Only opening in 2018, Joali Maldives is the dreamy Indian Ocean archipelago’s new kid on the block and after visiting it ourselves recently, we couldn’t wait to tell you about it. With a focus on immersive art and an infectious joie de vivre vibe, Joali is fresh, new and unlike anything we’ve seen in the Maldives. Keen to know if it’s for you? Read on to find out a little more about this exciting new resort.
Tell me more about Joali’s vibe and atmosphere…
Joali Maldives is a very luxurious resort, where you can enjoy a high-end range of amenities. It has a very tranquil atmosphere with a particular emphasis on wellness and relaxation, while a beautiful selection of immersive artwork is dotted throughout the island. The villas themselves are also like pieces of art, their thatched roofs and dark natural woods authenticity – just like you’d imagine the ultimate Maldivian escape to be. Inside, the décor is stunning with creams and light colours and its touches of rose gold show impressive attention to detail.
Remind me why it’s it unique in the Maldives?
It’s the first and only immersive art resort in the Maldives. As you wander around the island, there’s many pieces of art which you can interact with, from a manta ray treehouse where you can have an unbelievable private dining experience, a manta nest with a private cinema screen and hanging nest-style seats in the shape of heron heads. Apart from the art, all of the villas are very generously sized, each coming with huge private pools and a large decking area complete with hammocks over the lagoon. What’s more, each room comes with its own jadugar (a butler, although the word literally translates to magician), so if that’s not a sign that your stay here will be special, we’re not sure what is. It also feels super remote – you can see a few inhabited islands on the horizon but no other resorts are nearby. If you’re looking for the ultimate Maldivian experience then Joali certainly won’t disappoint!
Sounds amazing. So, what can you do when you get there?
There are plenty of water sports available to try, from parasailing to snorkelling, while there’s a dedicated dive centre, too. You can be accompanied by the on-island marine biologist when you go diving to help bring the spectacular coral to life.
With its creative focus, there’s an inspiring art studio you can wander while the resort also has an emphasis on wellbeing, so its ESPA-designed Joali Spa and yoga pavilion are not to be missed. Tennis and football courts offer more ways to burn off some energy but when you’re just looking to chill, the main pool also has striking sunken dining areas.
I’m guessing I won’t go hungry, either?
Certainly not! Joali Maldives has three restaurants, each of which offer something different. Vandhoo offers Southeast Asian, Chinese and Mediterranean dishes, Bellinis restaurant serves up sumptuous Italian cuisine and Saoke – gloriously perched over water – plates up fine Japanese food while you gaze out over the glittering ocean. Wine tasting, a delightful chef’s garden and cooking classes at Her Kitchen are all memorable culinary experiences and you’ll also get very excited at Lajoie – Joali’s ice-cream parlour which has over 60 flavours! Yes, you read that correctly…
So, who is Joali best suited for?
Even though it has a very good kids’ club and children of all ages welcome, Joali is probably a little bit more suited for couples or families with older children, purely because it has a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. That said, if you’re looking for a supreme Maldivian experience, whether you’re a couple or a family, then Joali is definitely for you!
