A World Away: Why Cheval Blanc Randheli is Forever On Top of The Must-Stay List
Read on to find out why…
When it comes to the Maldives, it’s almost impossible to keep up with the latest openings so let us make it easy for you. Cheval Blanc Randheli, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, is the fashionista’s choice – think of it as ‘paradise haute couture’. Designed by starchitect Jean-Michel Gathy for LVMH, restaurants double as art galleries, pools double as catwalks and the cellar doubles as a museum.
Villas, of which there are 46, are temples of chic where even the air is designer: custom-scented by Dior master perfumer François Demachy (a woody, unique fragrance that nearly had me buying a diffuser). To get to the resort, it’s a 40-minute seaplane from Malé. Not any commercial seaplane, the hotel has its own plane branded in Cheval Blanc colours: cool grey and canary yellow to whisk guests to the Noonu atoll.
The resort’s five restaurants are all outstanding in their own right but 1947 devised by Michelin-star collector Yannick Alléno has the edge. Named after Cheval Blanc’s vintage wine label hailing from Saint-Émilion (extremely rare, extremely expensive) of which there are two bottles kept in the cellar, the 12-course menu is in a league of its own.
The spa – an emporium of whitewashed wood, bleached shells and rope latticework – sits on its own separate island reached via dhoni (traditional sailboat). As well as six treatment villas, the island is home to a Leonor Greyl hair spa, a swimming pool, a wellness restaurant, male and female hammams and a yoga pavilion. One could easily lose a whole day here – or week. Why? Firstly, the dishes in the spa restaurant are among the most nutrition-dense and polished I’ve seen in a long time. Secondly, wonderfully comfortable hammocks dotted along the shoreline invite you to nod off to the gentle lap of waves post-treatment. Thirdly, it’s the first and only spa I’ve encountered that has a full counter of Guerlain make-up for guests to help themselves to, which means you can leave the spa looking better than when you arrived. Rejoice. As for treatments, Guerlain curated a treatment list especially for Cheval Blanc, many of which require two or three hours – so like I said, you’ll need a bit of time.
Exploring the islands (by bike or on foot) reveals hidden treasures such as the bijou mini-golf course or intimate outdoor cinema. A recent addition is an island devoted to racquet sports. Built to Paris Masters standards with two tennis courts and two padel courts, one can have a lesson with an ATP pro before returning to the Maison to rehydrate with a fresh-cut coconut.
For anyone wanting in the wardrobe department, the boutique has exclusive pieces from the LVMH group including Dior, Fendi and Loro Piana. Ask nicely and they’ll organise a trunk show of kaftans and beach accessories from Pucci and Melissa Odabash to enjoy from the comfort of your villa. Like we said, this place has style.
For more information visit chevalblanc.com
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s March 2024 issue