Art and luxury – a perfect combination and one that draws discerning guests from all around the world to JOALI Maldives. Our Indian Ocean luxury expert Lisa Curtiss travelled here recently to discover more about this highly acclaimed, award-winning resort’s unique allure.
Hotel
Nestled in the northern reaches of the Maldives’ Raa Atoll, JOALI Maldives offers an extraordinary experience for guests seeking a blend of indulgence, creativity, and adventure.
Surrounded by dazzling ivory sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the resort is a haven for luxury and tranquillity. A deep ridge encircles the atoll’s shallower plateaus, creating a uniquely favourable habitat for corals and marine life to thrive. JOALI’s commitment to sustainability and female empowerment underpins its operations, making it not just a luxurious retreat, but also a responsible one.
Room
JOALI Maldives features 73 luxurious villas and residences, each meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty. They redefine sustainable glamour, combining modern aesthetics with traditional Maldivian craftsmanship and artwork. Guests can choose from beachfront villas, overwater villas, and exclusive residences.
The beach villas offer direct access to pristine sands and are enveloped by lush tropical gardens. These villas provide spacious living areas, a large private pool, and expansive outdoor decks with covered seating areas for relaxing in the shade. The private grounds also include an outdoor shower and bath, providing a secluded retreat.
Inside, the multi-room villas are large yet welcoming, featuring a lounge area, bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom. The décor harmoniously blends contemporary design with local influences, showcasing hand-carved wooden furnishings, artisanal textiles, and bespoke artworks.
The overwater villas, suspended above the crystal-clear lagoon, provide an intimate connection with the ocean. Glass panels in the floors offer glimpses of the vibrant marine life below, while the private infinity pools and overwater hammocks allow guests to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. These villas also include luxurious amenities such as deep soaking tubs, rain showers, and spacious walk-in wardrobes.
For larger groups or families, the residences offer multiple bedrooms, expansive living spaces, and private pools, ensuring ample space and privacy. Each residence is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, with dedicated jadugar (private butler) service to cater to every need. From arranging gourmet breakfasts in bed to planning bespoke excursions, the jadugar ensures that every aspect of the stay is tailored to the guest’s preferences.
Food and drink
Dining at JOALI Maldives is an exquisite journey through diverse culinary landscapes. The resort boasts several dining venues, each offering a unique gastronomic experience in spectacular settings.
Vandhoo, the main restaurant, serves a variety of international cuisines with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast buffet is a lavish affair, featuring an array of pastries, tropical fruits, and made-to-order dishes. For lunch and dinner, the menu offers a fusion of flavours, from Mediterranean to Asian, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure.
Saoke offers a menu of contemporary Japanese dishes, crafted with precision and flair. Designed by renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, this overwater restaurant features a serene setting with stunning ocean views. The menu includes an array of sushi, sashimi, and robata grill specialities, complemented by an extensive sake selection.
Bellinis, meanwhile, brings a slice of Italy to the Maldives, offering authentic Italian cuisine and an impressive wine list. The restaurant’s rustic charm and beachside location make it a perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Signature dishes include handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts.
For a more casual option, Mura Bar serves light bites and refreshing cocktails by the pool. The bar’s laid-back atmosphere is ideal for lounging in the sun, while the menu features a variety of snacks, salads, and grilled dishes. In the evening, Mura Bar transforms into a vibrant social hub, with live music and themed events.
For those with a sweet tooth, Lajoie is a must-visit. This artisanal chocolate and ice cream studio offers a selection of handcrafted chocolates, gourmet ice creams, and decadent pastries. Guests can indulge in a variety of treats, from classic favourites to innovative flavour combinations, all made with the finest ingredients.
A special dining experience can be found high in the tree canopy in a manta ray-shaped seating area reached by a winding vertical staircase. The views out to the ocean are wonderful, providing a unique and memorable breakfast setting.
Spa and wellness
JOALI Maldives takes wellness to new heights with its comprehensive wellbeing programmes. The JOALI Spa by ESPA offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Set within lush gardens, the spa provides a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and healing. Treatment rooms blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the serene environment.
The spa menu includes traditional massages and facials, as well as innovative therapies that incorporate local ingredients and techniques. Signature treatments include the Maldivian healing massage, which uses coconut oil and warm seashells to relieve tension and promote relaxation. The spa also offers personalised wellness consultations, providing tailored advice on nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness.
In addition to the spa, JOALI Maldives offers various wellness activities, including yoga and meditation sessions, fitness classes, and outdoor activities. The resort’s fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and personal trainers are available to assist guests with their fitness goals. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, guided nature walks and outdoor yoga sessions allow guests to fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty.
In November 2021, JOALI expanded its offerings with the opening of JOALI BEING, the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives. Located on Bodufushi Island, JOALI BEING is dedicated to holistic wellness, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to create transformative experiences.
The island’s design and amenities promote a sense of weightlessness, a state of joy, freedom, and lightness. Guests can participate in bespoke wellbeing programmes that focus on areas such as stress management, nutrition, fitness, and sleep. With expert practitioners and cutting-edge facilities, JOALI BEING offers a comprehensive approach to wellbeing that is both luxurious and effective.
To do
JOALI Maldives offers myriad joyful experiences designed to exhilarate the spirit. Dreamy seascapes extend as far as the eye can see, with palm-fringed sands meeting tranquil lagoons. Guests can explore kaleidoscopic coral reefs teeming with life and colour, creating unforgettable memories both above and below the waves.
Water enthusiasts can enjoy snorkelling and diving excursions, deep-sea fishing trips, or partake in a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The resort’s marine biologists offer guided tours and educational programmes, allowing guests to learn about the local marine life and conservation efforts.
For those seeking cultural immersion, JOALI offers excursions to nearby local islands, where guests can experience traditional Maldivian life. Romantic experiences include sunset cruises, private beach dinners, and bespoke photo shoots, ensuring that every moment is memorable.
What sets JOALI Maldives apart is its dedication to art. The resort is a living gallery, with artworks and installations scattered throughout the island. Each piece is thoughtfully curated to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings and inspire a sense of wonder. The art collection includes works by both local and international artists, showcasing a diverse range of styles and mediums.
Guests can embark on an art tour, guided by the resort’s art curator, to discover the stories behind each creation and meet the artists who brought them to life. The tour provides a unique insight into the creative process and the inspirations behind the artworks. The resort also offers interactive workshops at the Art Studio, where guests can explore their creativity and learn new skills. From painting and sculpture to traditional Maldivian crafts, these workshops provide a unique opportunity to engage with art in a hands-on way.
In a nutshell
JOALI Maldives offers a luxury experience that goes beyond the ordinary. With its blend of artistic flair, culinary excellence, and holistic wellness, the resort provides a unique and transformative journey for every guest. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep connection with nature and art, JOALI Maldives is a destination where dreams come to life.
Factbox
Address: JOALI Maldives, Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
Phone: +960 658 4444
Email: reservations.jomv@joali.com
Website: joali.com
Photography courtesy of JOALI Maldives.
