Top Tips for the Business Traveller to Maldives – JOALI

Even if I could magic my own paradise into existence, it would not have prepared me for the perfection of JOALI MALDIVES. With powder white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, a plethora of tropical fish & sea turtles, coconut palm trees, and perfect all-year round temperature (27 degrees Celsius (80 Fahrenheit) to 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), JOALI is a peace seekers dream.

With breathtaking views from the light blue JOALI seaplane as you descend onto the clear Indian Ocean and a warm welcome from the friendliest staff in the world, this place is a haven of warmth and tranquillity.

JOALI MALDIVES is on Muravandhoo Island in the Raa Atoll – a 40-minute sea plane from the JOALI private lounge at Male airport. The JOALI private sea plane lounge is a sneak peak of what is to come – gorgeous interior design, warm welcoming staff, seamless service, and a welcome drink of a white grape or peach bellini.

As you board the private sea plane, you are already transported into relaxation as the staff immediately look after you, offering cold towels.

Arriving at JOALI is a special experience – with a gorgeous sweeping over water entrance designed to look like a swooping manta ray. You are immediately greeted with refreshing coconut drinks and an introduction to your “Jadugar” for your stay which is your 24/7 private butler.

The interior design & architecture is breathtaking from the moment you arrive to every edge of the island. JOALI’s 73 overwater and beach villas are stunning with light pastel colours of beige, cream, pale pink, light turquoise, light blue, and mint green – almost a reflection of the coral life and the pure white beach. The beach itself might be one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen with gentle waves from two directions softly crashing into each other. The evocation of joy and serenity is felt throughout this island.

We were taken by our private butler Najah to our overwater villa across the longest overwater pier in the Maldives (1.3 Km). At the entrance were two bicycles with our individual names engraved onto wooden labels on each. The beauty of the interior was stunning with immensely high ceilings, pale coloured furnishings, a stand-alone bathtub, walk in wardrobe, inside and outdoor showers, snorkelling gear in our sizes, and an infinity pool overlooking the clear lagoon which you can dive right into.

Dining

There are many dining options such as the beautifully designed Japanese restaurant Saoke. Constructed by world class architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, this beautifully up lit bamboo-like overwater restaurant offers a curated menu by Michelin-star Chef Kazuo Takagi (from TAKAGI restaurant in Japan). With excellent sashimi, black miso cod, Miyazaki wagyu grade 9 (the top rating for wagyu – marbling and flavour), charcoal Robata dishes and fine sakes (which can be specially picked by a top sommelier), Saoke offers world class cuisine in a unbeatable location.

Vandhoo is the island’s breakfast spot offering cuisines including European, Maldivian, Chinese and Indian. There are an array of fresh tropical fruits, yoghurts, breads and pastries. Tuh’U offers cuisine inspired by the Levant with Middle East influences such as shish taouk, dolmades, and grilled meats. Bellinis is an Italian restaurant spearheaded by Michelin Star Chef Theodor Falser, offering a variety of Tuscan-inspired fresh pasta, fish, meat, (and an excellent chocolate mousse). La Joie offers home-made ice creams in a colourful art deco setting. Mura Bar was our favourite dining spot where you can sit on the beach and have delicious pizzas and fresh fish ceviche by the pool. Within Mura is a whiskey and cigar lounge.

JOALI will also organise special experiences like private dining on the beach, breakfast in the intimate Manta Ray Tree House (designed by Porky Hefer, this piece of art is an actual treehouse with a winding walkway upwards into the trees, overlooking the ocean). One of their celebrity guests requested an outdoor movie experience on the beach under the stars.

Our favourite experience was snorkelling with marine biologist Shameem who gave us a coral nursery tour, showing us the underwater planted “Christmas tree” and the planted coral donated by guests. We even got to swim beside an amazing sea turtle which Shameem captured underwater on his GoPro camera.

JOALI is laden with hidden gems such as the JOALI BEING cure spa which offers world class treatments such as massages and facials. We experienced the incredible Hamman in a stunning white marble room with heated marble beds and warm water overflowing into golden bowls. On the island, you can also enjoy the fully equipped fitness centre, tennis court, padel court, Muramas kids club, designer fashion store and jewellery boutique.

Island Art Immersion

JOALI is the first art-immersive island in the Maldives with design accents of art-infused lamps, furniture, tapestries, paintings, and sculptures dotted all over the island and within the rooms. Art curators Zeynep Ercan and Asliala Onur (based in No LaB, an art curation company in Istanbul), have carefully selected artists from all over the world showcase their wonderful pieces throughout JOALI. The artists are carefully selected based on their commitment to sustainability and the environment. Installations include pieces from London-based Glithero and New York-based Misha Kahn. Other standout artworks are from Porky Hefer (South Africa), Nacho Carbonell (Spain), Soojin Kang (Korea), Felekşan Onar (Turkey), Doug Johnston (USA), Ardmore (South Africa), Seckin Pirim (Turkey), Reinaldo Senguino (Venezuela), Zemer Peled (Israel), Chris Wolston (USA), Auerlie Hoegy (France), Maja Rohwetter (Germany), Studio Mameluca (Portugal), and Jeanne Susplugas (France).

You can take art classes like pottery at the island’s art studio led by the artist in residence Nataliya Kuleshova and keep your creations as a keepsake. The Maison de JOALI is where you can purchase teas as well as objets d’art created by local artisans.

Responsible Luxury

The JOALI brand is committed to responsible luxury and sustainability in all aspects of their offering. They go above and beyond most resorts, offering a reef restoration programme, encouraging guests to regularly plant coral. The JOALI staff regularly dive to remove plastic from the ocean. JOALI works with the Olive Ridley Project to remove ghost gear, collate research data, and rehabilitate green & hawksbill turtles. There are environmental-focused activities for guests such as tree-planting and educational games about marine life.

JOALI MALDIVES

Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives

+960 658-4444

[email protected]

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