Why go here? Truthfully, the question that should be asked here is “Why not?” The Maldives offers pristine white sand nearly as fine as baking powder and waters so clear that, on a sunny day with a light breeze, the water sparkles like a Kirakira filter (remember those days?). It’s the epitome of a dreamy beach holiday, but when you combine that with the country’s first dedicated wellness resort, you’re in for a real treat. Centred around four pillars – mind, skin, microbiome, and energy – Joali Being delivers so much more than just a spa.
Here, practitioners specialised in Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and nutrition are on hand for guidance. An encyclopaedic treatment menu covers the usual suspects along with the less familiar, such as chi nei tsang, a centuries-old abdominal massage rooted in the Chinese philosophy of Qi. It’s also home to many a superlative: the archipelago’s first cryotherapy chamber, the region’s largest fitness centre, a one-of-a-kind sound therapy room.
Needless to say, the bar has been set high, and admirers (or, should I say, competitors) have taken note. What’s the vibe? Following a scenic sea plane ride from the international airport, you land directly at Joali Being’s bobbing jetty, where a welcome committee awaits. Hand to heart paired with the chime of “Marhaba” (Arabic for “welcome”) and a genuine smile, the staff leave an indelible mark of warmth.
Any stressors that may have come with the arduous trip are instantly abandoned. The island is just small enough that it maintains a sense of intimacy but large enough that it never feels crowded. Guests are an eclectic mix, consisting of doting babymooners, solo travellers revelling in their independence, and multigenerational families with the type of children who excitedly reach for cucumbers at the meticulously curated breakfast buffet despite the astonishing array of gluten-free baked goods front and centre at the entrance.
And while you’ll find wellness-oriented spaces dotted throughout the islet, Areka, the resort’s spa and a kid-free zone, is Joali Being’s Shangri-La. A floating stone walkway canopied by soaring palms leads guests into changing rooms complete with a hydrotherapy pool, stream room, sauna, and ice fountain. From there, guests are guided to one of 39 treatment rooms, each hidden by lush vegetation.
Aside from the reception area and post-treatment tea outside of Aktar, the aromatherapy and herbology centre nestled in the centre of Areka, you’ll rarely bump into another guest. The history? When Joali Maldives opened in 2018, it became the first “art-immersive resort” in the country. Characterised by contemporary sculptures by worldwide talent; an aesthetic that would be described as traditionally feminine (think rose-gold accents, curved lines, and emerald-hued marble with pink veins); and ultra-luxe accommodations with high ceilings, pocket doors, and some of the largest private pools in the region, it broke boundaries.
So it should really come as no surprise that founder Esin Güral Argat would shake things up once more with Joali Being three years later. The deft businesswoman recognised “a growing demand for people wanting wellness to be part of the infrastructure of their daily lives, not an addition to it”. So why not pair leisure with wellness? Why not create a spa and well-being programme on a scale that has never been done before in the Maldives? Why not, indeed.
What should you try? You can’t go wrong with the Four Pillars Signature Massage – a full-body treatment that dispels tension, leaving your body feeling light and relaxed – especially if it’s directly upon arrival. But if you’re looking to try something a little more distinctive, consider something like “watsu”. A portmanteau of water and shiatsu, the aquatic treatment takes place in an indoor pool and combines stretching, movement, and massage techniques.
Fair warning – it’s somewhat polarising. Some find the intimacy uncomfortable (there are moments where you are essentially cradled), others emotional. Personally, once I was able to fully let loose both mentally and physically, pushing past the awkwardness and allowing the floats strapped to my legs to work their magic, I found it quite therapeutic.
The room is a thing of beauty, too, with its intricate mosaics and starlight ceiling. There are, however, two watsu rooms – one significantly larger than the other. Make sure to request the former.
How environmentally friendly is it? In a destination like the Maldives, sustainability is critical. In addition to energy conservation and waste and water management, Joali Being also prioritises biodegradable, recyclable, and reef-friendly products. The resort likewise follows fair-trade principles and responsibly sources tea, coffee, and wood.
Single-use plastic is also completely absent from the island, which one would presume is a given, but as someone who has visited multiple properties in the Maldives, I can attest that it’s, unfortunately, not always the case. What else do we need to know? Joali Being offers complimentary 30-minute consultations for all of its guests. But if you really want to lean into the wellness aspect of the resort, there are several pre-curated programmes to choose from, targeting objectives such as stress reduction and weight management, along with the option of a completely customised itinerary.
A minimum stay of five nights is suggested for these programmes. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check the weekly schedule of activities ranging from fitness classes to educational seminars and sign up for a session or two. Who can go? Areka and the entire island are reserved for Joali Being and Joali Maldives guests.
If you’re staying at the latter, it’s about a 10- to 15-minute speedboat ride between the two resorts. Booking details for Joali Being Address: Bodufushi Island, Maldives Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide ..
