Chevel Blanc Randheli, Maldives Hotel

Maldives

Making a splash among the perfect white sands, blue waters and idyllic stilted villas of the Maldives is no small task, but this French-leaning resort stands out for its elegant design nous and European spirit

The Maldives’ picture- postcard good looks are recognisable the world over, so hoteliers and designers here need to go some to stand out from the crowd. Cheval Blanc Randheli makes it look easy. This tranquil resort, under the chic remit of French group LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon), brings design nous and a French-leaning spirit to the middle of the Indian Ocean. Take the perfect patisseries alongside breakfast tropical fruit; gallery-like sculptures; staff who greet guests with ‘Bonjour’; fine dining at Le 1947; and an expansive wine cellar. Lauded architect Jean-Michel Gathy’s design includes 45 villas that sprawl over two islands connected by wooden walkways. Many are stilted affairs with lofty ceilings but the best are the staggering beach villas. Set back, down a long pathway, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a hotel lobby on entering, thanks to the grand scale and richly layered interiors. Coffee-table tomes, wooden games and expertly curated decorative pieces daub the open-plan space, with floor-to- ceiling bifolds on all sides framing the scene with island, pool and ocean views.

Bedrooms feature enormous beds and plush window seats; there’s a huge walk-in dressing room and a his-and-hers bathroom centred on a huge tub, which you may well find drawn and lit by candles on your return from supper. Villa 13 has been known to house nesting turtles, but the chances are high of spotting the creatures bobbing past your villa or under walkways as you cycle by. Land activities might include pétanque, surf simulation practice, oceanfront yin yoga and sound baths, or perhaps a pootle over to the spa for superlative Guerlain treatments. Aquatic adventures roll from oh-so-fun sea bobbing to night diving, while five restaurants will feed you well after, be it Italian, Japanese, Asian, Middle Eastern or the flagship French affair

Villas from £2,069.

Words by Blossom Green.

This article was taken from the February/March 2025 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.