Are you looking for a meaningful and unique trip? Experience a majestic and unforgettable barefoot stay at Cheval Blanc Randheli in theMaldives.

Cheval Blanc Randheli from above

Cheval Blanc Maisons, part of LVHM group, counts four Maisons in exclusive destinations -Randheli, Courchevel, St Barths, St Tropez, and a fifth will open in Paris next spring. Each Maison has its own identity and celebrates a perfect alchemy between tradition and innovation, local architecture and timeless elegance.

Luxury destinations are the hardest to reach, but a beautifuljourney and once you get there, it becomes a dream come true. Fly to Mal in The Maldives. The archipelago is located in South Asia in the Indian Oceanabout 600 km from India and is composed of 1192 islands with only 187 beinginhabited, which covers an area ofroughly 298 square kilometers. It is one of the most dispersed states in the world.

Cristal clear water

Boarding the Seaplane in Mal

From Paris or London, there are several convenient direct flights with Air France, British Airways or Lufthansa to get there. Once youland in Mal -the capital- a Cheval Blanc Ambassador will greet you and drive you to Cheval Blanc lounge. Get a fresh juice, a shower, put your flip flops and then be ready to board the bespoke seaplane Cheval Blanc for a 40-minute flight north of Mal, bound forNoonu Atoll. An exceptional barefoot holiday has already started!

Arrival at Randheli

Surrounded by infinite blue waters and soft white sand, nothing on the horizon and lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean, prestigious French hospitality shines at its best. Here emerald garden jungle meets aquamarine waters. Cheval Blanc Randheli is an extraordinary jewel nestled in Noonu Atoll. So spectacular. This refuge is extremely rich in marine life, lush greenery, exotic flowers and tropical birds. Noonu Atoll shelters nature in abundance. Not only is this green paradisehome to a rich marine life of manta rays, a multitude of dolphins, turtles and other tropical fish,but italso abounds with coconut palms, banyans, exotic flowers and plants and is a haven for tropical birds. The Atoll is home to some Dhandi Fulhu Dhooni, a rare and protected white Maldivian bird. Natural life has been genuinely introduced on this atoll. During a lovely biking ride through the property with Marie Claude Metrot who is in charge of Etiquette and Protocol for LVMH Group, I discovered the incredible genuine work that has been made on an atoll. Nature and its protection is at the center of this sanctuary. The resort strives to preserve the natural balance of its island. Ecology reachesits paroxysm. You will drink locally purified water -through a unique system- from a reusable glass bottle engraved with the logo of Cheval Blanc.

Biking around

Architect Jean Michel Gathy

This exceptional resort designed by Belgium celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy consists of a variety of land and over water accommodation. Mr Gathy explained me that what makes this project so special is that there are 45 independent villas and the Owner's Villa set on a private island. Cheval Blanc Randheli features a stylish color palette of white, taupe and oyster grey with touchesof yellow, the hospitality group's signature hue. This beautiful yellow color shinesaround the property from the so-chic attire of the Ambassadors to bag and towel beach, to exquisite candles and hair care by Leonor Grey and a multitude of bathroom amenities packaged Cheval Blanc. Note that their extraordinary scent has been created especially for the resort.Dont forget to take your Island Chic oil in your luggage.

Welcome To Cheval Blanc Randheli

Mr Gathy added that they conceived the resort in synergy with thenatural surroundings: the modern architecture naturally blends with the island's landscape, vegetation and lagoon views. A complete harmony for a total relaxation and inner peace. Just take off your shoes and enjoy an elegant, and refined island barefoot living.

Beach Villa

This place reminded meof my years spentin French Polynesia where I was lucky to spend week-ends in Tetiaora - Marlon Brandos Atoll - before it became this eco-friendlyexceptional resort The Brando. Life on an atoll is so particular. I stayed in one of the 15 Beach Villas facing the lagoon. As soon as you step inside the villa, the lofty cathedral-style ceilings create a strong sense of spaciousness and openness. Framed by seven meter highcrafted doors that can be closed or open to give a connected or intimate space respectively, the villas are furnished with organic materials from the Indian Ocean -teak, rattan, bamboo, thatch and coconut shell. A contrast to the rustic feeling is provided by bright decorations, as well as bespoke design elements and a residential-style medley of artwork throughout the villa. A sculptural art piece by artist Vincent Beaurin hang above the streamlined bathtub.At night, when you are back at your villa from dinner, your majordome willhave prepared a sumptuous bubble bath- every night I have been wondering whatthe surprise bath would be! Incredible.

Inside Beach Villa

My last question to Mr Gathy was howhe woulddescribe Randheli in three words, he replied: "comfortable, elegant and charismatic. Agreed.

The resort includes spectacular main lodge, a large swimming pool, sports facilities, dive center, Le Carroussel kids club, an island only exclusive Guerlain Spa and a tennis island with two courts. Ontop of that , add five restaurants, four bars, and of course ultimate ivory beaches and crystal clear waters.

View over the swimming pool from The White

So what can you do in Randheli? Here are someof my highlights.

Just do nothing. Swim, eat, read, watch sunrises and sunsets and JUST repeat.

Wake up and jump into the warm water at sunrise. Listen and watch the beauty of the island around you. A pure bliss. Just relax and wonder. Take your bike to head to the White restaurant to enjoy an yummy breakfast or have it delivered by your majordome at your private villa. Another plus that makes the resort so special is your dedicated majordome from the first day ofarrival for your entire stay. Thanks to a restricted number of guests, you can enjoy the highest level of comfort and attention. From farniente on the beach to sport and water activities or just biking around the island, life seems to slow down in Randheli.

Dinner at Dyptique

Culinary art culminates at its best. Every desire is satisfied. There are so many options to feast on. From gastronomic dinner at Le 1947 to a succulent Japanese and East Asia dinner at Dyptique -where you are seated in the midst of the action around twin open kitchen and inside a beautiful tropical garden- or even a romantic Italian and Mediterranean seafront evening meal at Deelani, Randheli sets the bar extremelyhigh. For ultimate privacy and coziness, experience barbecue on the beach under the shade at your villa or orderone of the dishes from The Carte Blanche Menu in your room,delivered of course by your majordome.

Guerlain Spa Island

Spa island by Guerlain. I have loved spending time on this tiny haven. A short sail away from the main island on a traditional Maldivian boat the Dhoni made in coconut wood, you will immediately feel the peaceful vibes of Randheli. The island is entirely dedicated to revitalization and wellbeing. The treatment villas are opened onto the lagoon, so you will get massage and facial imagined by Guerlain while listening to the sound of the ocean. Just ask your Spa Ambassador for tailored rejuvenating experiences. Add some heavenly moments by the hamman and jacuzzi to get completely immersed before heading to the Spa Bar. Seated by a spectacular infinity pool and views of the dazzling atoll, the detoxifying menu is so healthy. Sip La Petite Robe Noire mocktail -a clin doeil to Guerlain sexy perfume- prepared with fresh ginger juice, lemon, pineapple and lychee and accompaniedwith grated fresh carrots and papaya salad or a Tahitian tuna coconut style.

Jacuzzi at the relaxing spa area

Yoga experience under the Thai pavilion. Perched above the sea, the yoga pavilion is heavenly located. Yoga teacher Master Puneet is excellent. Puneet really pushes you to find your inner peace and that makes your day even better.

Tennis. Sail fifteen minutes away on the crystal clear water to Randheli's jungle island Maakurandhoo to play tennis. Watch out as you willprobablysee a multitude of dolphins jumping by the boat on early mornings. Not bad isnt it? Yvo, the tennis coach will escort you to the clubhouse in the middle of a jungle garden to get ready for an hour of tennis. Not common to play on an isolated island.

Incredible peaceful sunset

Cheval Blanc Randheli definitelyrevisitsthe codes of ultra-luxury hospitality with bright modernity. This resort shines by its exceptional service and a continuous atmosphere of genuine kindness. You feel so pampered at each instant of your stay. Thank you to the kindest General Manager Renato Chizzola and the entire team for all the surprises and the moments shared which made my stay unforgettable. Travelingis not only about the place you discover butalso about the people you meet. Welcome to the world of Randheli.

The world of Cheval Blanc Randheli

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Cheval Blanc Randheli In Maldives Where Barefoot Luxury Meets Raw Nature - Forbes