Jean-Michel Gathy’s Latest Project to Open in Maldives on 15 November 2013

Celebrated designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects is about to unveil his latest design creation, Cheval Blanc Randheli, a new hotel in the Maldives.

The property will be Jean-Michel’s second property in the Maldives, it will also be the second Cheval Blanc Maison in the world.

The Cheval Blanc Randheli will open this week, on 15 November 2013.

Having created the iconic One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives in 2005, Jean-Michel Gathy has had a long history with the Indian Ocean destination. Elegant, refined and designed for island barefoot living, Cheval Blanc Randheli has come to life thanks to a 4-year long creative collaboration between Jean-Michel and Cheval Blanc.

“I believe that the perfect hotel in the Maldives is a hotel where you are extremely comfortable with your spouse or partner. A Maldivian hotel needs to encourage an environment of love and life, a place for emotion and togetherness. At Cheval Blanc Randheli, we have created a Maison that supports and caters to the clientele’s need for intimacy, privacy and comfort but yet remains dynamic, contemporary and lively,” said Jean-Michel of his latest design.

The island of Randheli in the Maldives was chosen for its spectacular environment, lush vegetation and secluded turquoise lagoon, allowing Jean-Michel to craft a highly intimate ‘Maison’ in the true sense of the word, inspired by a private residence.

According to Jean-Michel, guests visit the Maldives for the sea, sand and sun – so these were the most important elements for him to consider when designing Cheval Blanc Randheli. These natural elements have been incorporated into the architecture and interior design, seen in the lofty cathedral style ceilings framed by seven metre high doors allowing for beautiful natural light and views.

Inspired by his life’s travels, Jean-Michel was essentially designing his perfect beach holiday from the start. When talking about the design process of Cheval Blanc Randheli, he describes how he imagined he was barefoot, on the beach, taking the boat out and going fishing, because his state of mind determines the way he designs.

Cheval Blanc Randheli is an intimate and contemporary 45-villa haven on the unspoiled Noonu Atoll, a 40-minute journey north of Malé, which guests will enjoy in the Maison’s own bespoke seaplane for an exceptional holiday start.

The Maison has been conceived in synergy with the island’s natural surroundings, lush vegetation and lagoon views. The flow of the resort creates a residential feel that is full of surprises and variety. An abundance of settings have been designed for guests to use as per their disposition – for relaxation, for contemplation, for invigoration, for conversation or simply to enjoy a stunning view. The property will feature some spectacular dining options, which Jean-Michel admits was a challenge, with the need to create both high-spec and casual restaurants and bars on an island.

Great attention has been given to the privacy of guests and ensuring a feeling of space. This is reflected in the sleek design of each villa. Large glass doors, on both sides of the villa, open fully onto the idyllic landscape or can be closed to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. The sheer volume of space in the buildings and the doors in the villa bedrooms are the aspects the designer believes really have the wow-factor.

The graphic architecture is complemented by stylish interior design furnished with a mix of materials from the Indian Ocean and Europe but with natural textures being the essence – teak, rattan, bamboo, leather, bronze, thatch and coconut and shell. This is in turn enhanced by a vivid palette of colours; white, taupe and oyster grey with splashes of pop yellow and green, bespoke design elements and a residential-style medley of artwork throughout. A collection of 45 sculptural colour “spots” by artist Vincent Beaurin also makes each villa truly individual.