaru is the most remote private island in the Maldives, perfect for travellers seeking a secluded sun-soaked Christmas getaway. An idyllic paradise of barefoot luxury, fine dining and activities galore, the island features a collection of enticing restaurants, a tranquil spa and otherworldly encounters with the Indian Ocean’s captivating marine life.
Christmas Eve
Dress to impress and celebrate the festive season with an evening of live music and mouth-watering dishes at the Christmas Eve Gala on 24th December. The dinner promises a spellbinding combination of regional specialties and comforting seasonal favourites, alongside stunning ocean views from the deck or terrace areas and melodic performances by the in-house band. The dinner will run from 6:30PM to 10:30PM at Kakuni restaurant.
New Year’s Eve
Starting the evening with a 6:30PM cocktail reception at Ocean Grill, guests are invited to enjoy a spread of sparkling champagne, canapés and magical performers against the spectacular backdrop of the year’s final sunset. The dinner will commence at 7:30PM with a feast of succulent seafood caught and delivered by local fisherman, alongside tender grills and tantalising desserts. Dinner will be complemented by an incredible lineup of performers directed by Zoie and Des. Guests can expect to close the evening with celebratory fireworks and a boogie out on the beach, led by the musical beats of DJ Tom Green.
Orthodox Christmas Events
Catering to all this festive season, JA Manafaru will host a repeat of the Gala dinner and vibrant beach party on 6th January for Orthodox Christmas. Ded Moroz will also make a special visit on 7th January to deliver presents to the island’s best behaved young guests.
Festive Feasting
The festive season is all about delicious food and indulgence, and guests will not be disappointed by the spread at JA Manafaru. The resort’s Christmas programme promises a range of rich and comforting festive favourites alongside the Executive Chef’s modern conjuring of regional specialties. Calendar highlights include a deliciously light Caviar Dinner at Teppanyaki restaurant, Lonu on 29th December (6:30PM), and the Chocolate Truffle Making Class on 3rd January (4:00-4:45PM), where guests can master the art of rolling the perfect truffle.
Foodies can also take a stroll through the vibrant sights and scents of the Orient, dining at the Asian Street Food night at Kakuni. Open to guests on the 30th December and 4th January, this event celebrates the range of diverse and colourful dishes served on street markets in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Japan.
Activities For the Whole Family
JA Manafaru’s festive programme will feature several events to keep young guests entertained whilst parents can enjoy some much-deserved rest and relaxation. Activities include Christmas Cookie Decorating, running on 23rd December and 5th December, and an all-hands-on deck activity on 23rd December (10:30AM) to decorate the Kid’s Club Christmas tree. On 29th December (6:00PM), JA Manafaru will also host the highly anticipated Enchanting Talent Show, where kids can showcase their talents on stage alongside the professionals. This event, hosted by Des and Zoie is the perfect event to bring the family together, proud parents will be treated to a delicious spread of cocktails and canapés whilst watching the show.
Those seeking a more unique experience can head to Yang Wei’s Abracadabra Class on 30th December, 3rd January and 6th January at Kakuni (12:00PM – 1:00PM). Step behind the curtain with an exclusive workshop led by internationally renowned magician Yang Wei. Young, budding magicians can join these sessions to watch his spell binding performances and learn how to master the fundamentals of magic tricks.
Dance to the Beat of the Maldivian Drum
The Maldives, and in-turn the culture at JA Manafaru’s Real Maldives is synonymous with music. Guests can immerse themselves in authentic Maldivian traditions with a lesson in BoduBeru, which translates to ‘Big Drum’ (10:30AM). Renowned for its energetic form of entertainment, guests are invited to dance, clap and test out the slow, rhythmic beating of drum in classes led by local experts. Young culture vultures can also delve into the Maldives’ rich history of folktale, gathering around the campfire to hear enchanting accounts of local legend (8:30PM – 9:30PM). Occurring on 26th December and 2nd January, these two events grant guests valuable immersion into the region’s traditions and cultural identity.
Get Sporty on the Sand
Sporting enthusiasts can take their pick from the array of activities on offer, from a five-day football camp, beach cricket on boxing day (26th December, 4:00PM – 5:00PM), and Badminton Tournament on the resort’s purpose-built court (2nd January, 5:30PM), to trying their hand at the Maldives’ national sport of Bashi (26th December, 3:30PM – 4:30PM). Traditionally played on a tennis court by Maldivian women, this unique sport entails serving a tennis ball over one’s head backwards, whilst another team tries to catch the ball on the other side of the net.
The resort’s inaugural Manafaru Cup Tennis Tournament will also take place on 28th December (5:30PM). Keen tennis fans can enter in pairs of mixed doubles to compete for the right to be named the first ever winners of the trophy.
Love
Say ‘yes this Valentine’s at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
Set in Vaavu Atoll, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives extends an invitation to couples seeking an extraordinary escape to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day. As one of the least commercialised regions in the Maldives, Vaavu Atoll is a paradise where quiet beaches, thriving dive sites, and abundant marine life come together to offer a perfect blend of privacy and adventure.
The journey begins as you touch down at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives either by a scenic 25-minute seaplane flight or a speedboat ride across the Indian ocean and feel the rhythm of Maldivian culture as Boduberu drummers greet you on the jetty, setting the tone for your stay. Whether you choose the Sunset Water Bungalow with Jacuzzi or the luxurious Water Suite with Pool, you’ll find yourself immersed in comfort and intimacy, with private spaces to bask in the golden hues of the Maldivian sunset, creating the perfect prelude to your getaway.
Start your mornings or unwind in the evenings with yoga sessions led by the resort’s in-house instructor, designed to revitalise both body and mind as you stretch and meditate against the breathtaking backdrop of a sunrise or sunset. For those looking to elevate their relaxation, the Mandara Spa offers a sanctuary of serenity. Indulge in a shared “Mandara moment,” experiencing traditional Balinese massages, rejuvenating treatments, and therapies that leave you refreshed, relaxed, and deeply connected.
Plan a dream proposal with a private five-course dinner on the beach, paired with fine wines and personalised service, or indulge in a champagne breakfast to start the day on a decadent note.
Speaking of the breakfast experience, the resort’s Food & Beverage Manager – Chamil Pathirana shares, “Our champagne breakfast is more than a meal. Alongside the finest champagne, guests enjoy fresh juices, a pastry basket, cereals, yoghurt, cold cuts, waffles, and more, served with impeccable attention to detail to create a great start to your day.”
For seafood lovers, the grilled Maldivian lobster served in its shell is a culinary highlight, while a private BBQ dinner under the stars offers an intimate feast featuring the finest meats and seafood.
Complete your getaway with the resort’s signature “Golden Horizon” cruise, a truly enchanting experience aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni. As the boat glides over the shimmering waters of Vaavu Atoll, you’ll be treated to a selection of delectable canapés, crafted beverages, and the soothing melodies of jazz music. The gentle sea breeze, combined with the rhythmic sway of the dhoni, sets the perfect stage for romance, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this magical evening on the water.
This Valentine’s, let Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives bring your love story to life. From golden horizons to barefoot bliss, every moment is thoughtfully designed to celebrate connection, inspire romance, and invite couples to say “I do” to a lifetime of memories.
Love
JA Manafaru celebrates romance with exclusive Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, JA Manafaru in the Maldives invites couples to experience an unforgettable celebration of love, offering a range of exclusive romantic activities and indulgent packages set against the stunning backdrop of turquoise waters and pristine beaches. From intimate dinners to rejuvenating spa treatments, guests will find everything they need to create cherished memories with their love done.
JA Manafaru’s Valentine’s Stay Offer provides the perfect romantic escape, with up to 20% off Best Available Breakfast Rates, a romantic beach dinner featuring a three-course menu, a bottle of Prosecco or sparkling juice upon arrival, and a unique in-villa floating breakfast. Couples who purchase a 60-minute treatment will also enjoy an additional complimentary 30-minute spa treatment, along with the option to enhance their experience with island-hopping yacht trips and excursions (additional costs apply).
For those seeking even more memorable moments, the resort presents a series of exclusive experiences. Guests can treat their loved one to a Romantic Floating Breakfast, where a continental spread is served on a floating platform in their pool villa, accompanied by Moët & Chandon Brut, for a truly serene start to the day. Alternatively, couples can enjoy a Romantic Cellar Champagne Breakfast, which offers gourmet delicacies paired with Champagne in the resort’s unique underground wine cellar, available for a limited number of guests.
On the evening of 14th February, couples can escape to their own private paradise with the Valentine Castaway BBQ for two, a delectable and romantic BBQ dinner set up on the beach with Don Perignon. For those who desire a more enchanting setting, the Love Under the Stars Beach Dinner invites couples to enjoy a romantic four-course menu with Champagne, under the vast starry sky. Only a select number of exclusive slots are available for these intimate experiences.
For those seeking an extraordinary dining experience, the Valentine Private Wine Cellar Dinner offers a seven-course meal in a private wine cellar, perfectly paired with fine wines, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable evening.
Finally, to pamper guests on this special day, The Calm Spa Sanctuary offers a Valentine’s Special Spa Treatment from 12th to 14th February. The treatment includes a 90-minute spa session, a relaxing herbal bath, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a choice of Harnn product, with a heart-shaped cookie or chocolate to complete the experience.
With a selection of exclusive events and packages designed to celebrate love, JA Manafaru promises an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration, offering couples the opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
Cooking
From pizza to pasta: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Pibati Sul Mare
“Pibati” in Sanskrit translates to “to drink, absorb, or imbibe,” reflecting a profound connection to savouring and enjoying sensory experiences such as food and drink. Guided by this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled a refined concept for its beachside restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Frank Wackerhagen. The newly reimagined dining destination invites guests to explore Italy’s cherished culinary traditions.
Renamed Pibati Sul Mare—Italian for “by the sea”—the restaurant serves lunch, specialising in artisanal pizzas and handcrafted pastas. Its menu features a harmonious blend of Italian classics and island-inspired flavours, such as the Margherita pizza and the exquisite Linguini allo Scoglio di Panna, a mixed seafood dish in a garlic cream sauce. These dishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including fresh, homegrown herbs cultivated on the island, creating comfort food that captures the island’s vibrant essence.
Nestled against the backdrop of stunning ocean views, Pibati Sul Mare offers a serene retreat for diners seeking a memorable culinary experience. The setting combines coastal charm with contemporary elegance, featuring airy, open spaces designed to immerse guests in the scenic surroundings. Soft, earthy tones and natural materials contribute to a warm and inviting ambiance, while exceptional service ensures every guest feels cared for and attended to.
Whether enjoying a gathering with family or savouring a moment of tranquility, Pibati Sul Mare provides an unforgettable dining experience. It promises to captivate the palate and create cherished memories that linger long after the visit.
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