A collection of three islands within the heart of the Indian Ocean, the reimagined iconic Kanuhura resort in the Maldives has undergone a $42 million design overhaul. Kanuhura relaunches with a nautical bohemian design concept that has revitalised the resort’s identity alongside a well thought out fitness offering.
With the guests’ island experience of paramount importance, the new nautical bohemian design caters to a generation who are defined by a desire for experiencing true escapism, driven by success and appreciation for the finer things in life. The concept welcomes reimagined, lime washed villas and suites, displaying refreshing simplicity and elegant touches throughout. Each of the 80 rooms are capacious, furnished with natural materials with a touch of refinement and modernised design for larger families with teenagers and young adults in mind.
Focusing on an active lifestyle offering, the Kokaa Spa at Kanuhura has recently been recognised as one of the world’s best spas in National Geographic’s Spa & Wellness Collection, featuring a signature Marma therapy; a therapy that concentrates on releasing the energy from 103 pressure points on the body. Kanuhura is also home to the Kanuhura Martial Arts Academy, Project South, a project led by former two-time world Muay Thai Champion Irashaad Sayed.
Creating the new island experience for guests, General Manager, Robert Hauck says, “We have a uniquely sheltered location over three islands and are blessed with a heritage of returning guests over the past 20 years. We have grown up together and are now enhancing this by developing experiences for guests where they can be free, unconventional, open, stay fit and totally relax.”
The unique cluster of the three islands are in a special part of the Atoll, recognised as a Maldivian sanctuary with favourable sea currents surrounded by the island’s expanse of lush vegetation. The main island of Kanuhura is home to the resort’s villas and activities while Jehunuhura Island is just a short two-minute boat ride away across the translucent Indian Ocean. Located amongst the indigenous pandanus trees for a true barefoot experience Jehununhura plays host to Drift restaurant. Finally, Kanuhura’s third neighbouring island is Masleggihura, which allows guests to escape from reality with just the lapping waves, sea herons and hermit crabs for company.
Mr Hauck on the three islands says “We offer everything from total escapism and tranquility on Masleggihura island to a 300-metre sea swim to Jehunuhura island, a 2.25km round island run on Kanuhura and soon to be launched Project South which will be the first martial arts academy in the Maldives led by two-time world Muay Thai champion, Irshaad Sayed.”
In the heart of Kanuhura guests can discover local culinary master classes at A Mano. Translating to “touched by the hand”, an ethos celebrated throughout every aspect of the island’s kitchen, all produce used on the island is free-range, seasonal and sourced from small local farmers and producers honouring traditional home cooking. The design of the kitchen fully embraces all that is handmade and natural, with lime-washed timbers, local stones, woven fabrics and handmade ceramics.
