Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.
I recently enjoyed a phenomenal holiday in the Maldives, where I stayed at the archipelago's four most exclusive ultra-luxury resorts. You can read my reviews here:
Today: Review of the seaplane transfer to Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives
Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, Cheval Blanc Randheli is one of the Maldives' most exclusive resorts. Located a 40 min seaplane flight north of Malé, the resort is set on a cluster of 5 islands, with 46 whitewashed villas taking palm-roofed cabana living to a new level. Designed by world-famous Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy, Cheval Blanc Randheli's breathtaking design oozes sophistication, luxury and and style. Highlights include Guerlain-designed treatments on the Cheval Blanc Spa island and fine dining at Le 1947, which rivals international gastronomic restaurants. When it opened in 2013, Cheval Blanc Randheli was Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy's second hotel venture after establishing the renowned Cheval Blanc Courchevel in France. I'll publish my review of Cheval Blanc Randheli next week.
There are three ways to get by seaplane to Cheval Blanc Randheli:
- Option one is a private seaplane transfers (with a 8 , 10 or 15 seater), which is charged at USD 15,040 + 10% service charge + 16% GST per seaplane return. The private seaplane transfer is the most luxurious and comfortable way to travel. There will be little waiting time as it is a direct transfer from Velana International Airport to the resort without any additional stops.
- Option two is a transfer on the shared Cheval Blanc seaplane (8-seater), which is charged at USD 1,910 per adult + 10% service charge + 16% GST (roundtrip). The Cheval Blanc Seaplane flies directly from Velana International Airport to the resort without any additional stops. The seaplane has a limited capacity of 8 seats only, ensuring that the 45 minute journey is comfortable and relaxing. The resort guarantees a minimal waiting time which will not exceed 2 hours.
- Option three is a transfer on a shared regular seaplane (15-seater), which is charged at USD 1,085 per adult + 10% service charge + 16% GST (roundtrip). The shared regular seaplane flies from Velana International Airport to the resort with 1 or 2 stops in other resorts along the way. With a capacity of 15 seats, the waiting time at the airport may last up to 3 hours, however, the resort does its best to minimize the waiting time as much as possible.
Seaplane transfers are arranged by the resort according to the arrival and departure details of the guests. The seaplane journey is available during daylight hours only.
- Arrival: Seaplane transfer can be arranged for international flights that arrive in Velana International Airport between 6 am and 3:30 pm . Guests arriving on an international flight landing after 3:30 pm will have to stay back in the capital city of Male' or a nearby resort and catch the next day's transfers.
- Departure: Seaplane transfer can be arranged for international flights that depart from Velana International Airport from 9 am onwards.
- Luggage: Each guest can carry 20kg of checked in luggage and 5kg hand luggage.
- There is only one Cheval Blanc Seaplane. The availability of this seaplane is based on several factors, i.e. preventive maintenance, first come, first serve basis, last minute private charter by a third party or any other unforeseen circumstance. If the Cheval Blanc Seaplane is unavailable for your arrival and/or departure, another equivalent VIP seaplane will be arranged without any effect on the price. If no VIP seaplane is available, the resort will book a regular shared seaplane transfer (15-seater) and apply the lower regular seaplane transfer price.
This is a review of my shared seaplane transfer to the resort onboard's Cheval Blanc Randheli's private seaplane. FYI, I had booked the regular shared seaplane transfer, but was 'upgraded' to the private seaplane on both the inbound and outbound flight. In this review:
- Airport & seaplane terminal
- Cheval Blanc airport lounge
- Cheval Blanc seaplane
- Seaplane flight
Below is my YouTube movie documenting my seaplane transfer to the ultraluxe resort.
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