Stepping off the sleek Cheval Blanc seaplane onto Randheli’s sun-kissed jetty, I felt as if I’d arrived in a dream. The 40-minute flight north from Malé had itself been a spectacle.
At the private seaplane lounge in Malé we’d been pampered with refreshments and cool towels, but nothing could compare to the welcome at Randheli. “Bonjour and welcome,” came the warm greeting as the resort manager and our Majordome (personal butler) introduced themselves, relieving us of bags and worries in one gracious swoop.
With only 46 villas in total, this ultra-exclusive retreat already felt serenely empty of other humans, as if the entire paradise had been reserved just for us. My first impression was one of awe: at the island’s natural splendor, at the harmony of contemporary design and pristine environment, and at the genuine warmth of the welcome.
In all my travels, I had never encountered an arrival so meticulously choreographed and so emotionally resonant. I knew in that instant the next three nights would be something truly extraordinary.
The Villa
Our butler, Mohamed, as he introduced himself, paused in front of an unassuming wooden gate enveloped in lush greenery. He swung it open to reveal what would be our home: a Lagoon Garden Villa that instantly took my breath away.
It was less a villa and more a cathedral of tropical luxury. Soaring seven-meter ceilings arched above an airy living space, framed by immense pivoting doors of rich teak that could be left open to invite in the sea breeze or closed to create cozy intimacy.
The entire front of the villa was glass that retracted completely, blurring the line between indoors and out – I could see straight through from the entrance, across the elegant living room and bedroom, out to the shimmering lagoon beyond.
Inside, the décor struck a perfect balance between island charm and contemporary chic. Under the lofty thatched roof were playful pops of color – a signature Cheval Blanc yellow silk throw here, a bright piece of modern art there – set against a soothing palette of whites and taupe.
Furnishings were bespoke and tactile: rattan and bamboo accents, smooth teakwood floors, creamy mother-of-pearl inlays. In the living room, a plush white sofa and a hand-carved rocking chair invited relaxation beside a discrete state-of-the-art entertainment system.
A welcome amenity waited on the coffee table that made us gasp: an iced bottle of Ruinart Champagne and a towering tray of canapés and exotic fruits, an incredibly generous spread that made us feel immediately celebrated.
We hadn’t been there five minutes, and already we were toasting our arrival with fine champagne and nibbling gourmet bites – talk about a welcome!
After our butler completed an in-villa check-in (no standing at a reception desk here – everything was done in the comfort of our villa), he gave us a tour. The bedroom featured a grand four-poster king bed draped in crisp Egyptian cotton, positioned to face the lagoon so that we could wake up to ocean views.
At the foot of the bed, a cozy daybed and reading nook looked like the perfect spot to lose oneself in a book or gaze out at the horizon. A walk-in dressing room beyond the bedroom was so spacious it rivaled a city apartment – plenty of room for our belongings, which Mohamed offered to unpack for us immediately (a service we later learned they provide to every guest as a standard courtesy).
The bathroom was a temple of indulgence: a deep standalone bathtub stood by floor-to-ceiling windows, seeming to float between indoor and outdoor space, and there were separate his-and-hers vanity counters on either side of it.
Behind frosted glass was an indoor rain shower, but we found ourselves more drawn to the garden courtyard out back, where a second outdoor shower was hidden amid palms – showering under the Maldivian sun or stars became a daily ritual.
Every amenity had been thought of and then some: from bulging jars of bath salts and artisanal soaps, to a array of Guerlain toiletries and even cheeky extras like a perfume bar and scented candles.
Tucked near the villa’s entrance, Mohamed showed us a “hidden kitchen” – a pantry with coffee machine, kettle, and a second fridge – so staff could stock or service our villa unobtrusively.
The main minibar itself was a delight: it was packed with drinks and snacks, and we were told all the non-alcoholic treats were complimentary and replenished daily, from tropical juices to gourmet chocolates. It was yet another example of Randheli’s ethos: everything was as generous and upscale as possible.
Finally, we stepped out to the outdoor terrace, and our jaws literally dropped. A 12.5-meter private infinity pool stretched across the length of the deck, its waters merging with the lagoon’s edge – it’s rare enough to get a plunge pool in a Maldivian villa, let alone one nearly half an Olympic pool in size.
At one end of the pool stood a sunken pergola with a dining table where we could have meals literally over the water, and at the other end an outdoor daybed floated just above the water’s surface.
Two white-cushioned sun loungers and a large umbrella were positioned for prime sunbathing, and just beyond lay the lagoon itself, accessible by a few steps directly from our deck. In our villa’s case, we also had a small patch of private white-sand beach and garden to one side, complete with a shaded hammock swaying between two palms.
It was the best of both worlds: part overwater, part garden retreat. The panorama was almost overwhelming — blinding turquoise water to the horizon, neighboring thatched villas in the distance, and absolute privacy on our deck. We stood there in silence for a moment, taking it all in.
Randheli’s villas truly “take palm-roofed cabana living to a new level,” as one review had put it. In that instant, any lingering jetlag evaporated. This villa was ours for the next three nights, and it felt like a piece of Maldivian heaven.
Before Mohamed left us to settle in, he pointed out two bicycles parked by the villa’s entrance, painted Cheval Blanc-white with bright yellow accents. “For you to explore the islands,” he smiled.
Indeed, the resort’s main islands are connected by footbridges and easily traversable by bike or on foot – no need to call for a buggy every time (though those stylish white-and-yellow golf carts were always available too). As the sun dipped lower, casting golden light across our deck, we wasted no time: we changed into swimwear and plunged straight into that delicious pool.
The water was the perfect temperature, and as I floated on my back, gazing up at fronds swaying gently against a pastel sky, I couldn’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else. In just a few hours, Cheval Blanc Randheli had already worked its magic, enveloping us in luxury and a sense of home.
Dining Experiences
If our villa was a private paradise, the dining experiences at Randheli proved to be voyages of discovery in their own right. Despite being on a remote island, the resort boasts five distinct restaurants, each with a unique personality – a remarkable variety given there are only 46 villas on the island.
Over the course of our three-night stay, we made it a mission to sample as much as we could: from casual poolside lunches to haute cuisine dinners that could rival any capital-city dining scene.
Our first evening, still buzzing from the journey, we opted for a low-key dinner at the White Restaurant, the resort’s all-day dining venue. Located right by the main pool and beach, White welcomes guests in a breezy, casual-chic atmosphere – the floor was sand under our feet and the architecture open-air, yet the design was strikingly modern.
We arrived just after sunset. The sky was a deep violet, and glowing lanterns had been lit along the paths. The restaurant had plenty of space between tables; only a few other couples were dining, lending a quiet intimacy.
We started with cocktails at the adjacent White Bar, lounging on an outdoor sofa as a soft DJ set played in the background (apparently each afternoon the bar livens up with a DJ and some ambient beats, but by night it was tranquil).
Soon we were treated to an amuse-bouche from the chef – a tiny Maldivian tuna curry bite that burst with flavor – a hint of the quality to come.
For dinner, White’s menu was a globe-trotting selection of international and Maldivian favorites. We shared a vibrant yellowfin tuna poke bowl and some spicy fish tacos to start, marveling at how even something as simple as a taco could taste so refined when enjoyed under equatorial stars.
For mains, I savored a grilled reef fish with local spices, while my partner chose a fragrant Thai curry. Everything was beautifully presented and bursting with freshness. We washed it down with crisp French rosé recommended by the sommelier.
By the time we finished with a plate of profiteroles (decadent, filled with homemade coconut ice cream), we were happily sated. It was only our first meal, yet the bar had been set sky-high: ingredients were top-notch, and the execution was fine-dining quality even in this relaxed setting.
Chef Laurent – who came out to greet us – explained that Randheli strives to surprise guests expecting “typical island fare” with a level of cuisine as elevated as the resort itself. Indeed, as we strolled back to our villa that night, the Milky Way glowing overhead, we couldn’t believe this was only the casual restaurant.
We learned the next morning just how serious Randheli is about food. Breakfast is included with every villa and can be enjoyed at White Restaurant or in your own villa anytime between 7AM and 11AM (or even later, to be honest, if you ask – flexibility is the norm here). We decided to stroll over to White to bask in the atmosphere.
Awaiting us was a 17-page à la carte breakfast menu – yes, seventeen pages! – surely one of the most extensive breakfast offerings in the world. Our eyes widened as we flipped through options ranging from classic eggs Benedict and fluffy pancakes to Maldivian tuna mashuni with roshi flatbread, Japanese miso soup, Arabic shakshouka, and even healthy smoothies and avo toast.
There was a small buffet as well, with fresh tropical fruits and pastries just out of the oven, but the real star was ordering off the menu. We went a little overboard, sampling a bit of everything: a refreshing watermelon smoothie and a pressed green juice to start, then a bowl of creamy yogurt with mangosteen and dragonfruit, followed by perfectly poached eggs on sourdough with avocado, and a local specialty of tuna kulhimas (a spiced tuna curry) that turned out to be my favorite.
The quality was superb – it was hard to believe we were on a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. One morning, a waiter passed by with something that wasn’t on the menu: a strawberry croissant the size of a dinner plate, oozing pastry cream and fresh berries.
We gaped, and he laughed, insisting we take one. It was the pastry of the day, and it tasted even better than it looked – simultaneously flaky, buttery, and cloud-light. Sipping on an iced latte and nibbling that croissant while overlooking the calm lagoon was pure morning bliss.
We even had the option of a floating breakfast in our pool (a popular Instagram-worthy offering in Maldives resorts), but truth be told, we were so comfortable at the restaurant – and so enchanted by the never-ending menu – that we stuck to a table each morning.
For lunch, whenever we had an appetite after those lavish breakfasts, we often gravitated to the White Bar area again. The lunch menu at the bar was temptingly diverse: on different days we tried a zesty marinated tuna tartare bowl, a platter of mixed sushi and sashimi (the fish so fresh it practically melted on the tongue), and a crisp poached prawn salad with citrus dressing.
One afternoon, in between sunning and swimming, we split a wood-fired margarita pizza right by the pool – sometimes simple comfort hits the spot, and it was perfect, with a blistered thin crust and basil from the resort’s organic garden.
To accompany, the bartenders were eager to impress; they whipped up everything from classic gin fizzes to island-inspired mocktails of passionfruit and coconut. By our second day, they even knew our names and our favorite drinks. Lounging by the pool after lunch, we gazed over the infinity edge where the pool water met the lagoon, and felt utterly content.
Each dinner at Randheli turned out to be a grand event, each in a dramatically different setting. On our second night, we indulged in the most exclusive dining experience on the island: Le 1947, the signature French restaurant.
Named after the iconic Château Cheval Blanc vintage, Le 1947 is an offshoot of the resort’s sister property in Courchevel which boasts three Michelin stars – and it shows. Tucked away in a courtyarded villa, Le 1947 is deliberately isolated from the rest of the island bustle; entering its hushed, air-conditioned interior, we almost forgot we were in the tropics.
The decor was like a modern Parisian salon transplanted to the Maldives: rich walnut walls, tables set with Bernardaud porcelain and sparkling crystal, and only seven tables in total.
Four of those were enclosed in sheer curtains for ultimate privacy, but we were happy to sit more centrally and quietly observe the choreography of the service staff. We began with a tour of the adjacent wine cellar and cigar lounge, a connoisseur’s dream with rare vintages lining the walls. The sommelier showed off a jeroboam of vintage Krug as if it were a newborn baby.
Settling in at our table, we embarked on the 12-course tasting journey that is Le 1947’s pride. The menu changes with the seasons (or rather, with whatever best ingredients can be flown in or sourced locally), and the chef tailored a few courses to our preferences after a short discussion.
What followed was nothing short of a culinary ballet: artful dish after dish arrived covered by cloches lifted in unison. We savored plump langoustines drizzled with Maldivian vanilla beurre blanc, a creamy foie gras parfait paired with island pineapple chutney, and a tender fillet of reef fish with a saffron-infused broth poured table-side.
A highlight was the chef’s inventive twist on a traditional Maldivian curry: he reimagined it as a delicate bisque, poured over succulent lobster medallions – the flavors of lemongrass and coconut were there, but elevated to fine-dining heights.
For dessert, they surprised us with a celebration: a chocolate sphere that, when hot passionfruit sauce was poured over, melted to reveal a gold-dusted petit gâteau inside, with “Happy Anniversary” scripted on the plate (our butler must have informed them of our celebration). By the end of the evening, we were positively floating.
As we lingered over petit-fours and herbal tea, the restaurant manager made his rounds, personally greeting each table – a tradition here, we learned, as management likes to ensure every guest’s day has been wonderful.
Stepping back outside into the warm night, we were awash in joy (and perhaps a bit of wine). It was a dinner we’ll never forget – the kind that makes you wonder if you’ve ever truly experienced dining before.
On our final night, we decided to try something completely different and fun: Diptyque, the resort’s Asian specialty restaurant. “Diptyque” in French means a work in two parts, and true to its name, the venue offers dual experiences – one half is devoted to Japanese cuisine (with a sushi counter and teppanyaki grills), and the other half to other East-Asian flavors.
We chose to sit at the teppan grill for a front-row show. Under a starlit sky (the restaurant opens to the outdoors with tables facing the water), our teppanyaki chef from Osaka dazzled us with his knife skills and sizzling artistry. We opted for the eight-course tasting menu, not entirely sure what to expect.
It kicked off with a simple bowl of salted edamame and an aromatic miso soup – comfort food to set the stage. Then the dishes grew increasingly exquisite: plump clams in a bright yuzu-ponzu sauce with wakame seaweed, followed by a surprising Japanese take on foie gras – seared and paired with glazed eggplant and a dash of miso, presented with a fluffy steamed bao bun on the side.
We watched, delighted, as the chef expertly flash-grilled a locally caught lobster tail, plating it with asparagus, a tart seaweed tartare, and a drizzle of spicy lobster bisque sauce – easily one of the best lobster dishes I’ve tasted.
My partner was served succulent chicken thighs in a tangy yuzu teriyaki glaze, and we couldn’t resist sharing bites of each other’s courses. A palate cleanser of sakura tea granité refreshed us before the final course: a whimsical dessert of strawberry and shiso leaf sorbet with soy-milk foam and crumbled black sesame brittle – a blend of sweet and savory that somehow perfectly capped an Asian-inspired meal.
With each clang of the spatula on the grill, each aromatic waft of ginger and garlic, Diptyque delivered not just a meal but an experience. We left utterly impressed – and a tad overstuffed.
It’s worth mentioning that in-villa dining is an enticing option at Randheli as well. They call it “Carte Blanche” dining, and it’s available 24/7. One lazy afternoon, we ordered lunch to our villa to enjoy by the pool.
Within 30 minutes, a golf cart quietly pulled up and two staff members proceeded to lay out a white-tablecloth feast on our sun-deck pergola: fresh Greek salad, club sandwiches with still-warm fries, and a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in an ice bucket.
We dined in our swimsuits with the soundtrack of gentle waves – arguably the most luxurious picnic imaginable. The level of polish was identical to the restaurants (I noticed the china was the same Bernardaud porcelain as in Le 1947, and our water was poured into imported crystal glasses). Whether in our villa or at a dining venue, every meal felt like a special occasion.
By the end of our stay, we fully appreciated the range of culinary adventures Cheval Blanc Randheli offers. From toes-in-sand casual to ultra-refined French gastronomy, they had it all, and executed it with flair.
More impressively, there was a genuine passion behind the food – chefs eager to chat and customize, local ingredients celebrated alongside the imported delicacies, and a sense that they truly wanted each meal to delight us.
It became a running joke that every menu was so tempting we wished we had room to try it all. If paradise has a buffet of experiences, Randheli’s dining options are exactly that – a banquet of the world’s best, served on a platter of Maldivian magic.
Spa and Wellness
On our second full day, after a morning of snorkeling and beach lounging, we decided it was time to experience the Spa Cheval Blanc – a destination in itself. The spa is set on its very own private island, just a few minutes’ boat ride away from the main resort islands.
We wandered to the arrival jetty, where a beautifully crafted wooden dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) awaited us with two spa attendants smiling in welcome. The short cruise to the spa island was a delight; the dhoni glided over water so clear we could spot coral patches and darting fish below.
The spa island is a lush little paradise of its own – so much so that it feels worlds away from the rest of the resort. Stepping off the boat, we were greeted by the spa manager and led through a tranquil garden path dappled with sunlight.
We passed under an arch of blooming bougainvillea and arrived at an airy reception pavilion where the scent of lemongrass and ylang-ylang permeated the air. Everything on this island whispered serenity.
After a refreshing welcome drink of iced hibiscus tea, we perused the treatment menu. The spa here is branded by Guerlain, the famed French cosmetics house, and features exclusive therapies designed just for Randheli – names like Sun Ritual and After-Diving Experience caught my eye.
We opted for the Sun Ritual massage for me (after all, I had spent a bit too long under the sun that morning) and a deep ocean facial for my partner.
Our therapists escorted us further into the island to our private spa villa – one of just a handful, each completely secluded. The treatment villa itself was a revelation: an ethereal overwater pavilion with tall ceilings and billowy curtains, overlooking the lagoon.
Inside, there were two massage beds draped in crisp white linen, a lounge area with daybeds for post-treatment relaxation, and even an attached bathroom with an outdoor rain shower and a freestanding bathtub facing the sea.
I marveled at the vanity stocked with high-end Guerlain products – everything from luxurious face creams to perfumes – all available for us to sample at leisure. Through the glass floor panels, I could see fish idling around the support stilts below, as if curious about these human rituals of wellness.
The treatments began with a gentle foot bath ceremony using local sea salts and frangipani oil. As the massage started, I drifted into a state of pure bliss. The Sun Ritual lived up to its name: over 90 minutes, my skilled therapist used soothing oils infused with aloe and chamomile to hydrate and calm my sun-kissed skin, using long, flowing strokes that mimicked gentle waves.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so relaxed; between the expert hands easing every knot in my muscles and the sound of water lapping underneath us, I slipped into a blissful half-sleep. My partner’s facial, meanwhile, involved layers of cooling marine extracts and a delicate face massage – he later proclaimed his skin hadn’t felt that smooth in years.
Post-treatment, they encouraged us to take our time. We were served a light ginger tea and invited to enjoy the spa island’s pool and beach. And so we did – the spa has its own infinity pool right by the beach, with just a couple of loungers and umbrellas. Not another soul was around, so we quietly floated in the pool, watching baby reef sharks swim in the shallow lagoon nearby.
It felt like we had discovered a secret slice of heaven. In our fluffy robes, we even dozed off on a sun lounger for a few minutes, utterly tranquil. Before leaving, I took a quick outdoor shower in our villa’s garden, letting the sun warm my skin as the shower’s cascade mixed with a gentle ocean breeze. This wasn’t just a spa treatment; it was a holistic escape – where else can you have an entire island just for a spa day?
They also offer yoga sessions on the spa island, including a popular sunrise yoga on an open-air pavilion. Though we didn’t manage to wake up early enough for that, I can only imagine the peace of doing sun salutations with the first rays of dawn, surrounded by ocean.
One couple we met raved about their private moonlit yoga session arranged by the spa’s “Alchemists” – the resort’s experience curators – which sounded utterly romantic. Wellness at Randheli isn’t an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the experience.
From the bespoke Guerlain treatments to daily complimentary wellness activities (we joined a group stretch class one morning at the fitness center, which faces a Zen garden), we felt our mind and body cared for at every turn.
When we returned to the main island after our spa afternoon, we both glowed with that special post-massage zen. It’s a state I wish I could have bottled up to take home – but at least we had the memories, and a couple of Guerlain products we couldn’t resist purchasing as souvenirs to remind us of Randheli’s spa magic.
Adventures in Azure
While Randheli’s relaxation quotient is sky-high, it also offers no shortage of activities for those times you crave a bit of adventure or play. Over three days, we found a delightful rhythm balancing leisure with excitement.
Each morning after breakfast, the impossibly clear lagoon beckoned us for exploration. Donning the provided snorkel gear (our butler had thoughtfully placed a set in our villa, knowing we were interested in marine life), we stepped right off our villa deck into the gentle blue.
The house reef just beyond the villas was alive with fish – swaying purple parrotfish, electric-blue damselfish, and even a curious little blacktip reef shark pup cruising by in the distance.
The coral here was a mix of healthy patches and some regrowth areas (Randheli’s lagoon is partly man-made, and some coral is still recovering), but in the crystalline visibility we still felt like we were swimming in a giant aquarium. On one snorkel outing, we were surprised by a graceful eagle ray gliding beneath us – an absolute highlight.
For more structured aquatic fun, we visited the water sports center near the arrival jetty. The array of options was almost overwhelming: jet-skis, seabobs, waterskiing, paddle boards, kayaks – you name it.
We’re not the most adrenaline-seeking couple, but we couldn’t resist trying something new. One afternoon, under the brilliant midday sun, we hopped on a jet ski together and zoomed off with a guide leading the way.
The feeling of skimming across that flat turquoise water, spray in our face, was pure exhilaration. We circled around a neighboring uninhabited islet, then cut the engine to float quietly – just in time to spot a pod of wild dolphins not far off, their fins slicing the surface.
It was one of those pinch-me moments; here we were, bobbing on a jet ski in the middle of the Indian Ocean, watching dolphins play in the wild.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we spent a peaceful hour kayaking around Randheli’s calm inner lagoon. In the late afternoon light, the islands looked particularly photogenic, their greenery reflecting on the water like an emerald mirror.
We paddled at a leisurely pace, nosing into hidden coves and under the wooden footbridges that connect the main islands. Every so often we’d pause just to listen – aside from our paddles dipping, there was almost no sound but nature.
No motor hum, no chatter, just the soft rustle of palm fronds and the distant call of seabirds. Such moments made us appreciate the seclusion of this resort; even when engaging in activities, it felt as if we had the whole place practically to ourselves.
For those who love tennis, Randheli even has two professional-grade tennis courts on a separate “sports island” a short boat ride away. We are casual players at best, but we decided to have a look one morning.
The island with the courts was beautifully maintained – one grass court and one hard court, nestled amid tropical greenery with the lagoon all around. We volleyed for a bit under the guidance of the resort’s tennis pro (yes, they have a resident coach ready to hit with guests).
It was surreal to be playing tennis on an island, waves gently crashing just beyond the baseline. After twenty minutes, though, the humidity got the better of us and we retreated to the comfort of the pool – but what a memorable match!
Back at the main beach, we often saw families building sandcastles or couples lounging on daybeds. The sand on the natural beaches was powdery white, as soft as confectioner’s sugar underfoot.
The resort even has stand-up paddleboards, and on our last morning, I took a paddleboard out at sunrise while the sea was glassy calm. As I balanced gently on the board, the sky turning peach and lavender, I felt an incredible sense of peace.
At one point, I stopped paddling and just sat down on the board in the middle of the lagoon, legs dangling in the cool water. Tiny fish came to nibble near my toes. The resort was waking up slowly in the distance, but I was alone in the best way – a speck in the vast blue, feeling perfectly safe and perfectly content.
Another offering we loved was a sunset fishing trip arranged by our butler. We joined a small group on a traditional boat one evening and tried hand-line fishing as the sky flared orange and pink. I actually caught a decent-sized snapper (a feat, since I’d never fished before!).
The crew cheered and even offered to have the chef cook it for our dinner, though I politely declined and released the fish – I preferred it to remain a happy memory for both of us. Instead, the staff had brought along some sparkling wine and canapés, which we enjoyed as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was the perfect send-off on our final night of adventure.
Whether we were seeking thrills or relaxation, Randheli provided it effortlessly. The “Alchemists” (as the resort calls its experience concierges) were always on hand to suggest or create bespoke activities.
They offered ideas like private sandbank picnics, guided dives for certified divers (the Noonu atoll’s dive sites are reputedly excellent), or even a local island visit for a taste of Maldivian culture.
We never felt pressured – only enticed by the buffet of options. In the end, we embraced a mix of activity and idleness that suited our mood each day. And that’s the beauty of Cheval Blanc Randheli: you can do as much or as little as you wish, and either way, you feel completely fulfilled.
Service and Attention to Detail
If the luxurious hardware of Randheli impressed us, it was the “software” – the service, the people, the countless thoughtful details – that truly enchanted our hearts.
I can say without exaggeration that the service here is the finest we’ve ever experienced. From the moment of arrival to the reluctant goodbye, we were cared for with a level of attention and genuine warmth that is rare even among five-star resorts.
At the core of this was our butler, or Majordome, Mohamed. Assigned to only a few villas, he was our guardian angel throughout the stay. What amazed us was how he anticipated needs we didn’t even know we had.
On the first day, noticing our shoes were a bit damp from the seaplane, he quietly took them and had them cleaned and dried by that evening. When we mentioned in passing that we might try tennis, he had two rackets and a can of fresh balls delivered to our villa “just in case.”
Every morning, Mohamed would check in with a friendly smile (never intrusive, always at the right moment) to see what our plans were, and then arrange everything seamlessly – dinner reservations, spa bookings, a snorkeling boat – coordinating the timing so that we never waited or hurried.
If we left our villa for breakfast, we’d return to find the space immaculately serviced and a little surprise waiting: one day it was a bowl of ripe mangos and rambutan with a note “Thought you might enjoy a taste of Maldives”; another day it was a set of polaroid photos the staff had snapped of us jet-skiing earlier (how did they even get those?
I suspect Mohamed liaised with the activities team to secretly capture our excursion). We truly “didn’t lift a finger for anything at all” – as one guest had aptly put it – and yet the service never felt stiff or overly formal. It was like being looked after by an old friend who knows you extremely well.
The attention to detail at Randheli is almost obsessive in the best possible way. There were the big things: like how they change the bed linens every single day, alternating between two colors of high-thread-count sheets so you unmistakably know it’s fresh.
And then there were the small touches that left us charmed. Outside our villa door sat a decorative little wooden canoe filled with sand. Each day, without fail, we’d find a new message whimsically written in the sand waiting for us: one morning it was “Have a magical day!” with a sunrise doodle.
On my birthday (which conveniently fell on our last full day), they truly outdid themselves: I returned from breakfast to find “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” spelled out in brilliant white cowrie shells on our villa’s front porch. I was utterly speechless – it was beautiful and touching beyond measure.
And it wasn’t just our butler creating magic. Every single staff member we encountered was polished, polite, and sincerely friendly. Many addressed us by name after the first meeting – a testament to great communication among the team.
The restaurant servers remembered how I like my coffee (double espresso, a touch of hot milk) and that my partner was allergic to shellfish (so the chef subtly adjusted recipes for him).
At the pool, attendants would offer a cold towel the moment we looked even remotely warm – each towel presented on a wooden tray with a tiny orchid and spritzed with a different signature scent depending on where you were (citrus by the pool, a soothing lavender at the spa, etc.).
It became a fun game guessing which aroma might accompany the next refresher. These are the kinds of thoughtful touches you don’t even think to expect, yet once you’ve experienced them, you wonder how you ever lived without them.
One service that especially impressed us was how the resort handles the not-so-glamorous aspects of travel. For example, upon arrival our butler informed us that the hotel offers complimentary pressing of up to 3 garments for each guest, so that our travel-creased clothes could be fresh for the rest of the stay.
We eagerly took advantage, handing over the outfits we’d worn on the plane – and within two hours, they were returned to our wardrobe, crisp and perfectly pressed. It seems a small thing, but it set such a tone of care.
Also worth noting: laundry service in general (beyond the free arrival pressing) was remarkably quick; we sent a couple of items one morning and had them back by evening, beautifully wrapped in tissue.
The Alchemists (the guest experience team) deserve credit as well. They reached out before our trip via email to ask about our preferences – from pillow firmness to whether we were celebrating something special.
Little did we know how far they’d run with this information. Because we mentioned it was an anniversary trip, they arranged that private dinner flourish at Le 1947, and also drew a scented bubble bath in our villa tub on the final night, strewn with flower petals and two glasses of champagne on the edge – compliments of the house.
We returned from dinner to find this romantic scene waiting, music softly playing, and nearly burst into happy tears. Such was the consistent thoughtfulness at Randheli. They didn’t just meet expectations; they constantly found ways to exceed them, quietly and gracefully.
One afternoon, I strolled into the boutique out of curiosity (they have a lovely concept store with resort wear and local crafts). I ended up chatting with the staff member there about a particular Maldivian-made ceramic I admired.
That evening, to my surprise, that very ceramic vase was placed in our villa with a note saying it was a gift from the resort – they’d noticed my interest. I was floored. I can’t guarantee this happens to everyone, of course, and I certainly didn’t ask or expect it, but it goes to show the lengths Randheli will go to create “indelible memories” for guests.
Above all, what struck us was that the service was delivered with genuine heart. The staff seemed truly proud of their island and eager to share it.
We had delightful conversations with many – learning about Maldivian culture from the dive center guide, hearing our waiter’s favorite local island recipes, even gossiping about Premier League football with one of the bartenders who slyly streamed a match on his phone during his break.
By the time we left, we felt like we knew and appreciated the people as much as the place. It’s that rare alchemy of world-class professionalism with heartfelt human connection. Cheval Blanc Randheli has mastered it.
Ambiance and Exclusivity
On our final evening, we sat by our villa’s pool watching the sunset paint the sky in pastel hues. A warm golden light bathed the lagoon, turning it into a mirror of molten gold.
I realized then that in three short days, Randheli had managed to imprint itself on us in a way few places ever have. The overall ambiance of the resort is something almost impossible to convey until you feel it: an extraordinary blend of ultra-luxury and unpretentious island life. It’s intimate yet grand, sophisticated yet deeply connected to nature.
One reason is the sheer exclusivity of the setting. With such a small number of villas spread across five islands, we often went long stretches without encountering another guest except at meal times.
It felt as if we had a private Maldives to ourselves. Walking along the beach at noon, nobody else in sight, or having the main pool entirely to ourselves for an hour – these were common occurrences.
Even the public spaces are designed so that you rarely notice how few or many people are around; privacy is paramount. At dinner, most tables in each restaurant are tucked into corners or behind vegetation or curtains, so you feel wonderfully alone.
On one of our nights, we discovered we were the only diners in the Italian restaurant, Deelani, that evening – essentially a personal chef experience with an entire staff doting on just us.
I jokingly asked if the resort was fully occupied; the manager chuckled and assured me it was nearly so, but that was the magic of Randheli’s layout and service flow. They orchestrate everything to preserve that feeling of exclusivity and space.
The design and architecture of Randheli also contribute greatly to its atmosphere. Visionary architect Jean-Michel Gathy created the resort in what he described as a “loft spirit,” and indeed, everything is open, lofty, and artfully designed.
We felt like we were living inside a tropical modern art gallery at times – not in a cold or museum-like way, but in that every corner had something eye-catching or beautiful. Sculptures and paintings are thoughtfully placed along pathways; I remember one afternoon biking past a giant abstract sculpture nestled in a grove, sunlight dancing off its curves.
Each villa even houses an “ocelli” art piece – a shimmering circle of colored glass by artist Vincent Beaurin – ours was mounted above the bed and caught the morning light in the most mesmerizing way, casting speckles of yellow and green on the walls.
At night, clever lighting made the palm trees and architecture glow softly, and we often remarked it was just as gorgeous in the darkness as in daylight.
The resort’s signature Island Chic scent (crafted for them by Dior’s perfumer, we learned) was subtly diffused in various areas, giving a cohesive sensual identity wherever we went.
These artistic and sensory details created an ambiance of casual elegance – the kind of place where you feel fine padding barefoot in your villa or in sandals to breakfast, yet also feel indulged in refined surroundings worthy of a metropolitan luxury hotel.
The natural environment is of course a huge part of the ambiance. Randheli’s islands are a mix of lush natural jungle and manicured gardens. I loved how the landscape team let wild tropical flowers grow amid groomed pathways, so you’d see bursts of hibiscus and frangipani adding color and fragrance spontaneously.
The main island’s lagoon side is postcard-perfect, and we often just stood at the jetty taking it in: the water such an unbelievable shade of clear blue, the horizon dotted with uninhabited green islands.
And though some of Randheli’s islands were actually man-made, we honestly couldn’t tell the difference between the natural and the artificial – the vegetation is mature and the beaches on all feel powdery and inviting.
Only if you’re a real sand connoisseur might you notice the sand is slightly finer on the main natural beach versus the others, but that’s splitting hairs. To us, everything felt untouched and pristine.
The nights were possibly my favorite time. After dinner, we would often take a slow stroll back to our villa. The path was lit by torches and the moon, and the sound of gentle surf accompanied us.
In those moments, hand in hand under a canopy of stars with the Southern Cross peeking out, we felt utterly at peace. It was the kind of tranquility that’s become so rare in the modern world – no hum of traffic, no blare of civilization, just nature’s lullaby.
Back at our villa, we’d often finish the night with a last dip in the pool or just sit on the deck with our feet in the water, watching the bioluminescent plankton spark up like tiny stars when disturbed. Our villa’s ambient lighting glowed softly – they even provided scented candles which we lit for atmosphere.
As we prepared to depart on the fourth day, there was a lump in my throat. Our butler had already arranged our bags and the billing formalities without us needing to ask. He offered to take a few final photos of us on the villa deck – which turned out beautifully – and then quietly stepped back to give us a last moment alone.
We stood by our pool, gazing out at Randheli’s beauty one last time, committing it to memory. In three days we had celebrated, rejuvenated, and discovered new parts of ourselves here. It’s astonishing how much joy and relaxation can be packed into a short stay when a place is operating at this level of excellence.
“Everything about this resort is special, from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave it is perfection,” I recall reading in a review – and now having lived it, I wholeheartedly agree.
Cheval Blanc Randheli is jaw-droppingly beautiful, its design and setting a masterpiece, but it’s the heart behind it that elevates the experience: the impeccable service, the warmth of the staff, and the feeling that every day is tuned to your happiness.
It is, without a doubt, the most exceptional resort we have ever had the fortune to visit. As our seaplane roared to life and lifted off the turquoise lagoon, I felt not just that we were leaving paradise, but that we were leaving a little piece of ourselves there on those islands.
Some places change you – and Cheval Blanc Randheli, in all its exclusive, soulful splendor, did just that.
Cheval Blanc Randheli isn’t just a resort; it’s a realm of its own – a place where French art de vivre dances with Maldivian tranquility, where every desire is quietly met before you even realize it, and where time seems to stretch just enough to create memories that will last a lifetime. Our three-night journey was over far too soon, but its story will remain with us forever.
