JOALI Maldives named best resort in Indian Ocean at Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
JOALI Maldives, the Maldives’ first art-immersive resort, has been named the #1 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, achieving an outstanding score of 99.83.
The recognition is joined by further international acclaim from Condé Nast Traveler US, where JOALI Maldives has been ranked No. 15 among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Together, the accolades recognise the Island of Joy across two of Condé Nast’s leading international editions and reflect the experiences of travellers who have discovered, returned to and shared JOALI Maldives with the world.
A celebration of the Joy of Creative Living
Set on Muravandhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, JOALI Maldives was created as a place where art, design, gastronomy, wellbeing and meaningful connection come together through the Joy of Creative Living.
From its immersive collection of art and architecture to imaginative dining, marine discovery, wellbeing rituals and experiences created for every generation, the island invites guests to follow their curiosity and experience luxury through creativity, freedom and joy.
At the heart of it all is a deeply personal approach to hospitality. Every experience is shaped by the people who bring the island to life each day, creating moments of genuine connection that extend far beyond the beauty of its surroundings.
Recognition shaped by the guest experience
The Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the destinations, hotels and experiences that resonate most strongly with the publication’s readers. JOALI Maldives’ score of 99.83 placed the resort first among the recognised properties in the Indian Ocean in 2026.
Across the Atlantic, more than 750,000 Condé Nast Traveler US readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences around the world for the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. JOALI Maldives’ position among the Top 15 Resorts in the Indian Ocean extends this recognition across an important international audience.
The Maldives itself was also named the No. 1 Island in Africa & the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveler US readers, celebrating a destination that continues to inspire travellers through its extraordinary natural beauty and distinctive island experiences.
A recognition shared with our guests and island family
Being chosen by readers makes these accolades particularly meaningful. They belong as much to the guests who have made JOALI Maldives part of their own stories as they do to the island family whose passion, creativity and care shape every stay.
The recognition marks another chapter for the Island of Joy, while reinforcing the philosophy that has guided JOALI Maldives from the beginning: creating a place where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated and meaningful connections can flourish.
