This Review of Joali, Maldives is from our stay in March 2019, just 5 months after the resort opened in October 2018. Joali is the creation of Turkish businesswoman Esin Güral Argat. Her family's Gürallar Group is one of the largest glassware producers in the world, and the company also has some other resorts, although to date, none as high end or luxurious as Joali in the Maldives.
Trying to decide among luxury resorts in the Maldives? We've personally stayed at 8 different luxury resorts in the Maldives, and this helps us to expertly advise our clients on which Maldivian resort will be ideal for them, given their aesthetic, leisure, and other preferences.
TravelSort Clients enjoy special perks at Joali:
- Upgrade based on availability at check-in
- Welcome amenity
- $100 resort credit
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Here's our Joali YouTube Video Review:
The Verdict
Of the 8 luxury resorts in the Maldives we've personally stayed at, Joali has my favorite villas, together with Cheval Blanc Randheli. In fact, that goes for all the resorts we've stayed at worldwide–truly superb design, especially the vaulted ceilings, spacious living space and bathroom, and excellent outdoor space as well, from the outdoor soaking tub and shower to the large private infinity pool with a view of the ocean. The air conditioning and light and blackout shade controls worked perfectly, as did the cool retro style Illy espresso machine. The only thing that needed fixing in our villa were some of the power outlets, as several of them wouldn't keep our plugs plugged in; that seemed to be an aberration of our villa and not systemic.
Dining was also excellent. I liked the cold buffet, particularly the fresh passion fruit, smoked salmon, homemade yogurts, and phenomenal blueberry smoothies, and all of the hot dishes we tried were delicious as well. We also loved Saoke, the Japanese-Peruvian restaurant–in fact, we've never had such great sushi and Japanese cuisine in the Maldives, and the octopus dishes are the best we've had in the world. We weren't quite as fond of Bellini's, the Italian restaurant, although it was a solid option, only the dessert disappointed. On the other hand, the welcome chocolates and the passion fruit pate de fruits left as an evening turndown gift were scrumptious.
Service was memorable, from the warm welcome by General Manager Steven Phillips and his team, to our butler's help with our requests, my spa therapist's expert massage, and the cheerful dining staff who were so attentive to our wishes at each of our meals.
It's true that Joali doesn't have a great house reef for snorkelers, but I enjoyed my dive trip a short boat ride away, and the Best Dive prices were very reasonable compared to the next resort we visited, Velaa.
For those who want to upgrade their next visit to the Maldives and stay in some of the best designed and newest villas the Maldives has to offer, along with great dining and caring, attentive service, I highly recommend Joali.
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Nice report!