Chilling like a “gypsetter”

Families and honeymoon couples now have a new place to stay with the re-opening of the newly renovated Kanuhura Maldives resort. This major refurbishment was in the hands of veteran designer Inge Moore and the London-based Muza Lab team of Caitlin Miller and Nathan Hutchins, who have come up with new layouts of new spaces, larger guest villas, F&B outlets and amenities.
The design combines the unconventionality of the gypsy fused with the sophistication and speed of the jet-set to make the resort rich in bohemian spirit and an unconventional, chic and enticingly laid-back atmosphere. 
“Inge Moore and Muza Lab design team took the inspiration from the legends, culture and natural world of the islands – their stories, colours and sculptural forms,” says Robert Hauck, general manager of Kanuhura Maldives. 

“By bringing these influences into the experience of Kanuhura, we have created a sense of free-spirited timelessness and wellbeing where guests can escape from their normal lives and find a place to create their own special memories with family and friends.” 
The lobby is inspired by the black-and-white sarong worn by local Boduberu performers and its monochromatic palette contrasts beautifully with the soft colours of sea and sand. 
The Boduberu Lounge, situated on a jetty built over the water, is filled with organic forms and natural materials, playful elements, creature comforts and, of course, views of the Indian Ocean. It is decorated with lime-washed timber beams and timber floors, giving it a contemporary in feel while highlighting the lovely local thatching to the roof. 
There are oversized wicker armchairs, poufs, black- and-white textured upholstery and beaded lights that resemble large jellyfish. The custom-designed kitchen counter allows guests to enjoy delicious welcome drinks such as cocktails served in fresh coconuts. 
Comfortable and homey, the Palm Houses give uninterrupted views towards the ocean from a colour palette inspired by the palms. The bedrooms flow onto the garden terrace outside with the bed centred on this outdoor view, while the crisp white bed linen, white painted walls and lime-washed teak are juxtaposed with a rattan textured feature wall and vividly coloured upholstery on the poufs and cushions. 

The Shell Houses are truly for the sophisticated castaway offering larger bedrooms and a separate social library area. Their bathrooms have indoor showers next to a floor opening, allowing guests to shower while watching the fish below. In the outdoor courtyard, a feature bath creates the perfect place to bathe under the stars. The Shell Houses have large terraces outside the bedroom with ocean views all the way to the far horizon and nets with large, fluffy cushions over the ocean.  
The one, two and three-bedroom suites have additional features to the typical villas. The Grand Water Pool Villas have infinity pools directly over the sea, while the Grand Beach Pool and Retreat Family Beach Pool Villas have large, shared living quarters and extended-sized pools. Turquoise and blues provide a vibrant accent. 
“The concept of luxury is changing,” designer Moore says. “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. So with Kanuhura, we loved translating the values that bring happiness to sophisticated, well-travelled Gypsetters into experiences designed to elevate their sophisticated, free-spirited souls.”
Find out more at www.Kanuhura.com.