JOALI BEING: A Sanctuary of Weightlessness and Wellness for the Discerning Gulf Family

In the heart of the Raa Atoll, on the pristine island of Bodufushi, lies a destination that redefines luxury travel: JOALI BEING. Once an adults-only retreat, this pioneering resort has evolved into a haven for high-net-worth families from the Gulf region, offering a transformative journey centered on the concept of "weightlessness".

With its recent transition to a family-friendly model in early 2024, JOALI BEING now welcomes guests of all ages, providing an exclusive sanctuary where holistic wellness, privacy, and cultural respect converge.

" JOALI BEING is not merely a vacation; it is an investment in personal and familial well-being, set within one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. "

Philosophy of Holistic Renewal and Biophilic Design

JOALI BEING’s ethos is built upon four pillars: Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the guest experience, from the biophilic design of the architecture to the curated culinary offerings and personalized wellness programs. The resort aims to provide a deeply restorative experience, moving beyond a typical luxury vacation to a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

The architecture itself is a testament to this philosophy, featuring soaring, curved roofs and expansive windows that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, seamlessly integrating the villas with the natural environment. This design not only enhances the sense of space and breathing but also ensures a harmonious flow of energy, creating a serene atmosphere for guests.

Private Sanctuaries: Expansive Family Residences

JOALI BEING offers 68 private "Well Living Spaces," each equipped with a private infinity pool and a dedicated Jadugar (butler). For families from the Gulf, the resort provides expansive multi-bedroom residences that ensure both shared spaces for bonding and individual sanctuaries for privacy.

• Three-Bedroom Wellbeing Beach Residence: Spanning 1,260 sqm, this residence is ideal for multigenerational families, offering a large private infinity pool, direct beach access, and outdoor sunken bathtubs. The layout includes a standalone wing for one of the King bedrooms, perfect for grandparents seeking separation from children.
• Four-Bedroom Private Wellbeing Ocean Residence: The pinnacle of luxury, this overwater palace accommodates up to 10 guests and features a spectacular 118 sqm infinity pool, a private fitness zone, and unrivaled ocean views.
• Two-Bedroom Villas: Suitable for smaller families, these villas offer significant privacy, particularly the beach options which are cocooned in lush tropical vegetation.

Each villa is thoughtfully appointed with amenities designed to enhance the wellness journey, including a personalized Wellbeing Bar stocked with healthy snacks and beverages, meditative musical instruments, and a Bose sound system with calming playlists. The high degree of privacy, especially in the beach villas, ensures a secluded and respectful environment for families and women.

Culinary Excellence: Halal Dining and Earth-to-Table Cuisine

The culinary philosophy at JOALI BEING is "Earth-to-Table," emphasizing fresh, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients. The menus are curated in collaboration with nutritionists to be both healthy and indulgent, with detailed nutritional information provided for each dish.

For guests from the Gulf, the resort explicitly offers halal food choices and has a dedicated kosher kitchen, indicating a high level of proficiency in adhering to strict religious dietary laws. The culinary team is adept at accommodating specific dietary requirements, and guests can be assured of a premium dining experience that aligns with their customs. It is advisable to communicate specific halal requirements in advance to ensure the most seamless experience.

The resort features several dining venues:

• FLOW: The main dining hub with three distinct open kitchens: Plantae (vegetarian/vegan), Su (pescatarian), and B’Well (signature menu with meat and poultry).
• MOJO: A vibrant, three-tiered sundeck and poolside restaurant offering Mediterranean and international cuisine.
• Yutori: An overwater Japanese restaurant conceptualized by a Michelin-acclaimed chef, offering exquisite flavors including Wagyu beef and fresh sashimi.
• Rakuzen: A private teppanyaki experience with spectacular views of the "Gate of Zero" arrival jetty.

While alcohol is available, its consumption is not overtly encouraged, in line with the resort's wellness ethos. The beverage menus feature a curated selection of premium organic and biodynamic alcoholic beverages with lower sugar and calorie content, but a wide array of non-alcoholic options, including "Vitamingles," homemade kombuchas, and artisanal teas, is prominently featured. For guests desiring an alcohol-free environment, the minibar can be cleared of alcoholic beverages upon request.

Wellness Facilities and Multigenerational Family Experiences

At the heart of JOALI BEING is its unparalleled wellness offering, with some of the most extensive and advanced facilities in the Maldives. The AREKA wellbeing hub features 39 treatment rooms, while the KAASHI hydrotherapy hall includes a Watsu pool, Russian Banya, Aufguss sauna, and Turkish Hammam. The SEDA sound therapy hall offers immersive healing through sound and vibration.

For families, the resort has introduced the B'Kidult multigenerational playground and program, designed to engage guests of all ages in activities centered around the Four Pillars of wellbeing. Experiences include:

• Nature and Sustainability: Sessions with the resident marine biologist, including coral planting and learning about the Olive Ridley Project for sea turtle rehabilitation.
• Creative Arts: Workshops in the art studio.
• Culinary Classes: Interactive and healthy cooking classes for all ages.
• Mindful Movement: Family yoga, Qi Gong for kids, and meditation sessions.

The resort also offers a range of private excursions, including semi-submarine trips, dolphin cruises, and big game fishing, all of which can be arranged on a private basis for maximum exclusivity.

" Privacy is a cornerstone of the JOALI BEING experience, with villas designed to offer a high degree of seclusion through lush vegetation screening and generous spacing. "

Privacy, Cultural Respect, and Female Empowerment

Privacy is a cornerstone of the JOALI BEING experience. The villas are designed to offer a high degree of seclusion, with lush vegetation screening the beach villas and generous spacing for the overwater villas. For absolute seclusion, the larger residences provide an exclusive sanctuary for families.

Regarding prayer facilities, while there is no specific mention of a dedicated mosque or prayer room on the island, the high level of personalized service from the Jadugar suggests that prayer mats and information on the Qibla direction can likely be arranged upon request in the privacy of the villa. The Maldives is a Muslim country, and the resort staff is accustomed to the needs of Muslim guests. The Qibla direction for the Maldives is generally West-Northwest.

The resort also champions female empowerment, with one of the highest numbers of female employees in a Maldivian tourist resort, creating a comfortable environment for female guests. Female staff can be available for in-villa services upon request.

Sustainability and Responsible Luxury Practices

JOALI BEING demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible luxury, holding an EarthCheck Silver Certification. The resort actively participates in marine conservation efforts, including the Olive Ridley Project for sea turtle rehabilitation and its own Coral Restoration Program. Guests can participate in coral planting activities, contributing to the preservation of the marine ecosystem. The resort has also eliminated single-use plastics, operates an on-island water bottling plant, and utilizes a comprehensive recycling and composting program.

Travel Logistics and Access from the Gulf

JOALI BEING is located on the island of Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll, accessible via a 40-45 minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Several major airlines offer direct flights from key hubs in the Gulf to Malé, including Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia. The resort can arrange the seaplane transfer for guests based on their international flight schedules. For a more exclusive arrival, the JOALI private seaplane can be chartered for approximately $9,350 USD each way.

Citizens of Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations are granted a 30-day tourist visa free of charge upon arrival in the Maldives. A passport with at least one to six months' validity, a confirmed hotel booking, proof of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket are required. All travelers must also submit a Traveller Declaration form via the IMUGA portal within 96 hours of their flight.

For those ready to experience this sanctuary of weightlessness and wellness, booking is available through Stay22:

Book JOALI BEING via Stay22