Joali: a hidden jewel in the Maldives

From my arrival at its impressive jetty, designed in the form of a spectacular manta ray, I was invaded by the feeling of having arrived at a very special place. My private butler (jadugar in the local language) was waiting for me on the jetty with a fantastic smile and a refreshing welcome drink. Her professionalism and affection, present in each and every detail, made my stay in Joali perfect. In her company, we arrived at the wonderful villa that would be my personal oasis during my days in Joali, with impressive vaulted ceilings, delicate materials and artistic and subtle details in every corner.

Absolutely everything was taken care of to the last detail: the fragrances, the welcome gifts, the decoration, a wonderful kimono of delicate fabrics and the incredible Maldivian hospitality. The villa’s architecture and interior design is really impressive, fresh, elegant, sophisticated but at the same time warm and welcoming.

There’s something that surprised me from the first moment: the beautiful and varied marine life that can be enjoyed from the very deck of the villas. I have shared my morning swims with shoals of fish, turtles, manta rays, baby sharks, guitarfish and many more! It’s an unforgettable experience.

All that marine life, as well as an extensive variety of water sports, can be enjoyed with the help of the team of professionals at the Marine House. They offer first class and completely new equipment for you to use and discover all the corners of the atoll, its deserted islands and much more. The beaches of Joali and the small islands that surround it offer a fantastic feeling of being away from everything, in a very personal paradise full of beauty and tranquility.

Just a few hours after my arrival, I had the opportunity to enjoy a very special Yoga practice with an extraordinary teacher, in the Yoga Pavilion, overlooking the ocean, with the sea breeze, the fish jumping... My disconnection from the worldly noise started from the very first moment!

The awakening of the senses was only beginning. One of the star elements at Joali, the culinary experience, was still to be enjoyed! With the help of its excellent gastronomic director, Ashley Goddard, they have managed to create a delicious gastronomic tour around different specialties through its varied restaurants.

I would like to stress that the presence, the professionalism and affection that Ashley puts into his kitchen and product is undoubtedly the key to such a delicious result. Saoke, his sanctuary dedicated to Japanese food with Nikkei fusion, offered a wonderful evening. Its sake master delighted us with a perfect combination of delicious dishes paired with sakes from many different places.

In addition, Joali has very special spots to enjoy a cocktail at sunset or a romantic dinner on a deserted beach.

The care of the body and the mind are left to the fantastic team at Joali Spa by ESPA; thanks to one of its best therapists I was literally transported to nirvana! They also have an excellent team of personal trainers who can adapt the training to our particular needs.

Cycling and walking on the island, sailing to the small nearby islands, the incredible marine life, the fantastic service and team of people, its spectacular villas, the gastronomic experience... This combination makes Joali one of the best places to get lost for a few days on the Indian Ocean!