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The Kanuhura Maldives: A Gypsetter’s Paradise

Whenever I ask a group of friends where they’d like to take a dream vacation, it never takes too long for someone to shout out “The Maldives!” and it’s no hard task to understand why. Crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, tranquil solace away from civilization — what’s not to love? At the Kanuhura Maldives, you’ll experience all of this and more because MUZA Lab has redesigned the unique island retreat for the modern gypsetter, a word that combines the ideas of a gypsy and the jet set lifestyle. Ideally, a gypsetter is free-spirited, sophisticated, well-travelled, and finds excitement in traveling to new destinations. At that definition, aren’t we all gypsetters at heart?

The monochromatic design of the Boduberu Lounge where you’ll wait for your sea plane to the Kanuhura is inspired by the black and white sarong of the local Boduberu performers.

Guests can choose from a variety of suites and villas, all of which are outfitted with interiors inspired by the beauty of the islands, from the stories, colors, and sculptural forms. The Shell Houses above are raised over the ocean, allowing you to shower indoors while watching fish pass by below through a floor opening or bathe under the stars at night in the outdoor courtyard.

The Palm Houses are the bedrooms on the beach that feature expansive views of the Indian Ocean and an interiors color palette inspired by the lush landscapes. Private pools, private sun loungers, and outdoor dining areas encourage you to be outdoors as much as possible. Even the bathrooms play with the idea of outdoor living with an outdoor shower in the courtyard garden. Furnishings, decor, and art are all locally crafted with teak and nautical accents.

Need an extra dose of relaxation? The Kokaa beauty salon and spa is available to make sure you look as good as you’ll feel.

For a bite to eat, the hotel has various restaurants and bars on site: A Mano, the restaurant’s all day restaurant where different cuisines are presented at different cooking stations; Bottega, an Italian restaurant; Fogo, for Brazilian BBQ; Dhoni, a sunset cruise serving seafood, barbecue, and champagne; Veli Café, which serves modern interpretations of traditional Maldivian cuisine; Chef’s Herb Garden, where food is accompanied by freshly picked herbs and spices; The Deli, a grab-and-go shop, and Drift, a grill restaurant located on Kanuhara’s exclusive island of Jehunuhura.

The concept of luxury is changing. Luxury is now about what you get to feel inside rather than what you have to show off. As designers, this means it’s our thought process that sparks these feelings, and that really excites me.
– Inge Moore, founder of MUZA Lab

What this means for guests staying at this modern hotel is that from the moment they arrive, they’ll be able to see instantly that they are in for a memorable escape.

What: The Kanuhura Maldives
Where: Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
How much? Rooms start at approximately $450/night
Highlights: Unspoiled beach scenes, modern amenities, zen-inducing interiors, a surprising number of restaurants on an island, the fact that you’re in the Maldives – need we say more?
Design draw: While such a tropical retreat doesn’t need much to be enjoyed, MUZA Lab made sure that you enjoyed the indoors as much as the outdoors, which Maldivian-inspired interiors that mimic the landscape outside the rooms.
Book it: Visit the Kanuhura Maldives

Photos courtesy of Sun Resorts.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She's probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.