Showcasing the Heart of the House at JA Manafaru
JA Manafaru captures the true spirit of luxurious Maldivian hospitality, where every moment is infused with passion and care. The dedicated team ensures that each guest feels welcomed and cherished, crafting memories that linger long after the holiday ends.
Warmth and personal touches are woven into every visit, creating unforgettable experiences that make each guest feel truly valued. They are the heart of the house, working together to transform each stay into a beautiful memory, all while showcasing the real Maldives.
Chef Moosa, the creative force behind the culinary delights at JA Manafaru, fondly traces his passion for cooking back to his mother’s kitchen, where he was inspired by her preparation of traditional Maldivian snacks known as Hedhika. She instilled in him the belief that good cooking comes from the heart, emphasising, “Everything we do must come from our heart,” a principle that guides him to this day.
Under Chef Moosa’s leadership, the culinary team has won the Best Culinary Award at the TTM Awards & Gala, recognising their dedication and meticulousness. He attributes this success to significant menu changes, rigorous team training, and a culture of continuous improvement. Deeply invested in mentoring his team, he often spends long hours in the kitchen and values guest feedback to enhance the overall dining experience.
Chef Moosa’s diverse culinary journey blends local and international flavours, thanks to his team of chefs from various backgrounds. This diversity lets him incorporate authentic dishes, such as consulting his Balinese chefs for traditional satay preparation. He also conducts popular cooking classes, allowing guests to engage with Maldivian cuisine using fresh, local produce from the resort’s garden. This educates guests and deepens their appreciation for Maldivian culinary traditions. Among his favourite dishes are Handooma, a crispy rice salad, and kulhimas, a spicy fish dish that reflects his dedication to preserving and celebrating Maldivian culinary heritage.
Mohamed Soodh, the Director of Operations at JA Manafaru, began his hospitality journey in 1999 as a Villa Attendant, a role that shaped his leadership style. Working hands-on allowed him to understand the importance of every team member and the impact of attention to detail on guest experiences.
Those early days taught him that effective leadership is rooted in empathy, respect, and a dedication to excellence. He has carried these lessons with him as he progressed through various supervisory and management roles, believing that a great leader leads by example and supports their team’s growth.
At JA Manafaru, Soodh focuses on maintaining high service standards and creating seamless guest experiences by fostering open communication and collaboration among departments. He values guest feedback as a crucial tool for improvement and actively seeks it to enhance service quality. Passionate about mentoring, he provides guidance and growth opportunities for his team, aligning tasks with their strengths to build confidence.
Currently pursuing an MBA, Soodh views this as a critical step toward his goal of becoming a General Manager, equipping him with the skills to drive organisational growth and lead effectively.
Rita Gupta, the Director of Spa at JA Manafaru, brings over 18 years of experience in the wellness industry. Beginning her career in hands-on spa operations, she has evolved into a leader managing wellness and recreational departments in luxury resorts.
Central to the JA Manafaru experience is a holistic approach to wellness, treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Treatments blend traditional Maldivian healing practices with modern techniques like mindfulness meditation, reflecting current wellness trends. The “Wellness Your Way” programme allows guests to create personalised wellness itineraries, enhancing their spa experience by addressing individual needs and preferences.
Rita fosters a supportive culture within her team through open communication and recognition of contributions, ensuring consistent service quality at Calm Spa. Sustainability is also at the heart of their work, with eco-friendly practices and local healing traditions incorporated into their therapies.
As mental wellness gains prominence, the spa offers treatments focused on mindfulness and relaxation, such as yoga nidra and sound healing. By embracing these evolving wellness trends, she keeps JA Manafaru at the forefront of the industry, always striving to exceed guest expectations.
For more information and bookings, please visit https://www.jaresortshotels.com/maldives/ja-manafaru
