Opened on October 1, Joali Maldives is expected to make quite a splash in a destination known for its over-the-top (and over-water) accommodations.
Located on a private island in the Raa Atoll, the property has 24 beach villas and 49 over-water villas ranging from one to four bedrooms. Each villa has a private infinity pool, butler service, curated in-villa libraries and handpicked art. Standout accommodations include the Three Bedroom Ocean Residence and Four Bedroom Beach Residence; the former has two infinity pools, a spa room and sauna, and an on-call Dhoni (a Maldivian sailboat), while the latter is set in a private beach enclave, and has indoor and outdoor living space, a private infinity pool, spa cabana and sauna.
If the villas don’t have everything you need, General Manager Steven Phillips says he will do anything and everything he can to accommodate you. Case in point: He flew in a Steinway piano for a guest’s daughter who was taking lessons; he also had a temporary kitchen built in one of the villas for a guest who prefers to prepare her own meals. Impressive.
Phillips also took heed of a guest’s concerns while the resort was still under construction. One of its first booked guests wanted a sauna and steam room, so they updated the plans and added them to the spa.
It’s all part of the “joie de vivre” philosophy that Joali Maldives embraces, helping to satisfy every guest to the best of their abilities.
For guests looking to experience more than just the relaxing setting, snorkeling with manta rays, scuba diving at the under-water sculpture garden and meeting with local communities are suggestions from the resort.
Joali Maldives offers four dining outlets, including Saoke, a Japanese restaurant designed by Zuma interior designer, Noriyoshi Muramatsu; Vandhoo, serving Asian- and Levant-inspired dishes; Bellinis, a “slow food” Tuscan eatery with handmade pastas; and Her Kitchen, which hosts a selection of cooking classes (book at least 24 hours in advance).
Even better: Guests can also enjoy 60-plus flavors of ice cream, handmade cupcakes and macaroons from the chocolate and ice cream store on property. The older crowd can enjoy the Whisky Lounge and Wine Cellar, which has over 150 labels. Phillips says guests can even enjoy private dining on their very own island.
For families, Joali has created a host of offerings to keep little ones entertained, including native storytelling with local narrator, interactive treasure hunts around the resort and cooking classes in a child-friendly kitchen. Spa treatments and art programs are also available for children.
Phillips (steven.phillips@joali.com) welcomes contact from advisors.
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