“Her” is the muse of JOALI Maldives. A modern Maldivian woman—curious, full of life, drawn to beauty and meaning wherever she goes. She travels the world to seek out what’s worth bringing home, always with the intention to share it with others. Inspired by her spirit, we booked a stay at JOALI earlier this year—and found ourselves fully immersed in every moment.

After arriving at Malé airport, we were welcomed by the JOALI team and taken to their private lounge, before boarding a seaplane that brought us straight into another world: JOALI Maldives.

Once you’ve arrived in your private villa—spacious, airy, and designed to feel like a refined island home—you’re looked after around the clock by your dedicated butler. Everything flows through a simple WhatsApp message, whether it’s morning coffee by the pool, a last-minute dinner reservation, or a buggy ride across the island. It’s effortless, intuitive, and deeply personal.

This isn’t just a resort—it’s a place that speaks to the senses. Everything here is designed with care, from the soft rhythms of the island to the thoughtful details in every corner of your villa. Nestled on Muravandhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, JOALI offers privacy without isolation, elegance without excess.

Each villa feels like its own sanctuary. Natural materials, hand-carved finishes, and curated pieces of art create a sense of place that feels both grounded and imaginative. You wake up to the sound of the ocean and fall asleep with the scent of salt in the air.

What sets JOALI apart is its commitment to immersive art. Here, creativity is not an afterthought—it’s the foundation. Sculptures by Porky Hefer float in trees, Misha Kahn’s work invites playful reflection, and every path holds small, quiet surprises. You’re not just a guest; you’re part of a living, breathing gallery.

Dining follows the same philosophy. From nourishing breakfasts at Vandhoo to refined Japanese-Peruvian dishes at Saoke, meals are layered, generous, and deeply satisfying. Each setting invites you to linger. At sunset, Mura Bar becomes the place to pause and take it all in—warm light, chilled wine, and flavours that stay with you.

Sustainability is part of the resort’s rhythm, not a trend. JOALI’s reef restoration work (which we discovered snorkelling), responsible design choices, and strong ties to the local community all reflect a quiet confidence in doing things the right way. It’s the kind of luxury that doesn’t need to be loud.

Time moves differently here. Days unfold slowly—barefoot bike rides along sandy paths, swims in the clear shallows, time spent reading or simply watching the horizon. There’s no pressure to do anything, but everything you do feels intentional.

On our last evening, we sat on our deck as the sky turned soft gold. There was a stillness, the kind that gently stays with you long after you’ve left. JOALI isn’t just a destination—it becomes part of your story. A place to return to, again and again.