JOALI Maldives

My first review EVER but figured I’ll be doing the staff a disservice if I didn’t share my experience! The island and the staff as a whole represent luxury, attentiveness and really make it their Read MoreMy first review EVER but figured I’ll be doing the staff a disservice if I didn’t share my experience! The island and the staff as a whole represent luxury, attentiveness and really make it their business to show you they care and to ensure your stay and the memories created on the island are never forgotten. Reef, the best cook in all of the Maldives… I can’t say enough about my brother! Humble but cooks for perfection.! The guy is nothing short of AMAZING. Lastly, my other brother Adam! Because of YOU…. Your attentiveness, your willingness to go out of your way to make our trip the best humanly possible is by far the best I’ve been apart of. Because of you and your service is one of the main reasons I will return to the island. Leo, Vanessa, Rose, Adam and ‘me brother’ Reef I can’t thank you guys enough!!!! Joali wouldn’t be Joali without you guys! Until next time! 🇲🇻 🇲🇻🇲🇻 Read Less

We first started our trip at Joali this year, then to the Ritz and Patina next door. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our booking at Kudadoo due to beach erosion where we were planning to snorkel and Read MoreWe first started our trip at Joali this year, then to the Ritz and Patina next door. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our booking at Kudadoo due to beach erosion where we were planning to snorkel and opted for Baros instead. We have also been to, Cocoa, Milaidhoo, Grand Park Kodhiparu and Gili Lankanfushi. I was lucky enough to spend my birthday at Joali this year and far out... it's the best birthday I've ever had in my whole entire life (it just tops Santorini, which was also pretty incredible, but this was something else!). This year, my partner planned the whole trip around all our special occasions, he had been researching since mid February then booked Joali, we stayed for 6 nights. It's a lot of work finding the right resort, and you just never know but we are so glad we made the right choice this time, as part of the research we were looking for good food, snorkeling and newer resorts as our priority. Here's our journey from start to finish: The Lounge: From the moment we landed in Male, we were very well taken care of, Ismail escorted us to the Sea Plane lounge and our incredible experience started from there. Wow... the lounge is stunning and Ismail bought us welcome drinks - non alcoholic deliciousness, cold towels, complimentary pastries and the star of the show - Joali coconut ice cream - the most delicious one we have ever eaten. We were already in heaven, this was amazing especially after a long journey from Australia. The Sea Plane and Arrival: Ismail kept us informed and up to date until we had to board the Sea Plane, he even offered us ear plugs and cold bottled water for the journey as we were about to board, so thoughtful, the pilots were amazing and about 45 minutes later we were landing into Joali, I mean WOW, this is an experience I will never forget, the plane ride is already so beautiful, soaking in the beauty of the blue water and just looking out into the vastness of the Indian Ocean, seeing other islands and boats in the water the size of ants, flying through the clouds - feeling like you're flying through a huge marshmallow, it was incredible... then as you approach Joali, you see the iconic over water villas, the long jetty, the whole island whilst you're in the plane - it's like you're in a movie. As the sea plane doors open up and we're welcomed by the most warmest group of people with coconuts, drums playing in the background (being August it was a little windy) we jumped into our buggy and got whisked away to our Villa... Villa 58. Villa 58: We are so lucky to have been allocated this Villa, we did want a King bed, but WOW... this again is something else out of this world! This is what you dream a Maldives holiday will be like! High ceilings, lots of space, separate lounge and his and hers deluxe bathroom plus a room to hide your luggage. Stunning! Reminded me of the Villas at Cheval Blanc. I made every excuse to use the outdoor shower (it's something else - a must try!) and we spent a lot of time just relaxing in the long pool, sun beds and in the ocean. Whilst sun baking we were never too hot because you could move the sun beds and umbrella around, a well thought out feature and luckily we had amazing weather throughout our stay. The luckiest part about this Villa was the natural sandbank behind it, we swam to it and the sand was so soft, shells abound and we loved watching the birds that live there in their natural habitat, it just added to the whole experience, it was pure bliss, pure relaxation and the Villa is pure luxury. Ladies - you are in for a treat, the amenities provided at Villa 58 are top notch and every detail has been carefully thought out, it even had a hair straightener (I was in shock), a choice of robes, thin and thick (the best!)(most resorts have 1 thick robe and sometimes it's just too hot), aloe vera soothing gel, mosquito repellent, large moisturiser and exquisite box full of everything you need and everything you didn't even know you needed! You really don't need to bring much... they have you covered. Breakfast: Out of all the resorts we have visited, the Joali breakfast really rivals Milaidhoo and Gili, they are really pushing the envelope and made a lot of effort to provide a WOW breakfast... we had the Turkish breakfast almost every morning with Shakshuka eggs and we missed it SO much after leaving. Their pastries were delicious and the juices amazing... there was so much food - premium, quality and delicious food as well, there is no way you can go hungry at this place. I miss the tropical fruits.. We usually took the table just outside and it was so nice to eat breakfast with sand in between your toes, looking into the turquoise water... Tuhu: This was our favourite restaurant for both lunch and dinner, so much so, we didn't get a chance to try Bellinis. The Turkish food here was on point, 100% and we really enjoyed it thoroughly - every bite! This was a key reason for also choosing Joali and we were so happy we did! Thank you Ali, the team at Tuhu & Chef Mehmet! Our favourite dishes were the Adana (spicy), Mezze, Manti, Baklava and Lahmajun. The reef fish curry on the lunch menu was also amazing! My Birthday: Behind the scenes, I didn't realise but Boika (the best Jadugar at Joali!) and my partner were organising what I now know as the best and most amazing incredible day ever! OMG! I am still pinching myself... I'm emotional now thinking about it, such an amazing day... best day ever! The day started at breakfast, with Marta bringing out amazing birthday pancakes for me, thank you Marta! Then as we walked back into the Villa, there sat the most stunning arrangement of red roses (organised through Boika!). I was really happy with that, I thought, day made, birthday in Maldives... what more could someone ask for. Then dinner came around and I didn't realise we had a destination dinner booked for us, it was a surprise! We we're lucky enough to have the Manta Dinner - romantically set inside one of Joali's art pieces in the shape of a huge manta ray, it was so much fun - it's hard to describe, you just have to experience it, it is so WOW and the 4 course dinner itself was ridiculously delicious, I chose the Maldivian dinner because, I love the Maldives, the Maldivian people (thank you for sharing your beautiful country with us) and of course the Maldivian food! Reef fish curry, Maldivian Lobster, Giant Grilled Octopus and Dhonkeyo Kajuru a traditional banana dessert with French wine and pina coladas. I was in heaven... it was the best day ever! Incredible! We were also going to go on a Sunset Dolphin Tour, but we saved it for the next day 🙂 - thank you Shameem and team. We also had Spa treatments the day before at their Ocean Suite (very cool!), we felt extremely spoilt and pampered, and the therapists are very skilled, providing both of us tailored massages, thank you Sabina and to the wonderful Spa team. The People: We were really sad to leave this beautiful island. The resort rivals the best of the best in Maldives, especially on outstanding service. A huge thank you to Boika our Jadugar (best one at Joali!) for helping make our stay so enjoyable and relaxing and so WOW! You are one of a kind and we were so very lucky to have you! A massive thank you to Enver and Gehan the booking experience at Joali was easy and communication was fantastic, thank you for an incredible stay! Thank you also to Steven Phillips for recommending Joali and it was lovely to meet you Shifaz, thank you for making the time to check in on us. A big shout out to Trevor at Mura bar and also Vijay, it was wonderful to meet you again and thank you both for the cocktails and looking after us! To the whole team, WOW! You guys have created something so incredible here, what an amazing achievement, what an incredible exprerience. We had the best time! Thank you all very much! We really hope to come back and see you all again soon... Until next time ❤️ Read Less

We stayed excellent 14 nights, for our 4th wedding anniversary. 7 nights in luxury water villa, and 7 in beach villa. From start, the experience was pleasant with a great lounge at the seaplane Read MoreWe stayed excellent 14 nights, for our 4th wedding anniversary. 7 nights in luxury water villa, and 7 in beach villa. From start, the experience was pleasant with a great lounge at the seaplane terminal, where Sepi is doing a great job at welcoming guests. Hotel rooms were definitely one of the strength of the hotel. Ceiling heights are stunning, villa large, and luxurious. Water villa are close to a sandbank, across a turquoise lagoon, creating a magical landscape. Beach villa are well designed, and all have nice beach front as well as semi-to-well hidden garden. Service was professional throughout, and is a mix of high enough standards combined with friendly staff. Management is very approachable, all the way up to Enver who is overlooking the Joali properties. Food and beverages are also good at Joali. We were on the half-board package, generous enough to never leave you hungry (lobster, oyster, crab, or waygu is included) Special mention to Ayu who cut numerous mangoes for our breakfast. The restaurants are at minimum good, to excellent with Tuhu, which offers truly authentic levantine experience. The island itself is well maintained, and the vegetation is really nice looking. Beaches and especially sandbanks will satisfy everyone for sure. However, it is such a pity for the reef which was severely hit by el Nino. Regular trips are organised to nearby islands to ensure guests can enjoy the sea life. Finally we were offered a trip to the sister property, Joali being, which was greatly appreciated. In conclusion, we recommend Joali. Especially if you are looking for stunning rooms, and great service. Read Less

Rested in hotels Joali This summer from 3 to 13 August 2 adults and a child The first plus of the hotel is this launch area at the airport, especially convenient when you are with a child Meet Read MoreRested in hotels Joali This summer from 3 to 13 August 2 adults and a child The first plus of the hotel is this launch area at the airport, especially convenient when you are with a child Meet personally for bugs upon arrival, show the entire structure of the hotel. For me, as a person who works in design, this is beauty and thoughtful details in everything. From the choice of natural materials to the convenience in every area, villa and in the main area of ​​the hotel. We lived in a water village Huge plus high ceilings that give a lot of air and space Windows to the floor, a swimming pool along the entire length of the room, which creates a complete feeling that you live in the water. comfortable open shower area, hammock, villa zoning Staff service is an individual approach to each guest. Very attentive, cleaning was 2 times a day closer to dinner and before bedtime. Large selection of food in restaurants, fresh food But of course, I would also like to note separately that there is a baby club with a large territory and a choice of entertainment for the child, from drawing to ceramics and watching cartoons The spa area is a separate paradise for adults, on the territory of the hotel and a shop with a selection of clothes and jewelry and a gym. Read Less

We stayed 14 nights at Joali Maldives in August 2023. This was our 5th trip to the Maldives, and Joali was the 8th resorts we have either stayed at or visited for day trips. Overall, Joali Read MoreWe stayed 14 nights at Joali Maldives in August 2023. This was our 5th trip to the Maldives, and Joali was the 8th resorts we have either stayed at or visited for day trips. Overall, Joali exceeded our expectations in many aspects (villa, island, services). Having stayed at many luxury resorts around the world, we truly believe Joali is an incredible product in the ultra luxury segment and guarantees to deliver a memorable experience, whether it’s for a couple or family holiday. We are planning to go back in a few months. - Villa: We stayed 7 nights in a Luxury Water Villa and 7 nights in a Beach Pool Villa, both were stunning and offer very good privacy (especially water villa on sunrise side, as well as all the beach villas) and amazing design. The villas are definitely among the top 5 most impressive ones in the whole Maldives. - Spa: We had 3 Thai massages during our stay, they were as good as the best Thai massages I have had in Thailand and elsewhere (thanks Iris and Luh Putu!). The overwater spa suite is incredible, with private sauna and steam room. Guests who don’t book treatments can also use the spa facilities (steam, sauna, outdoor jacuzzi), which is a nice way to spend a cloudy / rainy day. - F&B: We were on half board meal plan, and went to all the restaurants multiple times during our stay. All 4 restaurants were very high quality, and the meal plan is generous, with premium items (lobster, wagyu beef) included. The Levantine restaurant tastes exactly the same as the best Turkish restaurants in Turkey, well done chef! Coming from London we are pretty picky with cocktails, however we were pleasantly surprised by the creative cocktails at Joali (Jorgarita is one of our favorite cocktails now), as well as the classic ones (I can’t count how many martinis I had over 2 weeks). - Island: Joali does not have the best beach in Maldives when it comes to beach villas. However the 3 sandbanks that are easily accessible make it one of the most beautiful and iconic resorts in the Maldives. - Services: This is the most difficult part to get to perfection when it comes to a luxury hotel (we truly believe luxury is not about the hard product, but about services). I was a bit worried that services at Joali may be too formal given the ultra luxury positioning. However, after a few days, we became friends with so many staff and management, and Joali felt like home after 1 week. The Joali service is a perfect combination of luxury and Maldivian authenticity, this amazing team already convinced me to go back next year even before the end of our stay. Special thanks to: - Shifaz – The most amazing GM I’ve come across in my life, who has a true passion for luxury hospitality and guest experience, as well as outstanding leadership skills! - Executive Chef Kapil and Chef Gary who were always happy to accommodate special Asian dishes for us; - Beverage manager Vikas and everyone at Mura who made us so many amazing cocktails and fun conversations; - Our butler Asim who looked after us during our stay, resolved all our queries in a timely manner, and booked us a surprise private beach cinema (our first one, won’t be the last); - Marine biologist Shameem who brought us to see the most vibrant coral in Raa atoll and we were lucky enough to swim with ~10 dolphins!! - Housekeeping team for seamless services everyday and the lovely bubble bathes with flower decorations! To summarize, Joali is a no brainer for a luxury stay in the Maldives, I highly recommend it and would go back as many times as budget allows! Read Less