Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives review: this is island life 2.0

Paradise is the Cheval Blanc Randheli – a luxury 46-villa resort on the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. From my arrival at Malé airport, the hotel’s attention to detail and impeccable service transports me to a world of total bliss, where my every need is taken care of before I am even aware it exists.

A team of the most welcoming staff meet me at arrivals and quickly whisk me away in a slick, air-conditioned car (complete with Wi-Fi, phone charger, bottled water and cold towel, all for a mere ten-minute journey), to the new sea plane terminal at Malé airport.

Here I am ushered into the Cheval Blanc waiting room, where one can order from an array of fresh juices, tropical fruits, and pastries baked daily by the hotel’s master bakers (the almond chocolate croissant is better than any I have tasted in Paris). Check-in for guests is handled here so that I am totally free to explore all that the island has to offer immediately upon arrival.

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The check-in is brief, then I’m taken down to the sea plane. I’m a little apprehensive, but the 45-minute journey is incredibly smooth and I am able to take in the most awe-inspiring views as I glide across the neighbouring atolls.

The resort

Upon touchdown on the bright blue seas of the island, I am greeted by the Cheval Blanc staff, who have all assembled to give me a proper welcome. I am introduced to Monsieur Adhli, who will be my personal majordome throughout my stay – I am told that he’s always available via WhatsApp for anything from a lift across the island in a golf buggy, to the organisation of a floating breakfast (which magically appears in my private pool on my second morning).

After a short drive from the sea plane through winding jungle paths, I arrive at my home for the next couple of days. There are three types of villa at Cheval Blanc – water (facing the sea, with steps down into the glistening ocean), lagoon (facing inwards towards a small inlet where tiny sharks and fish can be spotted), and island (these have their own private beach and two bedrooms, so are often best for families) – and each comes with a private pool.

Mine is a water villa and it is breathtaking. The villa itself is huge, divided into a living room, bedroom, gigantic bathroom and dressing room. The ceilings are seven metres high and the decor is luxe island chic. There is a hot bubble bath, bottle of champagne and plate of dainty canapés waiting for me. This is not just a welcome gift; every day, come 4pm, a plate of freshly baked treats and exotic fruit appears in the room as if by magic, and every evening when I arrive home from dinner there is a bath waiting for me at the perfect temperature. This is the kind of extreme attention to detail that I come to be used to during my short stay on the island.

The spa

After a dip in infinity pool and a long shower, I cycle (each room comes with bicycles perfectly adjusted to your height) to the dock to take a boat to the hotel’s spa island. Yes, you read this correctly: there is an entire island dedicated to wellness and relaxation. The boat is a traditional Maldivian one, and the journey takes around five minutes.

On the island, there is a small lagoon for swimming, another infinity pool, a restaurant and a bar. I am told that I can roam anywhere here, and a member of staff will find me when it is time for my treatment. I decide to explore and spot a private hammam available to rent which is the size of a large London apartment. I then enjoy a signature 60-minute massage which takes place in a private treatment room overlooking the ocean. It is truly peaceful, with the sound of crashing waves lulling me into a state of total relaxation.

Eating and activities

That evening, I dine at The Deelani, one of six restaurants on the island. Here, the food is Mediterranean, with an array of pasta and pizza and the best tiramisu I have ever tried. If this isn’t what you’re after, though, you could try Le 1947 fine dining restaurant, or Diptyque, a pan Asian teppanyaki restaurant. Every taste or craving is catered for – you would be hard-pressed to fancy something that Cheval Blanc does not serve.

The next few days are jam-packed. I have a private tennis lesson on the designated tennis island (yep), where the court is tucked away within dense jungle and can only be accessed by speedboat. I go on a snorkeling excursion that is awe-inspiring, swimming among sea turtles and reef sharks. There is a cooking class with the hotel’s sous chef, a barbecue and movie under the stars, and an Indian Ocean-themed dinner, where plates after plates of curries appear while traditional live music is played in the background.

It’s impossible to get bored here as there are activities to suit everyone. I haven’t even mentioned the water sports facilities (there is kit for everything you could possibly dream of), high-spec gym (with treadmills overlooking the ocean, of course), and surf simulator (the only one of its kind in the Maldives) for those who seek a more active stay.

For kids

Families are welcome at the Cheval Blanc – this resort is certainly a kids’ paradise as much as an adults’ one. With its musical instruments, foam pit, wall climbing area, and high-tech drawing game that transforms children’s pictures into video animations, the newly refurbished Paddock is the ultimate kids’ club.

The Cheval Blanc Randheli is a place for luxurious living, and it’s understandable why so many guests return to this very spot year after year, craving the laid-back lifestyle. From the moment you arrive, this island becomes your home – and whatever you wish for will be provided.

For more information, visit chevalblanc.com. Room rates are available upon request.