○ Only resort with a Turkish hammam in the Maldives.

○ Desalination plant on the island meaning they can filter their own water.

○ Owned and designed by women which means there is everything you could wish for in the rooms – lots of storage, plenty of hanging space, full amenities kit, hair straighteners – the list goes on!!

○ Five restaurants offering varying cuisines – the food is a big plus here!

○ Incredible coffee which is hard to come by in the Maldives

○ There is lovely house reef which is accessible from multiple different parts of the island

○ Your own JOALI Butler is available 24 hours a day to look after your every need.

○ Unique features include a manta ray-shaped tree house designed by Cape Town architect Porky Hefer. The relaxing spot is made from wood and coconut thatch, has lovely views and serves as a refuge when you want to escape the sizzling beach

○ His and hers dressing room and bathroom facilities

○ You can access the reef from three sides of the island. The best area for snorkeling is around both sides of JOALI Spa by ESPA, where the coral is in pretty good condition on the small drop-off and there’s an abundance of parrotfish and butterflyfish.

Accommodation:
Each villa is inspired by different stories- from artisanal toiletries to award-winning books, music and movies, everything in these villas has been hand-picked. The understated exteriors give little away as to how pretty and spacious the interiors are. Bamboo, woven palm leaves and carved wood provide textures and depth, set against softer touches like plush rugs and romantic drapes over the beds. Forgoing the beige tones so common in Maldivian resorts, all villas are sprinkled in soft pinks, golds and blues to reflect the colors of the sunset. The hues also contribute in giving the rooms a delicate appearance. There are 73 villas – both on the beach and overwater and each villa comes with a private pool and access to the beach or sea. There are twelve two-bedroom villas, two family beach villas with two bedrooms and two pools plus one three bedroom water villa residence and one four-bedroom beach residence. Apart from the usual suspects, amenities in the room include Apple TV, BOSE sound systems, hair straighteners and non-allergenic pillows.

Location:
Located in Raa Atoll, one of the largest and deepest Atolls in the Northern area of The Maldives, JOALI is located at Muravandhoo Island. The public and private areas have been beautifully integrated. Since there are only 73 villas (although there’s space for many others), there’s a feeling of seclusion that many of the Maldives’ other new resorts lack.

Getting there:
To get to the resort take a 40-minute seaplane flight from Male to the Muravandhoo Island. JOALI has its own private plane which is well air-conditioned and very comfortable.

What to pack:
Light, airy clothes and open shoes is advisable as well as ample swimwear. JOALI has a beautiful shop too so leave some room in your suitcase for shopping!

Restaurants:
There are four restaurants available for dinner on the island – Saoke (Japanese), Bellinis (Italian),Vandhoo (South East Asian, Mediterranean and Levantine cuisines) which is where breakfast is too and TUH’U, serving Levant cuisine. Mura Bar is open daily for lunch and drinks and there is a chocolate and ice cream store to satiate all sweet cravings. Destination dining options plus special set ups are available on request and the Whiskey and Cigar lounge provides an excellent space for bachelor parties. Those looking to get involved in the kitchen can visit Her Kitchen. With Her Kitchen, you can cook local recipes with experienced chefs and experience the joy of cooking within the surroundings of a professional kitchen.

Spa:
Created with globally renowned Spa experts ESPA and delivered by a talented team, the JOALI Spa by ESPA Journey charts a holistic path, caring for your entire wellbeing. As well as indulgent treatments, a fitness centre offers expert trainers and expansive views of the turquoise hued ocean and deep green jungle. The following spa facilities are available at JOALI Spa by ESPA: sauna, steam room, power showers, Turkish hammam (the only in the Maldives), vitality pool, spa changing and relaxation areas.

Signature Activities:
JOALI was billed as the first art-immersive Maldives hotel. To help bring that title to life, Istanbul-based art curators No LaB gathered more than 60 pieces from noted and up-and-coming international talents for the resort. There are a selection of snorkelling, diving and dolphin cruise excursions as well as a number land activities including tennis courts and fully equipped gym. Watersports are available, including motorised and non-motorised options.

Kids Club:
With a vast range of activities for children of all ages, the littlest guests will leave with childhood memories which they will cherish for life. JOALI has created a host of offerings to keep little ones entertained; from native storytelling days with local raconteurs delighting children with their magical tales to interactive treasure hunts around the resort and cookery classes for budding chefs in the kid-friendly kitchen. Children under 4 years old must be supervised by a parent.

All villa rates are inclusive of daily breakfast at Vandhoo based on standard occupancy

The Maldives enjoys a near constant temperature of around 30°C all year round. Its tropical climate has two distinct seasons: dry or northeast monsoon season from December to April, and the southwest monsoon season from May to November, which brings some rain.