Designed as the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives. It is much more than a hotel, it is an experience. JOALI BEING offers personalised transformative journeys of self-discovery and renewal. The island is home to wellbeing experts - herbalists, naturopaths, therapists, movement experts and nutritionists, for whom the ultimate aim is for guests to return home feeling renewed, uplifted and inspired, with a new sense of ‘weightlessness’ and hopes for each guest to implement what they’ve learnt back home. At the arrival jetty this concept is evident with “The Gate of Zero,” designed with a nod to the flowing weightless skirt of a whirling dervish. Curated around the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING – Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy – wellness programming focuses on areas such as women’s health, digestive and weight rebalance, mental clarity and restorative sleep, movement and alignment.

The wild forest on this natural island remains untouched. Each structure is built with rounded edges and in harmony with nature assisting the energy flow. This biophilic design comes courtesy of architects Autoban, responsible for its art-filled sibling JOALI. The island champions sustainability with rainwater harvesting, a desalinating water-bottling plant, greywater recycling system, glass crusher and recycler, food waste composter and wastewater treatment plant.

There are 68 thatched overwater or beach location villas, each with private pool and “Jadugar” your personal butler or ‘skilled magician’ in Dhivehi. Villas are leafy jungle or ocean inspired, with flowing lines, wave decor and curves designed to bring the outdoor energy inside. Green or ocean blue mosaic ceilings and a metallic twist on the wickerwork divides the muslin draped bedroom from the bathroom. There’s a free-standing tub, generous shower and great sliding glass doors that lead out to your private terrace. JOALI BEING wants to you to "switch off". Villas continue the wellbeing theme by having no televisions (they can be set up on request) and plugs as far away as possible from your bed to encourage you to leave your mobile behind when it is time to rest. Each villa is well-stocked with a (non-alcoholic) minibar and a wide selection of teas and coffees and guests' name tagged bicycles await outside for you to explore the island.

Wellbeing programmes are not a compulsory part of your stay at JOALI BEING. The island can be enjoyed by all guests. You choose your own journey. AREKA is the main transformational space where consultations for those wanting to embark on a personalised program ranging from 5 nights to 3 weeks take place. There are 39 treatment rooms, a Hydrotherapy Hall, Banya, water therapies, salt inhalation room, Watsu and Turkish Hammam. AKTAR, the island’s herbology centre with the resident herbologist will address concerns around Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy. There are nutritional cooking classes, mindfulness lectures, a library and calendar of interactive workshops where guests can discover the benefits of herbal teas, learn to make natural body creams, face masks and massage oils. In addition to the pilates studio, overwater meditation deck, yoga studios and a discovery sound path the gym is the biggest and most well equipped in the Maldives. Complimentary daily wellbeing classes include yoga, meditation, sound bath and sport activities.

The open plan dining spaces of FLOW restaurants are immersed in nature, with views out to the turquoise-hued Indian Ocean, embracing an Earth-to-Table approach, highlighting locally grown and sustainably sourced ingredients in dishes and drinks curated in collaboration with nutritionists. There’s vegetarian PLANTAE, ocean-to-table SU and signature dining spot B’WELL. The 3- tiered MOJO sundeck by the pool is the ideal for a nourishing lunch or sundowner and next door is SAI, the tea lounge, hosted by the tea sommelier who can advise on what to choose from a 60-strong collection. OCEAN SALA serves perfectly grilled premium cuts of meat and seafood, including specialties like Wagyu beef, Japanese scallops and lobster and tuna from Maldivian waters. There’s also PRIVATE TEPPANYAKI and Bespoke DESTINATION DINING which can be arranged wherever guests desire, from a private sandbank to an inviting Turtle Treehouse. For those who wish to indulge there is a wine list available along with spirits and cocktails.

Such is the sense of seclusion here, you could happily while away an entire week without seeing another soul, but if you prefer more movement and interaction on your transformative journey all the water sports activities can form a meaningful part of your wellbeing journey. Discover the joy of weightlessness as you float in the vast expanse of warm turquoise waters or dive beneath the surface and immerse yourself in the underwater world. Experience the gentle pace of a leisurely sail on board a catamaran, absorb the sense of calm of kayaking across the surface of the turquoise sea, or the challenge of maintaining balance on a stand-up paddle. Island-hop aboard a traditional wooden Dhoni, snorkel beside gargantuan manta rays, wake surf, kite surf or windsurf and feel the exhilaration that comes from experiencing something new.

Location: Tucked away in the northern reaches of the Maldives, surrounded by crystalline lagoons, pristine beaches and nestled amid lush coconut palms on the secluded natural island of Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll. A 45-minute seaplane from Malé and just 15 minutes speedboat away from its sister property JOALI.