Our Favourites
Joali proves that guests can enjoy all the privileges of an ultra-luxury modern resort and still sense the sublime pleasures of a ‘sand-between-the-toes’ island retreat. Now, with the opening of its sister island, Joali Being, Lucibello guests can enjoy a luxurious Joali beach holiday then take a 20-minute boat ride to spend 4 or 5 days at an equally luxurious retreat devoted to wellbeing in body and mind.
Joali Maldives is fringed with pristine ivory-white beaches and clear azure waters teeming with marine life. Ashore, the resort was constructed keeping in mind the conservation of the natural environment – over a thousand trees were preserved, leading to an abundance of coconut palms amid lush vegetation. Along with the wonders of nature, guests are also surrounded by the creativity of artists and sculptors. Styling itself as ‘art-immersive’, original work by world-renowned artists and local artisans adorns the resort, including the opulent, yet understated villa interiors.
Spread across the verdant island, 73 spacious villas create an aura of sustainable glamour. There are six accommodation categories, from a spacious suite on the beach to a deluxe three-bedroom over-water apartment with two pools. All the villas have traditional thatched roofs, sea views and an infinity pool. With inspiring artworks and indulgent amenities, each villa offers a haven of blissful luxury. Stunning sea views offer a backdrop of turquoise and azure, with a private infinity pool stretching seamlessly towards the Indian Ocean.
Most villas have outdoor baths and showers and the superb facilities include a juicer and a bedside iPad that controls lighting, music, air conditioning and the opening and closing of the curtains. Featuring Maldivian craftsmanship, the villa interiors are immensely stylish, yet surprisingly homely. Each time we return to Joali and step into our villa we immediately feel at home – a welcoming effect that’s hard to achieve in high-end hospitality and much appreciated.
The cuisine on Joali is an appetising factor in our decision to list the resort among Lucibello’s favourites. TUH’U, our first-choice restaurant, features Levant cuisine, with dishes from Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. Located alfresco on the sand under atmospherically lit palms and the night sky, the authentic dishes reveal an incredible explosion of flavours. Another restaurant we recommend is Saoke, serving Japanese sakes, sushi and a choice of teppanyaki or kotatsu seating for iron-griddle enthusiasts.
Considering that Joali has just 73 villas, the choice of restaurants is deliciously wide. Vandhoo offers a dining experience encompassing South East Asian, Chinese and Mediterranean cuisines, while Bellinis is uncompromisingly Italian. With a carefully crafted menu by Michelin starred chef Theodor Falser, the dishes present authentic Italian flavours in an ultra-luxurious ambiance. Yet another restaurant, Her Kitchen, gives guests the opportunity to cook local recipes in the luxurious surroundings of a professional restaurant kitchen, guided by Joali’s experienced chefs.
Each time we visit Joali, we’re impressed by the dedicated service of our friendly private butler. Known as a Jadugar, he can arrange virtually anything, from spa and restaurant reservations to laundry service and boat trips. Guests can sail across sparkling waters to observe enigmatic manta rays and majestic whales, visit nearby Maldivian islands for glimpses of local life or set off in a dhoni to view a magical sunset.
The professionally trained staff at Muramas Kids Club are equally attentive and caring. Joali offers a range of exciting activities especially crafted for children between 4 -12 years. Young guests are invited to explore positive new experiences in culture, oceanography, cookery, and the creative arts.
The club arranges engaging activities that combine playtime with learning. Little ones can nurture their imagination at the art & craft room, learn basic yoga at the Kids Spa and join Maldivian storytellers as they share fantastical tales of seafaring adventurers and island castaways.
The resort’s Espa spa offers tailor-made treatments for the ultimate spa experience. Unique signature treatments will completely restore the body’s vitality and vibrancy, unlocking guest’s inner joy. Based on the principles of holistic wellness, each therapy begins with a refreshing coconut water infusion and culminates with a culinary delight to complement and enhance the experience. The 8 treatment rooms, with breath-taking views and a luxuriously and artful design concept, create a bespoke and unique wellness experience.
With invigorating views of crystal waters and lush green foliage, Joali’s fitness centre offers an indoor workout experience surrounded by nature. The centre’s talented trainers create personalised fitness routines to help guests meet their training goals. The resort also provide bicycles for all guests, ideal for those who love to pedal their way to new discoveries and spectacular views. After all that exertion, Joali’s Relaxation Lounge, in a lush garden overlooking the private spa beach, invites quiet contemplation.
