JA Resorts & Hotels will participate in this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) as an international luxury hotel chain for the first time. In previous years, JA Resorts & Hotels focused on its world-renowned Dubai-based properties, but in 2014 the hospitality group is shifting focus to its recent international investments, which are located in the Indian Ocean, as well as seeking other opportunities abroad.
Speaking prior to the region’s leading international travel and tourism exhibition, David Thomson, COO of JA Resorts & Hotels, said: “Looking ahead we see a great deal of potential for us as a UAE-based hotel chain to deliver our unique approach to hospitality, which is primarily driven by the generous and welcoming Arabian culture. The Indian Ocean was a natural fit for us because of our experience in running five-star, luxury properties, as well as sharing a similar clientele to that of Dubai.”
Currently JA Resorts & Hotels operates the sophisticated and picturesque Enchanted Island Resort in the Seychelles which is located on a private island tucked away in the middle of a designated National Marine Park. The resort boasts ten deluxe villas, each with their own infinity pool and deck, surrounded by natural vegetation and rock formations, white sandy beaches, rich marine life and incredible ocean views. The resort officially opened in December 2013 and has already become a favourite among international celebrities and affluent travellers. The island can also be rented on an exclusive basis to guarantee absolute privacy and complete relaxation. Prices for the exclusive island rental of Enchanted Island Resort start at Euros 10,000 per night on a bed and breakfast basis and it can accommodate up to 24 guests.
“We are also delighted to introduce our second property in the Indian Ocean located in the Maldives, which will be re-launched later this year as JA Manafaru. Over the next few months we will be investing substantially in upgrading and refurbishing the property to meet our brand standards and will position it as a key competitor in the luxury resort segment. The property will present both couples and families with a high-end holiday offering all year round.”
JA Manafaru boasts 84 keys consisting of beach villas and water villas all with private pools, seven food and beverage outlets, a spa and beauty complex, water sports and PADI dive centre, and extensive children’s entertainment area. The resort will offer guests a choice between bed and breakfast, half board or all-inclusive. The all-inclusive package will allow guests to enjoy all the facilities, restaurants, seaplane transfers, childcare and non-motorised water sports, with no additional charges.
Investing and operating in the Maldives has been regarded as a natural progression following JA Resorts and Hotel’s presence in the Seychelles, with both countries sharing similar attributes with regards to the hospitality industry.
