Joali, Maldives

A new top-of-the-range, luxury resort with a focus on eco-awareness and sustainability, combined with inspiration derived from the owner’s love of art and design. The island is dotted with exclusive, original art and sculpture by innovative artists - you can't miss the two magnificent manta rays suspended in the trees (you can climb into the large one courtesy of an elevated wooden walkway).

Joali has just 73 sumptuous villas in total, all with private pool and butler service, with the water villas arranged along a 1.3km jetty. Interiors are modern, elegant and tasteful – classy stuff.

On our visit during soft opening, there was still some remaining construction ongoing and there are sparse areas where replanting has been necessary. The inevitable management of the beach will be aided by a sand barge/pump.

Service & dining are of the highest quality, as one would expect. The overwater signature Japanese restaurant Soake is a must (as are the tuna tacos at Mura Bar!).

We found some nice snorkelling in 3 areas and the dive centre will advise on the best spots subject to tides. If she’s on the island, we recommend a chat with Sam, the young, passionate marine biologist, who is spearheading the coral conservation programme.

Joali is going toe-to-toe with the best that Maldives has to offer and has assembled a hugely talented and experienced team drawn from other high-end resorts, under the stewardship of a much-esteemed GM Steven Philips. Time will tell whether the resort will compete at the level it positions itself at, but the signs and evidence so far suggest it should be a walk in the art-filled park!