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Jumeirah Olhahali Island: A Modern Maldivian Resort

As I step out of my sea-view villa, I nearly trip over a message in the sand inviting me to “have an amazing day”. To be honest, it feels a bit braggy because, despite only having been at Jumeirah Olhahali Island for a few hours, it’s clear that all anyone can have here are ‘amazing days’.

And, though it’d be easy to believe faultless holidays are ubiquitous in the much-lauded Maldives, it’s actually far from a given. One hundred and sixty resorts vie to be the most luxurious, most accommodating and most exciting of them all – sometimes to their detriment.


 

But that’s not a problem for the Dubai-based luxury brand Jumeirah, whose resort in the North Malé atoll is their only one in the Maldives. Dotted across a 17.2-acre private island (reached in fifteen minutes by seaplane, or 55-minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport), it aims to replicate the same level of service, ambience and experience as its UAE properties, but in a Maldivian wrapper.

Spoiler: it succeeds.


The Vibe

In line with the brand’s contemporary aesthetic, Jumeirah Olhahali Island is a meticulously white-washed, pristine space – even the sand knows which side of the path to stick to. Manicured foliage lines shaded pathways connecting 67 villas, including over water villas (split between two jetties) and beach villas. Then there’s ‘the village’, a collection of artisan shops selling high-end holiday fare – and perhaps the intended ‘meeting point’ to which ‘Olhahali’ refers. Gelateria, a boutique ice creamery, offers 18 of a possible 40 rotating flavours, while Orofini stocks glittering jewellery selected by the supplier of Tiffany’s in Dubai (guests can commission custom pieces to be made at their workshop in Malé). An art studio, photography studio and fashion boutique (for him and her) complete the picture. It’s all very Gigi Hadid in Capri; no wonder the average stay here is two weeks.


The Rooms

Shunning the traditional Maldivian style popular with other luxury brands in the region, Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s villas are all about towering ceilings, modern furnishings, oodles of space and light, light, light. Our 351-square-metre Water Villa with Pool was the resort’s entry level option, and though by no means small, it felt practically palatial thanks to clever design. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in floods of light, while the living room’s higher, skylight-peppered ceiling expanded the space. Outside, exteriors are nautical in nature, with villas featuring yacht-like touches such as silver railings and walls that curve smoothly into a subtle ‘prow’. Each villa includes expansive decking furnished with a seven-metre infinity pool and sunken sofa area with gazebo covering.

Despite ocean views and a bed big enough to get lost in, far and away the best part of the villa was the bathroom. A deep, freestanding bathtub was flanked by one of the best showers I’ve ever experienced, while a small bathroom terrace featured an outdoor shower and patio – as well as a door leading to the walkway and roof terrace stairs. The room briefing also made an impression: far from the usual ‘here’s how to make sense of the nonsensical light switches’ speech, our host outlined the sunrise and sunset directions and which areas of the reef are best for snorkelling. 

The only things marring this otherwise unblemished presentation were a handful of dated furnishings and the terrace’s lack of privacy. The edges of the terrace (including the sunken living area and parts of the pool) were visible from the public walkway, and anyone on their rooftop could see down into a number of neighbouring villas’ terraces. If complete privacy is a priority, the resort offers a number of more ensconced options, including MIRI, a two-floor, three-bedroom villa with its own private beach and rooftop hammock, or HIRI, a three-bedroom villa with gym, kitchen and private yacht dock.


The Food + Drink

Maintaining a consistent offering across the brand’s 30 hotels and resorts is of paramount importance to Jumeirah, and something evident in their Maldivian property’s four F&B offerings. Recently appointed executive chef Nurmaningsih Tejapermana (a.k.a. Chef Nonky) is a Jumeirah veteran, having previously helmed kitchens in two of their Dubai properties

Diners at Japanese-Peruvian diner Kayto can savour the same signature dishes as guests in Dubai’s Jumeirah Al Naseem, such as lamb shoulder with truffle mash and roasted langoustines with shiso salsa – as well as a pleasing variety of locally inspired vegetarian fare such as crispy tofu with lotus root. While the restaurant sports a relaxed, ocean-vista setting, don’t be fooled; it’s been meticulously crafted; during our visit Chef Nonky was away shopping for bespoke crockery in Thailand

Glow, meanwhile, shares the same expansive terrace, infinity pool and sea views as Kayto, but switches up cuisines each day to offer guests maximum variety. A comprehensive buffet breakfast and all-day menu feature succulent, Josper-cooked surf and turf as well as lighter bites such as roasted pumpkin and quinoa salad (there’s also a comprehensive whiskey collection hiding behind the bar – 36 blends are on offer). Opposite Glow, Shimmers delivers delicate Greek-inspired dishes, including their must-order signature artichoke salad and a number of tasty plant-based eats. 

It was some of the more discreet eating experiences that became favourites, however. We spent a whole afternoon in Café Lounge, a serene space above the welcome area filled with comfy seats, board games and bar snacks as well as an outdoor terrace perfectly positioned to watch the boats sail on and off the dock. Cocktails, mocktails, shisha and specialty coffee – including Chemex and V60 coffee makers – were all a mere request away. I’ll also never forget our uber-indulgent floating breakfast. We dined languorously on berry pancakes, poached eggs, hash browns, sausages, mushrooms and avocado toast bolstered by a platter of pastries and exotic fruit, all from the watery comfort of our pool.


The Spa

Succumbing to the expert therapists at Talise Spa is obligatory. Each invigorating treatment takes place in one of six sumptuously decorated overwater villas. Views of dolphin-friendly seas mesmerise, while floor panes reveal flitting tropical fish. Our favourite treatment was the Varugadha Deep Tissue Massage, which reawakens your muscles through luxuriant deep pressure and stretching. Elsewhere, treadmills in the bright, well-equipped fitness centre look out along the beach, while those keen on making the most of the outdoors can employ the skills of a tennis coach for lessons on the resort’s beachside court. 


The Little Extras

There’s thoughtful smaller touches too: during Covid, the resort planted 42 coral stars in the shallows outside a number of villas, many of which have now developed into beautiful mini-marine life ecosystems.


The To-Do List

The ‘to-do’ list for any private Maldivian island resort is a thing of clichés, but it bears repeating nonetheless: snorkel with colourful fish from the steps of your terrace and sip cocktails by your pick of infinity pools. But whatever you do, make sure to book dinner and a movie on your private rooftop terrace. Easily among the most memorable moment of our stay, a projector displayed our film of choice on the curved wall of the villa’s roof, while a waiter, chef and idyllic sunset combined to make it a truly special evening. One tip, though: pick a relatively family-friendly film, the rooftops are visible from adjacent villas and the boardwalk, meaning Reservoir Dogs was a somewhat bold choice…


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