The next, on my list of visits was a five star resort named Cheval Blanc Randelhi which is adequately known as the Luis Vitton resort, as the company LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) owns it.
Before my departure I checked photos of the resort on the internet and when I saw them I was blown away and could not wait to experience it in the flesh. It is one of the more modern and most exquisite resorts you can stay at in the Maldives. At the airport we were welcomed in to their lounge, which I might add looked like a resort in itself. As soon as the doors opened we were hit with the most incredible scents. These amazing scents are created exclusively for the resort by the main creators of Dior.
Staff catered for our every need, with breakfast and coffee. If you are drained from the long flight here, you can freshen up in the showers within the lounge. Cheval Blanc Randelhi is one of the very few resorts which have their very own sea plane with white leather interior. Due to this extravagance a two way ticket will cost approximately 1,500 dollar per person. Luckily for us these charges did not apply as I would not wish to pay this out of my own pocket.
Upon arrival they escorted me to my luxurious villa, which just so happened to be the same villa Prince William and Kate stayed in a few months prior. I definitely couldn’t believe that I would be sleeping in a bed fit for a King and a Queen. All the villas have been designed by the architect Jean –Michel Gath who’s also behind the world-renowned Aman resorts and the Chedi Muscat.
The villa we stayed in was called a two bedroom villa, but actually it was two huge semi-detached villas equipped with an infinity pool, a gazebo and an outdoor shower. A bottle of Moet and some tasty looking deserts had been decoratively place on the table as welcome gift. Within minutes of being there I had devoured the deserts as they were so delicious. On the adjacent table there was an IPad with which I was able to customise the entire villa. The lights, room temperature, blinds and the possibility to order food or make reservations for any Spa treatments was at my fingertips. I am an IT fanatic and couldn’t wait to have this ultimate power tool within my hands.
Our esteemed waiter brought our lunch to the gazebo and we were dazzled by the variety of food he had to offer us. I was happily surprised by the presentation of the desert. This was sweet fresh fruit with Ice cream hidden in a chilled fresh coconut. After this bountiful feast all I wanted to do was to take a siesta, but this was not possible as we had our tour around the rest of the resort.
The structural design and architecture of the Cheval Blanc is very unique. With its high ceilings, minimalistic design and interesting features which are found throughout the resort there is plenty for your eyes to feast on. For example, walls are beautifully decorated with resort made hemispheres. These wonderful hemispheres are made with coloured sand collected from the resorts beach. Also you’ll find many well cut stones, shells and sculptures made from beads around the resort.
Cheval Blanc consists of a few small islands connected wooden bridges and offers different categories of villas. Each villa has its own private beach and infinity pool. The resort offers you several unique restaurants which are dotted around the islands. Each restaurant offers its own unique dining experience which you will never forget. The memories of dining here will last me my life time, but more on that later.
The White restaurant caters to diverse palates with its delicious gourmet cuisine. This contemporary restaurant has the scenic ocean on one side and a sprawling garden on the other.
I was very fascinated by Japanese-Iberian restaurant The Diptyque. I did not have the opportunity to taste the menu, but the design was stunning.
I was most impressed by French restaurant Le 1947, which combines the ultimate refinement with incredible culinary experience.
I was so euphoric over the food at this restaurant, I only photographed the food and totally forgot to photograph the restaurants interior. At first the resort manager and I had small appetizers at the bar. We then moved in to the spacious restaurant. The elegant white curtains divided the space, thus giving dinners a more private romantic setting. Tables were decorated with white cut stones, on which hand-engraved silverware was placed. I have never seen such elegant cutlery in my life. I got lost within its design and I had to examine and photograph every inch of it.
In total nine different dishes were served to us. During the dinner all of my five senses were ignited. Excellent food and wine, a specific fragrance by Dior, friendly staff, amazing décor and classical music being played made sure that this would be an experience I would cherish forever.
After dinner, I visited the local boutique offering plenty of luxury items, but as always I left empty-handed. On the other hand, I took some photos of some interesting designs. It’s worth taking a look yourself.
The next day I started with a fresh orange juice and a breakfast I picked from the originally created menu. A choice of pastries, fruit and sweet desserts were also available from the buffet. I spent the morning by the pool and on the beach. I found an inspiration in their beautiful yellow umbrella, which I found in my closet to create some awesome photos. If anyone saw me as I was running back and forth the tripod to my wanted relaxed pose, they would have been laughing hysterically.
Around lunchtime we had to take the seaplane, which ended this incredible self-indulging trip. For me it was one of the best resorts I have had the opportunity to visit so far. How would you enjoy your time here? And what captivated you the most in my story?
