The acquisition by the UAE-based Dutco Group of Companies, owners of JA Resorts & Hotels, of a high-end resort in the Maldives is a historical landmark not just for JA, as this is the first resort that they have purchased and operate outside Dubai, but also for the UAE as this is the first hospitality investment in the Maldives by a UAE company.
JA Resorts & Hotels have also earmarked several million dollars to make several upgrades and soft refurbishments to the resort to ensure it is able to compete with the very best that the Maldives has to offer when it is re-launched later in the year as JA Manafaru. Tariq Baker, the CEO of the Dutco Group, commented that the investment in the Maldives in the form of JA Manafaru is part of the company’s larger expansion plan of high-end properties both within the UAE and in other markets outside of the Middle East. The introduction of JA Manafaru to its current portfolio of leisure properties, cements a strong foundation for this robust expansion strategy.JA Manafaru, located in the Northern Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, is located 75 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport. The property boasts 84 keys consisting of beach villas and water villas all with private pools, eight food and beverage outlets, a spa and beauty complex, water sports and PADI dive centre, and extensive children’s entertainment area. The all-inclusive rates, that will come into effect in October this year, will include seaplane transfers, non-motorised water sports activities, and access to the children’s care area.