The success of Indian Ocean resorts throughout the disrupted travel period of the past year has been well documented internationally, and the performance of JA Resorts & Hotels is testament to this. Longstanding luxury resorts JA Manafaru Maldives and JA Enchanted Island Resort both performed very well throughout the turbulent times, and a third resort in Seychelles was officially opened in March 2021. The group expects the success to continue with the addition of a new airport in Maldives and the finalisation of the new resort facilities in Seychelles.
JA Manafaru Maldives Set to Benefit from New Airport in Close Proximity
The Maldives has experienced resounding success as an international tourism destination throughout the pandemic by reopening to travel in July 2020 with stringent COVID-19 requirements in place. Promoted as a safe haven and with infection rates largely under control, the Indian Ocean island archipelago welcomed more than 556,000 visitors in 2020 alone with visitors embracing the safety and social distancing opportunities on the many private islands. JA Manafaru witnessed a huge surge in demand, particularly from previously untapped source markets such as India, as guests sought out the luxury of remote island getaways with 5 star service and amenities. Described as a ‘soulful sanctuary and lush private island resort’, the award-winning destination welcomed celebrities, Bollywood stars, honeymooning couples and families for rejuvenating breaks – particularly to the 2 and 3 bedroom bespoke Residences which offer a huge amount of space, one with oversized infinity pool and the other two with unique family pool and private pool, as well as a stand-alone Spa Pavilion with sauna and steam rooms.
Through 2021, the resort continues to see high demand from multiple source markets and expects another significant surge with the end-of-May opening of a new airport, on the neighbouring island of Hoarafushi, a 70 minute flight from Male’ airport. Though JA Manafaru boasts a prime location at the most Northern tip of the Haa Alifu Atoll, guests will be now be able to reach the idyllic resort with a 10 minute speedboat transfer from Hoarafushi Airport. The addition of the new airport will make JA Manafaru more accessible to a wider audience with a more frequent flight pattern into the unchartered pristine territories of the North.
JA Enchanted Island Resort Seychelles Proves Ideal for Safety & Social Distancing
The success of JA Enchanted Island Resort can be attributed to the safety and privacy offered by the boutique nature of the 10 villa resort. Awarded ‘World’s Leading Private Island Resort 2020’ at the World Travel Awards, JA Enchanted Island is a-luxurious hideaway in the Seychelles with pearl white sand and lush tropical vegetation, surrounded by turquoise waters and colourful marine life in a designated National Marine Park. On the island, there are ten villas available; 8 of which are 130 square metres and have their own private pool, accommodating 2 adults and a child. 2 expansive luxury villas named the Enchanted Signature Villa and the Flamboyant Villa are more than 240 square metres each and can accommodate 4 adults and 2 children in each, with a private pool and garden with dining gazebo for intimate in-villa dining. All ten villas have direct access to the pristine beach where the serene ambience and access to the protected waters is unparalleled.
In July 2020, the resort announced new island buy-out rates starting from EUR9,9950 per night, allowing up to 24 guests to have a whole island to themselves which proved a successful strategy as the team welcomed private groups from Russia. The guests enjoyed a wealth of water activities, from yacht trips to island hopping excursions, paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, catamaran cruising and big game fishing. Guests can also hop aboard a 15-minute speed boat ride to the main island for cultural discovery or completely disconnect with healing body treatments in the spa located on the hilltop, featuring a private steam room, shower room, the stunning views of the Pavilion Bwa Zoli Ker, Yoga Pavilion.
New Indian Ocean Property in 2021 – JA Enchanted Waterfront Villa’s
Despite the many challenges of 2020 and 2021, UAE homegrown hospitality group JA Resorts & Hotels introduced a brand-new tropical getaway in Seychelles in March; JA Enchanted Waterfront Villas. It offers 10 villa resort residences on the east coast of Mahé. Located just 5km from Seychelles International Airport, the new resort is 4km from the capital, Victoria and a stone’s throw away from a myriad of boutiques, bars and restaurants on Eden Island.
The luxurious Waterfront Villas are situated on 8000 square metres of picturesque, tropical scenery with the first phase comprising of the Lodge, 2 Waterfront Pool Villas and the private marina opened from March 1st. The spacious villas are designed in a contemporary Creole style set against a striking backdrop of mountains sea views and neighboring islands. With sheltered verandas overlooking a garden and private infinity pools offering ocean views; each 354 square metre villa is two-story’s high, with three ensuite bedrooms, a fully serviced kitchen and spacious dining and living rooms. Each Villa also has direct access to a perched beach. JA Enchanted Waterfront Villas are available for freehold purchase with the Villa Owners having the option to return their villas to the Resort Rental Pool.
There is also a Lodge which offers 2 hotel guestrooms and a junior suite and includes the Starboard Bistro, serving light snacks. The property boasts its own private marina and is the gateway to its sister property; JA Enchanted Island Resort. JA Enchanted Waterfront Villas will be run by the same award-winning team and General Manager of JA Enchanted Island Resort, Burak Aydin, who commented;
“JA Enchanted Waterfront Villas are ideal for those who want to experience the beauty and serenity of island life, while still being close to the action and nightlife of nearby hotspots, cultural attractions and local lifestyle.”
Safety and Peace of Mind
All 3 JA Resorts & Hotels Indian Ocean properties offer the highest level of safety and peace in mind from COVID-19, with onsite PCR testing offered at each resort, the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness and the comfort of easy social distancing measures, as each of the properties is incredibly spacious and distanced from other resorts.
