Travel+Leisure India & South Asia travels to the Maldives and experiences a French atmosphere at Cheval Blanc Randheli. By Bayar jain
There’s a lot that has already been said about the Maldives. Many call it an island paradise, others sing praises of its azure blue waters. After spending years writing desk pieces on the Maldives, I am finally in the island nation to experience it first hand, and Cheval Blanc Randheli is my host for this inaugural trip.
Exploring Cheval Blanc Randheli
Stay
Cheval Blanc is known for bringing a French touch to its resorts. The white sand outside my Maison—a water villa perched on Maldivian stilts—reads ‘bonjour’.
It takes me half an hour to get acquainted with my new abode. There’s a bright living room, which leads to a master bedroom; double dressing rooms, which offer views of the swaying palms; and a bathroom with an indoor and outdoor rain shower, bathtub, dual vanities, and a separate toilet. “We can lay your meal at this dining table with sunken benches and serve you cocktails in your outdoor lounger,” suggests my personal majordome, Sadaam, as he leads me towards the outdoor deck. Meanwhile, I’ve already added an activity to my itinerary: swimming under the stars in the 12.5-metre-long infinity pool.
Dine
The dining options are varied. The overwater Deelani pampers with Mediterranean delights, while Diptyque does so with a bold display of Japanese and East Asian flavours. At The White, island-inspired flavours take centre stage amid vast ocean views and a lush tropical garden. The garden-facing restaurant Le 1947—named after Château Cheval Blanc’s sought-after vintage wine—floors me with a 12-course meal. Adjacent to the restaurant are two more iconic spots: Wine Museum, home to rare vintages and Cigar Lounge that boasts a curated cigar menu. Ditching the flamboyance, I celebrate in true Maldivian style—a champagne toast to the melting sunset at The White Bar.
Experience
The following day, I enjoy a snorkelling session and revel in the world of fish and corals, surf waves in Maldives’ only surf simulator, ride a dhoni, relax at Cheval Blanc Spa offering the island nation’s only Guerlain rituals, and enjoy a guided yoga session at an overwater pavilion.
On my final day, the team hands me a doggy bag of macarons for my return journey. In the distance, Saddam waves goodbye as the seaplane takes off into the clear blue Maldivian sky. I wave back, hoping to return for more of this hospitality.
Related: New Opening: Cheval Blanc To Open Doors Near River Seine In Paris