Designed by Autoban, Joali Being is a brand new five star nature-immersive wellness resort, the first of its kind in the Maldives, located on the secluded natural island of Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll. The experiential design narrative was constructed around a combination of the identity of the island, the resort’s philosophy of weightlessness and a seamless integration of architecture and interior design.

A series of intricately designed structures and spaces invite guests on a journey into an immersive and boundless sense of luxury with nature and wellness at the forefront. Throughout the linear and flowing architecture a sense of lightness is felt at the core of the design identity.

Roof canopies, surfaces and garden walls feel almost sculptural, folding as lightly as paper, angling softly to envelope the spaces. Divisions are flowing or transparent, ensuring interaction with nature from all points. Everything seems to hover lightly in place, blending softly into the natural environment whilst at once floating just slightly above it.

Inherent throughout the design of all areas, a repetitive use of organic forms as well as textures and patterns mimic the configurations of nature. Evoking a sacred geometry, signifying balance, harmony and spirituality, hexagonal forms appear everywhere from lines of the roofs and entrances to the door-handles and pathways. Meticulous details throughout evoke the essence and character of the ocean, with sand grain patterning in stucco coated walls and mosaics depicting the hypnotic traces of waves in sand. This is further accentuated in the spa, the entrance building to which ushers guests into a soothing lair-like space, a departure point for the journey towards transformation. Surfaces are rhythmic and organically textured with exquisite handcraft, conveying natural rock grooves carved by movement of waves over centuries.

At the heart of the retreat are three terraced pavilions facing the iridescent Indian ocean. Standing before a three-tiered pool and deck, the elevated structures are reminiscent of temples, with striking thatched roofs floating above textured columns. Lofty, spacious and stylish, under the traditional roofs the pavilions house the main bar, a tea lounge and social and dining areas. With eclectic groups of upholstered and rattan seating, sculptural pendant lighting, uninterrupted ocean views and the surrounding lush greenery, this area is a tropical sanctuary.

Integral to the overall wellbeing experience is the interactive and open-plan dining space Flow. Under a dramatic undulating roof mirroring the movement of the ocean, three signature kitchens take inspiration from beach textures like driftwood, coral, shell and fishnet. Layered outdoor seating platforms float straight down onto the beach, with lustrous marble steps that descend smoothly into the sand.

In the luxurious guest villas, spaces are maximized with transparent or moving divisions removing all barriers to the outdoor world. Hexagonal rattan columns slide open or closed to reveal living spaces dotted with bespoke Autoban furnishings in a color palette of ivory, gold, and soft greens, pinks and blues.

Project: Joali Being Location: Bodufushi, Raa Atoll, Maldives Year: 2021