There are overwater villas….and then there are overwater villas. You find them everywhere throughout the many atolls of The Maldives and its array of luxury resorts.
Cheval Blanc, the hospitality arm of the luxury LVMH empire, is where the overwater -- or over-garden and over-jungle -- villa concept is taken to an entirely new level. Guests here are stylishly ensconced in contemporary surroundings with soaring beamed ceilings, warm light woods, sleek metals, and yards and yards of glass overlooking the spectacularly crystal waters. Or perched on stilts hovering above lush foliage. And there’s nary a hokey, fringed palapa in sight. Look beyond the sand out to the spectacularly crystal waters that surround each clean-lined contemporary one- and two-bedroom villa, and you are in a sophisticated paradise of cool neutrals, and spare but exquisite modern stylings including a magnificent collection of art. This is not barefoot luxury (shoes are necessary here in public areas), but a sophisticated retreat for the (ahem) well-heeled.
When it first debuted in 2013, Cheval Blanc’s branded Maison in the Maldives joined the already-popular Cheval Blanc Courchevel (1850), and preceded Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez. Today this expanding brand also includes the well-established and exceptionally charming Saint-Barth Ile de France (that one, you know, where your friend’s parents spent every winter). And then, there’s this year’s hottest hotel, the newly-opened Cheval Blanc Paris resurrected from the old Samaritaine department store, facing the Pont Neuf, and overlooking the Seine, which rounds out this very chic, very French collection.
Private Island
Well, yes, here in the Maldives, you’ll find many resorts on private islands. But Cheval Blanc isn’t just a private island retreat, it boasts its own private island villa in the middle of the Noonu atoll lagoon, a short ride from the main part of the resort.
Your ultimate private sanctuary features 4 bedrooms, 3 Lounge areas (including your own piano lounge). These in addition to a screening room, an outdoor dining space, an indoor dining room, a spa and fitness room on stilts, an independent guest villa and, you guessed it, a private berth to ensure you’ll always arrive in style, as well as its own 25-meter infinity pool. With all the amenities of the resort to enjoy as well, plus its own staff, like a team of chefs to prepare gustatory delights. Here it’s easy to remain out of sight but never out of mind.
Sybaritic Spa
Here’s where your stylish settings revert to island-style rustic-luxe: you reach this pampering Guerlain spa via a traditional Maldivian dhoni. In the middle of the atoll, with ocean waters surrounding you, it’s easy to slip into another realm of fantasy on your own or in one of the two Orchidée villas, where treatments can be savored à deux. The Guerlain brand has formulated exclusive products and treatments for the Maldives spa, particularly to address the unique local attributes: the pristine salt waters and the brilliant sun. Those who’ve come to Cheval Blanc to enjoy the unique opportunities to explore the abundant sea life beneath the waters will particularly enjoy the soothing After-Dive Experience to counter the effects of salt on the skin and soothe those muscles overworked by all that diving. If all those glorious rays are wreaking havoc on your skin, repeated Rhandeli Sun Ritual prepares limbs and torso for tanning before-hand and extends the bronze glow afterwards. But it’s easy to order off-menu for something bespoke for your own needs; these formulas were made to be customized. Yoga and Meditation pavilions and an Oriental-style hammam, in addition to the Swimming Pool and Spa Bar (an insider secret for a quieter drink…or two), make this an essential daily getaway during your time at Cheval Blanc Randheli.
