JOALI

While JOALI showcases the turquoise lagoons, swaying coconut palms, soft golden sands, and traditional thatched roof architecture of other Maldivian resorts, JOALI Maldives was created to celebrate the Joy of Living. This is expressed through immersive and interactive artworks which feature throughout the resort and accommodation. Along with an art trail of specially commissioned pieces from famous names including artist Porky Hefer, glassmaker Feleksan Onar and sculptor Seckin Pirim, artworks can be found in the villas, scattered among the palms, and on the beach. There’s even an Art Studio where guests can create their own art.

The resort is under an hour’s seaplane flight from Malé on Muravandhoo Island, part of the Raa Atoll. Guests can choose from 73 luxurious overwater and beachfront villas, each with a private pool and a jadugar, literally a ‘magician.’ These genial private hosts ensure every need and desire is taken care of. While the villas feature traditional Maldivian architecture with thatched roofs and a wooden construction, the décor is infused with contemporary glamour, original artworks, and indulgent amenities.

Along with a dedicated jadugar, and private infinity pool, each villa includes a deck with sun loungers, large comfortable seating area and a bicycle for getting around the resort. Villa amenities include Wi-Fi, Apple TV, climate control, BOSE sound system, minibar, safety deposit box, tea/coffee making facilities, outdoor rain shower, as well as spacious bathrooms with bathtub, rain shower, hair dryer and hair straighteners.

Overwater villas have direct access to the lagoon, while beachfront villas offer direct beach access and while the Indian Ocean views are universally wonderful, there are villas to suit both sunrise and sunset lovers. All sleep a minimum of three guests but there is a wide range of options for families and larger groups, including villas with two, three and four bedrooms, sleeping up to eight guests. The four-bedroom duplex villa includes a private library and a buggy with driver on hand for island excursions. Children are welcomed at the resort and can enjoy arts and crafts, treasure hunts, a gaming platform and outdoor pool area at Muramas Kids Club for 4–12-year-olds.

With Michelin-starred chefs and a range of authentic dining options, the food is exceptionally good. Two-star Michelin chef, Hidemasa Yamamoto oversees the overwater SAOKE Japanese restaurant, while Bellinis serves creative and flavoursome Italian cuisine from one-star chef, Theodor Falser. For Asian flavours, head to Vandhoo, or enjoy a romantic al fresco dinner on the beach at Tuh’u serving excellent Levant cuisine. SOAKE also hosts Le Petit Chef, an immersive culinary experience, which uses advanced 3D mapping technology allowing guests to follow the world’s smallest chef transform produce to plate.

For daytime cabanas and infinity pods, Mura Bar serves snacks and street food or for special occasions the resort offers destination dining. A BBQ on a sandbank, a romantic supper in the Manta Ray Treehouse or a family brunch in the Chef’s Garden, the choice is yours. For afternoon snacks head to La Joie, the resort’s artisanal chocolate and ice cream store. Along with an excellent wine cellar, JOALI also has a Whiskey & Cigar Lounge located within Mura Bar.

For a touch of indulgent pampering head to the JOALI Spa by ESPA, set amid lush gardens with ocean view treatment rooms and al fresco yoga platform, the emphasis is on holistic wellness. Two of the treatment rooms are overwater and during the evening the spa can be hired exclusively by one couple looking for a romantic way to relax. The spa enjoys visits from local practitioners and there is also a fitness centre with trainers on hand to help guests get the most from their gym routines.

As an immersive art resort, guests can enjoy one-of-a-kind installations sprinkled across the resort and island. There’s also the chance to express your own creativity in the Art Studio which holds workshops and imaginative events with visiting local artists. Guests can also discover the Joy of Cooking at Her Kitchen with cookery classes guided by experienced chefs.

To protect the natural beauty of its glorious location, JOALI has established several eco initiatives and has been awarded a silver grading from Earth Check.  These initiatives include a plastic-free policy, drinking water that is desalinated, filtered, and bottled on site and a reinvestment policy in local islands providing healthcare and educational resources.