Joali Hotel

Raa Atoll, Maldives

A paradisiac vision of artistic flair and design nous, this Maldives resort has forged its own path to luxury amid the tropical wonder of the remote Raa Atoll, ticking every single box along the way

Words by Blossom Green.

Starchitect Porky Hefer's undulating thatch-roof jetty emerges, wave-like, from the ocean on arriving at this slip of paradise floating languidly on a private island on the Raa Atoll. It’s a welcome that says everything about the resort’s slant: Joali is all about craftsmanship.

Whisked off by a private butler, eyes darting from brilliant blues to white sands, skin kissed by a warm breeze, it’s hard to imagine you could ever be distracted from such natural glory. Until you reach your villa, that is.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the scale is positively jaw-slackening – each of the 73 abodes clocks in at a minimum of 240sq m. Sustainability is key here and raw, local and reclaimed materials are the blueprint of the vertiginous design – a stylised take on modern colonial. Wooden doors, hand-carved with tropical motifs, draw attention from curios to curvaceous bronze fixtures, a library, slick bar area and emerald-hued marble. It’s enough to keep you enthralled for days without mention of the cabana, sun deck and outsized private pool outside.

A verdant resort trail reveals all the hallmarks of a Maldivian getaway – infinity pool, tennis courts, spa – but what stands out is the creative heart that beats throughout. A stone-clad bar carved into the sand; nooks for pottery classes; a working manta ray sculpture, its belly the site of clandestine suppers; the monolithic lodge that’s home to three dining experiences. Then there’s Saoke, a marvel of cubist woodwork that perches on the water and serves flavoursome, artistic Nikkei cuisine.

Excellent diving and watersports are a given. On our visit, an adventure to identify turtles sees us spotting five newbies and swimming with manta rays on a chance encounter, before amping up the castaway vibes on a desert island – with a superb lunch laid out on landing. As sublime as it is thrilling, Joali is a sophisticated sanctuary you’ll never want to leave.

DETAIL: Villas from £1,530pn, including breakfast. 00 960 658 44 00, joali.com

Three more on the Raa Atoll

One of a clutch of fledgling hotels opening up this less-developed atoll, Faarufushi Maldives is a lesson in less is more. Wooden bungalows hone in on a Scandi-leaning aesthetic, while a barefoot-luxury ethos pervades the 80-villa resort. A house reef with swim-throughs and coral overhangs to explore is
a real draw. Doubles from £1,201. 00 960 658 7070, faarufushi.com

If it’s adult-only escapism you seek, try You & Me by Cocoon. Found in a remote corner of the atoll, it boasts uninterrupted views as far as the eye can see. WhileItalian by design, a rustic-chic character comes by way of driftwood accents and muted colourways. Other key features include an underwater restaurant and a spa set over the sea, with glass-floored suites. Doubles from £309. 00 960 658 1000, youandmemaldives.com

The Standard Maldives, launched late last year, is a playful pick with a Miami beach-club vibe suited to youthful and young-at- heart guests. Think bold colours, beach bonfires and high-octane watersports. Doubles from £303.
00 960 658 5555, standardhotels.com

This review was taken from the August/September 2020 issue of Food and Travel.

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