GOURMET PURSUITS

the cabins overhanging the sea, relax in the traditional hammam baths, or practise yoga on one of the pavilions.

Foodies will be relieved to know that there is no shortage of variety when it comes to food. The Lvmh-owned property is home to Le 1947, a fine-dining establishment and the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Though the restaurant was closed during our stay ( Tatler tip: it only opens on weekends), we peeked into the wine cellar and were duly impressed by the range, which included a few bottles of vintage from the year of the restaurant’s namesake. The Deelani, an overwater restaurant serving Italian food, is a charming way to wind down in the evening. For a more unusual experience, head to The Diptyque. The restaurant, which serves Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine, is made up of two halves featuring a “live theatre” where chefs prepare teppanyaki or sushi right before you. Should you wish for an afternoon seaside picnic or lunch aboard a dhoni, the staff are on hand to arrange for a bespoke culinary journey. For us, a lovely dinner by the sea is prepared. Over generous portions of Maldivian and Indian cuisine, we watch the sunset and the skies turn an inky black. Thanks to the unpolluted night skies, we are granted front-row seats to a beautiful smattering of stars, and just like every other experience we have had at Cheval Blanc Randheli, it is nothing short of magical.