The Maldives; vacation home away from home for the billionaire jet set, British royalty, and the crème de la Hollywood, and for good reason too.

With palatial-level villas, Michelin-starred cuisine and some of the most beautiful waters on this green earth, there’s no wonder 28 per cent of the country’s GDP comes from the tourist trade.

But when it comes to the tiny island chain, competition abounds. If money is no option, there are some big contenders: There’s Velaa Private Island resort, a 45-villa retreat that boasts a one-hectare golf course and three-storey, 6000-bottle wine cellar.

 

The Conrad Rangali Island its own underwater fine dining restaurant, and Gili Lankanfushi resort’s palatial Private Residence even has its own waterslide that extends from the roof down to a private coral pool. Luxury abounds in the Maldives, there is no doubt of that.

But for those looking for true opulence, there is one clear choice – Cheval Blanc Randheli. Sister hotel to Cheval Blanc Courchevel, considered one of the finest ski chalets in the French Alps, it’s operated by Louis Vuitton Möet Hennessy Hotels (the resort is so named after the rare and revered St Emilion premier cru champagne) and features a boutique full of LVMH brands, exclusive to the resort.

The hero of the island, however, is the four-bedroom villa – complete with its own spa, 250metre long outdoor pool, exotic gardens and private, pristine, beaches.

 

 

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