Joali Being Bodufushi

Where Wellness Meets Wonder — A 15th Anniversary to Remember ★★★★★ This was our third trip to the Maldives, and this time we visited three resorts — Heritance Aarah, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, and Joali BEING. As a family of four with two boys aged 9 and 11, the first two resorts were chosen primarily for their all-inclusive plans, which suited our food-loving husband and sons perfectly. But Joali BEING was chosen for a different reason entirely: my husband wanted to find a place that would truly leave an impression on me, to mark our 15th wedding anniversary. Despite the weather not being on our side during our stay, he succeeded completely. Our Jadugar — Asma I want to begin with our Jadugar, Asma, because no review of our stay would be complete without her. Her service was prompt, attentive, thoughtful, and utterly seamless — but what set her apart was something harder to define. She didn't feel like someone doing a job. She felt like someone who genuinely cared. Every request was met with immediate warmth, every need anticipated before it was expressed. She became our photographer when she had a spare moment, arranged a tricycle for our younger son when she noticed he couldn't yet ride a bicycle, and ensured our anniversary was marked with meaningful gestures throughout. Special mention also to Dhagey, who gave our whole family such a warm and enthusiastic send-off on our final day. Arrival The seaplane lounge was spacious and well-appointed, with a healthy selection of drinks and snacks on offer — our boys in particular fell in love with the freshly baked croissants. We were incredibly lucky on the day: we boarded Joali BEING's own signature macaron-blue seaplane, all eight seats occupied by just our family of four. The flight was comfortable and the aircraft itself was beautiful. Arriving to the resort's iconic white architecture rising from the turquoise water was a moment none of us will forget. Architecture & Environment From an architectural and conceptual standpoint, Joali BEING is simply the most beautiful resort I have ever visited in the Maldives. The island is lush with tropical vegetation, and every major building — FLOW, MOJO, Areka Wellness Centre, Aktar Herbal House — is a work of art in its own right. Whoever founded this resort must be a woman of extraordinary taste and vision. Our overwater villa was a sanctuary in every sense. The interiors drew their inspiration from the ocean itself — soft pinks, warm whites, sage greens, and gentle greys — with flowing curved lines throughout that banished any sense of harshness or rigidity. The soaring ceilings were dressed with cloud-shaped lighting and gossamer curtains that moved with the breeze, creating a feeling of weightlessness. Every light in the villa was controllable via tablet through the smart home system. It was, quite simply, the most beautiful room I have ever stayed in. Dining Our most-visited restaurant was FLOW, and the space alone is worth the trip — impossibly high ceilings draped in cascading curtains that feel almost surreal in their beauty. Breakfast here was a revelation. Far removed from a standard continental spread, it felt closer to what you might find at a high-end brunch restaurant: gluten-free and savoury crepe options, an extensive egg menu, smoothie bowls, breakfast bowls, fresh juices, and even Turkish-inspired selections. Beyond the buffet, guests could also order three à la carte courses. This is breakfast as a considered, nourishing ritual — something we came to look forward to each morning. Dinner at FLOW was equally impressive. On our half-board plan, we could select three courses each evening from a menu spanning fish, seafood, and meat. Personal highlights for me were the cod and scallops, both beautifully executed. One evening we dined at Yutori, the overwater Japanese restaurant. With its bamboo-thatched roof and 360-degree ocean views, the space evoked something reminiscent of Balinese architecture — deeply organic, deeply serene. Asma had reserved us a coveted bar counter seat, which gave us a front-row view of the kitchen's craftsmanship. The scallops, Wagyu gunkan, marinated eel, and king crab were all exceptional. On one afternoon, we discovered Rakuzen — the teppanyaki experience located in a wonderfully private setting right on the beach adjacent to FLOW. We each chose between the land and ocean set menus, and the quality of the ingredients was outstanding. The chef and server were both wonderfully attentive — warm and engaging with the adults, patient and kind with the children. It was one of the most memorable lunches of the trip. Wellness This is where Joali BEING genuinely separates itself from every other resort I have visited. The Core fitness space is exceptional — fully equipped with Pilates reformer beds, aerial yoga, and even a G Wall. There is also a tennis court and padel court (our boys particularly enjoyed the tennis, though the rental fee was on the higher side). The Areka Wellness Centre features a heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, ice fountain room, and relaxation rooms — all immaculately maintained. For those seeking deeper experiences, a cryotherapy chamber and Turkish hammam are also available. Given the weather during our stay, I found myself spending much of my time between the gym, Areka, and the Aktar Herbal House — and I genuinely did not mind. Each space offered something restorative and distinct. One morning I joined an 11am functional training group class led by an exceptionally patient and knowledgeable instructor — one of the highlights of my wellness experience. As an anniversary gift, the resort offered us a complimentary one-hour couples' massage and a session at the Art Club, where a wonderfully patient teacher guided me through painting a T-shirt — a completely unexpected and delightful experience that I will treasure. In-Villa Service On arrival, we were welcomed with bubble tea and fresh fruit. Every morning, our villa was restocked with fruit and small pastries. Kimonos, towels, and all sundry items were replenished promptly and impeccably. The small gestures accumulated into something that felt genuinely luxurious. Water Sports & Children On our second day, when the weather allowed, both boys tried the Seabob — and were absolutely thrilled. Our older son, who typically finds snorkelling a little dull, was completely captivated; the Seabob allowed him to glide alongside fish and coral in a way that snorkelling simply doesn't match. Both boys received thoughtful gifts on arrival and departure, which delighted them enormously. We adults received beautiful fragrance gifts, and the name tags from our bicycles were removed and presented to us as a keepsake — a small but genuinely charming touch. (The bicycles themselves, it must be said, are a beautiful colour.) When Asma noticed that our younger son couldn't yet ride a bicycle, she quietly arranged a tricycle for him — which he then rode everywhere with great pride. The People Beyond Asma and Dhagey, so many members of the team left a lasting impression — even those I cannot name, as they weren't wearing name badges and, I admit, my memory for names is not what I wish it were. The chef and server at Rakuzen who made our lunch so special. The staff member at MOJO who told us with such excitement that he was going fishing with his family the next day. The Art Club teacher. Swift, the marine biologist at the turtle rescue centre, who brought so much knowledge and passion to his role. And the manager at FLOW who, when my older son accidentally burned himself, was immediately at our table with soothing cream — no fuss, no delay, just care. I do want to note gently that service consistency is something the resort could continue to develop. The very best staff here set a remarkably high bar — attentive, proactive, connection-building — and it is worth encouraging that standard across the entire team. Good service, in my view, is about asking before being asked, and making guests feel genuinely seen. Overall Joali BEING is not simply a resort. It is a considered, beautifully conceived philosophy of living — expressed through architecture, food, wellness, and the people who bring it all to life. My husband set out to impress me for our 15th anniversary, and this place did exactly that.

We had a wonderful stay at the resort. Everything was beautiful, and the entire team was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful.

A special thanks to our butler, Asmaa, who was always kind, attentive, and made our stay even more enjoyable with her excellent service.

Highly recommended, and we would definitely love to come back!