Location
Family-friendly Kanuhura is set in the north of the sheltered Lhaviyani Atoll and spread across three tropical islands, a mere 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. Lhaviyani is known for its large species of marine life – four-metre wide manta rays, spinner dolphins, green turtles, yellow fin tuna, large puffer fish and the occasional whale shark.
Vibe
Think gypset luxe. An elegant boho chic vibe interplays with white woods, colourful artworks and slinky modernist furniture. The resort is made for the gram with its fringed hammocks, beaded swing bar chairs and teepee tents.
Rooms
80 villas - 60 on the beach and 20 stilted over the water are big and bright with a sunny Californian vibe and a butler in tow. Awash with white wood, geometric prints, flashes of coral and splashes of turquoise and teal. Outdoor bathrooms are zen-cool and each villa is complemented by a private wooden deck stretching to the beach or over the lagoon, with the water villas featuring an over water hammock or small pool. All villas come with bikes.
Food & Drink
A Mano: Situated on Kanuhura’s powder-white beach and surrounded by idyllic tropical scenery and picture-perfect views of the ocean, A Mano puts on a delectable and widespread breakfast display. However the dinner buffets were not our favourite.
Bottega: Open for lazy lunches and candlelit dinner, the resorts Italian restaurant is generously included in all the meal plans. Pizzas and pastas carry authentic flavours and can be paired with excellent Italian wines from the cellar.
Cowry Club: Modern lounge by day, jazzy bossa nova by night the infinity pool bar boasts one of Maldives’ largest selection of local and international cocktails. Perfect for a poolside lunch or some light bites.
Iru Lounge: The perfect spot to experience the Maldivian sunset. From bohemian beaded swing chairs at the bar, to low picnic-like tables and beach teepees and colourful tropical drinks.
Veli: The resorts Asian-fusion restaurant features a unique, beach-front dining location, modern décor, Yakiniku-style tables and an open kitchen. Everything from expertly prepared sushi, Chinese specialities to Korean favourites, Singaporean dishes and tandoori cuisine prepared in a traditional Indian oven is on offer. The tandoori prawns are unmissable!
Activities
From all the resorts we have visited over the years in the Maldives, the activity list at Kanuhura is truly impressive. There is a wide array of free activities on offer too, across all age groups.
K Club - kids can partake in a range of water sports (from banana tube rides and sailing to Jetlev) and explore the underwater world supervised by expert kids club counsellors. There are also weekly cooking classes, arts and crafts workshops, fishing trips, movie nights (set under the incredible Maldivian night sky), scavenger hunts and chocolate making classes included in the kids club programme
Teens Club - The programme for teens includes an array of exciting more age-appropriate activities such as football, beach volleyball and fishing trips
Award winning Kokaa Wellness Retreat and Spa features a largely organic treatment list, one of the most comprehensive in the Maldives. Voted ‘The World’s Best Spa’ by National Geographic Traveller Magazine
Daily complimentary classes including yoga, pilates, stretching and Maldivian warrior training
The deserted islands of Jehunuhuru and Masleggihuru make for truly idyllic day trips and the staff will happily arrange a private beach BBQ for you or gourmet 'castaway' picnic from the onsite deli
Complimentary snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding
Two outdoor tennis courts
Squash court
Football field
Dolphin and manta spotting trip
Turtle sanctuary visit
Maldivian Island Tour
Fishing
Over 40 dive sites
Coffee and chocolate pairings
Rum and cigar appreciation
Cooking class
Cocktail making class
Wine tasting
Whiskey tasting
Cons and Areas For Improvement
Kanuhura is hands down is a luxurious family-friendly retreat and one which we have revisited 3 times with pleasure. While the rooms and activities are excellent, there are slight areas for improvement:
Staff - On our last trip, our butler had collected the children from the Kids Club (without prior approval from us) as we were snorkelling and as such unreachable. Instead of ensuring that the children aged 7 and 5 at the time, were under adult supervision, he had left them unattended in our overwater villa. Until today the thought of what may have come to pass gives us goosebumps. The resort manager was informed and offered us a complimentary pizza making class for the inconvenience as she labelled it. This is the event which stops us from returning again.
Dinner at A Mano - For a resort which prides itself on its epicurean offerings, there is much improvement needed to the quality and taste of food served at the evening buffet.
Service - While the staff are always trying their best, they can be slow and at times forgetful. There were instances where the children - despite repeatedly asking for help have waited 30 minutes just for someone to come to the ice cream cart and serve them - a feature of the resort which is supposed to be available around the clock .
Value For Money and Insider Tips
Value for money at the resort is good. All inclusive options are encouraged and are definitely the way to go.
Opt for the sunrise overwater villa for some of the dreamiest sunrises you will ever see. If you're lucky, dolphins will be jumping up to salute the rising sun.
Luxury Escapes often has some stellar deals on the resort which are valid for upto a year.
You can access the spa and make use of the hydra pools and other amenities without partaking in a massage.
If you choose to go on a fishing trip from the Kids Club as a family you will pay $25 pp as opposed to $150 pp from the regular activity menu.
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