Meraki #17 EN - Joali Maldives

MERAKI

Hotels & Fine Dining

JOALI MALDIVES

The quintessence of sustainable glamour

JOALI MALDIVES

The quintessence of sustainable glamour

Since 2018, the island of Muravandhoo, in the north of the Maldives, has hosted this independent hotel that proclaims a new form of “sensory travel” through sustainability and the embodiment of unconventional luxury. Respect for the environment, the inclusion of local communities in the project, love for art and reading are part of the DNA of an establishment that manages to be enthusiastic and makes us think.

Many claim that Joali Maldives is paving the way for eco-friendly luxury travel on these idyllic islands. The bet on nature, sustainability and the preservation and protection of the rich natural environment of the region are a constant in the itinerary of a hotel that marks a before and an after in the hotel heritage of this archipelago. This elegant history of sustainability began with the same design as the complex's master plan, which consists of 73 elegant villas and private residences on the beach and on the water. The flora of the island was protected at all times during construction, as the buildings were designed around the existing trees, preserving more than a thousand palm trees. On the other hand, the firm commitment to maintaining the ecosystems of the neighboring islands and the natural environment of the area is a task that is maintained at all times and that helps to guarantee, among other things, the privacy of guests.

PROTECTING THE PLANET, PROTECTING THE INDIAN

The resort bets on the use of natural and sustainable products in all its areas. Thus, disposable plastic is prohibited, and the rest is recyclable or recycled by the property. All toiletries and bath products are vegan and chemical-free to protect coral and marine life in the Indian Ocean. To benefit communities on neighboring islands, Joali obtains local products from them whenever possible - many of the vegetables, greens and herbs used in the hotel's four restaurants come from an organic garden, and food waste is recycled into an innovative and powerful compost. In addition, it is very gratifying to see how the philosophy that prevails here also encourages guests to visit the nearby desert islands to clean their beaches of any garbage brought by the sea.

Joali promoted a valuable Recife Restoration Project led by marine biologist Samantha Reynolds which fundamentally cultivates corals in an underwater nursery for a space ranging from 9 to 12 months before being transplanted into a new home - an incredible coral trail. Guests can participate in this process leaving a positive impact while gaining basic knowledge of the biology and ecology of these ecosystems. This idea is one of the best solutions in the archipelago for the terrible bleaching and death of corals due to the high temperatures of the ocean after the passage of El Niño in 2016.

WITH WOMEN'S SOUL

Joali is not just one of the few independent hotels in the region, it was designed by Esin Gural Argat, one of Turkey's most prominent businesswomen, who also runs it. Deeply involved in helping to empower women in the Maldives, Esin and her team committed to recruiting local women at all levels, from beach cleaners to managers, and to fund volunteer work with local schools to help girls and women acquire skills needed for employment. Locally, blood donation camps are held regularly at the resort for guests and staff to donate blood to local hospitals to alleviate the shortage of plasma needed for transfusions.

FROM HYDROPLANE TO THE MOST SEXY HOTEL IN THE WORLD

From the Joali's private lounge at Malé Airport, a comfortable 45-minute seaplane flight takes guests to the resort, highlighting the work of award-winning architecture and design studios. The Autoban Turks were the authors of all the architectural development that could be defined in the “Chic Jungle” style. For its part, the Atolye4n studio in Istanbul designed the impressive blanket- shaped welcome pier with a wavy thatched roof from the Maldives; and it was the Japanese at Studio Glitt, in Tokyo, who were responsible for the prominent Japanese restaurant Saoke, with its pyramidal ceiling made of wooden blocks like origami, with clean lines and careful lighting that reflects Japanese aesthetics well. All of them applied their knowledge to achieve an absolute harmony between nature and architecture that pays homage to luxury and environmental responsibility. In many cases, high - quality craftsmanship is used to combine the functionality of all spaces with a unique aesthetic finish.

It is not surprising that Mr. & Mrs. Smith one of the UK's most prestigious luxury travel operators - awarded Joali as the “Sexiest Room in the World”. Each of the 73 villas was inspired by individual stories and designed to take guests on a rich sensory journey. Handcrafted amenities, in libraries, thoughtful design and sumptuous art objects guarantee the epitome of unconventional luxury. The Private Residence on the water and the Private Duplex Residence on the Beach are the center of attention. In the nearly 500 square meters of space in three large bedrooms, with two closets each and two living rooms. Two impressive in pools, a library, a buggy, a permanent butler and valet service, in addition to a Dhoni (local boat) always available, complete the offer. The private duplex on the beach is over 500 square meters and comprises four refined rooms that can accommodate up to eight people. However, the crown jewel is its privileged position by the sea, which allows you to swim at sunrise and sunbathe on the sand in a totally private way.

THE ECOLOGICAL SENSE OF ART

The No LaB studio in Istanbul emphatically states that life in Joali is different. And here the art is distributed throughout the place, decorating the villages but also hidden under water thanks to a collection of extraordinary works by 13 different international artists. Each of the works, sculptures and experimental pieces were carefully selected by the No LaB curators team, opting for works that capture and preserve the visual and material nature. Integrating with the natural environment, many of the works were created in situ by the artists themselves, while others were adapted to the tropical climate of the place. This includes the work of New Yorker Misha Khan, Cape Town artist Porky Hefer or Spaniard Nacho Carbonell. Precisely one of the most acclaimed pieces is the so-called Evolution Chair from Carbonell - recreated especially for Joali with materials such as sand and tree sap.

A complete destination, a destination to relax, the destination par excellence of the honeymoons, the most exclusive people... Maldives is all that and more, and above all, this hotel is a place like few in the world to recharge your batteries, and this is done surrounded by art, because eco art also contributes to giving Joali a strong character.

MAGIC, JOY AND WELL-BEING

Many of the activities in Joali revolve around nature and landscapes: snorkeling with stingrays, yacht or dhoni tours, wakeboarding or even encounters with local communities. But it is also worth mentioning that a very interesting book exchange concept was created here with the aim of inspiring other reading lovers around the world. Younger guests can enjoy days of history with local storytellers, have fun looking for interactive treasures around the resort, or have cooking classes designed for them. And it is known that these islands are a lovers' paradise, so getting married here is an experience that can be a simple event at sunset or a big party on the beach. If you are looking for something holistic to find emotional balance, attack physical illnesses or strengthen spiritual awareness, Joali has a spa that is a tropical haven of well-being. Managed by the ESPA brand, which combines indulgent treatments with specialized fitness programs, including “raw fitness”, in the gym, which uses manual coconut and vine weights, spinning classes and HIIT classes on sandbars.

STAR FLAVORS

To ensure the satisfaction of all tastes, the hotel's dining options have been carefully selected by chefs with two Michelin stars like Theodor Falser and Takagi Kazuo. The hotel's four restaurants are "Saoke", specializing in Nikkei cuisine; “Vandhoo Restaurant” that brings together a variety of flavors from Southeast Asia; “Her Kitchen”, the culinary experience designed for guests to learn how to cook local Maldivian recipes and “Bellinis” where the best Italian dishes are made. In addition, to taste small aperitifs and have a meeting with the most contemporary mixology, the place is the "Mura Bar", a space that has a room for whiskey and cigars. It is also possible to enjoy a good assortment of handmade sweets, chocolates and ice cream made to measure in liquid nitrogen dishes at the "Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop".

MERAKI

Hotels & Fine Dining

CEO/Editor CARLA BRANCO

Photos JOALI MALDIVES

Story #17 December 2020

www.joali.com