Real luxury means genuine seclusion without disruptions, which you usually have to travel further within the archipelago to find
The closest resorts to Velana International Airport might not always offer you the ultimate Maldives experience, no matter how upscale they are. That’s because proximity to Male’ and to a multitude of resorts and inhabited islands equals more boat traffic and noisy air traffic. Sometimes you might see commercial infrastructure like fish processing plants or refuse sites from your resort island (part of real life, but not something tourists want). Or you could find yourself at an overcrowded dive site, with damaged corals from too many snorkellers.
However, frequent visitors know the best resorts in the Maldives are usually located far from those kind of issues. The best way to avoid being disturbed by boat and jet engines or having subjectively bad views is by picking a resort in a truly secluded destination.
You may think everywhere in the Maldives is secluded but that’s not the case. When you look at the Maldives in terms of its geographical location, the country seems remote. However, many resorts in the Maldives are located close to domestic infrastructure like shipping routes, flight paths, and other things necessary to keep the Maldives economically operational. Therefore, a surefire way of finding the most secluded resorts is by going to the Maldives’ remotest atolls, where there are fewer resorts and commercial operations.
This way you can guarantee the true luxury of not being surrounded by other resorts and the trappings of industry.
One of the best examples of the luxury of total seclusion is JA Manafaru Maldives. At the time of writing this article, it is one of only two resorts in Haa Alifu Atoll. This atoll is the most northerly in the country, which means Haa Alifu is one of the Maldives’ remotest atolls. Within the atoll, JA Manafaru is 14 miles from the other resort.
The closest two islands to the resort are completely uninhabited. Meanwhile, the nearest inhabited islands are two village communities located almost three miles away. This makes the unspoiled views across miles of glittering ocean priceless.
Getting there
In order to get to an untouched remote atoll like Haa Alifu, you must be ready to travel a little further than you would for a resort in Male’ Atoll or other central atolls. However, the extra journey time is written off by the sublime views. There are several options to get to the resort. You can choose a direct scheduled charter seaplane flight which takes 80 minutes. The Twin Otter flight is extremely scenic and flies much lower over the islands than a pressurized international aircraft, so it is a great opportunity to take incredible photos and videos.
Since this seaplane flight is scheduled by the resort, it will only stop when it gets to its destination. This is a major perk because usually seaplanes stop at one or more resort en route to your resort. So, on a typical unchartered seaplane flight, the journey time can end up taking over an hour anyway. (In these cases, you may be familiar with sweating when the fans are turned off while you wait inside the seaplane for the other guests to disembark). Therefore, the direct seaplane flight to JA Manafaru is usually more enjoyable.
The second option for getting to Manafaru is a 75-minute domestic flight to the tiny Hoarafushi or Hanimaadhoo airports, followed by a short speedboat trip.
When you arrive, you’ll understand the serenity that comes from a truly secluded location. But don’t just take my word for it. Here are some of the Maldivian team from JA Manafaru who grew up in this peaceful area. They explain why it’s worth travelling to Haa Alifu Atoll.
Name: Assipe
Job: Transport Supervisor
Q: Which island in Haa Alifu Atoll are you from, and how would you describe it?
I’m from Hoarafushi, a beautiful island known for its close-knit community, lush greenery, and serene beaches. The island offers a peaceful and authentic Maldivian lifestyle, with friendly locals and a strong sense of tradition.
Q: What makes Haa Alifu Atoll so special or unique?
It’s home to Utheemu Island, the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, a national hero who freed the Maldives from Portuguese rule in the 16th Century. The island’s historical significance is highlighted by Utheemu Ganduvaru, the preserved ancestral home of the Sultan, offering a deep cultural connection to the country’s past.
The atoll is also renowned for its pristine natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and diverse marine life. It remains relatively undeveloped and less visited by tourists, preserving its untouched environment and providing a peaceful, idyllic escape.
Q: What’s special about JA Manafaru in terms of its setting and natural assets?
A: The natural environment is truly exceptional, and there are several aspects that make it stand out. First, the island is surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, creating a stunning contrast against the white sandy beaches. The clear shallow lagoons are perfect for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, turtles, and other marine life.
So, the sense of peace and seclusion here is unparalleled. And the palm trees, tropical plants, and flowering bushes add a sense of serenity and natural beauty to the resort, with areas of the island left wild and untouched.
Q: What are the benefits of this location, rather than an island in a busier atoll?
Being in a less developed atoll means the surrounding islands maintain their traditional charm, with local communities and cultures that offer visitors a chance to connect with the Maldivian way of life, from fishing practices to architectural styles. The atoll’s rich biodiversity makes it a paradise for snorkellers and divers, with vibrant underwater ecosystems. So, the less commercialized nature of the atoll ensures that these ecosystems remain largely unspoiled, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and those seeking to enjoy snorkeling, diving, and other water activities in a quieter, more pristine setting.
Name: Ashraf
Job: F&B Venues Manager
Q: Which island are you from, and how would you describe it?
A: My island, Hoarafushi, is a small, tropical paradise. The island is peaceful, with a laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxation. The local culture blends traditional customs with modern comforts, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
Q: What makes Haa Alifu Atoll so unique?
Haa Alifu Atoll, also known as Thiladhunmathi Atoll, has several characteristics that make it special and unique. The atoll’s remoteness has allowed it to remain largely undisturbed by mass tourism, preserving its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. So the atoll is a haven for marine life, with thriving coral reefs, abundant fish species, and even the possibility of encountering larger marine animals like manta rays and whale sharks.
The waters around Haa Alifu Atoll are less frequently visited by tourists compared to other parts of the Maldives, making it a peaceful and less crowded destination for diving and snorkeling.
The atoll also features historical landmarks such as old mosques and ruins from the past. These include the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (Old Mosque) on Utheemu Island, the birthplace of Sultan Ali, who was an important figure in Maldivian history.
The atoll’s history is deeply connected to the development of the Maldives as a nation. Its relative isolation also helps preserve the unique environment and way of life that visitors can still experience today.
Q: Does that mean you consider Haa Alifu Atoll to be an ecotourism destination?
A: Yes, Haa Alifu is increasingly being recognized for its potential as an eco-tourism destination, with emphasis on sustainability. The local islands and our resort are taking steps to minimise their environmental impact, focusing on preserving the delicate ecosystems, coral reefs, and local culture, while providing eco-friendly travel options.
Q: How does JA Manafaru Maldives fit into this vision?
A: JA Manafaru is designed to blend into its natural surroundings rather than disrupt them. This results in an intimate, peaceful environment where guests can fully disconnect from the outside world and enjoy the natural beauty without the interference of urban noise.
And despite its size, the island is home to dense tropical vegetation, with palm trees and lush foliage adding to the sense of tranquility. The natural landscaping feels balanced, providing a perfect blend of tropical wilderness and cultivated spaces.
Q: Why is it worth travelling to the Maldives’ remotest atolls like Haa Alifu?
A: The remote, quieter regions like Haa Alif Atoll offer several unique advantages over a busier atoll like North Male’ Atoll. Being far from the more popular tourist areas in the central atolls, JA Manafaru offers a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere. So it’s ideal for guests looking for privacy and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil escape without the hustle and bustle of other resorts or large numbers of tourists.
The more remote location makes it a perfect choice for those seeking exclusivity. That is because the lack of nearby resorts means fewer people on the island and in surrounding waters, enhancing the sense of privacy.
Q: What are the benefits in terms of beaches and diving?
A: The coral reefs, marine life, and beaches around Haa Alif Atoll are less impacted by tourism, meaning they can offer a more vibrant and diverse ecosystem. With less boat traffic and human activity, the waters are typically clearer, and the coral reefs around the resort may be in better condition. This provides excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling, with more abundant and healthier marine life.
Guests at JA Manafaru can access these less-travelled waters, enjoying unique underwater experiences without the crowds often found in more popular dive sites closer to North Male’ Atoll.
Q: Are there any other advantages of the location?
A: While North Male’ Atoll is easily accessible by speedboat from Malé, JA Manafaru’s location requires a seaplane transfer. Though taking longer, this adds to the sense of adventure and exclusivity. The scenic seaplane ride itself is a memorable part of the experience, offering stunning aerial views of the Maldivian atolls and turquoise waters.
And while North Male’ Atoll is more commercialized, Haa Alifu Atoll offers a chance to interact with local communities in a more genuine way, offering a deeper cultural experience. The resorts in the less tourist-heavy regions like this often have more of an emphasis on integrating with local culture, traditions, and ways of life, giving visitors a sense of the real Maldives, beyond the resort experience.
Name: Shimba
Job: Maintenance
Q: Which island are you from in Haa Alifu Atoll, and how would you describe it?
A: I’m from Naivaadhoo, a beautiful island in the Maldives with clear blue water. The island is big, about 30 hectares, and it has a small island in the water too, which makes it even more special. Naivaadhoo is known for its friendly and close-knit community, fostering a safe environment for residents and visitors alike. The island’s welcoming atmosphere creates a sense of warmth and tranquility
Q: Having grown up in Haa Alifu Atoll, what makes it so special?
A: Haa Alifu Atoll is quiet and peaceful, far from the busy tourist spots. The water is super clear, and the islands are untouched, which makes it feel like a hidden paradise. It’s a great place to experience the true beauty of the Maldives without all the crowds.
Q: What are the benefits of the location of JA Manafaru, rather than an island in a busier atoll like North Male’ Atoll for example?
The location of JA Manafaru is special because it’s in a quiet, less crowded area, unlike busy places like Male’ Atoll. Male’ is so crowded, I have been there once, a year ago. This means you get more peace, privacy, and space to enjoy the beautiful beaches and clear water without the crowds here.
Q: How long have you been working with Manafaru?
A: I started working at Manafaru in 2008, which was my very first job, and my first resort experience. I really like working here because of the beautiful nature, the lush plants, and the clean, green environment. I’m part of the maintenance team in the engineering department, and it’s great to be part of a place that focuses on things like hydroponics and caring for the surroundings. It feels good to help keep everything running smoothly in such a lovely place.
To find out more visit the JA Manafaru website.
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