A far cry from its ski–in, ski-out sister hotel in high altitude, high living Courchevel 1850, LVMH hotel management’s second Cheval Blanc is opening on the private island of Randheli in the Maldives on November 15 (joining it this winter will be several other five-star offerings).
Set on the Teletubbyish-sounding Noonu Atoll, the 45 villas designed by Jean-Michel Gathy — whose previously ostentatious projects include Aman resorts — will have strikingly high ceilings with large glass doors on either side combined with local materials and natural textures such as teak, rattan, bamboo and coconut shell.
All villas have a combination of infinity pools, private beaches, dining pergolas, overwater decks or gardens.
Restaurants will offer Iberian, Japanese and French cuisine, while the spa will offer exclusive treatments such as the Sun Ritual or the After-Diving Experience, using high-end Guerlain products.
And to make sure guests’ arrival is high-end enough, a nine-seater Twin Otter De Havilland plane will transfer holidaymakers from Malé with espadrilles thrown in (not included in rate).
Island Villas from £800 per night B&B, chevalblanc.com