Making “sustainable development central to the resort's culture and strategy” are the guiding principles of life at Joali. Striving to achieve the highest level of economic, social, and environmental sustainability is second nature to them. The resort showcases how luxury travel and sustainability can go in hand with impeccable style. We had the opportunity to speak to the resort team who spends every day at this paradise. At Joali, it’s all about bringing it back down to earth. Focusing on the “tiniest creature to a single tree” and the “magical replenishing experience”.

Located on the Muravandhoo, in the Northern Maldives Raa Atoll, Joali is a castaway paradise. With 73 beautifully elegant beach and overwater villas and residences, Joali is intimate and the height of luxury.

Joali’s commitment and hands-on approach to mastering sustainable luxury eco-travel is very refreshing to hear. They understand and take time to cherish the uniqueness of the Maldives and the fragility of the rich ecosystem where the resort has its roots. Joali explains how “the construction was designed around the trees to save as many as possible”. A carefully considered design that saved over 1,000 original palm trees. From the land to the sea, Joali’s conservation and ecological restoration efforts are a part of everyday life. They share our own passion for protecting the planet’s coral reefs and species who call it home, with their Reef Restoration Programme.

At Joali, they are assisting the natural recovery of the reef ecosystem surrounding the island that suffered severe losses at the hands of coral bleaching, which was exacerbated by the construction of the resort. Coral restoration is a long-term activity and it should be noted that it is not a quick fix for reef recovery. It is also important to note that coral restoration is still in its infancy and they still have a long way to go before being able to recreate a fully functional reef ecosystem.

The United Nations 2030 Agenda has helped to shape their strategic approach and align different initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals. A particular focus for them has been ‘Life Below Water’. A goal that revolves around the proactive action taken to counterbalance the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans. Necessary steps have been taken to ban single-use plastic, while vegan and chemical-free products are supplied for guests to protect the coral and sea life.

With no quick fix for reef recovery, coral restoration requires time. The team is dedicated to nurturing what they regard as “fragments of hope” – tiny corals that will hopefully eventually transplant onto the existing house reef to help it regenerate.

Jolai recognises their reef is significant in “providing a number of ecosystem services, including, but not limited to, coastal protection, sand production, fisheries and food security as well as tourism”. Their Reef Restoration Programme is a way to integrate responsible tourism into the resort's values whilst ensuring economic viability. Including everyone from their guests, staff and local communities is key.

“Our customers have an increasing motivation, concern and sensitivity for aspects related to the environment” The resort collaborates with EarthCheck Certification, showing the additional steps they have gone to in showing their commitment to “year-on-year improvement for being more responsible on sourcing and consumption”.

Joali recognises the importance of gender equality and “the development of talented women in all its entities and at all levels of the organization”. Ultimately sustainability underpins all walks of life at Joali, economically, socially, and environmentally.

This is one of our favourite planet-friendly resort destinations and proud partners. Don’t forget to look out for Love Brand's latest collection at the resort boutique and enjoy this all-around eco-conscious beach break of a lifetime.