French Flair Meets Maldivian Paradise: A Stay at Cheval Blanc Randheli

We will admit—we were skeptical. After years of staying at luxury resorts across the Maldives, we wondered if Cheval Blanc Randheli could still impress me. Spoiler: It did. From the moment our private seaplane descended over that impossible turquoise lagoon, we knew this wasn’t just another five-star retreat. This was French luxury meets Maldivian paradise, polished to an almost absurd level of perfection.

First Impressions: A Lagoon So Blue It Hurts

The resort spans six islands (three natural, three man-made), connected by bridges and boats. Everything is obsessively maintained—the sand raked into Zen-garden precision, the water so clear it looks Photoshopped. We half-expected staff to materialize and wipe our footprints away the second we stepped off the jetty.

The vibe? Quietly Luxurious, Artfully Wild. Cheval Blanc Randheli doesn’t just whisper luxury—it hums it, with the kind of effortless elegance that feels both curated and organic. The hand of architect Jean-Michel Gathy is evident everywhere: in the loft-like openness of the villas, where teak and rattan meet crisp modern lines, and in the playful tension between earthy textures and bold, contemporary strokes. Then there’s the art—unmissable yet never intrusive. The resort features striking contemporary artworks by Vincent Beaurin, including the iconic Arch sculpture rising from the lagoon and the dazzling Crowns series adorning each villa. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance of sophistication and island-inspired artistry.

The Villa: A Masterclass in Understated Opulence

We stayed in a Lagoon Villa, and within minutes, we understood why Cheval Blanc’s design has been copied (but never matched) by so many resorts:

• The Space: High ceilings, open-plan living, and walls that disappear with the turn of a handle, blurring the line between indoors and out.

• The Pool: A 12-meter infinity edge overlooking the lagoon—warm enough for midnight dips but cool enough to refresh.

• The Little Things: Silent air-con, a bathtub big enough for two, and a bed so cloud-like we briefly considered smuggling it home.

Downside? Privacy isn’t absolute. The villas are angled so neighbors can glimpse your terrace if they try. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re planning a very romantic getaway.

The Food: Vegan Feasts & French Pastry Heists

We didn’t expect plant-based dining to shine this brightly at a resort owned by LVMH (the same group behind Dom Pérignon and Moët). But wow, we were wrong.

Standout Meals:

• Le 1947 – The Michelin-starred tasting menu had a vegan option that rivaled Paris’ best. Think: jackfruit "scallops", truffle-infused lentil terrine, and desserts so beautiful we almost didn’t eat them. (Almost.)

• The White Restaurant – Breakfast here was an event. Fresh tropical fruit, house-made almond-milk lattes, and a pastry basket so good I considered ordering a second one "for the table."

• Diptyque – The sushi counter offered avocado-cashew nigiri and mushroom tempura that made us forget the world existed.

The Spa & Wellness: A Private Island of Zen

The spa sits on its own mini-island, reachable by a 5-minute boat ride. Annoying? Slightly. Worth it? Absolutely.

• Guerlain treatments – we tried the "Sun Ritual" massage (a mix of Ayurvedic and French techniques) and emerged so relaxed we nearly face-planted into the pool.

• Yoga at sunrise – Held in a glass pavilion over the water. Even our jet-lagged corpse managed a downward dog.

• The gym – Full Technogym equipment, Peloton bikes, and a view so distracting we kept forgetting to work out.

The Service: Flawless (With a Few Quirks)

Cheval Blanc’s famous "Alchemists" (read: butlers on steroids) are impressively attentive. Ours:

• Memorized our coffee orders by day two.

• Set up a private beach dinner under the stars.

• Somehow anticipated our need for sunscreen before we did.

But… The constant "Bonjour!" greetings (a nod to the resort’s French roots) started to feel like a Disney soundtrack on loop by day four. Charming at first, mildly exhausting by the end.

The Verdict: Worth the Hype?

The Good:

 Architectural perfection – Every angle is a masterpiece, designed for both awe and envy-worthy photos.

Vegan dining that actually excites – Vegan cuisine that rivals top global restaurants (a rarity in the Maldives) 

Anticipatory service – Your wish seems granted before you even whisper it. 

That spa boat ride? Yes, the boat ride is extra—but the payoff is pure magic.

The Not-So-Good:

Privacy isn’t 100% – Lagoon villas lack full seclusion. 

Seaplane noise – Early morning takeoffs might wake light sleepers.

Final Thought:

If you want barefoot luxury, go to Soneva. If you want over-the-top glitz, try the St. Regis.

But if you crave effortless, French-polished perfection? Cheval Blanc Randheli is it.

Would I return? In a heartbeat. But next time, I’m smuggling an extra suitcase for those pastries.