Kanuhura Maldives, The Resort in a few words
Located in Northern Maldives in Lhaviyani Atoll, at 35 mns by seaplane from Male Intl. airport, Kanuhura is set across three islands – two deserted islands and Kanuhura itself.
Kanuhura is managed by Sun Resorts Company who owns and manages four luxury hotels in Mauritius (La Pirogue Resort & Spa, Sugar Beach Golf & Spa Resort, Long Beach Golf & Spa Resort and Ambre Resort & Spa and the iconic IIe aux Cerfs).
Kanuhura. A Stylish Resort for Bohemian Jetsetters Dreaming of the Maldives
Kanuhura reopened in December 2016 after an 18-month full renovation, winning recognition from Conde Nast Traveller as one of the world’s top hotel renovations.
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.
Kanuhura General Manager, Robert Hauck.
Kanuhura aerial view
The $42 Million revamp design project was imagined and created by former Gold Key Designer of the Year, Inge Moore, President of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) international’s European division, who directed the design of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, spas and restaurants.
Considered as one of the most iconic barefoot Island Resorts in Maldives since its creation in the early 90′, Kanuhura Maldives always stood as the Classic Maldivian Luxury resort and we absolutely loved it at Dreaming of Maldives.
About Kanuhura. The Island
Kanuhura is one of the largest islands in the Maldives with 1.4km in length.
Surrounded by a giant pristine lagoon, Kanuhura is known to be a paradise for water sport lovers.
Snorkeling AND Diving at Kanuhura
Kanuhura big lagoon has a downside : it has no close-by housereef. The lagoon offers only some small corals and and fishes, but nothing impressive.
Snorkeling is not accessible from the Island shores, but the resort has access to some of Maldives best dive sites and offers snorkeling trips to close-by snorkeling reefs.
On this aerial photo, Kanuhura’s Snorkeling Reef is visible on the right side, close to the water villas.
80 Villas only. PRIVACY FIRST
Despite its length, the resort offers 80 villas ONLY scattered throughout the island and over the lagoon, giving a total feeling of privacy.
Each of the 80 rooms are spacious, furnished with natural materials with a touch of refinement and modernised design for larger families with teenagers and young adults in mind
Keeping the same concept, Kanuhura has now embraced the new and trendy holiday Gypset style in a uber-luxury setting.
Definition of GYPSET
Gypset is a new way of life for Gipsy Chic travellers loving to be part of the Jetset.
Kanuhura Maldives. The 3 Islands
Kanuhura. The Main Island
The main island of Kanuhura hosts all Villas and activities.
There is plenty of space for 6 Bars and restaurants ( including a coffee/ice shop and an organic vegetable garden), a beautiful luxurious Spa, a big Kids Club, a beauty salon with private bridal suite, a playroom for grown-ups and teens, a boutique, a water sport centre and of course a Diving Centre.
Jehunuhura, Kanuhura’s famous Private island
Jenuhura was always part of Kanuhura’s beauty. Located at 300-metre swim or two-minute boat ride away by shuttle boat each 20 mns, the super private island now hosts Drift Restaurant, a barefoot restaurant and bar to be for signature cocktails and delicious grill on sunbeds set under the island palm trees.
Jenuhura is also super peaceful. The island is so quiet that sandpiper birds come there to hatchh and brood their eggs.
Masleggihura Island
Kanuhura acquired its neighbouring island, Masleggihura, as part of the renovation. The purchase of the gorgeous neighbouring island is now one of Kanuhura’s favorite spot for guests looking for a Chic Robinson Crusoe adventure.
Providing escapism and tranquility only, Masleggihura is used on demand for chic Pic-Nics, dig-in-sand BBQ lunches and private set up for guests.
Kanuhura Maldives. One of the most iconic barefoot Island Resorts in Maldives
Kanuhura Maldives. The Villas
Kanuhura has 9 categories of villas ranging from stylish beach bungalows to upper luxury chic retreats.
The resort is one of the best Maldives resorts for Kids and families with a superb kids club and Family villas composed of two or three-bedrooms
All villas and suites have sea views, with either direct access to their own private beach area, or a wooden staircase leading straight into the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.
Interiors feature colourful soft furnishings, complete with soft lighting, timber flooring and delicate scents that permeate a holistic sanctuary throughout the resort.
Kanuhura Maldives. The Beach Bungalows and Beach Villas
All Beach Bungalows have large verandas and Semi-Open Bathroom, Walk-in dressing, covered porch, sea-view, TV, A/C, mini bar & coffee making facilities, classic bathtub, open-air shower, covered deck with table & chairs.
Beach Bungalows offer 75sqm space, a King bed with Sunrise and Sunset Views that reach to the beach and the lagoon.
The Beach Bungalows are nestled into lush greenery and are available on both sides of the island, towards the sunset or sunrise. The spacious bathroom opens to the outdoor with the open-air shower and is equipped with the latest luxury amenities.
Villa Capacity : 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults
Beach Villas feature the same amenities but are more spacious with 90sqm space and a larger terrace. Some Beach Villas offer private plunge pools.
All Beach Villas are located on the Eastern side of the island, with direct access to the lagoon. The spacious bathroom opens to the outdoor with the open-air shower and is equipped with the latest luxury amenities.
Villa Capacity : 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults
Bicycles are assigned to each room.
Kanuhura Maldives offers a great range of Villas and Suites for group of friends and families.
One of them, the Retreat Grand Beach Pool Villa, surrounded by a privacy wall and with two separate bedroom units, is connected by the spacious outdoor garden with plunge pool and plenty of lounge facilities. The separate, spacious bathrooms open to the outdoor with the open-air shower and is equipped with the latest luxury amenities.
Villa Capacity: 2 adults and 4 children, 4 adults and 2 children
Kanuhura Maldives. Water Villas
The Water Pool Villas are located at the edge of the timber walkway, suspended on stilts into the turquoise lagoon on the Eastern side of Kanuhura.
All Water Pool Villas offer a Semi-Open Bathroom, Entrance/reading room, entrance table, Walk-in dressing, covered porch, sea view, TV, A/C, mini bar & coffee making facilities, open-air designer bathtub, shower, covered deck with table, chair & outdoor loungers, bathroom hammock, sun-deck, over water hammock.
The private sundeck is extended into an overwater plunge pool and hammocks, providing the ultimate Maldivian experience.
From the deck, the wooden stairs lead directly into the turquoise lagoon with the coral garden to explore just a few meters away.
The Water Pool Villas have an additional living room with library, featuring selected books and the spacious bathroom opens to the outdoor with the open-air bathtub and is equipped with the latest luxury amenities.
Villa Capacity : 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults
Kanuhura Maldives. Bars and Restaurants
The Resort boasts 2 bars and 6 restaurants spread at idyllic spots around the island.
A MANO
Ideally situated on Kanuhura’s powder-white beach and surrounded by idyllic tropical scenery with picture-perfect views of the ocean, A Mano provides diners with an unparalleled casual dining experience either inside the beautiful restaurant or outside under the palm trees.
Diners are taken on a sensory journey with extraordinary live cooking stations and themed buffets which are sure to dazzle even the most discerning epicures with a host of magnificent dishes that range from the exotic to the familiar.
open for breakfast between 06:30 and 10:30 and dinner between 19:00 and 22:30
BOTTEGA
Bottega restaurant offers Italian dishes. Wonderfully simple, yet sublime, salads, mouthwatering pastas and gourmet pizzas can be paired during lunches and dinners. Bottega also features exceptional imported wines from the wine cellar for a truly phenomenal culinary experience.
open for lunches between 12:00 and 15:00 and dinners between 19:00 and 22:30
CHEF’S HERB GARDEN
The Chef’s Herb Garden allows to celebrate a special occasion—or simply enjoy a unique experience—in style under the exceptional Maldivian night sky in this private oasis.
At the heart of this unconventional dining experience is a specifically tailored, seasonal set menu that centres on beautifully prepared dishes that are sure to be no less than extraordinary.
Exclusively reserved for private dinner bookings so be sure to book ahead for an unforgettable gastronomic experience in paradise.
VELI
Located towards the furthest point of the island, Veli restaurant takes its name from the Maldivian word for “sand”. This “end-of-the-island” restaurant offers traditional Asian-Fusion cuisine, with a unique, beach-front dining location – perfectly complemented by a small, more private set-up with modern décor, Yakiniku-style tables and an open kitchen. The restaurant also offers amazing tandoori cuisine from a traditional Indian oven.
open for dinner between 19.00 and 22.30.
DRIFT
Set on Kanuhura’s very own exclusive island Jenuhura, Drift offers the best in grilled delights. Perfection is really enjoying a meal in this secluded, tropical gem.
Drift is a magical place where cocktails are sublime and the food is spectacular.
Accessible by boat shuttle which runs from 07:00 to 17:00 and leaves from Kanuhura every 20 minutes.
open for lunch between 12:00 and 15:00
COWRY CLUB
Cowry Club is located at the main Resort Pool.
Modern lounge by day, jazzy bossa nova by night, Cowry Club pool bar boasts one of Maldives’ largest selection of local and international cocktails.
Signature cocktails and classic favourites are whipped up in style by the expert mixologists.
open between 11:30 and 16:00 for light lunches and from 10:00 until late for drinks.
IRU
Characterised by a distinct gypset style, Iru is a chic beachside bar and the perfect place to spend a glorious afternoon in the Maldivian sun while sipping a cocktail.
A tropical haven unlike any other : from bohemian beaded swing chairs at the bar, to low picnic-like tables and beach teepees, Iru provides the ultimate place to sit back and relax, cocktail in hand while soaking up the gorgeous sunset hues.
open from 11:00 to midnight.
Kanuhura also features a Deli Cafe and Private Dining around the Island or on one of the Resort 2 Private Islands
Kanuhura Maldives. The Spa
Voted by National Geographic Traveller World’s, Best Spa 2017 and in mid 2018, best Luxury Island Resort Spa in Indian Ocean at at the 2018 World Luxury Spa Awards Gala, Kokaa Wellness Retreat & Spa has been beautifully redesigned.
Kokaa Spa features six single and three couples treatment rooms, an outdoor beachside spa pavilion, beauty salon, sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, as well as a fully equipped state of the art gym, aerobics and hatha yoga studio.
The Spa is designed in a nature-inspired décor and offers diverse range of treatments and a comprehensive array of facilities. Products are locally sourced using natural marine elements from the Indian Ocean.
Kanuhura Maldives Activities
More than 50 Activities
- Castaway picnic on a deserted island
- Two private deserted islands for day visits, snorkeling, exploring.
- “Gypset” sunset drinks in teepee on the beach
- Maldivian warrior workout
- Piloxing – (Pilates and boxing)
- Functional fitness classes
- Outdoor cinema under the stars
- Nature walk around the island
- Coconut tree climbing show
- Visit to Kanuhura’s orchid gardens
- Dolphin & manta safaris by speed boat
- Visit to a local Maldivian village to see island life and the turtle sanctuary
- Traditional Maldivian hand line fishing
- Fly fishing
- Big game fishing
- Beach boot camp
- Magical sunset cruise
- Private boat hire
- Jet skis and jet-lev flyer
- Stand up paddle boarding (SUP)
- Windsurfing
- Canoeing
- Wakeboarding, mono-skiing and waterskiing
- Catamaran sailing
- Banana boat and fun tubes
- Morning jogging
- Pilates
- Personal fitness training
- Circuit training
- Kick boxing
- Beach boxing
- Beach Zumba
- Aqua fitness
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Swimming in the lagoon
- Snorkeling excursions to coral reefs
- Diving to over 40 incredible dive sites
- Turtle hatching on Kanuhura’s beaches – seasonal
- Tennis and tennis coaching
- Squash
- Hermit crab racing
- Cooking classes
- Wine tasting sessions with sommelier
- Whisky tasting
- Coffee and chocolate mixology
- Full moon dinner on the beach
- “Dig In” dining on the beach
- Picnics – ‘grab and go’ from The Deli
- Spa – one of the widest choices of treatments in the country
- Sauna, jet & plunge pool, steam room
- Hair & beauty salon
- Wedding ceremonies
- Indoor games room (pool table, table tennis, table soccer, darts, board games, video games, card games)
- Eating well: eight restaurants and bars
- Kids’ club with daily activities program
Kanuhura Maldives. Photo Gallery
Kanuhura Maldives
[ Official ]
Traveler's Choice
12th Edition
