Review: Cheval Blanc Randheli

It stands to reason that the Cheval Blanc Randheli, the latest resort from luxury conglomerate LVMH (owners of Louis Vuitton, Céline, Dior, etc.), would set the bar high. The white sands and turquoise waters of the Noonu Atoll, in the northwest Maldives, are the backdrop for 45 one- and two-bedroom villas. The one I stayed in was set back from the beach amid coconut palms, but others are built out over the water. All are supremely elegant—decked out in travertine and cinnamon wood, butter-soft leather, and French linens—and completely private. Not to mention huge: The smallest is nearly 2,600 square feet; mine had a private 40-foot-long infinity pool, and there was enough room in the breezy courtyard between my indoor bath and my equally massive outdoor shower for a restorative massage. As looks go, it doesn’t get chicer than this, but the whimsical touches—turtles drawn in the sand along the path to my villa, thoughtful little notes from my butler left alongside the pitchers of fresh juice—are what truly give this place its character. And the overwater restaurant, Deelani, was my dream combination of beach shack and high-style seafood emporium. –Maria Shollenbarger Editor's Pick: Gold List 2018