REVIEW OF THE MONTH
KANUHURA MALDIVESLhaviyani Atoll,
Maldives
WHY KANUHURA MALDIVES?
Located on the Lhaviyani Atoll on its own private island, Kanuhura
Maldives is the epitome of beachfront privacy. Although most of the
country has long been pegged as a romantic destination, Kanuhura
Maldives isn’t just for couples hoping to rekindle the romance. The
resort is couple-friendly, family-friendly, friends-friendly, and even
independent traveller-friendly.
Kanuhura Maldives is also not just limited to its own private
island. The resort also has access to two private islands – Jehunuhura
Island and Masleggihuraa, which offer an even more private escape
and even dining choices away from the main island.
Most resorts in Maldives are brand-name chains but Kanuhura
Maldives is a boutique resort that focuses on individualistic
experiences. With its wealth of activities available, villa hosts are
able to suggest personalised itineraries based on preferences. Most
importantly, Kanuhura Maldives emphasises laid-back luxury in the
midst of the breathtaking nature of the Maldives Islands.FROM TOP LEFT
Catch schools of
fish swimming in the
lagoon directly below
the Grand Water
Pool Villa; Kokaa Spa
offers one of the most
extensive selections of
luxury treatments in
its 50-page spa menu;
find in your room
curated knick-knacks
and carefully chosen
books for light reading
on your vacation hereWORDS: RAEWYN KOH. PHOTOGRAPHS: KANUHURA MALDIVESWHAT’S MY VILLA LIKE?
Kanuhura Maldives offers a variety of accommodations suited
for small parties of three to grand villas for up to eight persons.
All villas on the island face stunning sea views and have private
access to the beach, while the water villas are suspended on
stilts over the lagoon, giving guests immediate entry into the
crystal blue waters from the villa’s backdoor.
I was hosted at the Beach Pool Villa. Facing the west, the
villa was the perfect spot to enjoy the saturated warm glows
of the sunset at the end of the day. Apart form access to the
beach directly from the backdoor, the villa also has its own
private plunge pool to dip in anytime of the day. This backdoor
area was the setting for my own private breakfast buffet with a
‘live’ egg cooking station, brewed gourmet coffee and tea,
freshly squeezed juices, a pastry platter, fruits, and more. The
villa itself came with a host of modern amenities, including a
luxurious and spacious semi-outdoor private bathroom with
outdoor shower and a grand bathtub.
To get around the resort, a personal bicycle for each guest is
parked outside the villa, although one can easily walk around.
Otherwise, a call for a buggy can be done with a press of a
button to the villa host.WHAT AM I EATING?
Kanuhura Maldives offers a world-class culinary experience
with its selection of Maldivian restaurants and bars. For
all-day dining, head to A Mano, which features a rotating
menu of world cuisines, from Pan-Asian to eclectic
international cuisines, including a sizeable display of cheeses,
salads and desserts. Diners can also choose to dine at Bottega,
the resort’s Italian restaurant with its own Pizzaolo show
kitchen. Bottega serves traditional Mediterranean-Italian
cuisine, such as octopus carpaccio, potato gnocchi and pizzas.
For a taste of Asian flare, Veli offers a modern Asian barbecue
experience. Dine on table-top yakiniku, where fresh slices of
beef bulgogi, Korean short ribs and an assortment of seafood
caught in Maldivian waters are grilled before you. Light bites
can be had at Deli, a boutique cafe selling sandwiches, teas
and coffees, and desserts like pastries, waffles and homemade
ice creams with endless toppings. Deli also packs picnics for
guests to take around as they explore the main island and
offshore islands.EASY TRIPS