JOALI Maldives: A Truly Immersive Getaway in The Heart of The Indian Ocean
From a spellbinding wellness retreat to an arts festival, guests at luxe Maldivian resorts, JOALI can expect unmatched levels of relaxation
Nestled in the enclaves of the Maldives, JOALI’s ultra-luxury resorts spare no expense when it comes to catering to their guests’ needs. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with yourself at a wellbeing retreat or unleash your inner artist, JOALI is fluent in your travel love language.
Recognising the positive impact of creativity on one’s psyche, JOALI Maldives emerged as the first art-immersive resort in the area. Located on the island of Muravandhoo in the unspoiled Raa Atoll, the resort is just a hop, skip and jump away from Malé by private seaplane. Having been around since 2018, the resort keeps art and sustainable luxury at the forefront. Made up of 73 overwater villas, JOALI Maldives caters to groups of all sizes. Perfect for family reunions or just a getaway for two, there’s an infinite amount of fun to suit visitors’ needs.
One unique aspect of the resort is the co-created experiential offerings. From cooking classes to picking up a paintbrush at The Gallery, there’s something for everyone. You could even try your hand at glazing pottery with resident artist, Nataliya Kuleshova, or go for a spritely game of tennis. Taking the time with loved ones and living in the moment are what make resort stays worthy and JOALI Maldives has understood the assignment.
Earnest in its mission to ensure its commitment to art and sustainability, the ultra-luxury resort has partnered with renowned art consultant and curator Tatiana Gecmen-Waldek this year. Having worked with the likes of Giorgio Armani, Etro, Roger Vivier, Cartier and more, Gecmen-Waldek has been inviting contemporary artists to bring their work in to showcase on the island. Exhibitions, limited editions and permanent installations are sprinkled throughout the property for guests to enjoy. Maps are provided on the premises to explore the many beautiful works. It’s an all-sensory experience for the whole family.
Speaking of art, to celebrate World Art Day, JOALI Maldives and Gecmen-Waldek will be hosting the first Imagi-Nature Art Festival from 14 to 18 April. Guests are invited to join in and get creative – literally. There will be a wide range of activities to participate in for all ages. A celebration of dreamers, adventurers, and storytellers, the Imagi-Nature Art Festival is the perfect chance to get in touch with your artistic side.
If honing in on wellness is more your speed, JOALI BEING will take your meditative breath away. As the Maldives’ first and only dedicated well-being retreat, you can expect to unburden yourself with a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Tucked away on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, JOALI BEING is made up of 68 private beach and water villas. The retreat is anchored in four wellness pillars – Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy. The philosophy is simple, each retreat is curated with a specialised transcendental journey tailored to your lifestyle and goals. “A quest that takes guests from being to becoming,” touts the retreat’s website.
The moment guests first step onto the arrival jetty, their journey begins. The Gate of Zero metaphorically and physically greets visitors in the form of a stunning structure by Turkish artist, Seçkin Pirim. Meant to mimic the movements of the ceremony of Sufi whirling, his work evokes a vision of a post-futurist, post-constructivist, and post-minimal world. From there a group of naturopaths, therapists and movement experts work with each individual guest to create a bespoke experience to meet their goals. The idea is to work on uplifting oneself with set intentions while pushing limits to give you the opportunity to reflect and grow.
The ultimate way to relax and recharge, JOALI BEING also offers transformational spaces built using Biophilic design principles along with 39 elevated treatment rooms spread across the island. The island’s Learning Centre offers a plethora of workshops with wellness experts, culinary maestros and herbalists to enhance your experience. Once you’ve built up an appetite, a robust culinary arts programme maintaining not one, but four earth-to-table dining destinations will satisfy just about any craving you may have.
A stay at either of JOALI’s resorts pulls back the dredge of real life to reveal an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to awaken your artistic passions or get in touch with your well-being, every consideration is made to make the trip unique. And with JOALI, stepping voluntarily back on the plane to return to the mainland at the end of a holiday is a tall ask. This resort is designed to create deep connections for its guests and those bonds hold firm long after they say goodbye.
For more information, visit joali.com
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s April 2023 issue.