JOALI Maldives Review: Ultra-Luxury Island Retreat
Joali Resort Maldives is an ultra-luxury resort on Muravandhoo Island in the Maldives. After waking up, you can dive directly into the ocean from your Water Villa and enjoy total privacy. Read more about Mar’s experience at Joali Maldives.
Recommended by Mar from Once in a Lifetime Journey
Joali Maldives sets itself apart from its competitors even before arriving at the resort.
The seaplane terminal lounge is spacious and elegant; the tasteful design is a glimpse of what will come at the art-forward resort.
The brainchild of the Turkish-born serial entrepreneur Esin Güral Argat, Joali Maldives, is slated as one of the resorts that promise an ultra-luxury experience.
In a country surrounded by seaside luxe, that is a big promise, but they do not disappoint.
Joali is on Muravandhoo island in the Raa Atoll, north of the more popular UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll. As it is less developed than other parts of the country, it stands out as the only luxury choice in the area.
Landing at Joali is an experience in itself. There is a welcome bottle of Ruinart champagne, a set of handmade chocolate coconut treats, and a 15-minute complimentary massage.
Inside, the gorgeous interiors designed by Turkish firm Autoban are inviting and sophisticated.
All Villas have thatched roofs, high ceilings, and interior finishes made from only the most expensive and quality materials, from marble floors to Austrian wood.
The colors are neutral, with splashes of salmon pink and rose copper. Both the overwater and beach villas have their private pools to plunge into.
The standout of any villa is the fabulous marble, wood, and pink copper bar that comes standard with a standalone blender, vintage espresso machine, premium spirits, and even a thermos to take your drinks with you.
Next to the luxurious bed lies an intuitive tablet to control all the electronics, from the curtains to the music. Bathrooms are also kitted out with free-standing white resin bathtubs, walk-in showers, and green Norwegian marble.
Bath products are all vegan, organic, and chemical-free.
To top it all off, there are two bathrobes to choose from: a fluffy shower robe and a silk kimono by Ardmore.
The 108 sqm Beach Villas and even larger Luxury Beach Villas are surrounded by lush tropical jungle.
For a premium experience, the double-story Private Duplex Beach Residence has four bedrooms in a 1,200 sqm total space.
Of course, it comes with a designated butler.
I prefer the Water Villas, where it’s easy to wake up and dive directly into the ocean, even though there are infinity pools.
The best part about Joali’s overwater villas is that they provide total privacy, unlike other resorts where you can see directly into your neighbor’s room.
The three-bedroom Private Ocean Residence is probably the most opulent of the lot, with three connecting residences and two infinity pools.
As it’s quite far from the mainland, a designated dhoni (small motorized boat) is available whenever needed.
There is no shortage of dining options, from the informal poolside Mura Bar for the best sunsets, to breakfast and dinner at Vandhoo Restaurant to champagne bar Bellinis serving authentic Italian.
The chef even makes his own mozzarella on site. But the crème de la crème is the Japanese Saoke designed by Glitt’s Noriyoshi Muramatsu.
This is a floating restaurant serving teppanyaki and sushi under the stars.
Ask the former Head Sommelier from Gili Lankanfushi, Fabrice, anything about any alcohol. He is notoriously knowledgeable.
Joali brands itself as an immersive art experience. Each villa has its own unique works of art that are ever-changing and available to purchase.
In conjunction with Turkish art curators Zeynep Ercan and Asliala Onur from No LaB, the resort has hand-picked some amazing artworks. There is even an art map available to help out.
Sit in Porky Hefer’s rattan swing shaped like a bird or relax in the bamboo and palm leaf manta structures created by Israeli artist Zemer Peled.
There are also regular exhibitions and workshops available for guests. When I visited, there was a small tour of the island with Sissel Tolaas.
Float around in the glass kayaks, take a jet ski for a ride, go diving around the Raa Atoll, or try your hand at wakeboarding. There’s even a submarine ride!
And when all is said and done, relaxing at Joali’s ESPA with ocean views is the perfect way to destress.
Along with top service from the “magicians,” the gorgeous art pieces, and the attention to detail, Joali really is the next level in premium Maldives hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of villas are available at JOALI Maldives?
JOALI Maldives offers several villa categories including 108 sqm Beach Villas and larger Luxury Beach Villas surrounded by tropical jungle, overwater Water Villas with direct ocean access and infinity pools, a double-story Private Duplex Beach Residence with four bedrooms spanning 1,200 sqm, and the three-bedroom Private Ocean Residence with two infinity pools and a designated dhoni boat. All villas feature curated artworks, intuitive tablet controls, free-standing bathtubs, green Norwegian marble, and vegan organic bath products.
What restaurants and dining options does JOALI Maldives have?
JOALI Maldives offers multiple dining experiences including Vandhoo Restaurant for breakfast and dinner, Mura Bar for poolside dining with sunset views, Bellinis champagne bar serving authentic Italian cuisine with house-made mozzarella, and the standout Saoke — a floating Japanese restaurant designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu serving teppanyaki and sushi under the stars. The resort also has a world-class sommelier.
What makes JOALI Maldives unique compared to other luxury Maldives resorts?
JOALI Maldives distinguishes itself as an immersive art resort. Each villa features unique, ever-changing artworks curated by Turkish art consultants from No LaB. The island features installations by renowned artists including Porky Hefer’s bird-shaped rattan swings and Zemer Peled’s bamboo manta structures. The resort offers art maps, regular exhibitions, and artist-led workshops, creating a gallery-like experience alongside ultra-luxury hospitality.
What activities and experiences are available at JOALI Maldives?
Guests at JOALI Maldives can enjoy glass kayaking, jet skiing, wakeboarding, scuba diving around the Raa Atoll, and even a submarine ride. The resort features an ESPA spa with ocean views for relaxation. Art lovers can explore the island’s curated installations, attend exhibitions and workshops. Water Villas allow guests to dive directly into the ocean from their accommodation.
How do you get to JOALI Maldives resort?
JOALI Maldives is reached by seaplane from Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The resort is located on Muravandhoo Island in the Raa Atoll. The experience begins at the seaplane terminal lounge, which features the same elegant design aesthetic found throughout the resort.
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, is a Luxury Wellness & Active Travel Specialist with over 15 years of experience exploring the world.
Through his work with leading luxury hotels and travel brands, Tim helps connect premium travelers with exceptional experiences. His expertise spans hospitality trends, digital nomad lifestyles, and luxury bikepacking, combining adventure travel with comfort and style.
I love this hotel, really nice one