The Maldives, Nature's Jewel in the Indian Ocean
The Maldives, an enchanting tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is a nation composed of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands. Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives is a haven for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts. Each island seems like a secluded retreat, offering luxurious overwater bungalows and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Maldives boasts a unique underwater world, making it a premier destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The rich marine biodiversity, with colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life, contributes to the Maldives' status as one of the world's top diving destinations. The Maldivian culture is infused with warmth and hospitality and it is the people you will meet while there that make you feel so welcome.
I was able to spend some time on two of the islands sitting on the Maldivian Raa Atoll, home to JOALI Maldives and JOALI Being. My visit to either one of them far surpassed the expectations I had about the Maldives.
Although both JOALIs embrace a laid-back island lifestyle with a choice of over-water and land villas, there are distinctive differences between the two.
JOALI Maldives is the more traditional Maldivian island, sitting amid the abundant life between palm trees and sparkling turquoise water.
The art-immersive resort offers an exceptional array of art and design which pervades all areas of the property, while at its epicenter is the JOALI Art Studio & Gallery. A selection of international guest artists exhibit installations to surprise and delight including London-based Glithero and New York-based Misha Kahn, often working with local artisans to intersect design and sculpture.
Apart from creating art, there is a vast offering of other engagements, including a variety of water sports, fitness and culinary activities like sushi classes and a recent pop-up of Le Petit Chef, an immersive theatrical dining experience. They also have a wide range of spa treatments including Turkish Hammam.
A big part of their philosophy is sustainability. The JOALI Reef Restoration program is crucial to the rehabilitation of the coral reef following the devastating coral bleaching that occurred back in 2016 where 85% of the Maldives' corals died. Using a two-step gardening concept, the resort is growing corals in a mid-water nursery before planting back in the reef. While I was there, I helped plant one of those coral nurseries.
I absolutely loved JOALI Maldives but it was JOALI Being that left me speechless, passionate and totally at peace with myself.
The first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives, JOALI BEING invites wellbeing seekers to reconnect with themselves in the beauty of nature and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal with the goal to return home with a new sense of "weightlessness." Based on the belief that understanding is the key to creating and sustaining wellbeing, the island's Learning Centre offers a series of educational workshops and experiential classes centered around the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING - Mind, Microbiome, Skin and Energy.
Led by a team of wellbeing experts, culinary maestros, herbalists, tea sommeliers, personal trainers, and more, guests can fully immerse in the island's elemental therapies and healing experiences while also exploring the various wellbeing facilities and unique transformational spaces which include a hydrotherapy hall, Discovery Sound Path, herbology center, state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga pavilion and beyond.
Following an in-depth consultation with a personal wellbeing consultant upon arrival, they offer each guest an individualized journey.
Their Wellbeing Programs are designed to meet a variety of objectives, including: deep relaxation, stress recovery, digestive reset, weight management, preventive skincare, anti-ageing, energy replenishment, and yoga enhancement. Additionally, they even offer specialized programs for mothers-to-be, women, men, couples, and guests facing sleep issues.
They also base their menu on the four pillars, focusing on an Earth-to-Table initiative, promising ingredient traceability and offering fresh, locally harvested and sustainably sourced foods that support small farms. All food and drink options have been expertly curated with the help of nutritionists and whilst each recipe has been curated to nourish all of the Four Pillars, highlighted icons indicate those that contain elements to enhance specific pillars.
One of my highlights was the Watsu Treatment, a form of aquatic bodywork that combines elements of massage, stretching, and joint mobilization while being performed in warm water. The term "Watsu" is derived from a combination of "water" and "shiatsu," which is a form of Japanese massage.
I certainly did obtain a sense of weightlessness, experienced so much from massages, candle making, pottery and herbology classes, cryotherapy etcetera but there was more to it than all that. It was the people that made all the difference, the spirit of the place. Every villa has their own “Jadugar”, a kind helper with a big heart. Jadugar translated means Magician and it was them that made the experience truly magical.
How to get to JOALI?
There are Non-stop flights to Malé from London, Frankfurt, Vienna, Rome, Milan, Zurich, Istanbul Dubai and several Asian cities. I recommend stopping in one of those cities on your way there and back.
Both JOALIs are an easy 45-minute seaplane flight away from Velana International Airport (Malé). The seaplane flight itself is an experience as you see hundreds of Islands on your way. JOALI Maldives and JOALI Being are only a 20-minute boat ride apart.
I stopped over in Dubai and spent a few days at the Bulgari Resort Dubai on Jumeirah Bay Island, a stunning combination of Italian style and Arabian luxury. The Bulgari Resort is known for its contemporary architecture, elegant design, and high-end amenities. Definitely worth a visit!
When to visit?
The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry northeast monsoon season, which typically runs from November to April. This period experiences lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and calm seas. From May to October, monsoon season, there is a higher chance of rainfall and occasional storms, but it's also a time when the islands are less crowded.
Fun Fact
What does JOALI mean? The little hammock chair in this picture is a JOALI.
Comments