JOALI Maldives Resort

We’ve stayed at three other Maldives resorts, and each time we wished we’d chosen Joali instead. We won’t make that mistake again. This was our fourth visit to Joali Maldives, and it feels like coming home. The staff are friendly and attentive, and everything feels carefully arranged around each guest. Asim, our butler, and Trevo, the bartender, deserve a special thank you. When we visit the Maldives from now on, we plan to stay at Joali Maldives and Joali Being. We’re also looking forward to the new Joali opening. For us, this is the best resort in the Maldives, and we recommend it very highly.

The property is nice, but I felt the service changed depending on whether the guest was a man or a woman, especially with the female attendants in public areas. One attendant, who I think was called Surabi, seemed to change her tone and gestures from guest to guest. I think the staff should be properly trained to treat everyone professionally.

We tried the Street Market Concept dinner and had a great time. The island and rooms are amazing, and once you take it all in, everything looks like a beautiful piece of art. Everyone was kind and supportive. One of the best experiences in the Maldives.

The kids had an incredible time at JOALI. The staff made a real effort to keep our two children entertained and make them feel special, so they came away with memories we’ll treasure. The team was warm and attentive throughout, and our butlers, called "Jaadugar," or "Magicians," seemed to anticipate every need. We were told the General Manager also pays attention to the small details. SAOKE was a highlight. I’ve never had a better Japanese meal: the flavors and presentation were wonderful, and the calm overwater setting made it feel like more than just dinner. The Chinese-themed buffet was enjoyable and varied as well. The arrival was peaceful and personal, with smooth service from the airport onward, and the journey to the resort was an adventure in itself. Once there, the overwater villas and lush surroundings made it easy for us to relax and spend time together. It felt like a private escape, with a sense of being welcomed into a family. The one small snag was the seaplane lounge. We had a five-hour wait for our flight and wished there were more amenities. The limited meal options were inconvenient, though that was easy to forget beside the rest of the stay. JOALI gave us a trip we’ll cherish, with memorable food and service and a particularly joyful experience for the children.