Cheval Blanc Randheli | Denniston Architects

Cheval Blanc Randheli, the second Cheval Blanc Maison by LVMH Hotel Management, opened in The Maldives in November 2013. An intimate and contemporary haven on the unspoiled Noonu Atoll, 40-minutes north of Malé, the 45-villa Maison complements the group’s alpine property, Cheval Blanc Courchevel, by offering the same stylish design and relaxed, friendly atmosphere, but in the serene setting of the Maldivian archipelago.

Architecture & Design
Elegant, refined and designed for stylish island barefoot living, Cheval Blanc Randheli is born from a creative collaboration with celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy. The Maison was conceived in synergy with the island’s natural surroundings, and striking architecture naturally blends with the island’s landscape, vegetation and lagoon views. Great attention has been given to the privacy of guests and ensuring a feeling of space. This is particularly reflected in the elegant design of each villa; lofty cathedral-style ceilings are framed by seven-metre-high hand-crafted doors that create a strong sense of openness or can be closed to give a warm and cosy atmosphere.

The flow of the resort is very residential, with an abundance of settings designed for guests to use as per their disposition – for relaxation, for contemplation, for invigoration, for conversation or simply to enjoy a stunning view. The villas are furnished with materials from the Indian Ocean – teak, rattan, bamboo, thatch and coconut shell. This is in turn enhanced by a stylish colour palette of white, taupe and oyster grey with splashes of pop yellow and green as well as bespoke design elements and a residential-style medley of artwork throughout. A collection of 45 sculptural colour “spots” by artist Vincent Beaurin also makes each villa truly individual.

Villas
There are 14 Garden Water Villas, unique to the Maldives, that combine both overwater stilt architecture with a private tropical garden space. 15 Water Villas are perched over the crystalline sea, whilst the 15 Island Villas, ideal for families, are hidden amidst mature gardens and open onto their own private beach. All have a large living room, adjoining powder room, spacious bedrooms - which draw the eye out to the stunning scenery - double dressing rooms and light-filled bathrooms with in and outdoor showers. Outdoors, all feature a 12.5m private infinity pool and dining pergola or pavilion, plus a private beach, spacious overwater decks or dedicated gardens.

The Owner’s Villa, which will be completed in Autumn 2014, sprawls across its own private island, and is accessible from a private berth and jetty. This four-bedroom villa is the epitome of lush modern island living, with exceptional private spaces, a dedicated team and exclusive facilities including its own spa, oversized outdoor pool, pristine beaches, exotic gardens and private fleet of dhonis. It is the ultimate holiday experience for families and friends.

Service
European “Art de Recevoir” is at the core of Cheval Blanc’s philosophy. Created by Cheval Blanc’s team of Experience Alchemists, a truly personal approach translates into tailor-made activities, unforgettable experiences and bespoke surprises for each guest, creating lasting memories. A private Majordome is on hand 24/7 offering butler services such as packing and unpacking, the preparation of snorkelling or diving equipment, imaginative daily turndown gifts, twice daily gourmandises, as well as a sense of the unexpected…

Experiences
Surrender your watch to your Majordome and let ‘Randheli time’ take over, or plan your stay to experience the full extent of the Alchemists’ ability to create one-off experiences. Noonu is the ideal playground for reef snorkelling, diving expeditions (day or night), fishing adventures and sunset cruises, either on one of the Maison’s local dhoni or its private yacht. Set sail for neighbouring Maakurandhoo island to play on its private tennis courts or explore this secluded isle’s pristine waters and intact beaches - the Maison’s Chefs are always on hand to prepare a delicious picnic to accompany any journey.

Other excursions include:
A Thari Spa Night – Cruise on a local dhoni across Randheli’s lagoon enjoying the Maldivian astrology with the help of your captain. A short journey leads to The Cheval Blanc Spa where a treatment awaits, before guests can enjoy an intimate candle-lit dinner under the stars

Yoga & Diving
- In a programme inspired by the achievements of French free divers, Cheval Blanc has created an experience that prepares body and mind for an enhanced diving experience through restorative yoga

Dining
Food is an art at Cheval Blanc Randheli, with exciting culinary experiences that are entertaining, surprising and deliciously varied. The island’s experiences range from fine dining to relaxed alfresco.

− Le 1947 – named after Château Cheval Blanc’s most sought-after Grand Cru, here Executive Chef Laurent Chancel revisits French culinary know-how with local inspiration. The adjoining 1947 Evening Bar with its live piano entertainment has views over the glass enclosed wine cellar stocked with rare vintages that can be discovered in the frequent tastings organized in the cellar’s comfortable setting; the nearby cigar lounge with its cosy atmosphere completes this fine dining experience

− Relaxed and contemporary, The White serves breakfast and brasserie-style cuisine in an entertaining choice of in and outdoor settings, all with views over the sea, and is the perfect place to relax at any time of the day

− The Diptyque - a live-cooking theatre showcases the finest Japanese cuisine or Iberian gastronomy. Once an evening, within the same restaurant, the Maison’s Chefs perform this contrasting culinary experience for guests. Alternatively guests may also enjoy an à la carte tapas selection of either cuisine. The restaurant’s interior design also reflects this duality, enticing guests to explore both settings during their stay

− The Deelani is a lively over-water restaurant offering local seafood and Italian specialties in a relaxed alfresco environment.

− The Table de Partage is a private dining space that celebrates the convivial art of eating together. The creative menu is prepared by the Chef according to each party’s wishes, accompanied by magnums of vintage wine and champagne only

− The White Bar – the Maison’s poolside bar offers all-day cocktails, refreshments, pastries and a contemporary menu; in the evening, live-music entertainment creates a stylish open-air late-night venue

− The Carte Blanche Menu grants guests total flexibility for their in-villa dining choices; on request, a Chef can swiftly prepare a delicious meal in the privacy of the dining pavilions in the villa’s gardens, or a feet-in-the-sand beach barbeque…

−Experiential Dining - Chefs happily cater to guests’ whims for one-of-a-kind dining experiences in a setting of their choice across the resort and beyond

Spa
Set sail aboard a traditional dhoni to the Maison’s dedicated spa island, where six thatched treatment villas overlook the crystal clear waters of the lagoon, offering guests peace and relaxation. With a menu of Guerlain treatments created exclusively for the Maison – including the Sun Ritual and the After-Diving Experience - the spa is the perfect complement for guests spending time in the sun and sea.

Four single and two prestige treatment villas for two – the Orchidée Villas – offer a sanctuary for guests to discover Guerlain’s exceptional anti-ageing skincare products and a full range of Guerlain’s wellbeing treatments and the brand’s skincare, make-up and fragrance collections. To complete the wellbeing offer, the Hair Spa by Leonor Greyl offers exclusive, tailored natural hair treatments.

The Cheval Blanc Spa also has separate male and female hammams - where all treatments begin with a protective Leonor Greyl serum application on the hair – Yoga, Pilates and relaxation pavilions. With its deliciously healthy Spa Bar, large swimming pool and beautiful beach, the Spa Island offers an ideal getaway for those seeking to indulge in a full day of pampering. Daily group yoga, meditation or Pilates classes are available, and the island’s yoga master can also be booked for private sessions on request.

Family
The wellbeing of families is another key element of Cheval Blanc’s Art de Recevoir, with a dedicated team ensuring that children are completely catered to; from specially designed linen, to carefully crafted mini-furniture and tailored food and drink menus. Le Carrousel welcomes children aged 3-12 years where a rich collection of experiences, ranging from nature to culture, adventure, education, art and sport, provide many memorable activities for families to enjoy. This includes children’s yoga, underwater photo safaris, local flora and fauna workshops, island treasure hunts and much more.

For teenagers, the Paddock Club offers exciting water sports and snorkelling, yoga, stargazing and dedicated programmes such as Junior Lifesaver, which trains teens in lifesaving skills and first aid. This teenage club is equipped with a juice bar, a media lounge, table-football and ping- pong table. Its proximity to the water sports centre also makes it an ideal place for teenagers to socialise and enjoy an exciting range of aquatic experiences.

Concept Store
The Maison’s concept store is a treasure-trove of local curiosities and limited edition items from sought-after brands such as Hublot, Pucci or Bonpoint for little ones. Private in-store or in-villa presentations are available on request.