How Biophilic Design Is Making Waves With Wellness In The Maldives| | Biophilic Realm

 

At King Jawali is the first island dedicated to wellness in the Maldives, and the latest developments in the luxury sector are not only presented through the rich range of treatments, but are also present in the design of the resort itself.

Located on the natural island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, the resort has a primarily “light footprint.” The island's wild forest interior has been left untouched, for example, and the 68 villas – known as 'good living spaces', located on the beach or over the water – incorporate natural features throughout. All have private pools and a variety of unique offerings, such as custom “wellness bars,” meditative musical instruments, well-being toys, and mindfulness-inducing furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors mean every space is filled with light and connects you to the bright turquoise ocean colors outside. Sculptural elements – such as walls with wavy patterns, bathroom doors that appear to be made of sea glass and cushions – reflect the natural world that makes the Maldives so stunning.

JOALI BEING also boasts a range of transformative spaces spread across the island which have also been designed using biophilic principles. Arika, for example, is the gateway to the spa's treatment rooms, diagnostic services, and learning programs. You begin your journey by following a series of stepping stones over a river of water, palm leaves brushing your arms as you go. It's a magical start to any wellness journey.

There is a sound therapy room and a magical sound discovery path – housed within an enclave surrounded by palm trees. As you delve deeper into the tropical trees, you encounter a series of nine unique instruments designed to match the natural rhythms of the island.

At CORE – the center of the JOALI BEING movement – ​​the architecture mimics ancient Mayan temples, with an open-ended pyramidal shape and a 16-metre-high ceiling. In addition to the state-of-the-art gym, guests here can also try cryotherapy and a range of Pilates, boxing and dance classes.

The first of its kind in the Maldives, JOALI BEING offers fully customized, results-driven transformational programmes, with the ultimate goal of guests returning home feeling refreshed, relaxed and with a new sense of “weightlessness”. Design is integral to achieving this, the architects say.

What does biophilic design mean to you and why is it important to guest well-being?

JOALI BEING was built using biophilic design principles, which means integrating architecture and design with nature. The idea is that with the right design factors, you can achieve harmony and enhance the flow of energy. This comes to fruition in the collection of unique, transformative spaces, where immersive treatments are offered. Here, guests have the possibility to reflect and heal, from sound treatments to hydrotherapy; Herbology to learn more about nutrition. It was important to be “one” with nature.

What are the architectural features in the guest villas?

The gently curved roofs appear as if they were gently placed on top of the structures. Inside, the space is maximized with transparent or movable partitions to make you feel as if there is almost no barrier between you and the outside world. Hexagonal rattan columns slide open or closed to reveal living spaces dotted with custom-designed Autobahn furniture, in a soothing color palette of ivory, gold, the softest greens, pinks and blues. Every detail has been chosen to evoke the essence of the ocean and the island, with sand grain reliefs in the plastered walls and mosaics depicting the hypnotic effects of waves in the sand.

What is the meaning of the color palette that was used?

Mint green, seashell pink and neutral tones create a soft palate that mimics the natural environment and induces relaxation and calm. The interiors do not compete with the liveliness of the outside environment, but absorb and reflect this liveliness through flowing open spaces and softer tones used in different materials. Design forms, materials, textures and patterns are used throughout the resort to achieve harmony and cohesion with the natural environment. So, you'll find natural driftwood in the restaurants, grooved rock walls in the spa, and throughout we used soft creams and pinks of natural sand and shells as well as the jewel-blue colors of the ocean.

In terms of architecture, how does JOALI BEING stand out from other resorts?

JOALI BEING located on the secluded natural island of Budufushi in Raa Atoll, the resort aims to combine boundless luxury with a natural approach, and is based on the “weightless” philosophy. Autoban's architectural and interior design story emerges entirely from this philosophy, which aims to provide guests with a transformative and purifying stay by eliminating all unnecessary excess, reconnecting with oneself and one's surroundings, and becoming one with nature.

Applying the principles of biophilia through a layered design approach, nature is found at the heart of the design, focusing on detail and materiality in order to create multi-sensory interactions. All structural elements are designed to achieve a sense of lightness, with a linear, flowing geometry that seems to hover slightly in place, at once part of the natural environment while floating above it at the same time.

Design ethos of the restaurant

FLOW Restaurant is an open-plan dining space with three show kitchens, each dedicated to a range of cooking styles. Su serves vegetarian, Plantae serves vegetarian and vegan, and Be Well specializes in meat and poultry. The restaurant is designed with indoor and outdoor spaces, with a three-tiered terrace that opens onto the beach, where guests can dine under the stars.

Meanwhile, Mojo is a relaxing beach retreat with a three-tiered pool facing the sunset, perfect for sunset drinks.

Are there any notable artworks in JOALI BEING?

The Kiss – a unique sculpture found outside Arica – by famous Turkish artist, Ebru Düşekci. This contemporary artwork uses clean lines and soft textures to express calm and weightlessness. The intertwined crescents of pistachio and salmon, evoking a sense of passion and romance, express the sensual fusion of masculine and feminine.

Conclusion

In the heart of the Maldives, King Jawali's innovative approach to wellness through biophilic design has redefined the luxury resort experience. By seamlessly integrating nature into the resort's architecture and guest villas, King Jawali offers a unique sense of connection with the environment, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort's thoughtful color palette, architectural features, and immersive spaces all work together to create a harmonious and weightless atmosphere. King Jawali sets itself apart as a transformative haven, where guests can embrace the magic of the Maldives, heal, and reconnect with nature. It's a groundbreaking destination where wellness and design converge, setting new standards in the industry.