Pascal Languillon, CEO of Luxe Wellness Club, had the opportunity to test a stay at Joali Being with his wife Virginie. This beautifully designed biophilic resort, nestled on the island of Bodufushi in the Maldives, promises much more than just an ultra-luxe seaside break. Here, the aim is to rebalance body and mind in the heart of an exceptional natural environment. It’s the fusion between the ultimate tropical paradise and an approach dedicated 100% to well-being and health. Spoiler: this could be our favorite hotel in the world yet…
A haven of peace on a private island
The adventure begins as soon as we arrive on Bodufushi Island. JOALI BEING is about 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the atolls, a foretaste of the wonders that await us. The island finally appears like an emerald set in the ocean, surrounded by turquoise lagoons of striking transparency.
On arrival, we are impressed by the reception structure, which resembles a huge sail. The architecture is clearly spectacular, and this is just the beginning.
A sanctuary dedicated to well-being
Unlike other resorts, JOALI BEING is clearly positioned as a holistic wellness destination. The aim here is not just to relax, but to leave transformed. The concept is based on four pillars: MIND (spirit), SKIN (skin), MICROBIOME (internal balance) and ENERGY (energy). Each of these aspects is addressed through a personalized program, established on arrival thanks to a consultation with one of the island’s wellness experts.
Virginie and I opted for the “Renewal” program, designed to revitalize the body and soothe the mind. From the very first hours, we could feel the beneficial influence of this very special environment, where everything seems to contribute to our well-being: the mildness of the tropical climate, the beauty of the facilities, but also the omnipresent tranquillity and the splendour of the lagoon! Far from the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, a sense of deep calm quickly sets in…
The architecture of the complex, perfectly integrated into the surrounding nature, is a harmonious blend of wood and local materials, but with a resolutely modern twist! It’s breathtaking biophilic architecture.
Every detail has been designed to foster a deep connection with the natural environment. Pristine beaches fringe the island and invite relaxation, while the lush vegetation in the heart of the island creates a peaceful, rejuvenating ambience. It’s easy to see that Joali Being is not just a luxury resort, but a sanctuary dedicated to awakening the senses and promoting well-being.
Accommodation: luxury and nature in symbiosis
Joali Being offers several types of villa, each more sublime than the last. I had the privilege of staying in an “Ocean Pool Villa”, a real jewel on stilts overlooking the lagoon and the horizon.
The villa is spacious, bathed in light, and the decor elegantly blends natural elements with very modern touches. It’s architecture unlike anything you’ll find in the Maldives, and Joali Being really stands out. The most impressive feature? The superb private pool overlooking the ocean, an irresistible call to dive in… Of course, having direct access to the sea from your villa is also a real plus. The little net where you can relax above the fish isn’t bad either…
The feeling is one of perfect isolation, even though the other villas are not far away. The ingenious layout of the spaces allowed us to enjoy complete privacy, whether swimming in our simplest garb under the stars or a yoga session facing the horizon. The bed, facing the ocean, allows us to wake up each morning to the spectacle of the sunrise. Amenities are at the cutting edge of luxury: a mini-bar stocked with healthy snacks, a coffee machine, and high-quality bath products, of course, but also a top-quality xylophone for playing music, speakers… Everything is top-of-the-range.
Wellness paradise
The wellness facilities are impressive. The wellness center, christened “AREKA”, includes a variety of spaces: a meditation room, cryotherapy, treatment cabins and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Each space is designed to promote deep relaxation and reconnection with the self.
One of Joali Being’s great strengths lies in the diversity and quality of the treatments on offer. The infrastructure dedicated to well-being is impressive, with pavilions devoted to every need. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, rejuvenation or spiritual healing, there’s a solution for every need.
We tried out a number of treatments. I opted for a session of Watsu, an aquatic therapy practiced in a pool of warm water. The therapist gently guides the body’s movements in the water, promoting deep relaxation. A timeless experience, where you feel as if you’re floating in a state of total well-being.
Virginie underwent a sound therapy treatment in the majestic Seda Sound Therapy Hall, a room designed to amplify the benefits of sound vibrations. Unfortunately it’s forbidden to take a photo, but I can tell you that I’ve never seen such an impressive sound therapy hall!
I also remember a duo massage, given by expert hands, which was exceptional. The treatment room has a glass floor so you can watch the fish while you’re being massaged. You have to pinch yourself to believe it, but here at Joali Being, it’s possible!
Joali Being offers a multitude of activities aimed at reconnecting guests with nature and their own spirit. One morning, Virginie and I began the daywith a yoga session overlooking the ocean. The unparalleled beauty of the setting greatly enriched these contemplative moments.
Another memorable experience: a cryotherapy session at -110 C, ideal for giving yourself a boost before returning to the tropical heat, which tends to soften the body. Cryotherapy is perfect for fighting inflammation, promoting sleep and deep recovery.
Water sports enthusiasts are not left out. Joali Being also offers diving, snorkeling and paddle-boarding sessions to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. We loved chasing the little multicolored fish! Virginie was afraid of the little sharks, but they’re perfectly harmless!
Food: a balanced and delicious culinary journey
Joali Being takes nutrition very seriously, seeing it as a fundamental pillar of well-being. We were amazed by the diversity and quality of the meals. The main restaurant, Flow, offers dishes designed to nourish both body and mind, in line with the principles of the microbiome. Products, mainly local and organic, are enhanced by a truly creative cuisine, and each meal is a sensory voyage. I’ve been lucky enough to sample some of the world’s best diet cuisine, and clearly, Joali Being’s is top-notch.
The island’s restaurants offer healthy, tasty cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients. The chef’s passion for creating balanced dishes is evident in every bite.
I particularly enjoyed the main restaurant, “Flow”, which offers international cuisine with Maldivian influences. The dishes are colorful, full of flavor, and suitable for all diets, whether vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other.
I’ve also enjoyed the culinary workshops offered to customers, which give us a better understanding of the impact of food on our health. Learning how to prepare dishes that boost the immune system or improve mood is an integral part of the Joali Being experience. These workshops have provided us with practical knowledge that we can incorporate into our daily lives.
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Our verdict
Joali Being is a dream come true! Every moment spent on the island is an invitation to relaxation, discovery and well-being. The attention to detail, the quality of the treatments, the beauty of the surroundings… everything comes together to make your stay an unforgettable experience. We’ve tested numerous establishments around the world, and it’s safe to say today: If there’s one place we’d love to return to, it would be Joali Being! Without doubt our favorite hotel on planet Earth.
Luxe Wellness Club
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Rates: from around €2,000/US$2,000 per night, plus the cost of the wellness program. Contact us to ask questions about our experience and take advantage of our exclusive Luxe Wellness Club benefits.
Call us for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
