Maldives is one of our all-time favorite destinations, and there is nothing quite like the experience offered by the top resorts in the country. So when we heard about Joali Maldives, we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to stay here. (Don’t miss the photo essay from our stay!)
*This post contains affiliate links from which we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
When designing a resort in the Maldives, its creators inevitably come across a problem: how to make it stand out among other top hotels in the country? What to add to the blueprint that others have not thought of before?
Here is a refreshing thing: Joali didn’t try to reinvent the concept of a luxury island resort. Instead, the brand chose to focus on refined simplicity, placing a bet on getting “it” right. Joali emphasizes the essentials of luxury experience: solid craftsmanship, top-notch service, and excellent cuisine. The resort is well-built and beautifully designed, it serves wonderful food and is staffed with people who care about their work and the experience of their guests. And this, dare we say, is quite enough to create magic.
Check availability for JOALI Maldives:
Kiwi Collection | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
This magic revealed itself from the moment we stepped into the Joali airport lounge. Here we were treated to a warm welcome, with glasses of Prosecco, plenty of snacks, and excellent coffee. And the lounge’s ambiance was just right. Soon, we boarded the seaplane, bound for the resort. The seaplane splashed down some distance from the island (good idea; these things are loud) docking to a floating platform, from which a speedboat took us to the arrival jetty and lounge.
The jetty is an extraordinary structure, more a contemporary sculpture than a building. Despite comparisons to a “manta ray” or “two fish kissing”, we were happy to think about it simply as an abstract thing of beauty. The welcome party received us there, and it included our butler (or, our Jugadar).
If the arrival jetty made one strong impression, our villa made another. The sense of spaciousness, as we entered, was astonishing. From the lounge area to the bedroom, and from the freestanding bathtub in the middle of the bathroom to the sundeck with the absolute beast of a swimming pool — it was stunning. It got us thinking about how much the generosity of space matters to build a sense of luxury.
Interior design completed the show-stopping villa architecture. The theme was neutral beige-to-brown, but we loved the small details and splashes of color, from salmon pink fabrics and rose copper metal, to the emerald, bamboo-inspired tiles in the outdoor shower. It all created a sense of timeless elegance.
In other parts of the resort, its design blends this elegance with playfulness, e.g. in the commissioned art pieces, or the fun structures. Dinner in a house-sized manta ray, anyone? A photo-op in a bird’s head, weaved out of wicker? Joali has you covered.
But this, in a way, is just a decoration. The core of the resort experience is reflected in the vision behind the brand, captured in the “Joy of Living” motto. For us, this joy came through the service, the atmosphere, and through the culinary offering. And even more sides of the joie de vivre can be found in the extensive water sports activities, and in the beautiful spa, which boasts an extensive menu of treatments and sessions.
*This review contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Categories: Barefoot luxury, Beach resorts, Creative vibes, Editor's Pick, Family vacation, Honeymoon, Island resorts, Luxury hotels, Luxury resorts, Modern design, Private villas, Quiet location, Relaxing vacation, Romantic, Secluded location, Spa, Tropical vacation, Wow factor,
Number of rooms & suites: 73
Rate per night: From $3,000 USD
*The rate is only approximate and is based on our own independent research, at the time of writing. We cannot guarantee the rate in any way.
Check room rates and bookQuietly sophisticated and effortlessly fabulous, Joali Maldives introduced a distinctive brand of luxury to a destination that has seen it all. We had a fantastic time here and would return in a heartbeat.
See the photo essay from our stay at Joali Maldives
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 31/08/2024
One of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean