This luxurious, wonderfully isolated retreat features elegant villas, extraordinary views and thoughtfully curated art
1. Rooted in sustainability
This recent Maldives arrival – located on its own private island, Muravandhoo, in the Raa Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world – threw open its doors last October. A collaborative effort between Tokyo’s Studio Glitt and Istanbul-based design firms Autoban and Atolye4n, the 10ha resort was deliberately designed around the island’s coconut palms. Over 1,000 trees were carefully preserved during construction – a testament to Joali’s commitment to conserving the island’s delicate ecosystem.
2. Food for thought
Much thought went into the conception of Joali’s food and drink programme, with five on-site establishments for guests to choose from. These include Vandhoo, serving up a range of international cuisines with dishes such as five-spiced salt-and-pepper squid as well as tiger prawns with ginger, betel leaves, peanuts and roasted coconut; Saoke, a Japanese restaurant – designed by world-renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu – which offers different cuts of robata (charcoal-grilled) wagyu beef from Tajima in Japan. There’s also Mura, a bar overlooking the property’s pool that makes for an ideal spot to enjoy striking sunset views.
3. Swish residences
The striking retreat sports 73 overwater and beach villas, each with its own infinity pool; curated book collection of travel writing anthologies, art tomes and gorgeous illustrated coffee table books; artisanal amenities; and handpicked art. Highlights of the latter, found in select villas, include artist Feleksan Onar’s gorgeous, incredibly detailed glass pieces – such as a vermillion and orange ombre coral – and a large oval-shaped turquoise sculpture by Seckin Pirim.
4. Artistic sensibilities
The resort’s extensive collection of art pieces – many of which are interactive and incorporate their natural surroundings – are showcased throughout the property. Among the stable of creatives responsible are New York-based Venezuelan ceramicist Reinaldo Senguino; Korean Soojin Kang who lives in London; and South African Porky Hefer, whose woven creations include a manta ray-inspired tree house hideaway, which serves as a stunning work of art as well as a unique private dining space. An art map highlights work that guests can look out for while walking around Joali, while a rotating line-up of visiting artists will create one-of-a-kind works that will be displayed and made available for purchase at the resort’s Art Studio & Gallery.
Singapore Airlines and SilkAir fly to Male daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: Review: Baba Beach Club, Phuket
This article was originally published in the February 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine
