Luxury, beauty and culture blend seamlessly at JOALI Maldives.
Crystalline waters lapping at powdery white shores; time standing still; life itself is affirmed with every breeze that gently sways the palm trees dotted around the archipelago. The Maldives’ spellbinding natural beauty is well-documented: but what if you could combine it with experiential and interactive art objects? Well, you can: at JOALI Maldives, the first and only art immersive island in the Maldives.
The first object you encounter, stepping aboard the jetty to a soundtrack of traditional local music performed live, following a 40-minute flight over turquoise water studded with lush atolls, is itself an artwork: a sculpture shaped like a manta ray, or two embracing fishes, depending on your aspect. Your personal butler or jadugar (Urdu for “skilled magician”) having greeted you, a scenic golf cart ride will take you to your villa along the longest jetty in the Maldives (1.3 km, if you have opted for an overwater villa).
Whether you choose to stay over water or sand, each of the 73 villas has a pool, artisanal amenities, award-winning books, hand-picked art objects, flower-shaped fans and a liberating sense of space created by high ceilings. The longer you spend exploring your quarters, and beholding the dark wood walls with floral carvings and green marble walls in the bathroom, the more time you want to spend there.
You might choose to grab the yoga mat for a session on your wooden terrace or lush garden; enjoy a freshly baked petit four on the sofa; take a relaxing bath with Himalayan salt in the freestanding tub; dive into your infinity pool and tread water while gazing at the ocean waves; take a book from your well-stocked shelf; mix an aperitivo with Clase Azul tequila from your in-room bar, and enjoy the sunset clad in your provided beach kaftan designed by Ardmore from Cape Town, featuring frangipanis, mangroves and sea birds. The phrase “the joy of living” immediately takes on a new meaning.
If you have friends or family with you, the 1,200sqm Beach Residence, is the right choice. It accommodates up to 10 people and features an outdoor spa treatment room, steam room, sauna, gym, butler’s quarters, curated library, a small cigar humidor, plenty of objets d’art and, due to its premier beachside position, the potential for private sunrise swims followed by sundowners in the sand.
As for the island’s unique proposition—the immersive art—each piece has been either made or modified especially for JOALI Maldives (and its weather conditions). “Do not touch” signs are conspicuous in their absence: rather, visitors are encouraged to interact with pieces such as Israeli Zemer Peled’s coral sculpture in the spa, which is formed of thousands of porcelain shards and raises awareness when it comes to coral bleaching; and New York-based artist Chris Wolston’s terracotta furniture in front of the island boutique, whose visible fingerprints symbolise the mark humanity leaves wherever it treads. Every piece offers not just visual stimulation but a message to reflect upon.
There’s also an ever-changing roster of artists taking up residence at JOALI Art Studio & Gallery, so guests can nourish their own creative sides. Or why not build your own coral frame—your contribution to the Reef Restoration Programme JOALI Maldives has launched in partnership with local and global conservation organisations—to be planted in the waters around the resort, under the guidance of the resident marine biologist?
Dining options include: the dining destination the “Manta Tree House” designed by South African artist and architect Porky Hefer (which you can book for a unique breakfast experience overlooking the Indian Ocean); The Chef’s Garden, which has exceptional brunch options, to be enjoyed in the vicinity of where the ingredients were grown; Bellinis, which offers stunning tastes of Italy, courtesy of Michelin-star chef Theodor Falser, including truffle risotto or lobster raviolis; Japanese restaurant Saoke, designed by world-renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu (expect delectable sushi and teppanyaki); and Vandhoo, where you can indulge in dishes from across Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean and the Levant.
Meanwhile JOALI Being Cure Spa offers a sauna, steam room and vitality pool, as well as exceptional hammam sessions. Let’s gather our luggage and go…
