The 26 natural atolls, which make up the Maldives, contain some 1200 coral islands, infinite sandbanks and reefs that stretch 820 kilometers across the equator from North to South, and 120 kilometers East to West. Covering a total area of 90,000 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean, only 200 of these islands is inhabited, while an additional 90 have been converted into resorts.

One & Only Kanuhura, Maldives, opened in February 2000, is a luxurious five star hotel, offering the highest standard of accommodation, service and culinary experience. Accommodation is in villas either on the island’s coral sand fringe or in a little village on stilts at the end of a wooden pier. Close by are some of the world’s best diving sites, with the outer reef dropping down nearly two thousand metres. Only one third of the island surface has been used for buildings, leaving a feel of spaciousness and tropical slendour. Kanuhura offers a choice of pure relaxation, or for the more sports oriented, an active holiday experience. It is home to the largest state of the art spa in the Maldives, the first disco and an excellent kids club, along with some of the world’s best diving, as the outer reef here drops to 2000m.

On a kilometre-long island on the eastern of the Lhaviyani atoll, this attractive luxury hotel dedicates itself to offering a very high standard of beach and Overwater villa and suite accommodation – all in a relaxing environment where the skilful use of local water sports and spa facilities are the ingredients of a very special welcome and hospitality. The island is blessed with white powder beaches, coconut and palm trees, and crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. To ensure that every guest is made to feel extra special, personal villa hosts are assigned to cater to all their needs.

108 Garden, Beach and water Villas, 5 Beach Duplex Villas, 2 Beach Suites and 2 water Suites – all offering very spacious accommodation. The pretty villas and suites blend in with their natural surroundings, so as not to detract from the riot of tropical colour, with thatched roofs and private gardens outside and rich dark wooden furniture and stone baths within. They use natural materials throughout, are appointed with quality timber furniture, and feature air-conditioning, four poster bed, private verandah, natural stone free-shaped bathtub (shower in Garden Villas). Outdoor shower deliver an extra touch of the tropics, some with the water spilling from the mouth of a quirky carved stone effigy, minibar, television and CD player, stereo system and safe. Duplex Villas consist of two villas joined together with a private garden – ideal for families. Families can share two connecting villas for maximum space and luxury. Strung out on a wooden jetty in the lagoon like a little village are the Water Villas, set over the water on stilts, where you fall asleep each night to the ocean’s own lullaby.
The Resort has a large fresh water swimming pool, volleyball area, 2 floodlit tennis courts, an air-conditioned squash court, table tennis, and games room, library, and a lifestyle boutique. A tennis/squash instructor is available as a playing partner or for coaching sessions. Guests can also enjoy darts, table soccer and billiards in the games room, or just relax with a cozy read in the library. The Lava Lounge has state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, which makes the room ideal for karaoke, conferences and presentations. Music and video CDs are also available at reception for in-villa use.
The resort of Kanuhura boasts the Maldives biggest spa “Veyoge Spa” – pronounced “vay-yo-gay”, which means “Bath House for Royalty” in Dhivehi (the national language).
A diverse range of treatments, and a comprehensive array of facilities within beautifully designed wooden interiors, provide guests with a sanctuary for relaxation and overall body care. Offering a complete selection of treatments, such as aromatherapy, reflexology, Thai and Indonesian massages, herbal scrubs, facial & hair treatments, steam sauna, dry sauna, hot and cold plunge pools. Signature massages like the Manawa and Maldivian Theyo Dhemun is a “must-try”. In addition, the Spa’s beauty salon features the famous Bastien’s pedicure from France. The spa also has a fully equipped fitness centre, aerobics studio, spa boutique, and separate steam bath, dry sauna, cold plunge pools, and Jacuzzis, for ladies and gentlemen.
Sun Dive Center – Lhaviyani Atoll is known for its stunning underwater fauna and marine life, offering some of the best diving sites in the world. Over 40 dive sites, including 2 shipwrecks and a manta point are accessible within minutes from the Resort. The PADI
Gold Palm certified dive centre offers newcomers a first-class introduction to diving and unique excursions for experienced divers. Nitrox diving is also available.

Thin Rah main restaurant with themed menus. Olive tree a la carte Mediterranean restaurant specialising in fresh pasta and offers Mediterranean cuisine and a wide selection of fine wines, grilled seafood and steaks. Classic tropical island dinning by the sea at Beachfront Veli Cafe for lunch barbecue dinner (Halfboard guests receive daily US$30 dinner credit). On private, “Robinson Crusoe” island Jehunhura, provides al fresco lunch with your feet in the sand. Enjoy cool drinks, cocktails and snacks all day at the Handuvaru bar. At night indulge in your favourite cocktail; enjoy soft music entertainment, liqueurs and cigars at the Havana Lounge with piano music and fine wines. Or dance the night away at the discreetly sited Nashaa Club.

The island setting is breathtaking and provides a beautiful, tropical backdrop for a world of easygoing elegance, blissfully free of schedules, routines and cares. One & Only Kanuhura is possibly one of the most romantic settings in the world. Resort Weddings coordinators are at hand to make arrangements specific to the couple’s requests and preferences. It should be noted that this is a ceremonial, rather than legal wedding: couples exchange vows in front of a Maldivian master of ceremonies and celebrate with the feast of their choice.

Tropical in climate with two significant seasons – the north-east monsoon (from December to March) is light and fairly dry, while the south-west monsoon (from June to November) occasionally brings brief downpours followed by sunshine. Prices from £1,788 per person…