In this Maldives Edition, The Sybarite had the pleasure of interviewing JOALIs General Manager Enver Arslan, who discusses with us his experience in the industry and the exciting things happening at JOALI, which opened just shy of two years.
You’ve worked for a number of five-star properties around the world - what led you to JOALI and how do you personally feel about the resort in terms of what makes it different and perhaps unique from the other properties you’ve looked after?
Before joining JOALI, I had been working for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for many years at different resorts around the world including Jackson Hole, Palm Beach Florida, Las Vegas, Riyadh, Egypt and finally the Maldives. I was delighted to then join the pre-opening team of JOALI Maldives in 2017 where I held the position of Resort Director for four years, overlooking all operational departments before, during and after the launch at the end of 2018.
Working in hospitality, I find it very rewarding to be part of a new and independently-owned brand such as JOALI and to see it grow from strength to strength as the Maldives’ first and only immersive art and design resort. I enjoy living life to the fullest and was attracted to JOALI’s “Joy of Living” spirit in which nature, sustainability and the arts effortlessly combine.
How involved are you in lending your ideas for JOALI and is there anything in particular you’re proud of or something that you’ve contributed to the resort that has shaped some aspect of it?
I was lucky to join ahead of the resort’s opening in 2018 and loved collaborating with architects and helping to establish the resort’s broader vision to build a new culture and legacy. JOALI’s “Joy of Living” spirit is very important to me and I like to maximize this across all elements of the resort and its offering.
With your extensive experience and knowledge in the hospitality industry, it must have been something unexpected when the pandemic hit. Has there been any takeaway lessons or thoughts on what the future of travel might look like in your eyes?
The pandemic has taught me how precious and delicate life on Earth is, and I think lock-down has provided a greater appreciation of the beauty of nature in everyday life and the importance of taking care of this. As a result, I hope that sustainable and responsible travel will be of greater importance to everyone, and at JOALI we will continue to strive towards being as sustainable as possible and supporting local communities in the Maldives. We are already seeing guests stay for longer periods of time than ever before because of wishing to fly less frequently and embrace longer, slower stays and we anticipate that this trend will continue.
For those new to JOALI what would you personally recommend they do as an experience? I.e. for couples and for families?
Completely unique to the Maldives, I’d recommend exploring JOALI’s immersive art trail to explore the whole island and discover our fun and immersive artworks dotted around the resort, all inspired by nature with messages of sustainability at their core. Each villa has an art trail map for guests to use to explore the island independently, or of course with a guide if preferred. Artwork includes pieces such as a Manta Ray treehouse in which to enjoy destination dining and sundowners looking out to the ocean’s horizon, a swinging heron bird chair to read your book in while lounging by the main pool, and a ‘Club Tropicana’ mosaic, decorated communal dining table which resembles a colourful coral reef.
Currently, our transparent ‘glass-style’ kayaks in which you can see the ocean floor through are extremely popular with all ages.
How would you describe the JOALI overall resort culture in one paragraph? That encapsulates the spirit of the hotel itself and the island.
The “Joy of Living” and sharing this joy with our guests through art and design, sustainability, culinary arts and wellbeing. The “joy of living” encourages guests to be present and make the most of every moment of the day, and we as a team are continuously working to provide the most special stay for guests, creating memorable moments with loved ones to share for a lifetime.
The St. Regis Bali is not just another five-star property in Nusa Dua, it is a sanctuary where Balinese artistry, signature St. Regis rituals, and intuitive butler service converge to create a stay unlike any other.
What began as a modest bungalow in 1887 has since transformed into one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage hotels, named in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Declared a national monument in 1987, it remains the only hotel in the country to hold such recognition.
In this exclusive Q&A with the resort’s General Manager, we’ll explore what sets Patina Maldives apart in the competitive Maldivian hospitality scene, its dedication to sustainability, and the personalised experiences that make it a standout destination.
Japan's cherry blossom season takes place each year from late March to early May. Discover The Sybarite's guide to the very best places to marvel at these frothy pink blooms.
The InterContinental Khao Yai is not your typical resort. Designed by the visionary architect Bill Bensley, the property draws inspiration from the region’s railway heritage, transforming upcycled train carriages into one-of-a-kind luxury suites.
Austin's unique charm has elicited praise from many travel writers. The city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird," reflects its independent and alternative spirit, even as it faces commercialisation.
New York Citys extravagant allure finds its zenith in our handpicked selection of the top 5 luxury hotels, where every whim and desire is catered to, to create an experience you will not forget.
With over 40 years of expertise, Thorp Design is renowned for creating interiors that are both stylish and practical, blending luxury with a deep understanding of the spaces they inhabit.