Cheval Blanc Randheli

When Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton announced that it was opening a resort under its Cheval Blanc brand on the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, fashionistas and oenophiles around the world rejoiced. Their adulation was fully vindicated as LVMH has produced one of the Indian Ocean’s most stunning properties. With no expense spared, the 45 one and two-bedroom villa property experience begins on arrival when guests are transferred to Randheli island in a beautifully appointed Cheval Blanc Private Airways DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane. On arriving on Randheli, they are introduced to their majordomo (butler) and the ultimate luxury beach Indian Ocean resort experience takes hold. The Cheval Blanc Randheli was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, a Belgian who specialises in creating extremely special hotels and resorts. He has worked with brands including Aman, Mandarin Oriental and One&Only. 

The villas are superb – complete with high ceilings, plush and comforting furnishings, hammocks, daybeds, and loungers. Guests walk or bicycle around the resort. Facilities include tennis, yoga, fitness boot camps, a golf simulator, and the only Guerlain Spa in the Indian Ocean. There are a plethora of water sports on offer – including diving and snorkelling. Pods of spinner dolphins and turtles can be seen in the waters surrounding the resort. The cuisine served is sensational. Enjoy Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes at Diptyque, curries at The White, pizza at Deelani and haute cuisine at 3 Michelin-starred winning chef Yannick Alléno’s 1947. The Owner’s Villa is one of the finest suites in the Indian Ocean. It sits on its own 2-acre island, has 4 bedrooms, a 25-metre swimming pool and is only accessible by dhoni. Superb.