A new benchmark for luxury …

Privacy and space (loads of it), and the freedom to do what you want (whenever you want) are the three key fundamentals to luxury according to Jean-Michel Gathy, the highly acclaimed architect behind some of the world’s most stunning resorts including Aman properties, The Chedi Muscat, One&Only Reethi Rah and more recently his second top tiered property in the Maldives, the Cheval Blanc Randheli.

The brief by owner, global powerhouse LVMH (read: Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) was to create for the luxury group its first ‘Maison’ outside of French soils; one that would set a new benchmark for luxury and exclusivity across the Indian Ocean, where complete privacy, exacting design and craftsmanship is paramount.

Located in secluded Noonu atoll (accessible only by a private 50-minute seaplane flight) Cheval Blanc Randheli ticks the first box for exclusivity. Villas and public spaces are spread across 5 intimate islands. In plan-view the length of each villa follow the edge of the lagoon, which firstly captures long sweeping vistas and secondly, expresses the commitment to privacy and generosity of space. With each villa spanning no less than 130 square metres and boasting 12.5 metre private pools, the architect may just have blown all other resorts with plunge pools out of the water. And in typical Gathy style – verticality, volume and soaring spaces dominate, be it in the private or public realm, a bevy of triple height spaces deliver wow-factor, and a sense of extravagance and regality.

Straight lines, right angles and rectilinear forms without a single architectural curve in sight is softened by a palette of natural materials including local rattan, bamboo, mother-of-pearl and limed oak energized by bursts of citrus yellow and lime throughout ensures the otherwise tonal taupes, oyster greys and ivory whites remain fresh.