Media

11.07.2025


JOALI Maldives, Gürok Group’s Ultra Luxury Brand, Named Best Resort in Asia

JOALI Maldives, the luxury hospitality brand of Gürok Group, has achieved a significant milestone by being named the Best Resort in Asia in the World’s Best Awards 2025 by Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s most prestigious travel magazines. The brand further cemented its global reputation by ranking 7th among all resorts worldwide.

Transferring over 35 years of experience in the Turkish hospitality industry—via its Antalya based Ali Bey Resorts & Hotels brand—to the Maldives in 2018, Gürok Group has now crowned JOALI Maldives’ success with a global recognition. Blending nature, art, and luxury in the heart of the Maldives, JOALI Maldives topped the Travel + Leisure readers’ list with an impressive score of 99.47.

An Immersive Experience of Joyful Living through Art, Nature, and Sustainability

Situated on one of two exclusive islands operated by Gürok Group in the Maldives, JOALI Maldives redefines ultra luxury travel with its visionary offerings. The resort features 73 meticulously designed private villas nestled in lush greenery, delivering a uniquely elevated guest experience. Enriched with artworks, sculptures, and installations by international artists, the resort stands out with its artistic ambiance, wellness focused activities, world class cuisine, and unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism. Among its highlights is the Saoke restaurant part of the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide partner network which continues to earn high praise from guests.

Gürok Group also operates JOALI BEING, a wellbeing focused ultra luxury resort on the second island in the Maldives, since 2021.

A Pioneer of Hospitality in Turkey

With a deep rooted tradition in hospitality, Gürok Group continues its legacy in Turkey through its Ali Bey Hotels & Resorts and BIJAL brands. Ali Bey Hotels & Resorts, which has been welcoming guests in Antalya for over 35 years, holds the title of the world’s largest tennis resort with more than 100 courts and plays a key role in sports tourism by hosting international tournaments. Beyond tourism, Gürok Group is one of Turkey’s leading private sector conglomerates, with global brands in glass tableware, FMCG, glass packaging, and construction. The Group recently expanded its tourism portfolio with the launch of BIJAL, a villa hotel concept in Antalya offering ultra luxury accommodations further contributing to the Turkish economy.

"We Aimed to Set a Global Benchmark in Ultra Luxury Hospitality"

Vice President of the Board, Esin Güral Argat, who was actively involved in every step of establishing the JOALI Maldives brand and its properties, commented on the award:

“When we brought our decades of experience in tourism to the Maldives, our goal was to create a transformative and sustainable guest experience that sets a new standard in ultra luxury travel. At JOALI Maldives, we offer much more than a traditional vacation it’s a journey of joyful living, inspired by art and immersed in nature. Through personalized nutrition, treatments, therapies, and curated experiences, we aim to support holistic wellbeing.

As we implement an innovative vision in global tourism, we also operate with a deep focus on environmental and social sustainability—from supporting women’s employment and using renewable energy to waste management and wildlife conservation programs.

Being named the Best Resort in Asia by Travel + Leisure and ranking 7th worldwide is a tremendous honor and testament to the global potential of a brand born in Turkey. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our entire team, business partners, and the valued guests who voted for us.”