Cheval Blanc Randheli

Do not question doing CB—it's on a different level, absolutely phenomenal.

We went last year and already have a return planned, which we never do for the same place twice. The resort operates at an entirely different standard than other Maldives properties. Everything from the service to the facilities exceeded our expectations so dramatically that we're breaking our usual travel pattern. The experience was transformative enough to warrant an immediate rebooking.

It's very private and luxurious, but the food was horrendous when I was there.

You won't be able to stay at Soneva Jani or Cheval Blanc for $3000 a night during Christmas week—the pricing is much higher. I've stayed at Cheval Blanc and while it delivers on privacy and luxury with beautiful villas, the dining experience was disappointing. The setting and accommodations are top-tier, but food quality didn't match the property's reputation or price point.

We've stayed six times and it continues to be Michelin Star quality service, though hoping management turnover doesn't affect standards.

The service and food consistently deliver Michelin Star and Key quality that keeps us coming back. We've been to other luxury Maldives properties but always find our way back here because the execution is superior. The GM left in August and there's senior management turnover happening, so we're hoping the exceptional quality that defines this place remains intact through the transition.

Everything was incredible from the moment we arrived, with our butler Gassim always one step ahead suggesting activities.

We completed check-in right in the beautiful lounge and went directly to our villa on arrival, which felt amazing after the journey. The villa is stunning, spacious, and elegant in every detail, truly feeling like home in paradise. Thanks to our butler, we went snorkeling, saw dolphins which is very rare, and he spoiled us with many surprises. The food was excellent every day, and Chef Charles created delicious treats.

The villas are stunningly designed with best amenities and spacious indoor-outdoor spaces, though dining was disappointing at three venues.

Both water and island villas are the epitome of luxury with spacious areas and top amenities. The quality of service impressed us most, but the overall taste of meals at White, Deelani, and Diptyque was lacking. Diptyque was our least favorite with terribly prepared sushi rice and unappetizing beef dishes. Despite the warm hospitality from staff, the dining experience didn't match the accommodation excellence.

After visiting multiple Maldives resorts, I can safely say this is the standard I'll measure all future stays against.

We stayed in Island Villa #4 for four nights after the Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands, and I wish we'd allocated more time here. The villa selection process is competitive for good reason—57% return guests know exactly which spots they want. All villas share the same layout but island versions have larger pools, and the privacy is absolute. The service warmth exceeded everywhere else we've been, with staff remembering preferences without prompting.

Eye wateringly expensive but worth every penny, with six different restaurants and the luxury of getting away from people when you want.

I can't recommend it enough for groups because of how big it is and how many activities there are. There are six different restaurants from high-end Le 1947 to casual options, and food was excellent across the board in our week-long stay. They own a tennis island with jungle boot camp and separate spa island, giving you space to do your own thing. The seaplane transfer costs around $1500 per person roundtrip on CB's luxurious plane versus $600 on standard Trans-Maldivian.

Seven nights here felt like our first real vacation in this category, though service missed some personal touches we expected.

Coming from Marriott properties, this was genuinely our introduction to ultra-luxury and the villas are incredible. The island is in its own timezone which surprised us, and despite reading about dress codes, enforcement seemed minimal. The spa on separate island accessed by dhoni felt ceremonial. However, service lacked the small personalizations—other guests got hazelnut spread customizations while we received standard offerings throughout our week.

The service is intuitive rather than formal—staff arrange things at perfect moments like they've known you for years.

Staying here doesn't feel like checking into a resort but being invited into a private collection. Nothing screams luxury; it whispers through textures, light, and human attention. The Water Villa with private infinity pool truly merges with the lagoon, and privacy is flawless with no boats cutting through views. Gardens are curated like botanical art with textures inspired by French maisons.

We're loyal guests who've stayed 19 times, but this visit was our most disappointing due to hygiene issues and management problems.

I found hair in food twice and a live worm in my salad, which is unacceptable at this level. Buggy drivers became reckless, and when we reported issues, management completely disregarded us with shocking unprofessionalism. Since the management change, everything has gone downhill from what was once our second home. The stunning resort is falling apart due to poor leadership.