Joy Island Maldives by The Cocoon Collection — Hotel in Malé Atoll

We honestly had higher expectations for Joy Island due to the many positive reviews we had read beforehand. While we genuinely enjoyed our stay, the overall experience didn’t quite match what we had hoped for. Joy Island was pleasant enough, and we wouldn’t mind returning someday, but it wouldn’t necessarily be among our top choices. Nowadays, many resorts strongly encourage guests to leave extremely positive reviews and specifically mention staff members, but this often compromises authenticity, so I’ll avoid that here.

The speedboat transfer to the resort took approximately 45 minutes, shared with other arriving guests. Upon reaching the island, we received refreshing towels and welcome drinks, which was a nice gesture after traveling.

However, the actual welcome felt rushed. Although each guest is assigned a contact person available via WhatsApp throughout the stay, the introduction we received at check-in was minimal. Instead of a thorough explanation of resort amenities and services, staff provided a simple instruction sheet and suggested we read it ourselves, inviting us to ask questions later. Excursion pamphlets were later sent via WhatsApp without any recommendations or guidance. Compared to other resorts, where staff typically take considerable time to introduce all facilities in detail upon arrival, this initial contact felt insufficient.

The layout of the resort is pleasant, and we stayed in a Family Villa. This villa consists of two separate bedrooms, each comfortably accommodating up to three people, though two guests must share a double bed. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom. An inconvenience, especially during rainy or windy conditions, is that the two rooms are not internally connected—you need to step outside to move from one room to the other. In-room amenities included complimentary rosé and white wine, with additional beverages, chocolates, and sparkling water available for purchase.

Dining at Joy Island generally functioned well, especially in good weather. All meals are served at “The Market,” an open-air restaurant styled like a marketplace with different stalls offering pasta, meats, seafood, bread, and other foods. The dining area has fans to ensure comfort, and for guests who prefer air conditioning—especially those with young children—there’s an indoor section called “Inside,” providing the same buffet. The dessert stall stood out, offering an impressive variety of high-quality options.

Something we found disappointing was the music by the pool area. This is entirely subjective, of course, since some guests prefer a lively atmosphere. However, one of our primary reasons for choosing the Maldives was tranquility—something we’ve experienced at other resorts. Here, loud disco music started around 10 AM and often increased in volume throughout the day, disturbing the relaxing atmosphere we had expected. It’s understandable that resorts offer scheduled activities such as aqua aerobics or dance lessons, but continuous loud music throughout the day was disruptive.

Joy Island also has a diving center, but unlike other resorts we’ve visited, diving excursions here are exclusively by boat, with no possibility of shore diving. Morning trips were aimed at experienced divers, while afternoon trips catered to beginners in areas close to the island. Diving certification courses are available. Booking in advance is advisable since the diving boat (with a capacity for about 30 guests) was fully booked on several occasions during our visit, though staff indicated this was uncommon. The diving center includes a small bar area and restroom facilities.

Families traveling with young children might appreciate Kiddie Cove, the resort’s daycare center. It’s open nearly all day, except during meal times, and provides activities like a ball pit, slides, air hockey, painting, and various games. The staff also organize fun outdoor events like cake decorating and baking. Our 7-year-old son enjoyed his time there, and we found the staff attentive and...

My stay at Joy Island Maldives was nothing short of spectacular. From the stunning natural beauty of the island to the impeccable service provided by the staff, everything about this tropical paradise exceeded my expectations.

Food The culinary experience at Joy Island Maldives was exceptional. With a variety of dining options available, the food was consistently delicious and presented with flair. The Market restaurant offered an extensive buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The variety was impressive, and every meal was a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

One of the standout dining experiences was the Palm beach restaurant, where I enjoyed freshly caught fish and lobster. The flavors were out of this world, and the quality of the ingredients was second to none. The resort also offered themed dinners, such as an Sushi feast or an Maldivian night, which was a fun way to add variety to the dining experience.

For guests seeking something extra special, there were also options for private beach dinners, where the staff creates an intimate setting under the stars with personalized menus.

Excursions The excursions offered by the resort were one of the highlights of my stay. Whether you're into water sports or just exploring the Maldives' breathtaking natural beauty, there was something for everyone. I highly recommend taking part in the Into the blue snorkeling excursion to explore the vibrant coral reefs. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and ensured that I saw some of the most beautiful marine life up close. The sunset dolphin cruise was another unforgettable experience, where we were treated to the sight of dolphins swimming alongside the boat as the sun dipped below the horizon.

There were also plenty of options such as island-hopping trips, Shark watching, Sunset fishing and Tree planting allowing guests to explore nearby islands and experience the local culture, and enjoy many more fun excursions.

Activities The resort also offers a wide range of activities for guests looking to stay active. From water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, to land-based activities like tennis and beach volleyball, there was no shortage of options. I personally enjoyed taking part in the stand-up paddleboarding, which were not only fun but also a great way to enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

For those seeking relaxation, the resort offered yoga and meditation sessions. I made sure to join a morning session, which was the perfect way to start the day and take in the tranquil surroundings.

Staff What truly set Joy Island apart, however, was the exceptional service provided by the staff. They were always friendly, welcoming, and went out of their way to make sure that every guest had a memorable experience. I want to give special mention to Shahil, Kiki, and Sacha. Kiki and Shahil was the resort’s activities coordinator and was incredibly enthusiastic about ensuring we had the best time possible. They were knowledgeable, attentive, and made every excursion even more enjoyable. Sacha, the Front office supervisor, made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. She was warm, approachable, and took the time to check in with us throughout our stay to ensure everything was to our satisfaction. Their kindness and attention to detail made us feel like we were part of the Joy Island family, and I couldn’t thank them enough for the care they showed us during our visit. Joy Island Maldives is everything you could hope for in a tropical paradise: pristine beaches, excellent food, thrilling activities, and a level of service that truly goes above and beyond. Whether you're looking to unwind and relax, indulge in luxury, or have an adventure, this resort offers it all. The memories I created here, combined with the stunning surroundings and world-class staff, have made it one of my most memorable vacations. I highly recommend Joy Island to anyone looking to experience the true beauty and tranquility of...

A fantastic hotel! The island is quite small, which is actually a huge advantage as everything is conveniently within walking distance. We stayed in a Beach Villa with a pool, and it was absolutely perfect—spacious, well-equipped, and even featured a stunning jacuzzi. The room service was impeccable; the staff were always incredibly kind and welcoming. One staff member in particular, Ahu Ozil, really stood out with his cheerful and funny personality that always brightened our day.

The highlight of our stay was definitely the dining experience at the Market restaurant. The food was simply exceptional, but what really made the difference was the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. Adam, one of the waiters, always remembered our preferences so well that we didn’t even need to ask. His professionalism was outstanding, and his attention to detail really elevated our entire vacation. If there’s anyone who truly deserves a promotion, it’s Adam! He goes above and beyond, and it’s clear that he’s passionate about providing top-notch service.

The food here is beyond amazing, and I must mention another chef who specializes in grilling meat. Although I didn’t catch his name, he was fantastic—his grilled dishes were a highlight of our meals. Every bite was perfectly cooked, and his attention to quality was clear. His work made every dinner a special experience.

Now, about the food—where do I even begin? Every dish was fantastic, but the omelet made by Chef Rippon was life-changing. I can honestly say it’s the best omelet I’ve ever had! Rippon is not only an exceptional chef but also a joy to be around—his smile, energy, and love for what he does shine through in every bite. He’s multilingual and incredibly talented. If there’s one chef who deserves recognition and a leadership role, it’s Rippon. His work ethic is impeccable.

Arvind, another wonderful chef, always greeted us with a warm smile and never forgot our preferences. His dedication to the guests’ experience was remarkable. He would often surprise us with little treats that made each meal feel even more special. His attention to detail and passion for his craft are clear signs that he is destined for bigger things in his career. He, too, is someone management should be paying close attention to for promotion.

In addition to the amazing food and service, the sunsets on the island are absolutely breathtaking—like something out of a dream. Watching the sun dip below the horizon while surrounded by the pristine beauty of the island is an unforgettable experience.

This was our seventh time visiting the Maldives, but it was undoubtedly our best trip yet. We really splurged this time, and it was worth every penny. What makes this resort even more special is their commitment to protecting nature. The staff is deeply involved in preserving the environment, and we even had the chance to plant our own coral! It was such a unique experience, and it felt great to know we contributed in some way to the conservation efforts.

Our butler, Shiyad, also deserves a huge thank you for making sure our stay was flawless. No matter the time of day, he was always there to assist us with anything we needed, and his dedication and care were unmatched. He truly elevated our experience.

Lastly, Hammit, the manager, was the first person to greet us, and his professionalism set the tone for the whole trip. He took care of us from start to finish, making sure everything was perfect and handling any questions or issues with ease and grace.

In short, this hotel offers an unparalleled level of service. If you’re looking for a place that combines world-class hospitality with amazing food, breathtaking sunsets, and a focus on sustainability, this is it. We left feeling pampered and will definitely be returning! Highly, highly recommend this hotel—you won’t find this kind of experience...