Some places make us forget the world and transport us to an oasis of elegance, comfort, and extraordinary experiences. JOALI Maldives is exactly such a place where dreams come true.
Located on the stunning island of Muravandhoo in the Raa Atoll, JOALI is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. Surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches and the endless blue of the Indian Ocean, JOALI offers a unique blend of elegance and closeness to nature.
Arrival
The resort is easily accessible by seaplane from Velana International Airport in Malé. The flight takes about 45 minutes. The well-organized arrival ensures a smooth start to the vacation.
My Discovery of JOALI Maldives
I discovered JOALI Maldives in 2021 when it was already showing the potential to become one of the high-end resorts in the Maldives. By Easter 2021, I traveled there with my husband, and it turned into an unforgettable experience.
We decided to split our stay: a few days in a stunning overwater villa with sunset views and a few days in a beach villa.
The Overwater Villa – Luxury with Sunset Views
The overwater villa with sunset views was unparalleled. With a private infinity pool, it provided the perfect spot to end the day. The sunsets were simply magical – it couldn’t have been more private or romantic. I cherished every moment and considered this villa to be the most beautiful overwater villa I have ever seen in the Maldives. During the day, I often enjoyed the main pool for a bit of variety.
The Beach Villa – Natural Charm with Limitations
After a few days in the overwater villa, my husband and I moved to a beach villa, which offered direct access to the white sandy beach. However, I wasn’t entirely impressed with the beach villa as it was heavily surrounded by vegetation, which obstructed the view of the ocean. After a request, some of the plants were trimmed, significantly improving the view. I also noticed that other beach villas on the island likely offer better views. Nonetheless, the beach villa couldn’t quite match the impression left by the overwater villa – perhaps because I was so captivated by the latter.
Culinary Highlights
The restaurants at JOALI Maldives offer a vast variety of high-quality dining options that cater to every taste:
Mura Bar: Ideal for a relaxed lunch with ocean views. The light and creative cuisine impressed me every time.
TUH'U: A restaurant that celebrates Levantine cuisine and masterfully combines the flavors of the Middle East.
Saoke: This Japanese restaurant over the water serves fresh sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki in a spectacular setting.
Bellinis:Mediterranean cuisine with Italian flair, complemented by excellent wines.
The Treehouse:A place with a unique ambiance. Dinner here was a truly special experience.
Her Kitchen:Although I didn’t use the interactive cooking option, the concept is a great idea for guests who want to get involved themselves.
The Romantic Sand Dune Barbecue
One of the absolute highlights of my stay was the romantic barbecue on a sand dune on the final evening. The setting was perfectly staged: a table for two overlooking the vast ocean. Accompanied by gentle music and the soothing sound of waves, we enjoyed a delicious menu that was perfectly curated in every detail. The atmosphere was simply unmatched and provided the perfect conclusion to our stay. This experience was not just a culinary delight but also a moment that embodied romance and magic.
Equally unforgettable was the evening when the team arranged an exclusive fondue for us – a unique and cozy experience. This service left a lasting impression on me.
Family-Friendliness – With Some Challenges
JOALI Maldives is a resort that warmly welcomes families with children. There is a kids’ club where little ones can enjoy age-appropriate activities while parents relax. I was especially impressed by how the staff catered to children’s needs and created a pleasant atmosphere.
As a mother of three, I know how important it is for children to have space to play. At the same time, I believe it’s crucial for them to learn how to behave respectfully in communal spaces like restaurants. Unfortunately, there were moments when children were noisy, threw ice cubes or food, and disrupted other guests. Such behavior impacts the ambiance, especially when parents fail to intervene. However, the resort itself cannot be faulted for this, as the staff was always dedicated to ensuring all guests had a wonderful time.
Fitness and Spa – Active and Relaxed
I loved booking a personal training session every other day. Never before have I returned from a vacation so fit, despite indulging in the fantastic food. The spa, on the other hand, was a haven of tranquility – offering everything from massages to personalized treatments to pamper both body and mind.
Final thoughts
JOALI Maldives is undoubtedly a top resort that truly deserves its reputation as a high-end destination. While this status is reflected in its pricing, especially during the high season, the positive aspects far outweigh this consideration. The luxurious amenities, the overwater villa with sunset views, and the exceptional cuisine make the resort a truly unparalleled destination.
I am incredibly grateful to have experienced the beauty of this resort, and I hope to provide readers with a glimpse into this extraordinary and romantic destination through my impressions. The entire staff fulfilled every wish with great attention, making the stay truly unforgettable. Especially the overwater villa with sunset views and the exceptional experiences like the barbecue or the fondue made this vacation something truly special. I am already looking forward to returning to this unique resort one day.
