JA Resorts And Hotels Buys Maldives Resort

JA Resorts & Hotels has bolstered its Indian Oceans profile after buying an existing island resort in the Maldives for an undisclosed fee.

The Dubai-based international hospitality company, which will own and manage the all-inclusive resort in the Northern Haa Alifu Atoll, takes over the property from March 28 and will relaunch it as JA Manafaru – officially in the third or fourth quarter.

The property contains 84 keys, comprising beach villas and water villas, along with eight food and beverage outlets, a spa and beauty complex, water sports and PADI dive centre, and extensive children’s entertainment area.

Guests will take 75-minute seaplane transfers to the resort from Male International Airport.

David Thomson, COO of JA Resorts & Hotels, said it marks the first in a series of future leisure properties, and complements its Enchanted Island Resort in the Seychelles.

A JA Resorts & Hotels spokeswoman added that moving into the Maldives was a “natural move” given the operator’s experience of running premium hotels in Dubai, and synergies that exist with its client base. She said the previous operator was not part of a branded international chain.

The all-inclusive rates, to be announced at a later stage, will include the seaplane transfer, non-motorised water sports activities and access to the children’s care area.