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Cheval Blanc Randheli
Randheli Island, Maldives · Cheval Blanc · Apex Luxury
Cheval Blanc Randheli, the second Maison in LVMH's Cheval Blanc collection and the first in the Indian Ocean, opened in November 2013 across six islands in Noonu Atoll, designed entirely by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International. Forty-six villas feature cathedral ceilings up to seven metres and private 12.5-metre infinity pools. With approximately 440 staff for 46 rooms — a 10:1 ratio — it is among the most intensively staffed resorts anywhere. Accessible only via the Maison's own private seaplane.
- 46 rooms
- Opened 2013
- Neighborhood: Noonu Atoll
- Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy
- Interiors: Jean-Michel Gathy
About Cheval Blanc Randheli
- The six islands span 22 acres total; the only earlier Maison was Courchevel, which opened in 2006.
- Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International — the same designer behind numerous Aman resorts and later Cheval Blanc Seychelles — created both the architecture and interiors, with cathedral-height ceilings reaching seven metres and custom teak, rattan, bamboo, and thatch throughout.
- The resort operates with roughly 440 staff for 46 villas, a staff-to-guest ratio of approximately 10:1, placing it among the highest-staffed luxury properties in the world.
- Guests arrive exclusively via the Maison's own private seaplane from Malé — there is no shared or commercial seaplane alternative — maintaining a gatekeeping of access unusual even by Maldivian ultra-luxury standards.
- The resort spans a dedicated Guerlain spa island, a Wine Museum, an art gallery featuring works by Vincent Beaurin, and a Le 1947 signature restaurant — replicating the Cheval Blanc Courchevel naming tied to Château Cheval Blanc's legendary 1947 vintage.
History
Opened in autumn 2013, Cheval Blanc Randheli was the second Maison in the collection and the first in the Indian Ocean. Designed entirely by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International — known for his Aman resort work — across 22 acres spread over six islands including a dedicated spa island, the 46 loft-style villas feature cathedral ceilings up to 7 metres, teak, rattan, bamboo and thatch, and private 12.5-metre infinity pools. The resort is accessible only by the Maison's own private seaplane from Malé. With a staff-to-guest ratio of approximately 10:1 (~440 employees for 46 rooms), it is among the most intensively staffed resorts in the world. The property celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2023.
The setting
Located on the pristine Noonu Atoll (also known as Noonu), approximately 40 minutes by seaplane north of Velana International Airport in Malé, in a protected lagoon within one of the Maldives' most sought-after atolls.
Restaurants and bars
- Le 1947 — Restaurant · French
- Five additional restaurants and four bars — Poolside
Amenities
- Private seaplane transfers
- Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain (dedicated spa island)
- Private 12.5-metre infinity pool per villa
- Le Carrousel children's kingdom
- Art gallery (works by Vincent Beaurin and others)
- Wine Museum and Cigar Bar
- Private Island villa (4-bedroom, own spa and pool)
- Diving, dolphin tours, island excursions, yacht dinners
- Butler (Majordome) service per villa
- beach
- private beach
- Sauna
- Fitness center
- Kids' club
- Tennis
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN Three Keys (2026)
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
- Maldives' Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024 (World Travel Awards) (2024)
- World's 50 Best Hotels (listed)
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