Have you ever heard someone say, “I need a vacation to recover from my vacation”? This is exactly what I told myself after a back-to-back traveling schedule this summer. I needed somewhere where I could disconnect from the world, and connect with myself again. It was one of the best trips of my life, and one of the best birthdays I have ever celebrated (what better reason to go to the Maldives than when It’s your birthday, am I right?). I had heard of the Cheval Blanc Randheli from friends of mine who had visited it earlier this year, and it was simply described as a luxurious paradise. That it was, from the moment you arrive to Male Airport, you are given a level of service that is not easily found these days. I was transferred to the hotel by sea plane, the views you witness on your way there are just beyond words, they allow you to see how remarkable our world truly is. Now the hotel is managed by LVMH, so you know that your are getting the best of the best in terms of products, accommodation, and service. I was greeted by a butler upon arrival, Vladimere, anything I asked for he made possible (and he did so with the such great smile!). I got to my room and had to gasp for air, everything from the interior, to the view, to the specially curated scent of the room was impeccable! I really was In paradise, and I didn’t want to leave. I am fortunate enough to have visited the Maldives before, but coming to the Cheval Blanc made me feel like I was visiting it for the first time all over again. Imagine waking up every morning to crystal blue water, a shade of blue so clear, I didn’t even know it existed!
What fascinated me the most about the hotel was their attention to detail, everyone knew my name when I walked into a room, they were all aware that I was there celebrating my birthday (how amazing to keep hearing Happy Birthday MrMoudz from different people through out the day), and they knew what kind of things I liked (all thanks to a a few questions they ask you before checking in) which allowed them to recommend things to me that I would absolutely love. On the day of my birthday I woke up to a beautifully written letter from the Cheval Blanc team wishing me all the best in the coming year, I was later treated to a day at the spa, from the moment I arrived to the private island where the spa can be found I was amazed. Before entering the massage I found beautiful pebbles on the ground that were positioned to say “Happy Birthday Mr. Moudz” talk about detail!!!
After my incredible full body massage at the Guerlain Spa, I sat on one of their perfectly positioned hammocks and watched the sun set. At night they took the liberty of booking dinner for me, hands down some of the best asian food I have ever tasted in my life. I returned back to the room to find a beautiful flower pedal arrangement on the bed which read “Happy Birthday”. I could have not asked for a more perfect Birthday. The following day I took the bicycle around the island, exploring more of what the Cheval Blanc had to offer, had lunch by the pool, and reflected on life. It was an experience of a lifetime, to really take all that in, that for me is living. I’m already trying to organise a trip back beginning of next year!!!
