For over a hundred years, International Women’s Day has celebrated the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. And with an all-female senior team here at Quintessentially Travel, we’re passionate about empowering women and shining a spotlight on trailblazers in the travel industry, this year highlighting the journey of Esin Güral Argat, the founder of JOALI, an award-winning luxury brand with two unique Maldives island resorts.
Since opening in 2018, JOALI Maldives has quickly risen to the top of luxury travellers’ bucket lists as one of the most irresistible resorts in the Maldives. And while the extraordinary appeal of the islands is evident at first glance, it is the foundation of JOALI’s founder, story and values that contributes to its remarkable success.
We caught up with Esin to delve deeper into the origin of JOALI and its unique concept, learning more about how female empowerment and passion are rooted in the resort and her three non-negotiables for success.
What was the meaning behind the name JOALI?
“JOALI is a name that embodies joy. At its heart, it represents ‘the joy of living,’ a philosophy that shapes every experience at JOALI Maldives. At JOALI BEING, this philosophy evolves into the ‘joy of weightlessness,’ a journey of wellbeing and transformation.
The name is also deeply rooted in Maldivian heritage. In Dhivehi, a ‘joali’ refers to a handcrafted woven chair, found at the entrance of nearly every island home. It is a symbol of welcome, a place where life slows down and moments of connection are cherished. With JOALI, we sought to create a haven where this same spirit comes alive. A place where artistry and nature converge to inspire a deep sense of belonging and joy.”
How did you come up with the concept?
“From the beginning, I envisioned JOALI as more than just a destination. It had to be a lifestyle, a philosophy that stays with you long after you leave. I wanted to create something with a soul, a place that would foster a deep emotional connection beyond impeccable service and stunning design.
JOALI Maldives was the first step in this journey. As the first art-immersive resort in the Maldives, it transforms the island into a living gallery through interactive installations and objets d’art. With JOALI BEING, we introduced the first wellbeing island of its kind, a sanctuary dedicated to transformation where science and ancient wisdom come together to create the ‘joy of weightlessness.’ Most recently, JOALI Island Homes redefines island living, offering a rare opportunity to own a private residence fully immersed in JOALI’s world of wellbeing.
Every element of JOALI is deeply personal to me. I was involved in every detail, from the architecture and landscaping to the carefully curated art collections and wellbeing spaces. It is a brand that continues to evolve, not just as a hospitality concept but as a way of life.”
What makes JOALI different from other Maldives properties?
“Throughout my travels, I found that while many luxury hotels offered great food, beautiful design, and intuitive service, they often lacked something deeper, a soul. What sets JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING apart is this spirit, an energy that surrounds and connects our guests the moment they arrive. It is intangible yet deeply felt.
JOALI Maldives is the first and only art-immersive resort in the Maldives, home to over 18 interactive installations created by world-renowned artists. Culinary artistry is also a defining element, with signature restaurant concepts and menus shaped by Michelin-starred chefs, from the Nikkei cuisine at Saoke to Italian specialities at Bellinis.
At JOALI BEING, we took this vision further by introducing the first dedicated wellbeing island of its kind. With over 39 transformational spaces, guests embark on deeply personalised wellbeing journeys guided by experts in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, sound healing, and energy work. The island is designed around biophilic principles, seamlessly blending architecture with nature to create an environment of true weightlessness.
JOALI is a lifestyle brand that blurs the lines of hospitality. Through collaborations with visionary designers like Aquazzura and incredible brands such as Ruinart Champagne, immersive dining experiences with world-renowned chefs, and curated wellbeing journeys, we create unforgettable moments of joy.”
We know you are passionate about female empowerment. How do you feel this reflects in the JOALI brand?
“Empowering women has always been a personal mission for me, and it is deeply woven into JOALI’s identity. I believe that diversity is a valuable asset. At JOALI, we are committed to creating opportunities for women to grow, lead, and redefine possibilities in hospitality. In fact, JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING have been awarded the highest female ratio for a resort in the Maldives by the Ministry of Tourism for the past two consecutive years.
Our Leadership and Gender Diversity Programme is aligned with the UN Women’s gender equality campaign, ensuring meaningful career pathways for women at every level of our organisation. Through mentorship, leadership training, and skill development, we foster an environment where women can thrive. The Women in Art initiative at JOALI Maldives, launched in 2020, provides a vital platform for emerging Maldivian female artists, allowing them to showcase their talent and collaborate with renowned creatives. We also conduct art workshops for girls in local schools, nurturing the next generation of artists and storytellers.
As an independently owned and forward-thinking brand, JOALI has the freedom to challenge conventions and champion a culture of inclusivity. We embrace new ideas, invest in the aspirations of women, and continue to shape a workplace where passion is celebrated.”
What are three things you would tell your younger self?
“If I could give my younger self three pieces of advice, the first would be to never give up. Challenges will come, but perseverance and focus always lead to results. No matter how difficult the journey, staying true to your purpose and pushing forward will always open new doors.
The second would be to surround yourself with passionate and dedicated people. Success is never built alone. It is about moving forward together, uplifting one another, and creating an environment where ideas are nurtured. A great team is one that shares not only skills but also a collective spirit of joy and purpose.
Lastly, always lead with fairness and integrity. A workplace thrives when people feel valued, respected, and inspired. True success is not just about reaching milestones; it is about shaping a journey that is meaningful, fulfilling, and shared with those who inspire you.”
The Quintessential touch
Want to experience JOALI? We hold VIP Preferred Partner status with all of the finest hotels in each locale, meaning you can enjoy excellent facilities, impeccable service and all those little extras and benefits which are instrumental in getting the most out of your time away. For more information about the luxury travel services we provide, get in touch with Quintessentially Travel today.
