INDIAN OCEAN SPECIAL
Where Paradise Meets Perfection
Travel Specialists for The Indian Ocean
At Luxury Worldwide Collection, we understand that true luxury is about more than just a destination—it’s about the entire experience.
This philosophy is embodied at One&Only Le Saint Géran, where timeless Mauritian charm seamlessly blends with modern sophistication.
When you choose Luxury Worldwide Collection, you are not simply booking a stay; you are unlocking a world of bespoke elegance, meticulously crafted to cater to your every desire.
Hello, and welcome to Only the Best magazine. At a time when we’re all starting to dream about escaping the dreaded, dark UK winter, we hope it provides some insight into, and inspiration for, one of the most beautiful parts of the world: the Indian Ocean. Whether you fancy the Maldives or Mauritius, sunbathing or swimming, we’ve got ideas for the best places to stay: a range of luxurious resorts which have all won top awards for hospitality, from Conde Nast to Forbes and Travel + Leisure (discover more with the QR codes on each feature). Within these pages, you’ll also discover the best diving sites in the region, recommendations for must-order local dishes, and a range of gorgeous accessories perfect for taking on your trip. We hope you enjoy it, and that it gets you daydreaming about bright, sunny days and balmy, tropical nights... and do look out for our next issue, coming soon.
Laura Millar Editor Only
the Best
Competition!
To enter our great competition, where you can win a night for two in a luxury London hotel, including breakfast, just read the question below, and click the link to submit your answer - it’s hidden somewhere within the magazine!
Winners will be picked at random and announced after the closing date of 30/11/2024.
Which Maldives hotel opened in 2018?
- Villa Park - Soneva Fushi
- Joali - One&Only Reethi Rah click to enter
Plan your winter escape to an enchanting wonderland at Soneva resorts
As autumn’s shorter, darker days begin to bite, it’s time to turn your thoughts to how you want to spend your winter. Shivering, in the inevitable freezing, drizzly, British December? Or bathed in golden sunshine, indulging in lazy days on a beach, swimming in clear turquoise waters, with nary a thought given to over-boiled Brussel sprouts? If your choice is the latter - and really, why wouldn’t it be? - you are cordially invited, as the festive season approaches, to immerse yourselves in the magic of Christmas at Soneva’s Maldivian resorts.
Just because you’ll be soaking up the beauty of the Indian Ocean, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate; it will just be in a slightly different - dare we say better? - way. This winter, Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret 2024 will present an unforgettable holiday programme featuring visits from Santa Claus, culinary delights prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, New Year dine-around experiences, and appearances by sporting, wellness, and astronomy icons.
As Christmases go, this one promises to create unforgettable memories which will last a lifetime. Forget, for example, the traditional turkey dinner; as part of the Soneva Stars calendar, which showcases a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences and activities hosted by world experts, your festive meal will be a curated feast crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. You could be dining on delicacies prepared by Paolo Casanova of the Chesa Stüva Colani Restaurant in Madulain, Switzerland; Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman from Stockholm’s Adam/Albin; Latin America’s Best Female Chef, Carolina Bazán; or Tim Raue, from his eponymous restaurant in Berlin. Each one will take you on a creative culinary journey which showcases seasonal flavours and local ingredients from the Maldives, accompanied by refreshing cocktails and healthy drinks crafted from fresh fruits and herbs harvested from the on-site organic garden, as well as a selection of delicious - and sugar-free - ice creams and sorbets.
If, however, you want to inject a shot of adrenaline into your dinner, seek out the exclusive residency by Korean Chef Jun Lee from October 15, 2024, to January 10, 2025, at Flying Sauces in Soneva Fushi. This pairs Jun Lee’s two Michelin-starred restaurant SOIGNÉ in Seoul with the first fine dining zipline experience in the world; and yes, that does mean you’ll be ziplining through 200m of leafy jungle straight into the treeptop restaurant and open kitchen. You’ll be rewarded for your daredevilry with incredible views across the sparkling ocean, not to mention one of the most memorable meals of your life.
Elsewhere, you can be assured that whatever you want to do during your stay, it can be expertly tailored to your needs. Whether you’re with your significant other, or with extended family, every experience is personalised. Seeking an offshore adventure?
Soneva’s private charters across the Indian Ocean provide the perfect opportunity to explore the Maldives’ captivating underwater world at your own pace. Soneva in Aqua offers
bespoke voyages where you can watch manta rays glide by from the glass-bottom Jacuzzi onboard the sleek 23-meter yacht, or even embark on a 10-night charter experience filled with discovery, with stops at Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll, Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll, and Soneva Secret 2024 at the Makunudhoo Atoll along the way. Each journey is designed to provide a unique perspective of the stunning Maldivian landscape.
Have little ones to entertain? Let their imaginations run wild at The Den - the sprawling children’s playground that
Soneva has crafted a selection of wellness experiences aimed at helping you disconnect from your daily routine and reconnect your mind, body, and soul
hosts daily programmes of exciting activities at every resort. This season, Soneva Fushi has partnered with Oppidan Education, a British-based mentoring firm, to encourage young Sonevians to disconnect from the fastpaced world and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, promoting mindfulness and a deeper connection with the environment.
Of course, let’s not forget that one of the most important reasons you’ve come away at Christmas is to relax. With this in mind, Soneva has crafted a selection of wellness experiences aimed at helping you disconnect from your daily routine and reconnect your mind, body, and soul. At Soneva Soul wellness centres in the Maldives, you can explore personalised programmes tailored to your own, unique health profile. These programmes can include everything from cutting-edge stem cell therapies and rejuvenating cryotherapy sessions to Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments and Indian Ayurvedic rituals, all
designed to promote holistic wellbeing. This emphasis on wellness ensures that you leave feeling revitalised, ready to embrace the New Year with renewed energy.
And you can be sure you’ll be staying in the utmost comfort: Soneva offers a range of luxurious accommodations to choose from across its destinations in the Maldives, with options ranging from one to nine-bedroom overwater and island villas, featuring stunning views, private pools, and personalised services that cater to your every need, with plenty of space for families and friends to gather and celebrate together. In short, this December, let Soneva be your home away from home - where you will never have to worry about doing the washing up....
Enter paradise at One&Only Reethi Rah, a luxury resort in the Maldives
It’s time to up your vocabulary - if you didn’t know how many words there are for shades of blue, you’ll need them all when you set foot on One&Only Reethi Rah, a stunning resort in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, surrounded by a charming collection of coral atolls and lagoons.
Here, both sea and sky shift through a range of hues, from azure to aquamarine, cerulean to cobalt, sapphire to cyan. You’ll find them all as you navigate the 109-acre resort, home to twelve beautiful beaches, three swimming pools, seven bars and restaurants, and 122 exclusive villas.
First, you’ll want to dive straight into that dazzling water, an undersea paradise where turtles, reef sharks and manta rays abound, often upstaged by vibrant, iridescent tropical fish. One&Only Reethi Rah can arrange anything from diving lessons, courses and excursions, to a variety of water sports such as kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, surfing, and water skiing. Why not come back from the holiday of a lifetime with a PADI certificate, or see if you can land a barracuda, tuna or marlin on a fun fishing trip? Choose from a fishing sailing yacht or learn the age-old methods of the local Maldivians aboard the resort’s traditional dhoni, and if you catch one that’s big enough, the on-site chefs will prepare it for you for dinner (no pressure, then). You can also take a private sailing charter, and swim and snorkel wherever you drop anchor.
One&Only Reethi Rah can arrange anything from diving lessons, courses and excursions, to a variety of water sports
When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Savour cuisine from around the world, from Italian casual dining at Rabarbaro to modern Japanese dishes at Tapasake
Back on land, there’s a host of activities to keep you busy in between sunbathing and spa sessions. Spruce up your serve with one of the resort’s pros on the tennis court, or take a few lessons in the newly-fashionable sport of padel. For the even more competitive, there’s beach volleyball available, or you can even join a small team to play footie, with all courts and fields scattered throughout the resort’s tropical gardens. If you want to give climbing a shot, Reethi Rah’s outdoor climbing wall, the magnificently-named The Rock, is ready to challenge your grip. And if you just want to take things at your own pace, hop onto one of the available bikes to cycle, or simply stroll on foot, around the island’s secluded, tropical trails.
Looking for something a bit more special? One&Only can arrange a once-in-a-lifetime seaplane excursion, allowing you to gaze down onto the beauty of the Maldives from above, where the many small islands and atolls look like glittering jewels strung onto a sparkling diamond necklace. You can also connect with your creative side, and take part in an art or pottery class conducted by the resort’s respected resident artists; a great way to bring home a souvenir of a truly unforgettable stay.
Children will also have the time of their lives, with a choice of a kids’ or teens’ club, depending on their age. KidsOnly is available for four to twelve-year-olds, while OneTribe offers a range of facilities and programmes for those aged from 13 to 17. The younger ones can enjoy everything from tennis lessons to yoga sessions, a pirate cruise and treasure hunt, fun cooking classes and t-shirt painting, while older kids can try their hands at making jewellery,
sailing lessons, and even taking part in a mini disco. All this means the grown ups can relax in the knowledge their offspring are being well taken care ofand look into some extra indulgences of their own....
First stop, in that case, has to be the spa. An ocean-facing sanctuary designed to restore mind, body and soul, it focuses on revitalising face and body treatments inspired by Asian beauty traditions and using luxurious ESPA products. Before or after your pampering treatment in a private spa suite - you can also enjoy a couples’ experience in a suite made for two - explore the other facilities, from the therapeutic vitality room to the crystal steam room and saunas.
When it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Savour cuisine from around the world, from Italian casual dining at Rabarbaro to modern Japanese dishes at Tapasake. In the evening, unwind at the Beach Club or Rah Bar and soak up the breathtaking Maldivian sunsets. And then, after a full day of total indulgence, you can retreat to your own little haven; villas are located on the beach or over the water, featuring private outdoor spaces (with sun-loungers or daybeds for enjoying the rays by day) and some even have their own private pool. One thing’s for sure; while you’re here, you’ll never actually feel blue, you’ll just be surrounded by it (we can’t vouch for how you’ll feel when it’s time to go home, though...).
At least half - if not most - of the joy of a holiday is the food; here’s what to try when you visit some of the best destinations in the Indian Ocean
Sharpen your appetite: if the key mantra for any relaxing break is ‘indulgence’, then food should definitely be part of the equation. And the more exotic the location, the more interesting the local dishes get, often influenced by centuries of history and multicultural cuisines.
From street food to fine dining, the types of dishes you’ll find throughout various destinations within the Indian Ocean pack delicious punches of flavour. Whether you’re game for trying the hottest of spices or the oddest of ingredients, one thing’s for sure - you won’t go hungry...
Try a masala in Mauritius
Mauritius is blessed with culinary influences from around the world. This is thanks largely to the countries which once squabbled over its ownership - which included Portugal, the Netherlands, and France - and then to the labourers who flocked here from China, India and Madagascar to help build infrastructure and harvest sugarcane. And what an edible legacy they’ve left; today you’ll find richly flavoured biryanis, masala curries, noodle stir-fries, and more. Look out, first, for gateaux piment; fritters made with chilli, chick peas and coriander, they’re peddled at street food stalls
throughout the island, best enjoyed dipped into a fiery chutney. Then scoop up a fragrant chicken, fish or seafood cari (curry) with dhal puri, an Indian-style flatbread. More unusual are Chinese-Mauritian dishes such as bol renversé (‘upside down bowl’), a stir fry prepared in reverse: in a bowl, a fried egg is topped with stir fried chicken, vegetables and greens and layered with rice. Then the whole thing is inverted onto a plate at the table, adding a bit of culinary theatre to your meal. Rougaille is typical of the island’s French influence, a homecooked Creole tomato sauce made with ginger, garlic, thyme and chillies, often with added sausage or seafood. You can find dishes like these throughout the island; look out for some of the best Mauritian restaurants, such as Le Fangourin, located within the Sugar Factory in Pamplemousses; La Rougaille Creole, in Grand Baie; or Domaine Anna, in Flic en Flac. Wash it all down with a potent Ti’ Punch, the Mauritian version of a Daiquiri.
Seek out sublime seafood in the Seychelles
Fish, fish, and more fish; as an archipelago, the Seychelles have access to fish in abundance, and you’ll see local fishermen selling their fresh catch at Victoria Market in Mahe, or straight
off their boats. Locals prepare it very simply, to preserve that just-out-ofthe-sea flavour, grilled over hot coals, sometimes adding garlic, ginger or chilli just before cooking. In the days before refrigeration, fish was salted and preserved, so you might sometimes find pwason sale (‘salted fish’) on a menu; think Portuguese bacalhau. Not for the faint of heart is shark chutney. Yes, that is chutney made with shark meat, which is boiled and mashed before being mixed with bilimbi (a sour fruit) or lime, onions, and spices. It’s typically served with lentils and rice and is - perhaps inexplicably - incredibly popular. French and Indian influences lead to a variety of dishes such as sosis rougay - sausage simmered in a spicy tomato and onion sauce - and kari koko, or coconut curry. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. Bananas are almost as prevalent here as fish, with at least 23 different varieties found throughout the Seychelles, and you’ll often find them flambeed with rum or brandy or
Whether you’re game for trying the hottest of spices or the oddest of ingredients, one thing’s for sure - you won’t go hungry...
dried into chips. Try banana ladob, a traditional dessert, made with sweet potatoes and simmered in coconut milk, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla. You won’t go far wrong wherever you choose to eat, but seek out the likes of Maison Marengo, in Au Cap on Mahe, for great Creole food; Del Place in Port Glaud, Mahe, for their signature red snapper cooked in banana leaf; and Marie Antoinette, in Victoria, the oldest restaurant in the Seychelles.
Enjoy the melting pot cuisine of the Maldives
In the Maldives, ingredients like coconuts, tropical fruit, herbs, spices and seafood come together in a way that can only be described as mouthwatering. Maldivian cuisine reflects a blend of South Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabian and Indonesian influences, with recipes and techniques passed down through generations. Start your day with some shredded smoked tuna; it’s what locals do. Served with grated coconut, onions and lemon, mas huni is the most popular breakfast in the islands, usually eaten with roshi, a type of flatbread. Another staple is garudhiya, a fragrant fish soup made with tuna, water, and salt. It’s often served with rice, lime, chili, and onions, making it a staple comfort food for many Maldivians.
Snacks are easy to find - and even easier to eat - try bis keemiya, a deep fried pastry like a cross between a samosa and a spring roll, filled with tuna, hardboiled egg and cabbage. Or grab a masroshi, a chapati stuffed with smoked tuna and coconut. Reef fish cutlets, similar to fishcakes, are also popular, served with sides like mint chutney and cucumber. And don’t miss the chance to taste delicious Maldivian lobster; have it grilled, steamed, or curried, fresh from the sea. Most restaurants in the Maldives are part of luxury resorts or hotels, but look out for local dishes on the menu where possible. In the capital, Male, there are plenty of independent places to try, from small cafes and shacks to more established locations. Bon appetit!
STEP INTO A of Enchanted GLAMOUR REALM
Lose yourself in Villa Park’s tropical Maldivian paradise...
Robinson Crusoe should have been so lucky; if he’d washed up on the shores of picturesque Villa Park, situated in the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, he would never have wanted to leave.
Villa Park, a luxurious family resort, sits among the island’s leafy, dense jungle and shimmering, azure lagoons, offering an alluring escape to adventurers of all ages. Picture yourself, for example, swimming with whale sharks; these gentle giants are found year-round on the southernmost outer reef of the atoll, within the South-West Ari Marine Protected Area, where you’ll glide through beautiful reefs surrounded by colourful coral formations alive with vibrant, tropical marine life. Or try your hand at fishing, heading out on a traditional dhoni at sunrise to catch something delicious you’ll grill for lunch. And don’t miss the opportunity for a sunset dolphin safari, where bottlenose, spinner, and striped dolphins course playfully through the water as the sun sinks into the horizon.
It’s no wonder Villa Park has been recognised as one of the Leading Family Resorts by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2024; there’s simply so much for everyone to do in this lush island paradise. Accessible via a brief domestic transfer and a short speedboat ride, on arrival you’ll check into one of the resort’s blissful family beach villas, beachfront pool villas, or opulent
overwater bungalows. In each case, the decor is a stylish blend of contemporary and tropical, with pristine white walls contrasting with pops of colour, from royal blue sofas to coral pink curtains or palm print wallpaper and cushions. You won’t go hungry here, either; the resort’s diverse dining options including Japanese, Italian, Thai, and international cuisines, with the standout garden-to-fork treetop experience at ZERO, a split-level restaurant hidden deep in the jungle.
When you fancy something a little more adventurous, you can choose from a range of exciting excursions, like those mentioned above, or head to the resort’s 5-star PADI diving centre. Villa Park offers a range of watersports, from stand up paddle-boarding, to windsurfing, parasailing, and even Jetblading, where you can channel James Bond out on the water. If that sounds too exhausting, make a beeline for the award-winning Araamu Spa, which offers a range of wellness facilities, and relaxing Ayurvedic treat-
ments. Drop the children at the Park Players Kids Club - one of the largest in the Maldives - for some guilt-free time to yourselves. And you can be assured of the resort’s commitment to sustainability; with initiatives like the Green Fingers programme, you can plant native flora and contribute to preserving the island’s unique ecosystem. Villa Park is also dedicated to marine conservation, and as a Green Key certified sustainable eco-friendly resort, it’s committed to plastic-free initiatives, an in-house glass bottle production program, and comprehensive sustainable waste management programs, ensuring a luxurious experience that also preserves the natural environment. So now you know what’s on offer, we imagine you won’t want to leave, either...
Away from terra firma, the islands of the Indian Ocean become even more fascinating; here’s how to make the most of a diving or snorkelling trip
Year-round warm waters, crystal-clear visibility, and super-sized marine life; if you’re not already measuring yourself up for a wetsuit and flippers, you will be the minute you actually get to the Indian Ocean.
Who could resist the chance to explore our underwater world, particularly when you might find yourself swimming alongside manta rays or whale sharks, exploring colourful coral gardens, and observing the leisurely habits of laid-back leatherback turtles. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular spots to go diving and snorkelling; jump in...
Embrace the magic of coral in Mauritius
Ease in to the whole experience gently at the Blue Bay Marine Park on Mauritius’ south coast. The clear, calm lagoon waters are protected, making this an ideal spot for beginners and families, with depths starting at just six metres. Visibility goes much deeper - down to fifty metres - allowing you to marvel at the rich variety of coral, from brain coral to cabbage
coral, and dozens of species of darting, tropical fish, such as yellowstriped butterfly fish, iridescent blue damselfish, and, occasionally, green sea turtles. Amp up the colour factor at the Anemone Garden in Mahebourg Bay, where vivid, neon-hued anemones sway gracefully under the surface. They provide a habitat for large communities of cute Mauritian clownfish, while in shallower areas you might also spot black and white scissortail sergeants, zebra-striped white tail dascyllus, and the intriguing brown mesh sea star resting in the sandy depths. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, head to Flic en Flac, on the island’s west coast. It’s home to La Cathédrale, one of the best dive sites in Mauritius, thanks to its sheer drop offs, caverns and overhangs, where light pours through from above to give the impression of a majestic cathedral. You’ll spy shoals of angel and clown fish, and if you’re very lucky, dolphins. A little further down the coast you’ll stand an even better chance of seeing the latter; Tamarin Bay is known for its resident spinner dolphins, best spotted at sunrise.
See whale sharks and more in the
Seychelles
First, let’s talk turtles, as five of the remaining seven marine turtle species have been recorded in the Seychelles. Around these rugged, granite islands live the hawksbill, with its curved beak, the green sea turtle, with its teardrop-shaped shell, the loggerhead, the leatherback and the fascinatingly-named olive ridley. All of them are fully protected, and there are several hotspots which attract more than others. Cocos island and Felicite serve as important nesting sites for the hawksbill and green sea turtle, while other prime places to spot them include the waters off Anse Patates and Anse Caiman on La Digue, as well as Grande Soeur island. Alternatively, head to Desroches, a remote coral island framed by seagrass. For one of the best all-round diving and snorkelling experiences, make a beeline for Baie Ternay Marine Park, whose
Diving and snorkelling throughout these islands and atolls is simply world class
pristine seashore is fringed by tranquil, turquoise waters and abundant marine life. Among its sea grass meadows, coral reefs and sandy shores, you’ll find more hawksbill turtles, as well as moray eels, catfish, lemon sharks and even - if you’re very lucky - whale sharks. Despite them being the third biggest creature in the ocean (after blue whales and fin whales) don’t be alarmed if you see one of these magnificent gentle giants approaching; they’re not aggressive and don’t threaten humans. In fact, swimming with them is on many people’s bucket list. And save time for a visit to Aldabra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls. Thanks to its remote location and limited human presence, its underwater ecosystems have been immaculately preserved, and here you’ll encounter vast schools of fish, rays, and even the elusive dugong.
Marvel at manta rays in The Maldives
Diving and snorkelling throughout these islands and atolls is simply world class, thanks to water temperatures ranging from an astonishing 26oC to 30oC, as well as great visibility, countless species of sharks and rays, and healthy coral reefs. Make for the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll where, in Hanifura Bay, you can snorkel - diving is not permitted here - with mantas and whale sharks in season. The best chance of sightings is during monsoon season (June to October), when the lagoon fills with plankton and becomes the perfect feeding ground. There is rich marine biodversity around the Ari Atoll, where sites like Maaya Thila and Fish Head are famous for their abundant fish populations, including barracudas, trevally, and various reef sharks. For an even greater thrill, embrace the deep on a night dive of the Alimatha House Reef in Vaavu Atoll. Here, you’ll get up close and personal with nurse sharks, stingrays, and other nocturnal marine creatures. Looking for a wreck dive? The Victory Wreck is a cargo ship which sank in 1981 off the North Malé Atoll, near Hulhumalé, and now sits at a depth of 35 metres. Its rusting hull is encrusted with corals, which attract everything from groupers, snappers, and lionfish, to turtles and moray eels.
Trunk Call
Channel the Hamptons with these stylish, seersucker, blue and white striped men’s swim shorts designed in Amsterdam and handmade in Portugal. The quickdrying fabric is a boon on the beach.
Nautics Seersucker Swims, £99, mrmarvis.com.
Folio Society
Prep for that long-haul plane flight by stashing your laptop or iPad somewhere stylish; this secure leather travel folio is handmade in London and lined in hardwearing suede. Flight folio, £545, benettwinch.com
Shady Lady
See the world through rose coloured glasses with these stunning sunnies by Austrian eyewear brand Silhouette. Cap d’Ail Sunglasses in Rosé blonde flash, from £289, silhouette.com.
Think Pink
Be the envy of all on the beach with the latest chic accessories....
Tick Tock
Dive deeper with this handsome dive watch from Belfast-based brand Nomadic. The Maraí 401 is water resistant to 660ft. Available in five colours, from £995 (without date function), nomadicwatches.com.
Slide Away
Avoid stepping on hot sand with these stylish, uber-comfortable beach sandals which will look just as good in the bar. Arizona Eva sandals in fondant pink, £45, birkenstock.com.
Wrap yourself in chic pink stripes with this beautiful beach towel from one of Portugal’s best-known home textile brands. Made from high-quality cotton and terry fabric, it’ll look great while you’re drying off from a dip. Barra towel, £39.99, torresnovas.co.uk.
Heaven Scent
Inspired by the ocean, Art de Parfum’s innovative and revitalising scent, Sea Foam, evokes memories of salt, seawood and driftwood. Made in Grasse, these fragrances are cruelty-free, unisex and environmentally friendly. Sea Foam 50ml, £125, artdeparfum.com.
JOALI IN THE CROWN
Founder of JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, Turkish entrepreneur Esin Güral Argat, explains the vision behind her award-winning resorts
How and when did the idea for creating the JOALI brand first come to you?
Several years ago, I followed my passion for sustainability and female empowerment and created a unique hospitality experience with JOALI, a leading luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand with two award-winning islands in the Maldives. JOALI Maldives opened in the remote northern Raa Atoll of the Maldives in 2018, and JOALI BEING opened in the same atoll in late 2021. The name JOALI is inspired by joali fathi, the traditional hammock chairs you find in Maldivian households; apart from their historical and cultural significance, they also give you the feeling of comfort, ease and joy. Essentially, our brand is all about joy.
JOALI as a brand has redefined travel in the Maldives with the first art-immersive resort and a dedicated wellbeing island positioned in the ultraluxury segment
What was your concept for JOALI Maldives and what do you think it brought to the Maldives that didn’t exist already?
JOALI is the first art-immersive resort in the Maldives. We have over 18 unique, interactive art installa-
tions depicting nature and sustainability on the island displayed as a sculpture park, from Porky Hefer’s giant-sized Manta Treehouses to Maja Rohwetter’s augmented reality experience. Art is reflected not only in the architecture, designs or installations, but also in the experiences curated on the island, from edible art dinners to ceramic workshops with the resident artists and creative arts and crafts by renowned visiting artists.
And what about JOALI BEING?
The idea of a second property emerged from our vision of bespoke wellbeing. Along with infusing established practices and luxuries associated with the destination, JOALI BEING’s transformative venues offer discerning travellers the opportunity to open doors to new pathways of wellbeing not yet seen before in the region. The resort’s biophilic design is aimed at enhancing this concept, while some of our 33 beach villas and 35 water villas are equipped with Wellbeing Bars, meditative musical instruments and mindful spaces.
We have plans for a third project in the Maldives and we will soon be launching JOALI Island Homes project
The Four Pillars of JOALI BEING have been created by Oxford University professor Gerry Bodeker, a Harvard-trained expert on traditional and integrative medicine and wellness. Wellbeing journeys are led by a dedicated in-house team of naturopaths, nutritionists, Watsu therapists, sound healing specialists, nutritionists, herbalists, mind and body movement specialists and doctors in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicinal practitioners. It’s rare to find these specialists throughout the year in the Maldives; many resorts that host visiting practitioners only have them for a limited period of time. We also have the latest technology for consultation and diagnosis from bioenergetic system, Qest4, Fit 3D Analysis, and D-Wall Intelligent Movement Analysis machine by Technobody.
What are you proudest of with JOALI?
JOALI as a brand has redefined travel in the Maldives with the first art-immersive resort and a dedicated wellbeing island positioned in the ultra-luxury segment. Our properties have received numerous awards from Conde Nast, Travel + Leisure, Goop and Cosmopolitan, and have been rated the highest in Leading Quality Assurance and Forbes Travel Guide, which truly speaks to our credibility and quality. I am humbled every day by the comments received by our guests. We have retained repeat guests who have stayed over 200 nights
in JOALI or even more than 14 times in JOALI properties.
Can you tell us more about your ethos for promoting female empowerment, and how that is manifested at each resort?
At JOALI, we are strong believers that diversity is a valuable resource – we are particularly committed to gender equality and to the development of talented women in all its entities and at all levels of the organisation. We are delighted to have created a Leadership and Gender Diversity Programme in line with our commitment to the UN Women’s gender equality campaign, and JOALI is committed to supporting training for girls in local schools, hiring local women in roles around the island, and ensuring our team is structured in a way that encourages female team members to grow and progress. I strongly believe female empowerment is essential for sustainable development. JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, in the past two consecutive years, have won the highest female ratio in the hospitality industry, which was awarded by the Ministry of Tourism in the Maldives, and this is an achievement I am proud of and strive to achieve. We also donate funds to vital projects, including to Women in Tech Maldives to conduct
#CodeforClimateMV, a code learning programme held at Raa Atoll School in Raa Dhuvaafaru. The programme was designed to spread climate awareness through code and introduce the participants to Python and Machine Learning’ eighteen girls successfully completed the programme.
What are your plans for the future?
We are always seeking to introduce new technology and trends and enhancing the current wellbeing offerings such as opening a multigenerational wellbeing playground end of last year, B’Kidult, in JOALI BEING. At JOALI Maldives, we introduce new interactive and unique art installations to our collection every year. We have plans for a third project in the Maldives and we will soon be launching JOALI Island Homes project, a collection of wellbeing island residences which blur the lines of the real-estate and wellbeing landscape. The industry is ever-evolving and fast-paced; we believe that JOALI, as a brand, is always one step ahead.
Experience authentic Mauritian hospitality at La Pirogue
Transport yourself back in time to experience the simple charms of one of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has everything you could possibly want from a present-day paradise: soft golden sand, balmy turquoise waters, gently swaying palm trees and warm, welcoming hospitality. Channel it all at La Pirogue, which was the very first hotel to open on the island’s west coast, right on glorious Flic en Flac beach.
Taking its name from a traditional hollowed-out fishing boat which has been used here from the 19th century, La Pirogue’s decor is also inspired by the past. Thatched bungalows, crafted from wood and volcanic rock, house the resort’s 248 rooms, where inside, soft lighting, macramé furnishings and vintage rattan create a 70s boho vibe, alongside with local art which adorns the walls. The whole vibe is laid-back, encouraging you to drop those shoulders, forget that stress, and just sink into the resort’s relaxing atmosphere.
You can’t fail to be seduced by its 35 acres of lush greenery, pervaded by the scent of fragrant frangipani. Listen out for the soft sounds of reggae and local music, Sega, drifting through the air, explore the exotic gardens, which bloom with endemic plants and flowers, or pop into one of the three restaurants for a cookery lesson preparing something local. If you’d rather someone else do the cooking, get ready to try authentic Mauritian cuisine at the Magenta Grill, which focuses on the freshest seafood. You’ll find everything from Asian favourites to European classics at Wolmar, while the Coconut Cafe is just the place for casual, informal dining.
Water babies will either want to hang out by the pool, which offer sweeping views of the ocean, or head down to the beach below. Flic en Flac is
one of the island’s longest, lined with dazzling white sand and a mix of palms and Casuarina trees. Here, you can enjoy an array of water sports, from SUP to kayaking, while if you’re feeling more adventurous, take to the waves on a catamaran cruise or by water-ski. It’s just a short stroll to Sugar Beach, La Pirogue’s sister hotel, where you can enjoy their facilities, too. Truly, a stay which offers the best of both worlds.
Explore our tropical island paradise, celebrate authentic cuisine and enjoy signature Indian Ocean experiences when you stay at One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.
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