An eco-conscious boutique island retreat of 73 all-pool villas, butler service, sophisticated interior design and the kind of pristine Maldives setting that all Indian Ocean dreams are made of; JOALI has the lot. This picture-perfect, boutique Maldives escape really does have a special atmosphere as you wander around the island, one enhanced by the magical ocean views and immaculate bone-white sands as much as the attentive service, and elegance of the architecture too.

Across JOALI then, you’ll find beautiful thatched villas and open-air spaces housing both your supremely spacious accommodation and the clutch of world-class restaurants alike. At Soake, for example, you can savour extraordinary Japanese cuisine while floating atop the water. Or, head to Vandhoo Restaurant for truly cutting-edge fine dining that is almost impossible to believe, given the remote location of the island and apparent scarcity of available ingredients. In fact it is Muravandhoo Island itself that’s among the main draws here; a heavenly sprawl of sand surrounded by waters rich with marine life (ideal for snorkelling and scuba), and now home to JOALI’s respectfully designed beachfront and overwater villas that stretch out to sea.

JOALI is certainly idyllic to look at, yet goes several steps further with its fantastic range of kids’ clubs and themed activities, tennis club and gym, watersports and yachting, yoga and cooking classes, pure-zen spa and of course, those irresistible restaurants and sunset cocktail bars too. However the final mention must go to JOALI’s sensational villas, each coming with a huge private plot and lots of outdoor space, at least one private pool, sun terraces, living rooms, outdoor dining and an understated classiness to the décor throughout; flawless.

Rooms: 73

Location: Muravandhoo, Raa Atoll, Maldives

Nearest Airport: Malé International Airport

Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board

1. The overall plot for each villa is significantly larger than other Indian Ocean alternatives, with the Beach Villas (for example) enjoying up to 865sq m of space when factoring in their garden, sundeck and pool
2. Gastronomy at JOALI is a real highlight of any stay – both for the variety and fine dining quality of the cuisine on offer
3. Butler service either in-villa or while lounging around the resort is a very welcome touch
4. JOALI’s spa is a haven of relaxation, with its meditation gardens, healing rituals and holistic massage
5. The watersports, boat trips, private yacht charter and snorkelling at JOALI will provide endless entertainment between days spent lounging in the sun
6. Unlike many luxury Indian Ocean Resorts, JOALI is very well suited for families with its multi-room Family Villas and Residences, as well as themed activities, kids’ clubs, treasure hunts and cookery classes for little ones available during your stay