Maldives’ pristine blue oceans, lush islands, exquisite resorts, and breathtaking views, along with impeccable hospitality culture are just some of the reasons why this nation has been in the limelight for the past few years. Standing apart from the typical vacation spots, this place offers a chance to disconnect a little from the world and simply enjoy nature. Within this booming industry, a woman Esin Gural Argat stands apart for bringing in a fresh resort concept by creating JOALI Maldives - an art immersive island.
Esin Gural Argat, Founder of Joali envisioned a destination that not only provided luxurious stays, food, and great service, but also something that was missing in the hospitality industry - Soul. Bringing in this soul through an aesthetic approach that integrates diverse aspects of nature in all its naturalness, the firm is a reflection of its surrounding nature that acts on its own will, in all its purity.
Redefining Tourism
A part of the prominent Gurok Group of Turkiye, Esin did not begin her career within the tourism sector. In fact, she began her career in 1992 with the establishment of her enterprise -Guven Cini and Seramik. Transitioning in 1998 to her family business, she led the structuring and organization of all processes of LAV (a prominent brand of the Gurok Group). Moving on to managing the group’s tourism investments starting from 2008, Esin gained extensive experience within the sector.
“As Gurok Group, our values that reflect our corporate identity, ‘Think Unlimited, Act Brave, Do Good’, exactly coincide with my business vision. I want to be aware of the details in everything I do. When I start a job, I start after analyzing all the pros and cons. I can say that I am a bit of a guarantor in this regard, but I have always experienced the benefits of this aspect of mine.
With these values at the core of our new ventures, we have always thought ‘Why don't we bring this experience to the world?’ It was this thought process that led us to take our experience in the field of tourism abroad. We opened ‘JOALI Maldives’, our first overseas investment in tourism, in 2018, and in 2021, we launched ‘JOALI BEING’ as the Maldives' first wellbeing hospitality brand”, shares Esin Gural Argat, Founder.
Maldives’ advanced tourism-centric infrastructure completed with technological integrations, largescale overwater structures, and world-class culinary offerings set the perfect stage for Esin to bring life to her vision with JOALI. The resort, featuring two distinct islands: JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING is a one-of-akind experience in the nation’s One Island One Resort structure.
The JOALI Maldives is a one-of-a-kind island with over 17 art installations that have been created by famous global artists. The JOALI BEING on the other hand features world-class amenities spread across its 39 transformational spaces and treatment rooms including Watsu Pools, Turkish Hammam, Salt Inhalation Room, and much more. The wellbeing Island is equipped with latest tech and diagnostic tools like the Bioenergetic testing results is the ideal location for people seeking some rejuvenation and pampering.
In the creation of these resorts, Esin took her global experiences within the tourism industry, particularly the ultra-luxury segment, and added a unique twist that celebrated Maldives’ nature. Drawing from her extensive experiences stemming from a familial background in the business and tourism world, Esin ventured to build something of her own within the tourism sector.
“We constantly take bold steps to do better in our tourism investments and carry out our activities with the effort of achieving what has never been done before.
Being a part of a business family, Esin grew up around business discussions from a young age, which built her business acumen and leadership qualities
We have always been a company that tries its strength in new areas and grows with investments in different industries. With this vision, we opened Ali Bey Club, Turkiye's first-holiday village concept hotel, in 1991. The courage we demonstrate when entering a new sector, our unlimited ability to think, and our effort to do well in every field have been the most important values that have led us from the past to the present. These values, which are deep in the DNA of Gurok, also determine our vision for the future”, further adds Esin.
Inspiring Progress
Being a part of a business family, Esin grew up around business discussions from a young age, which built her business acumen and leadership qualities. Despite having a family business, she sought out to start something from scratch, gaining first-hand experience of how a company gets built. Putting in immense work and following in the footsteps of her father who taught him valuable lessons in the importance of hard work, determination, ethical business, and a progressive outlook, she has grown into an inspiring business leader who not only excels in determining exceptionally profitable opportunities, but also in inspiring those around him through example.
Passionate about her work, she also plays close attention to building a strong team and creating an inclusive culture focused on female empowerment and sustainability. Following these ideas during the creation of Joali, she ensured that over 1000 original palm trees and the natural coral reef remained protected. She started a coral restoration program under the Joali Reef Restoration Programme, and also established a turtle rehabilitation centre at JOALI BEING.
Being the forward thinking and creative business leader that she is, Esin is now working on another investment soon to be opened in Antalya. Bijal, a new hotel in the ultra-luxury segment, with its unique ‘play’ concept will be her next achievement, with many more promised in the future.
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