Where a bounty of five-star resorts jostle for attention, it takes something extraordinary to stand out from the crowd. JOALI Maldives does just that.
Haven’t heard of JOALI yet? That may be because it’s a well-kept secret among those in-the-know... but that is set to change as it makes a splash as one of the stars of the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World's Best Holidays. JOALI Maldives is one of a cluster of resorts taking experiential stays to the next level, in a bid to continually surprise and inspire the most well-versed and well-heeled of Maldivian guests.
Discover more about JOALI Maldives on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8:30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
The resort is a living, breathing art gallery
On the world stage, the Maldives may not rank as a pioneering art destination: JOALI Maldives is one of a handful of resorts that are truly shifting the dial. This isn’t just about a few token works, but a sensibility that’s woven through the very fabric of the resort, from bespoke commissions by international artists to an onsite art studio. Its annual Art Week, developed by a respected curator, transforms the resort into an interactive art gallery, from sculptures through the grounds to theatrical cuisine in collaboration with Le Petit Chef, projected right onto the plates at the Soake restaurant.
Every butler-serviced villa has a pool
Whether suspended over the lagoon or tucked away within tropical gardens, every single villa here has its own private pool (some even have the luxury of two, for those who like to alternate sunbathing spots). Beneath traditional thatched rooves are beds made of recycled coconut shells, artwork inspired by the Indian Ocean and countless little luxuries like lighting and mood control panels and BOSE sound systems. A dedicated Jadugar (private butler) is on hand for everything from the big things (like organising a proposal) to the little things (breakfast in bed, anyone?).
You can have dinner in a treehouse
Here, art transcends from a feast for the eyes to a setting for a feast. The resort’s Porky Hefer-designed manta ray sculpture, inspired by the Maldives’ resident 5,000 reef manta rays and woven from natural materials, doubles up as a treehouse-style hideaway for intimate dinners. Floating among the treetops, this cosy space, populated with scatter cushions, is a memorable spot for a romantic tête-à-tête.
Little islanders can try pottery and yoga
Even little ones are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and development here, with a roster of complimentary activities that blow the average kids’ club out of the water. A day at Muramas might include native Maldivian storytelling, cooking classes, treasure hunts and even yoga in the dedicated Kids’ Spa – guaranteed to make them want to namaste longer.
It has an overwater Japanese-Peruvian restaurant
Globally renowned restaurant architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu was enlisted to curate a setting like no other for Saoke – and the result is an overwater haven where the experience is equally as remarkable as the dishes (curated by chef Hidemasa Yamamoto, of his namesake restaurant at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore). The freshest sashimi and hand-rolled sushi, Wagyu and tiger prawns served teppanyaki-style, and sommelier-selected sake are served to the gentle lull of the ocean.
Specialists teach everything from Michelin-star cooking to martial arts
For those ready to peel away from the poolside, a program of visiting practitioners invites guests to expand their knowledge on topics spanning everything from patisserie to martial arts. The speakers are some of the finest in their field, from naturopath Sanket Yadahalli to Kung Fu master Sifu Aniket and Michelin-trained chefs Nina Tarasova and Ekaterina Alehina.
Its sister resort, JOALI Being, is the Maldives’ first dedicated wellness resort
Much as it’s a pioneer in the art space, the JOALI brand is also breaking new ground when it comes to wellbeing, as the first to create a Maldives resort dedicated exclusively to wellness: JOALI Being. Personalised programs incorporate sound therapy amid the forest (as experienced by LETV host Holly Kingston in episode one of the brand-new season), overwater meditation and Watsu aquatic therapy (a mixture of stretching, acupressure and massage in warm water). There are a whopping 39 treatment rooms here, offering everything from Ayurvedic massages with house-blended oils to charcoal facials. A taste of the JOALI Being program can also be experienced at JOALI Maldives, where holistic wellness rituals include spa treatments and fitness classes from Pilates to HIIT.
Discover the Maldives
Discover more about the Maldives on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Thursdays 8.30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle.
This season of Luxury Escapes: The World's Best Holidays is brought to you by Citi Credit Cards. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.
Featured image: JOALI Maldives.
