Cheval Blanc Randheli

Cheval Blanc Randheli has its own island in the Noonu Atoll, north of Malé, and brings the Cheval Blanc art de recevoir to the Indian Ocean. Its 46 villas stand over the water, beside the lagoon or in the gardens, each opening fully to the outdoors with its own infinity pool; the largest, Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island, was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy as a private residence. Art is part of the architecture, with work by Jean-Michel Othoniel, Vincent Beaurin and Manuel Merida set against the house's Pop Yellow. Among five restaurants and three bars are Le 1947, named after Château Cheval Blanc's celebrated vintage, where an 11-course dégustation joins French gastronomy to Maldivian flavours beside a tropical garden; Deelani, over the water, for the cooking of the Italian Riviera; and Diptyque, for Japanese and East Asian dishes. There is also a glass-walled wine museum and a cigar lounge. Guerlain treatments take place on the spa's own island, reached by traditional dhoni. A Majordome looks after each villa, Alchemists plan the days, from sunset sails to the only surf simulator in the Maldives, and Le Carrousel keeps children busy. The resort holds three MICHELIN Keys.