Need to know
Rooms
73, all suites.
Check–Out
Noon, but flexible, subject to availability; check-in starts at 2pm. To ensure an early check-in, guests must pay for the previous night, and for guaranteed late check-out guests must pay 50 per cent of the room rate.
More details
Half board rates are US$165 per adult per night, US$82.50 for children aged six to 12, and complimentary for Little Smiths under six.
Also
Neither rooms nor common areas are wheelchair accessible.
At the hotel
Private beach, tennis courts, gym, art studio, spa, Turkish hammam. In rooms: free WiFi throughout, television, air-conditioning, minibar, free bottled water, kettle and Nespresso machine, tea and coffee, black-out curtains, beach bag, bikes, hairdryer, hair straighteners, snorkelling gear, Joali toiletries including after sun, body lotion and insect repellent, custom Joali robes and flip flops
Our favourite rooms
The only thing that's difficult about Joali is choosing a room. They're all delightful… but if pressed, we'd opt for one of the luxury over-water villas, for a supremely sexy all-at-sea stay. All rooms benefit from a dedicated jadugar, which means butler (or magician when directly translated) who will happily cater to your every need (and, more often than not, know what you need before you know yourself).
Poolside
For swimming seclusion, stay put in your villa – every room has a private pool. Or if you're feeling sociable, take a dip in the family-friendly outdoor swimming pool – it's a glittering infinity-edged jewel perched at the tip of the island, with a few artfully placed palm trees sprouting elegantly from the water. It's right next to the equally alluring turquoise sea… but closer to the bar, so handier for summoning cocktails. Make sure you visit at night, when it's lit up with myriad twinkling lights.
Spa
The vast Joali Spa by Espa redefines all island-sanctuary clichés. Check in to one of its eight treatment rooms for a Balinese massage, perhaps, or escape to the hammam. For a couples' treat, head to the private overwater treatment room.
Packing tips
Bring your most subtly chic 'this old thing?' kaftan to throw casually over your swimwear.
Also
Expect peaceful skies: Joali is a no-drone zone.
Children
All ages are welcome, and there's an outdoor playground and plenty of lawn space for young guests to run around (bagsy a spot in the treehouse). Babysitting and activities for little Smiths can be arranged, and there's baby-monitoring kit to borrow.
Overview
Joali has dreamed up every kind of island adventure for little Smiths. As well as snorkelling, water-skiing and dhoni rides, there are organised treasure hunts with maps and clues, cooking lessons, story-telling time and children’s spa treatments.
Best for
Babies and up.
Recommended rooms
For ultimate seclusion, the family beach villa has two pools, a private beach garden and a dining area.
Swimming pool
All villas have private infinity pools.
Sustainability efforts
No trees were harmed in the making of Joali: the hotel was just built around them (you’ll find palms poking out of unlikely spots, like the deep end of the infinity pool). All 13 pieces in Joali’s immersive art collection are carefully chosen as comments on the crucial issue of conservation in the Maldives. The villas are constructed from sustainable and eco-friendly materials like local timber and bamboo, the island is single-use plastic free, and there’s a water distilling plant and glass bottle crusher on-site. Joali also has a resident marine biologist, Sam, who works to protect the marine life and reef ecosystems. Joali regularly donates to NGOs including the Olive Ridley Project (to protect sea turtles and their habitats), Women in Tech Maldives (to celebrate women in STEM and support girls education) and Zero Waste Maldives (to reduce fabric waste by repurposing or upcycling clothes).