Joali Maldives has announced plans to open its shores to guests on October 1.

Located on its own private island in the northern Raa atoll, Joali Maldives will offer unconventional luxury through the lens of the resort’s “Joie de Vivre” philosophy, which welcomes guests to celebrate the joy in every passing moment. Guests will experience a new kind of sustainable glamour and a dedication to immersive art that has never before been seen in the Maldives, in addition to elegant overwater and beach villas – including two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, thoughtful programming and four innovative restaurant concepts with a distinct focus on design.

Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, Joali is teeming with life, surrounded by tranquil lagoons, pristine white-sand beaches and a lush landscape of coconut palms. Internationally-renowned design studio, Autoban, architecture and design studio, Atolye4n, and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt were tapped to lead the overall design and architectural ingenuity throughout the 24-acre resort from an inviting Maldivian entrance featuring artisan wood to encompassing the feminine spirit of the property through natural, subtle colours and smooth transitions that blend with the island’s spirit and culture. The resort’s sustainability story begins with its master plan and layout, which preserved over 1,000 trees during the construction process.

“In pursuing our team’s collective passion for nature conservation and Maldivian culture, we are thrilled to announce such a special opening and have the utmost confidence that Joali will set a new bar when it comes to a meaningful and immersive luxury hospitality experience,” General Manager Steven Phillips was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“We have an accomplished team of dedicated hospitality professionals who are devoted to offering truly bespoke experiences and intuitive service at every turn and delivering our ‘Joie de Vivre’ promise.”

Luxury Villas

The Joali experience begins shortly after arrival at the main Velana International Airport where guests are invited to relax in a private lounge before taking a 45-minute seaplane to the resort.

Accommodations include 73 private beach and water villas and residences ranging from one- to four-bedrooms, influenced by individual stories and designed to take guests on a sensory journey. Each villa features a private infinity pool, butler service, artisanal amenities, curated in-villa libraries, thoughtful design and handpicked art.

Standout accommodations include the Three Bedroom Ocean Residence and Four Bedroom Beach Residence. Within the Three Bedroom Ocean Residence, guests can expect over 4,000 square feet of lavish living space across three bedrooms, three dressing rooms featuring two walk-in closets each and two living rooms. Two striking infinity pools, a spa room and sauna, butler and valet service and an on-call Dhoni, a Maldivian sailboat, are also included for guests staying in this outstanding residence.

Four Bedroom Beach Residence boasts over 5,000 square feet across four exquisite bedrooms nestled in a private beach enclave, offering guests sunrise and sunset views. The extravagant accommodations include indoor and outdoor living space, private infinity pool, spa cabana and sauna, curated library and guest quarters.

Guests staying in the either residence also have 24-hour access to a personal butler and valet service, buggy and personal driver.

Immersive Art

As one of the first immersive art resorts in the Maldives, Joali is surrounded by interactive and experiential artistic pieces that incorporate surrounding nature and celebrate young designers, including Misha Khan, Nacho Carbonell, Porky Hefer, London-based Studio Glithero, Zemer Peled, Chris Wolston, Doug Johnston, Ardmore and more.

Guests can explore the resort’s extensive art collection with an exclusive art map which spotlights areas of interest including those works created in collaboration with local artisans to support the Maldivian community. Whimsical work is also featured at the Art Studio and Gallery, which invites international guest artists to exhibit throughout the year.

Eye-catching art and true relaxation is also delivered in the resort’s Living Room, where guests can decompress in comfort while reading one of the over 1,000 books available.

Joie de Vivre

Following Joali’s “Joie de Vivre” philosophy, guests are invited to partake in bespoke Maldivian experiences, from snorkelling with manta rays and wake boarding to chartered yacht and Dhoni excursions and meeting with members of local communities.

Special moments are celebrated to the fullest across the resort, such as the Joali Spring Ceremony, which marks the arrival of the spring season and rebirth of nature. The Table of Joy allows guests to share experiences over a specially-curated menu focusing on fresh ingredients. The Book Exchange offers a rotating collection of literature hand-selected by Joali guests around the globe.

Unique places are also at the centre of the Joali experience.

At the resort, a Flower Garden features a majestic showcase of local plants and flowers with workshops and events to develop guests’ own botanical know-how, while the Manta Ray Treehouse, designed by Porky Hefer who drew inspiration from the island’s mantra ray population, offers an exclusive experience for guests to dine or relax in a tranquil setting.

Those looking for one-of-a-kind water excursions can book a custom itinerary to the resort’s private sandbar for an afternoon of snorkelling, a night of stargazing or private luxury camping experience.

Culinary Creations

Using only the finest and freshest ingredients, the culinary offerings at Joali are designed to make guests’ stay diverse, exciting and adventurous, while creating lasting memories through four distinct restaurant options and a myriad of highly individualised dining experiences.

Providing inventive fusion cuisine from several corners of the globe, dining options include Saoke, the first restaurant in the Maldives to be designed by renowned Japanese restaurant architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu; Vandhoo, featuring authentic Asian- and Levant-inspired dishes; Bellinis, featuring handmade pastas and authentic Tuscan; and Her Kitchen, offering a selection of cooking classes.

Guests can also indulge in over 60 flavours of ice-cream, handmade cupcakes and macaroons from the artisanal chocolate and ice-cream store, or lounge in the cabanas and infinity pods at Mura Bar while enjoying sunset cocktails and light bites.

The resort is also home to a Whisky Lounge and Wine Cellar, featuring malt whiskey from Scotland to Taiwan and hand-selected vintages from Joali’s master sommelier.

Wellness at ESPA

A serene refuge, Joali Spa by ESPA will be a haven of well-being inspired by the resort’s tropical surroundings. In addition to indulgent treatments, a fitness centre will offer expert trainers and expansive ocean and jungle views.