Joali hotel review: a Mediterranean-flavoured island retreat in the Maldives
Conde Nast Traveller
JOALI
A Mediterranean-flavoured island retreat with no gimmicks and some of the most passionate, experienced staff in the region.
Reviewed by Damien Gabet
Why book?
Five years in and Joali is still one of the most chic and characterful island resorts in the Maldives. A love of art and world-class design (it bills itself as the Maldives’ “first art-immersive resort”) adds cultural flair and helps guests to gently connect with the beauty of their surroundings. Joali also cleverly manages to make a broad church—from families to solo travelers—feel as if this is their own resort. Next-level attentiveness from friendly staff certainly helps.
Set the scene
Finding a resort whose layout and design genuinely complements the Maldives’ staggering natural beauty—it’s harder than you’d think. Though this is perhaps Joali’s strongest suit. Notice how the arrow-head pool at the Mura Bar seamlessly traces the shape of the sandy spit beyond. The interiors, meanwhile, never shout but still seem to wow with luxe Mediterranean touches and tasteful art. The latter is Joali’s first passion: its latest immersive art program features eco-conscious commissioned works by over 13 international artists. The island’s permanent Art House invites guests—of all ages—to get creative on canvas or pottery with the guidance of its resident artist. At the bar, and in its five restaurants, there’s a more convivial feel than the Maldives is known for—must be that broad mix of guests.
The backstory
The Joali brand reflects the style and tastes of its Turkish owner, Esin Güral Argat. A successful businesswoman in her own right, she’s part of the family-run Gürallar Group, a multinational based in Istanbul that covers tourism, manufacturing and construction. When Argat first visited the Maldives in 2000, she was smitten. Following subsequent trips she realised there wasn’t one resort that ticked all her boxes and so set about creating her own. “It’s magic, and a destination that’s alive for all 12 months of the year,” she said. In 2022, Argat opened her second Maldivian property, Joali Being, “the region’s first wellbeing island of its kind.”
The rooms
The 73 villas—some beach, others overwater—are divided into 11 categories and all come with thatched roofs (made entirely with palm fronds by local craftspeople) and a large private pool. The super-sized family beach villas have two. Interiors are serene, sophisticated and incredibly spacious with vaulted ceilings, oversized beds and vast bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs. In every room, a marble-and-rose-gold drinks bar sets a playful deco tone, while the outdoor rain showers, with their bright-green bamboo tiles, are fun and fitting. Elsewhere, dark-wood bas reliefs and miles of Norwegian green marble (Enigma Verde Lapponia) are the handsome hallmarks of design studio Autoban (famous for London’s Duck & Rice and Baku airport’s extraordinary makeover). If we had to choose? The beach suites: abundant flora and so much space. Sunset fiends will want the jetty, though.
Food and drink
Among the most enjoyable activities on the island is a mixology masterclass with spirited Vix, the bar manager at Saoke. He’ll teach you to turn some Joali classics before inviting you to make (and name) your own concoction. The Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in the same space is not to be missed. For the Nikkei treats—you have to try the hamachi ceviche and sake pairing—but also simply to admire the work of much-vaunted architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu. His glass-pillared wine cellar is nothing short of dramatic. Elsewhere, Bellinis is the spot for Italian classics (the truffle risotto was game changing) from Michelin-starred Theodor Falser. Finish the trip with pan Asian cuisine as part of a specially designed dining experience at Vandhoo.
The spa
While it doesn’t feel like the priority, a series of ‘wellness journeys’ begin in one of the eight overwater treatment rooms, each with a glass-fronted sauna. Enjoy an Espa-designed treatment, sweat a little and then take a plunge in the sea. Pretty points go to the grey-marble hammam, but it’s the floating yoga pavilion you’ll remember the most. Particularly those sun salutations at dawn.
The neighborhood/area
The Raa Atoll, where Joali is located, is under an hour by seaplane from the capital, Malé. The island is 24 acres in all, making it a large property in relative terms. That sense of space is soothing as you pedal your way round the sandy paths that scribble through a dense array of palms.
The service
It’s always a pleasure to interact with staff who strike the right note because they themselves are well looked after. Instinctively, that’s what you feel here, particularly with the jadugars (private butlers), who deftly find balance between attention, friendliness and savoir-faire. They also seem to have a sixth sense for what you might need before you know you need it, gently reminding you what not to forget for the spa—and then factoring in enough time to turn back when you inevitably do.
For families
Joali’s efforts to welcome and entertain families is evident even before arriving: the website offers a virtual tour of the kids club and you can read up on FAQs. Family beach villas will comfortably sleep five while the resort goes out of its way to offer activities for parents and kids to bond over. Oceanography lessons, cooking and art classes, and kids yoga. The marine talks by JOALI’s resident marine biologist are a hit, too.
Eco effort
While over 80% of the reefs around the resort were bleached following the dramatic temperature rises of El Nino in 2016, the resort is throwing everything at its coral nursery and the green shoots are showing. On land, over 1,000 trees were preserved while building the resort. Single-use plastic is banned on the island.
Accessibility
There’s an accessible path to the main lobby and guest rooms, with wheelchair accessibility to the hotel's main public restrooms. Staff are on hand to help guests check-in or concierge services.
Anything left to mention?
Art lovers should aim to be there in April when Joali hosts its annual Imagi-Nature Art Festival. Artworks included limited edition pieces and installations—from interactive sculptures and virtual reality soundscapes—that celebrate World Art Day.