Joali Maldives seeks to offer guests an unconventional approach to laidback luxury. Its artful design and highly-personalised service creates unforgettable experiences for the most discerning, well-travelled guest, while delivering outstanding hospitality.
Located close to the Equator, Muravandhoo is blessed with brilliant blue waters, unspoilt coral reefs and pristine white-sand beaches, its lust interior abundant with coconut palms. It is also where island retreat Joali is located, which has set a new benchmark for sophistication in the Maldives since its opening in November.
Yours truly was recently invited to experience Joali’s touted “Joy of Living” philosophy, via a three nights’ stay. From its exquisite villa to exploring the resort on bicycle, snorkelling in nearby waters and running my feet through the beach’s smooth sand, it was a mantra that was easy to embrace.
Joali is situated on Muravandhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, situated in northern Maldives and one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world.
The Joali experience begins shortly after arrival at the Male airport where guests are invited to relax in a private lounge before taking a 45-minute seaplane to the resort. One disembarks at the Joali jetty, where the staff awaits with eager faces. Amidst such a breath-taking backdrop, our 12- hour journey (via two flights and the afore-mentioned seaplane) to get to Joali was immediately forgotten.
Meticulous thought and attention to detail is prevalent in every facet of Joali’s impeccable offering as it seeks to offer guests of all ages a more unconventional approach to laidback luxury: from its artful design and architecture, to its carefully curated products, in-the-moment experiences and highly personalised services.
Stay, splash in style
Joali Maldives comprises 73 elegant private beach and water villas and residences, each inspired by individual stories and featuring artisanal amenities. Each villa features a private infinity pool, butler service, curated in-room libraries, thoughtful design and handpicked art.
Standout accommodations include the Three Bedroom Ocean Residence and Four Bedroom Beach Residence. Within the Three Bedroom Ocean Residence, guests can expect over 4,000sq feet of lavish living space across three bedrooms, three dressing rooms, two walk-in closets and two living rooms. Two infinity pools, a spa room and sauna, butler and valet service and an on-call Dhoni (a Maldavian sailboat) are included for guests in residence.
Four Bedroom Beach Residence boasts over 5,0000sq feet across four bedrooms nestled in a private beach enclave, offering guests sunrise and sunset views. The extravagant accommodations include indoor and outdoor living space, private infinity pool, spa cabana and sauna, curated library and guest quarters.
Guests staying in either residence also have 24-hour access to a personal butler and valet service, buggy and personal driver. The butler I was assigned to superseded my expectations, unpacking my luggage bag upon arrival and even preparing my bath tub (with flower petals!) to soak in after dinner.
Four restaurants serve guests inventive cuisine from across the globe to satisfy the most discerning of palates.
Dining options are Vandhoo Restaurant, a specially-designed dining experience encompassing flavours from across South-East Asia, China and the Mediterranean and The Mura Bar, which features sunset cocktails and light bites with cabanas and infinity pods overlooking a sandy white beach.
There is also Bellinis Restaurant, which serves Italian dishes and a wide range of Grappa’s, peach Bellini’s and homemade Limoncellos. For those yearning for Japanese food, there’s Saoke Restaurant – designed by world renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu – replete with Kotatsu seating, an elegant lounge and Nikkei cuisine. There is also a stylish whisky lounge and a chocolate and ice cream store.
Immersive art
As one of the first immersive art resorts in the Maldives, Joali is surrounded by interactive and experiential artistic pieces that incorporate surrounding nature. It celebrates young designers such as Misha Khan, Nacho Carbonell, Porky Hefer, Zemer Peled, Chris Wolston, Doug Johnston, Ardmore and London-based Studio Glithero.
Guests can explore the resort’s extensive art collection with an art map which highlights areas of interest including works created in collaboration with local artisans to support the Maldavian community.
Whimsical work is featured at the Art Studio & Gallery, which invites international guest artists to exhibit throughout the year. Eye-catching art is also delivered in the resort’s Living Room, where guests can decompress in comfort while reading one of the over 1,000 books available.
Design and architecture
Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, Joali Maldives is teeming with life, surrounded by tranquil lagoons, pristine white-sand beaches and a lush landscape of coconut palms. Internationally-renowned design studio, Autoban, architecture and design studio, Atolye4n and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt were appointed to lead the overall design and architectural ingenuity throughout the 24-acre resort.
Outstanding elements are apparent from the moment one steps through Joali doors: from an inviting Maldavian entrance featuring artisan wood to the feminine spirt of the property encompassed through natural, subtle colours and smooth transitions that blend with the island’s spirit.
Joali will curate specialised guest experiences aimed to educate and promote greater environmental awareness.
The resort’s sustainability story begins with its master plan and layout, which preserved over 1,000 trees during the construction process. What I found endearing about the resort is that it’s designed in and around every tree to ensure the preservation of its delicate ecosystem.
“In pursuing our team’s collective passion for nature conservation and Maldavian culture, we have the utmost confidence that Joali will set a new bar when it comes to a meaningful and immersive luxury experience,” said Steven Philips, general manager at Joali Maldives. “We have an accomplished team of dedicated hospitality professionals who are devoted to offering truly bespoke experiences and intuitive service at every turn and delivering our Joy of Living promise.”
Addressing one’s wellbeing
Achieving wellbeing is the very essence of Joali and holistically, the resort seeks to address physical ailments, emotional equilibrium and spiritual consciousness. A Wellbeing programme can be devised with the aim to reconnect individuals to themselves in mind, body and spirit.
Inspired by the tropical surroundings, a wide range of indulgent treatments are on offer. I was treated to a one-hour deep tissue massage and it was heavenly. A fitness centre offers expert trainers and expansive views of the ocean and the flora and fauna. Joali’s Flower Garden, a majestic showcase of local plants and flowers with workshops and events, will further inspire guests to expand their botanical knowledge.
Eschewing the usual “Kids’ Club”, Joali offers a host of imaginative activities to engage younger guests, including native storytelling with local raconteurs and interactive hunts around the resort. The facilities also include a kid-friendly kitchen.
Bespoke itineraries are created for guests: from snorkelling with manta rays to wakeboarding, chartered yacht and meeting with local communities. Indeed, there are many moments unique to Joali that one can create and these memories will stay with you well past your visit.
I, for one, cannot wait to return to make new memories in this paradise.
