Joali is turning one year old and despite being so new, it is pure perfection. 50 villas that dot the island are ultimately luxurious, each decorated with exquisite furniture, plush rugs, floor to ceiling marble and unique art pieces.

This island is designed for those who appreciate only the best in life. Even though island follows the bare foot luxury approach, nothing about Joali is simple.

Location And Getting There

Joali is located in Raa Atoll and can be reached by a seaplane, 45 minutes flight away from Male. It is one of the less developed, pristine atolls in the Maldives. Joali is surrounded by turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean with no lights in site, apart from a couple of other resorts in the distance and a few uninhabited islands, that are perfect for a romantic getaway or Robinson Crusoe-style picnic.

Most of the international flights arrive to Male in the morning, which makes a seaplane connection easy. However if you arrive at night, there is a local airport 15 minutes away by boat, so you could still reach your island paradise on the same day.

Accommodation

The villas in Joali are the epitome of sustainable luxury – the only choice you’ll need to make is whether to stay over water or on the beach.

Each of the 73 villas has been thoughtfully designed with high ceilings, exquisite furniture, curated collection of books, art and artisan amenities.

The smallest Water Villa With Pool starts from 100 sq meters internally plus 104 sq meter deck. All villas feature a separate dressing room, spacious double bathroom with an outdoor rain shower, infinity pool and cabana. We had a pleasure of staying in a Luxury Water Villa With Pool that offers 300 sq meter of seamless indoor – outdoor living.

Maldives is becoming very popular with the multi-generational travellers and Joali caters perfectly for large families. Their three or five-bedroom villas can accommodate 8-10 guests.

For those who chose only the best Joali’s Three-bedroom Ocean Villa is nothing short of spectacular. It comes with nearly 1000 sq meters of living space, two infinity pools, Jacuzzi, valet service and on-call Dhoni. It is fit for royalty and that’s not an exaggeration. Middle Eastern royal families have already frequented the resort, as well as many international celebrities. Don’t be surprised to discover someone very well known at a dinner table next to you.

Dining

Joali has three incredible restaurants – Italian Bellini, Japanese Saoke and international Vandhoo. Lunch could be enjoyed poolside at Mura or at a shady table under the swaying palm trees with your feet in the sand. Many guests tend to order lunch in their villa – when the setting is that stunning, why would you ever want to leave your villa! Butlers would set up the table on the outside deck and ‘voila’ – lazy lunch is served for you to enjoy in your swimmers.

Breakfast is a delightful affair at Vandhoo and consists of a cold buffet complimented by a comprehensive menu of pretty much anything your heart might desire – eggs, sweets, Asian dishes, juices, smoothies, healthy dishes.

Saoke chefs are being trained by three Michelin star chef from Japan and the best way to dine here is to ask the chef to serve you the best dishes of the day. The food is extremely fresh, creative and beautifully served. The best in Japanese fine dining under the stars!

Bellini is set in a very romantic candle-lit garden amongst the palms, with soft Italian music and compulsory Bellini to get you in the mood.  We loved their seafood and steaks while pasta lovers will have a few of the nonna-style dishes to choose from.

Facilities

You could be in Joali for a long time and you won’t get bored – there is a lot to do and days seem to fly past too quickly.

My favourite past time – lying on my villa’s deck with a good book to read with intermittent swims to say ‘hi’ to the sea life around our villa. Snorkelling is excellent at Joali. as there is coral on both sides of the water villas. House reef also won’t disappoint, but if you feel like venturing out, there are daily trips to nearby reefs to see sharks, turtles and colourful fish or if you lucky even to swim with the manta rays.  We had a magical experience swimming with 15-20 matas all around us for about half an hour. One of a kind dream swim.

For romantic couples there are many uninhibited islands and sand banks in the vicinity of Joali – just make a request and the team will drop you off for the day of ultimate Jane & Tarzan experience or will arrange a romantic dinner under the stars on a sand bank just for the two of you.

Water sports centre has the latest and the best of snorkelling and diving equipment, glass kayaks, jet skis, paddle boards – anything your heart desires for exploring the sea in or above the water.

Joali spa by Espa is set in a tropical pavilions with views of the lush greenery to enhance relation. It offers daily complimentary yoga classes and a range of holistic and indulgent treatments to reconnect body and soul.

The Lux Traveller Loves

Exceptional oversized villas that feel like a luxurious residence over water

Impressive art collection

Natural beauty of the island

Lots of activities that make the days fly by

Splitting Hairs

Even for a fussy traveller there is no way to fault Joali. This island is as close to perfection as they come.

The only feedback is that some of the Italian dishes could do with some fine tuning. Possibly an Italian resident chef?

All In All

Joali is an exceptional, ultimately luxurious island resort in the Maldives. Perfectly suited for a luxury traveller looking for the best. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it and can’t wait to return!