Originally Posted by vuittonsofstyle

Having stayed at both, I would return in a heartbeat to Cheval Blanc, but you would have to drage me screaming and kicking back to Velaa.

The design at Cheval Blanc is glorious Jean-Michel Gathy, with towering roofs and very elegant furnishings - even nicer than what he did at Reethi Rah. Service and food are extraordinary for the Maldives.

Velaa is rather amateurish - a very personal take on the Maldives by its wealthy Czech owners. Lots of huge black and white turtle photos everywhere and very uncomfortable furniture. Fake orchids in the bathrooms, etc etc. Nice local staff and an interesting fine diing restaurant overwater, but otherwise, no way. Also, if you stay on the ocean side of the island, there is no lagoon and the waves are very violent, so not at all relaxing. The big villas are well appointed, but nowhere near as good as those at Cheval Blanc.