The French have a phrase ‘L’Art de Recevoir’ translating directly to the art of hospitality. However, beyond the literal interpretation, the phrase carries a deeper cultural significance. L’Art de Recevoir involves a meticulous, detailed attention to the entertainment of guests, from a dedicated preparation to arrival through the entertainment and experience upon settling in. At Cheval Blanc, a collection of 5 properties under the LVMH portfolio, L’Art de Recevior is innately intertwined with the mission in everything from operations to service to aesthetic.
While the timeline may be relatively fluid as of this current moment there will come a point following the progression of 2020 when the travel industry will rebound; though with it certainly a perhaps increased presence of stressors and uncertainty when returning to planes, ports and properties as such. Paper & Diamond is focused on seeking out the world’s hidden gems in the form of experiential, sensorial travel that will not only alleviate the travel associated stressors, but further, aid in the erasure of historical traumas and life’s compounding pressures through participation in wellness retreats. As we chase the optimism of 2021 to offer relief and renewal, we look to the best properties worldwide at which to host a Paper & Diamond wellness retreat. Cheval Blanc’s art of exquisite hospitality renders them prime contenders in this search for destinations; in particular, we highlight below the merits of a wellness retreat at their Randeli property in Maldives as well as their St. Tropez location.
Cheval Blanc: Randheli
Of the myriad islands that make up the Maldives sovereign nation, we are partial to the shores of Randheli, the private island upon which Cheval Blanc has created an Indian Ocean oasis. There is nothing like being completely isolated from the rest of the world to usher in the transformational benefits received from a Paper & Diamond wellness retreat program, let alone to be doing so in a lush private island setting where immersive revival is prioritized.
As we have previously noted, a seaside vacation can do wonders to mind, body and spirit. Cheval Blanc Randheli is designed to allow yoga and meditation settings to help tune into the fully transformational powers of the sea, as you salute the sun on ivory beaches and overwater pavilions around the Maison. Absorb the grounding powers and vibrance of the jungle gardens with daily meditations for a truly at-one-with-nature experience. Coupled with the revitalizing Cheval Blanc Spa experience which highlights exclusive Guerlain treatments and a Spa Bar showcasing the most wholesome nourishment, the Cheval Blanc Randheli experience is a natural alignment with our wellness retreat goals and priorities.
The staff of Cheval Blanc are hailed as Alchemists - dreamweavers for the desires in the explorer’s soul. Through activation of each of the five senses, the soul is awakened to exploring that which fills it, from culinary arts to wellness and relaxation, all while basking in the sumptuous villas which offer exclusive privacy. There are 3-star Michelin ratings to indulge the palate, with an impressive Wine Museum and Cigar Lounge to delight the according connoisseurs. Oceanic adventures suit the inquisitively curious. In the end, Cheval Blanc Randheli offers a luxury playground to fit each mood and occasion for its guests.
Cheval Blanc: St-Tropez
Let us now chart a course in the northeast direction, shifting focus from Cheval Blanc’s Maldives Maison to their haven at the French Riviera’s St. Tropez. With the local Alchemists dedicated to an experience in which every hour feels like golden hour, a trip to Cheval Blanc St. Tropez is abundant with twinkling warmth and magic. The energizing appeal of the Mediterranean sun is sure to illicit a newfound spirit in Paper & Diamond wellness retreat participants to harness the power of their retreat revelations long after departing their stay at Cheval Blanc St. Tropez.
This Tropezian destination offers a Secret Garden on site, decorated by the serenity of olive trees to filter out the south of France sunlight. While this shelter makes for an optimum destination to participate in a yoga flow, the ability to also affirm yogic practice upon the white sand beaches must not be discredited either. The site’s dedicated Cardio Training facility is the perfect facility to allow the Paper & Diamond Wellness Experts to perform individual stretch and additional therapeutic sessions.
When you close your eyes and conjure visions of your next retreat destination, let yourself dream of it being infused with the spirit of L’Art de Recevoir; you cannot go wrong with either Cheval Blanc destination and both will centralize their efforts on exactly that. To be kept aware of upcoming Paper & Diamond wellness retreats, keep your eye on our Offerings page.