The First Wellbeing Island Of Its Kind In The Maldives.
JOALI BEING: A Sanctuary for Wellness in the Maldives
I recently experienced the unparalleled luxury of JOALI BEING, a wellness-centric retreat that promises a transformative experience in the heart of the Maldives. Having explored many of the world’s top wellness destinations, JOALI BEING stands out as a beacon of innovation and holistic care. Have I found the ultimate escape for wellness enthusiasts? It certainly seems that way.
A Vision of Wellness
JOALI BEING is the brainchild of Turkish entrepreneur Esin Gural Argat, who, after transforming her family business into one of the world’s leading glassware producers, turned her attention to hospitality. Her first resort, Joali, opened in 2018 and quickly became a favourite among art lovers, with its contemporary sculptures and installations. Recognising a gap in the Maldivian market for a wellness-focused resort, Esin conceived JOALI BEING—a place where wellbeing is at the forefront of every experience.
Conveniently located in the tranquil Raa Atoll, JOALI BEING is a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Maldivian atolls and the endless turquoise waters, setting the stage for the serenity that awaits. The island itself is secluded, ensuring utmost privacy and tranquillity for those seeking a true escape.
Accommodation
JOALI BEING offers 68 exquisite villas, split between overwater and beach locations, each designed to promote healing and a deep connection with nature. The resort’s architecture is immersive, with shaggy thatch roofs that mimic ocean waves, hand-carved doors resembling tree bark, and walls textured like wind-riffled sand. The interiors are bathed in a soothing Tiffany-blue palette, reflecting the lagoon’s hues and bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside.
I stayed in a beach pool villa that featured outdoor veranda, rain shower and sunken bathtub. The villa’s design was a harmonious blend of modern luxury and natural elements, with high ceilings, stone floors, and light wood accents creating a serene environment. Wellness touches were thoughtfully integrated, from healing bath salts and positive affirmations on clothes hangers to musical instruments that encourage relaxation. The absence of a TV (though available on request) allowed for a more mindful experience, connecting fully with the surrounding beauty.
Each villa at JOALI BEING comes with its own private pool, a butler to cater to every need, and breathtaking views—whether you’re gazing out at the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean or the soft white sands of the beach. Villas range from one to four bedrooms, making them ideal for both solo travellers and families. The calming spaces are perfect for unwinding, with wellness extras like meditative musical instruments, wellbeing rooms, and customised mini-bars enhancing the experience.
Dining
Joali BEING places a strong emphasis on nutrition as a cornerstone of wellness. The resort’s wellness concept, developed by Oxford University professor Gerry Bodeker, a Harvard-trained expert in traditional and integrative medicine, ensures that every meal is both delicious and beneficial. The resort’s dining experiences are designed to support the four wellness pillars—Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy—offering menus that are as indulgent as they are health-conscious.
Dining at JOALI BEING is a journey in itself. The open-plan, interactive dining space features three signature kitchens that serve fresh, locally harvested food, with a focus on sustainability. The cuisine ranges from Mediterranean to Middle Eastern, with dishes that are not only low in calories but also crafted to enhance brain function, beauty, and gut health. I particularly enjoyed the nasi goreng, a dish that was as satisfying as it was nourishing.
For those looking to deepen their wellness journey, JOALI BEING offers a variety of special culinary experiences. These include plant-based dinners curated by the resort’s expert nutritionist, truffle menus paired with artisan teas selected by the Tea Sommelier, and organic wine tastings. One of the most unique offerings is the castaway picnic on a nearby deserted island, where you can enjoy a plant-based feast in complete seclusion.
The Spa
The JOALI BEING Spa is a world-class wellness complex, unmatched in the Maldives. The spa is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including glass-fronted saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and hydrotherapy pools. One of the standout features is the salt room, lined with illuminated pink Himalayan salt bricks, which provides a unique healing environment. The spa also includes a yoga sala that cantilevers over the ocean, offering a serene space for mindfulness practice.
The resort’s fitness centre is state-of-the-art, featuring a boxing studio, Pilates reformer racks, and advanced equipment like 3D posture analysis and the Maldives’ first cryotherapy chamber. The wellness journey continues at the herbology bar, where bespoke herbal infusions are created to complement your treatments, relieve stress, or enhance your glow.
One of my favourite experiences was the Discovery Sound Path, an outdoor trail featuring gongs, tubular bells, and lithophones hidden among the island’s trees. Walking this path, striking the instruments, and feeling the vibrations resonating through your body was a truly unique form of self-guided sound healing.
Staying
JOALI BEING offers a range of activities that allow guests to connect with the island’s natural beauty and enhance their wellbeing. The resort’s communal experiences include sunset gatherings, sunrise yoga sessions, and marine biology talks, all designed to deepen your connection to the environment. The use of natural island ingredients in creating bespoke perfumes and aromatherapy products adds a personal touch to your wellness journey.
For those looking to explore beyond the spa, JOALI BEING provides unique excursions, such as snorkelling trips around vibrant coral reefs, sunset dolphin cruises, and private picnics on deserted islands. Each experience is tailored to promote relaxation and a deeper connection with nature.
At JOALI BEING, service is an art form. Each villa is assigned a personal butler, or jadugar—meaning “magician” in the local language. These butlers live up to their name, offering service that is attentive, efficient, and personalised to your needs. The wellness experts at the resort are drawn from some of the world’s most renowned destination spas, including Chiva Som in Thailand and Vana in India, bringing a wealth of experience to each guest’s wellness journey.
Final Word - JOALI BEING
"JOALI BEING is more than just a resort; it’s a transformative experience designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Whether you’re seeking a reset for your wellness routine or simply want to indulge in a luxurious escape, JOALI BEING offers everything you need for a truly restorative stay. The combination of world-class facilities, personalised service, and a deep connection to nature creates a unique sanctuary that will leave you feeling renewed and inspired."
If you feel inspired to visit or have more questions about picking the perfect resort, contact me and I'll help curate your ideal trip. Book with me
Jane
PS - I can't wait to return, I might just see you there, if so, say hi!
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