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THE MALDIVES
A hotel review of JOALI Maldives. All images courtesy of Faye Bradley | CSP Times.
JOALI Maldives has been on my travel radar since it opened in 2018, earning accolades for its architecture and art-focused concept. I finally got the chance to visit during a recent trip with two family members (who are both over 55). As a getaway for the three of us, it turned out to be an ideal choice for multigenerational travellers.
We travelled to JOALI via a four-hour flight from Dubai, flying Emirates. There are also direct flights from Hong Kong to the Maldives with Hong Kong Airlines.
After landing in Malé mid-afternoon, the island heat hit us in that familiar, tropical way: a wave of warm air that felt like an embrace and a challenge at once. But whatever potential chaos of arrivals was softened by the JOALI team waiting for us at the airport. Slick, calm, and very much in control, they greeted us as if they’d been anticipating this precise moment for months. We were swiftly shepherded to the JOALI seaplane lounge, where cold towels and even colder juices appeared, as if by magic, to stave off the early symptoms of travel fatigue.
The lounge was a brief but pleasant respite, and before we had the chance to fall into a lull, we were boarding the seaplane. This is where the Maldivian adventure truly begins. There’s something theatrical about taking off in a seaplane - the noise, the splash, the immediate realisation that you are about to be airborne over one of the most absurdly beautiful places on the planet. For forty minutes, we soared over a scattering of turquoise atolls, each one more enticing than the last, until finally, the jewel of Muravandhoo Island appeared beneath us.
The island sits in the Raa Atoll, part of North Maldives, and while the journey was seamless, it was just long enough to give you the sense that you were truly leaving everything behind. As we descended toward the water, it felt less like arriving at a resort and more like landing in someone’s fever dream of paradise.
For those unfamiliar with the JOALI brand, it’s not surprising. They’ve chosen quality over quantity, with just two properties in existence, both tucked away in the Maldives – one being JOALI Maldives, the other, JOALI BEING. The brand is the brainchild of Esin Güral Argat, a female Turkish entrepreneur and one of Turkey’s leading business figures, who, after falling in love with the Maldives over twenty years ago, decided to create her own corner of paradise.
According to one of the ever-smiling marketing team members, the resort "has a woman's touch." And indeed, you can sense it everywhere – the details feel thoughtful, with a softness that balances luxury without overpowering it. The name "Joali" itself is rich with meaning. It evokes the French words for "pretty" (jolie) or "joy," but its roots lie closer to home, in the local Dhivehi language, where it translates to "chair." This choice reflects the resort’s concept – a pathway to "weightlessness" – a feeling of unburdened lightness, freedom, and joy that somehow permeates every corner of the property. And, as I was about to find out, that sense of lightness isn’t just metaphorical.
The design at JOALI is nothing short of immaculate. Conceived by Autoban, an Istanbul-based architecture firm known for its meticulous attention to detail, the resort is a masterclass in understated elegance. The buildings are layered with local timber, bamboo, and terrazzo flooring, all softened by custom-made furnishings that strike the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. Every corner of the resort feels open and airy, with towering ceilings that invite the outdoors in, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Wherever you are, you're only a few steps from the beach or the water – a constant reminder that here, nature is not something you visit but something you live alongside.
We stayed in two of the Luxury Overwater Villas, which, at 280 square meters, is nothing short of palatial. The villa was a thoughtful blend of indulgence and practicality, with a private pool, a sprawling living room, and a bedroom that felt like it belonged in a design magazine. The bathroom was equipped with his-and-hers sinks, as well as both indoor and outdoor showers – a subtle nudge to take your morning routine outside, should the mood strike. But the pièce de résistance was the overwater hammock, suspended above the lagoon, with stairs leading straight into the water. It became my favourite place to disappear to, lulled by the gentle lapping of the waves.
Our Jadugar – literally "magician" in local parlance, though more commonly known as the butler – was Asim, who, like everything else at JOALI, seemed to appear exactly when needed and disappear just as discreetly when he wasn’t.
As someone with a background in fine arts, I was particularly excited to explore JOALI's unique art installations. Unlike the sterile, hands-off atmosphere you might find in a traditional gallery, the ethos here is one of interaction. You're encouraged not just to look at the pieces, but to touch them, sit on them, even engage with them in ways that blur the lines between art and life. It’s as if the island itself is a living, breathing gallery – one where the works invite participation, rather than silent contemplation.
One of the standout pieces was by South African artist Porky Hefer, who designed a manta ray treehouse that felt more like a whimsical hideaway than a mere sculpture. We had breakfast there the following morning, perched in the treetops, as though suspended in nature’s own art installation. Another favourite was Aurelie Hoegy’s JOALI Hammock, a stunning piece inspired by the island’s natural curves and silky white sands. Lying in that hammock, you’re not just an observer of art; you become part of it, enveloped in a landscape that fuses design with nature’s own artistry.
These installations aren’t just placed around the resort as eye candy; they’re meant to be experienced. Whether it’s lounging in the hammock or climbing into the treehouse, you’re invited to immerse yourself in the art. It’s a bold, refreshing concept – one that makes the entire island feel like a continuous creative dialogue. For me, and even for my parents, who aren’t exactly art aficionados, this added an unexpected depth to our stay, making the experience feel richer, more layered, and infinitely more memorable.
Once we were settled in the villa, we began to explore JOALI’s abundant offerings, starting with its culinary delights. Dining at JOALI isn’t just about feeding yourself – it’s an experience that takes you on a gastronomic journey through different cultures and tastes, a perfect setting for families like ours, with diverse preferences.
At Vandhoo, you can sample flavours from Southeast Asia, China, and India, with each dish meticulously crafted to reflect the depth of those regions’ cuisines. Breakfasts here are more than just fuel for the day; they’re sprawling, elegant affairs with something to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Fresh juices, buttery pastries, and eggs prepared with the finesse you’d expect from a high-end bistro – it’s a feast that keeps you lingering over each bite, which is just as well, given the equally impressive wine cellar on display.
For dinner, Bellinis transports you to Italy, a surprising but welcome detour in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser has curated a menu that feels intimate and authentic, with each dish reflecting the simplicity and care Italians bring to their food.
For something more exotic, Saoke offers an intriguing blend of Japanese and Peruvian fusion, a match made in culinary heaven. Designed by the renowned restaurant architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, the restaurant’s setting is almost as impressive as the food itself. The sakes and sushi were as fresh as you'd hope in a place surrounded by ocean.
At TUH’U, with mezze platters are as colorful as they are flavourful. As for lighter, more casual fare, Mura Bar quickly is a go-to for sunset cocktails and light bites. There’s something about sipping a perfectly mixed mojito while watching the Maldivian sun dip below the horizon that feels almost cinematic. The bar also offers a dizzying array of ice cream flavours, which became an unexpected indulgence for all of us – because who can resist a good soft serve in paradise?
Each meal felt thoughtfully designed not just to impress but to transport, and what struck me most was how well it catered to all of us. My parents, both over 55, relished the variety and the ease with which the staff accommodated their preferences. Whether it was an impromptu request for an extra dish or recommendations tailored to their tastes, JOALI’s dining experience was seamless and attentive without being obtrusive, the kind of quiet luxury that’s hard to find but easy to appreciate.
After a blissful night in one of the plushest beds I've ever slept in, we woke to the soft sounds of the ocean and the promise of another day in paradise. Breakfast at the Manta Treehouse did not disappoint – crab eggs benedict, freshly pressed juices, and strong coffee set the tone.
Next on the agenda was the traditional Turkish Hammam experience at JOALI Cure, the resort's immersive spa, which felt like an indulgent trip back in time. My parents and I each tried the hammam separately, but the consensus was clear – none of us had ever felt so rejuvenated.
The hammam room itself, crafted from exquisite marble, was as much a work of art as the treatments it offered. The scrub, the wash, the detoxifying sauna – each step left us feeling lighter, cleaner, and, in my older companion's case, with skin so soft that he couldn’t stop talking about it for days. The spa also offers an extensive range of treatments, from deep-tissue massages to revitalising facials, and there’s even a floating yoga pavilion one can attempt a sun salutation or two.
Though JOALI prides itself on its wellness offerings, it’s equally dedicated to nurturing creativity. The resort is famed for its art immersion, and part of that experience includes hands-on workshops. My family member, who is far from artistic by any stretch, was somewhat reluctant to join us for a ceramics class led by a resident artist. Yet, halfway through, he was fully engaged, shaping clay with a level of enthusiasm I hadn’t seen in years. It was more than just a fun activity – it became a bonding experience, one we talked about long after our pieces had been fired and glazed. For those travelling with children, there’s also a well-equipped kids’ club and babysitting services, offering peace of mind for parents wanting a bit of solitude.
But the true highlight of our trip came when we set out on a dolphin cruise. After an hour and a half of scanning the horizon, hope was waning. Then, as if on cue, a pod of spinner dolphins appeared – about 50 of them, gracefully darting through the water, their young ones leaping and spinning in the air. It was one of those rare moments of perfect connection with nature that leaves you breathless. The day’s high was capped off with dinner at Bellinis: lobster, steak, and delicate tortellini served under a canopy of stars, our skin still warm from the Maldivian sun and our spirits lifted from the dolphin spectacle.
That night, I slept as soundly as a baby, waking early the next morning for a swim in the crystal-clear lagoon. We’d already snorkelled around our villa and spotted a multitude of tropical fish, but a session with the resort’s marine biologist had been highly recommended. And now I can't imagine snorkelling without one. Within minutes of swimming out, we encountered a sea turtle grazing on the reef. We watched it for what felt like ages, surfacing and diving with a languid grace that was mesmerising. The marine biologist captured the entire experience on camera, a lasting memento of one of the trip’s most cherished moments.
For any guest who loves the ocean, booking a marine biologist-led snorkelling or diving tour is an absolute must. The resort’s daily itinerary is packed with activities – some complimentary, some at an additional charge – from sunrise yoga to tennis lessons, and even a semi-submarine experience.
Breakfast at Vandhoo on our last morning was, as expected, another highlight. Light, healthy options that somehow didn’t compromise on flavour kept us satisfied without weighing us down. The fare was varied and exciting, as if the chef understood that even breakfast should be an adventure. As we savoured our final moments at JOALI, knowing we were heading to JOALI BEING for the second leg of our trip, the feeling of weightlessness that the resort promises was already beginning to take hold. We left lighter, both in spirit and body, with memories that will undoubtedly linger long after the Maldives' sunsets have faded from view.
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Address: Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll 20066 Male, Maldives | Website: joali.com/joalimaldives | Email: reservations.jomv@joali.com | Phone: +960 658 44 00 | Facebook: @joalimdv | Instagram: @joalimaldives | Twitter: @JoaliMaldives
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