JOALI Being

A wellness island that now welcomes families

JOALI Being opened in November 2021 as the Maldives’ first wellbeing island retreat, designed for adults seeking transformation. The concept was clear: no alcohol, no Wi-Fi outside villas, no children. But the resort has since adapted, now allowing kids during school holidays and festive periods. This pivot doesn’t dilute its core—wellness remains central—but it does make JOALI Being a viable option for families who want a quieter, more intentional escape.

The island’s compact size (292m x 510m) means everything is within a short walk or bike ride. For parents, this means less time ferrying kids around and more time enjoying the resort’s serene atmosphere. The design—curved lines, natural materials, and abundant greenery—creates a calming environment that benefits everyone, from toddlers to teens.

Family villas: space for different travellers

JOALI Being’s 68 villas include one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom options, both beach and overwater. For families, the multi-bedroom residences are the standout. The Four Bedroom Wellbeing Ocean Retreat, for example, features a private pool, overwater sauna, and a gym—ideal for larger groups or multi-generational travel. Even the entry-level Ocean Pool Villas are spacious, with private decks, outdoor showers, and thoughtful touches like swing chairs and sun loungers.

Beach villas offer added privacy thanks to lush vegetation, while overwater villas provide direct lagoon access. All villas come with a personal Jadugar (butler), who can assist with everything from arranging kids’ activities to setting up in-villa dining. The design philosophy—biophilic, with natural light and organic shapes—extends to the family villas, ensuring a cohesive, tranquil experience.

Kids club and activities on request

JOALI Being’s kids club is available on request, reflecting its evolving approach to family travel. While the resort doesn’t have a dedicated, full-time kids club like some of its peers, it does offer activities and spaces tailored to younger guests. The focus is on flexibility: parents can arrange for child-friendly experiences, from beach games to art classes, without the resort feeling overrun by children.

The resort’s compact size also means kids can explore safely. The main pool area, with its multi-level design and sunken loungers, is a highlight, though shade is limited. For families, the beach villas’ outdoor showers and private pools provide plenty of space for kids to play without disrupting the resort’s quiet ambiance.

Wellness for parents, fun for kids

JOALI Being’s Four Pillars—Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy—guide its wellness programs, but these don’t exclude families. Parents can book spa treatments at Areka, the resort’s 39-treatment-room spa, while kids enjoy the pool or beach. The resort’s cuisine, selected by nutritionists, offers healthy options alongside indulgent dishes, so families can find meals that suit everyone’s tastes.

The resort’s dining venues—Flow, Mojo, and Ocean Sala—provide a mix of international and local flavors. Flow’s open-plan design, with its three signature kitchens (Plantae for vegan, Su for pescatarian, and B’Well for earth-to-table), ensures variety. For families, private dining options, like the Turtle Treehouse or beach setups, offer a more intimate experience.

I tell clients that JOALI Being’s strength lies in its ability to balance wellness and family needs. The resort doesn’t have the same level of kids’ programming as, say, Soneva Jani or Cheval Blanc Randheli, but it does offer a peaceful, design-forward environment where families can reconnect—without the usual resort chaos.

Practicalities for families

Getting to JOALI Being requires a 45-minute seaplane transfer from Malé, followed by a short boat ride. The resort’s seaplane lounge includes a kids’ room, making the wait more comfortable for families. Once on the island, buggies are available, but the compact size means walking or biking is often just as easy.

The resort’s policies on children are still evolving. Currently, kids are welcome during school holidays and festive periods, but it’s best to confirm availability and any age restrictions when booking. For families with very young children, the resort’s quiet, adult-oriented vibe might feel more subdued than lively—but that’s part of its appeal.

Why JOALI Being for families?

• A serene, design-driven island where wellness and family time coexist.
• Multi-bedroom villas with private pools and outdoor spaces.
• Kids club and activities available on request, tailored to the resort’s quiet ethos.
• Compact size means less time in transit, more time enjoying the island.
• Wellness programs for parents, with plenty of space for kids to explore safely.