The Maldives are a well known paradise. Last week we just came back and we are already planning when we can go again. My husband and I went to Cheval Blanc Randheli. This tiny island is 40 minutes by private sea plane from Male. It was truly an unforgettable stay.
Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives
Cheval Blanc Randheli has a reputation as one of the best hotels in the world and I can’t disagree. This place is magical. We were greeted upon arrival with a shot of freshly squeezed pineapple juice and handed cold and perfumed towels to refresh then taken to our water villa. Chevall Blanc Randheli has 46 villas, some on the beach and some over the water. All the villas have the same dimensions and look the same inside. And they are stunning. No wonder, when the hotel is owned by LVMH, right?
The attention to every detail is apparent. Each villa has one or two bedrooms, a small kitchenette (with fridge, microwave and a coffee machine), sitting room, bathroom with a separate shower and bath and a very spacious wardrobe with a powder room. The bathroom has “his” and “hers” sink. All the amenities are made specifically for the hotel and have the most wonderful fresh smell. Outside there is a swimming pool, sun loungers and a dining table. Beach villas have also a sitting area with sofas and armchairs.
Service
Each villa has a dedicated butler who seems to think of what you want even more than you do. You don’t know where to have a dinner? No problem your majordome will choose and make a reservation. You want to go jet skiing? No problem, all booked. Apart from your majordome, the service in the whole Cheval Blanc Randheli is exquisite and the hotel manager Laurent Chancel is particularly charming and makes you feel at home from the very first day. In this hotel everything is possible, and everything is done with a great smile.
The food
There are several restaurants. Diptique is Japanese with amazing sushi, wagyu beef and tempura. Deelani is Italian with delicious sourdough pizza and pasta that makes you think you are in Italy. The White bar restaurant is the more informal where you can choose from a selection of Indian, Chinese, Italian or just simple sandwiches and hamburgers. You can find here the signature Cheval Blanc wagyu hamburger with fois gras. There is also a Teppanyaki, where a very skilful chef offers you delicious meat and fish on the grill. Or maybe you fancy an informal evening in your villa? No problem, you can choose from the very extensive menu and call your butler to arrange everything.
If you want something very special, your majordome can also arrange a dinner just for you two on the beach. This one however you need to book at least 2 days (or more) in advance, as it is very popular. We had two of those and were overwhelmed by how romantic it was. OMG it was beyond romantic. I mean seriously, imagine just two of you alone on the beach with candles and rose petals everywhere. It is like there is no other world at that moment. That really is Maldives at its best and with such spectacular sunsets, no wonder it is a perfect spot for engagements and honeymoons.
What to do in Cheval Blanc Randheli
My husband was slightly reluctant to go to Maldives, as he worried it might be boring. In the end of the day you are on the tiniest of the islands, right? But there is a lot to do. Snorkelling and diving are the obvious ones, as the Maldives have some of the best coral reefs in the world. Then there are so many options for water sports, you can do every day something different. You can stay in shape by going to the generous sized gym with a stunning ocean view or do instructor led yoga. The most difficult is to make a choice, as you feel here so relaxed that you don’t even want to think.
Spa
If you want to feel even more relaxed, you can visit the spa where you can choose from countless of Guerlain treatments. The spa is located on a separate island, so you need to take a boat to get there. The spa island is like an oasis of relaxation. All the treatment rooms are in separate little huts with a stunning view of the ocean. The yoga classes are in the island as well. We had an Imperial massage treatment, one of the classic Guerlain treatments and it can’t be more pleasant.
There are few hotels that can compete for the best hotel in the world title. Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda or the Penninsula Paris are really good contestants, but the Cheval Blanc Randheli has also a massive advantage of the most beautiful setting one can imagine. Everything about this place is exquisite. The villas, the food, the setting and the thoughtful service. But the best thing is to see and experience it yourself. Just make sure you book your villa well in advance. That is all you need to do.
love
Petra
xx
