SAUDI GAZETTE Many Arabs, especially young couples, find the Maldives an attractive destination. Many Arabs and Gulf citizens keep searching for resorts in the Maldives that offer high levels of privacy and where they can pamper themselves on a magical holiday. JA Manafaru is one of the best resorts in the Maldives, offering a luxurious family holiday and a place for couples to make their dreams come true. JA Manafaru, a place where holiday-makers can become stress-free, is located in a breathtaking setting some 75 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport in the northern Haa Alif Atoll of the Maldives. Once the seaplane lands, resort employees are on wait for guests with welcoming drinks, songs and small cold towels. They are then driven in a car to their accommodation. The resort's employees are always smiling and try to satisfy their guests by ensuring they are at hand and asking after them. They are always there for people, even if what the guests ask for is not their responsibility to provide. The resort offers several types of rooms suitable for couples, and small and large families up to 8 to 12 people. These include the Sunrise Water Villas with Infinity Plunge Pool, the Beach Bungalow with Private Pool, One Bedroom Beach Suites with Private Infinity Pool, and Sunset Water Villas with Infinity Plunge Pool. The property boasts 84 keys consisting of beach villas and water villas, eight food and beverage outlets, and a spa and beauty complex. It also offers a water sports and PADI dive center, and an extensive children's entertainment area. Parents can keep their children in the kids' club without worrying since employees are at hand to not only take care of the children but are also trained to babysit. In the kids club there is a small swimming pool, a playroom and special activities that include cooking and drawing. Although the club closes at 8 pm, parents can still avail of the babysitting service after 8 pm. Next to the kids' club, there is a chill zone where people can relax by having a cup of coffee, tea or juice, or play billiards. In the chill zone, there is also a small gym that is open 24 hours. The steam room is open the entire day and there is also an outdoor tennis court. Guests can carry out several activities during the day. This includes water sports such as jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, catamaran sailing, jet skiing, wake boarding, mono-skiing, knee boarding or water-skiing and much more. The resort also offers guests fishing and sailing trips. On return, guests can have the fish cooked at the resort. Boat trips at sunset to watch dolphins are also on offer. Guests can also go by boat to Govvaafushi Island, which is part of the resort, and enjoy time there. Guests can stay in the island and swim alone and also spend the entire day there. An emergency phone will be with the guest if he needs anything or wants to return. In the castaway, the person can enjoy lunch and watch the sunset. The place is very private and very few people ask to spend the night on the island. JA Manafaru participates in special international days like celebrating Earth Day by planting trees and International Women's Day by having special activities for female employees and guests. Cooking classes are also on offer each day. Participants in the class learn how to cook a Maldivian main dish, bread, as well as dessert. There are also special night events, including Maldivian Night every Friday at the Kakuni restaurant. Guests can also enjoy several varieties of breakfast, including several Japanese dishes and an oriental breakfast. Food lovers would enjoy the restaurants and cafés. Lunch is highly recommended at one of the poolside venues. Visitors can pick between Andiamo Bistro and Pool or the Infinity Bar and Pool At the Andiamo Bistro and Pool, pizza is one of the best dishes to be ordered, particularly Duck Pizza. The Infinity Bar and Pool is well known for its beef burgers which include vegetables and eggs. White Ocean is another restaurant where visitors can sit overlooking the ocean and have Japanese, Chinese and Thai specialties on a teppanyaki table for an authentic Asian fusion cuisine experience and artistic presentation. Ocean Grill is another beachfront restaurant that serves local seafood and delectable meat, freshly prepared on a live grill and seasoned with organic herbs. Horizon Lounge is a café where families can enjoy the sunset and spend their night listening to English music performed by a live singer. This café closes at around 11.30 pm. The Calm Spa should also be visited and offers a sophisticated collection of aromatherapy massages and treatments. This includes Shidehara, Ayurvedic or a traditional Maldivian massage or healing ritual. The center is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Before leaving, guests can buy some souvenirs from the small shop next to the reception or get some necklaces from the gallery shop. People can post their pictures on social media at anytime since free WIFI is available in most of the island. To top off, the resort accepts US dollars and euros.
