The Most Unique Shades of Blue: Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives Review

Mirko La Rosa
May 26
9 min read

Overview

If I had to describe Six Senses Kanuhura in one word, it would be elemental. From the moment we stepped off the seaplane and felt the warm Maldivian breeze on our skin — barefoot, of course — we knew we had arrived somewhere different. Set across three private islands in the Lhaviyani Atoll, this resort doesn't just offer luxury; it offers freedom. Freedom from shoes, from time, from noise, from anything that doesn't belong in paradise.

What makes Kanuhura so unique — and something that truly took us by surprise — were the colors of the sea. I’ve visited many corners of the Maldives, but nowhere else have I seen this spectrum of blues. It’s as if the entire ocean were filtered through a colorist’s lens: from bright turquoise to deep cobalt, shifting hour by hour as the sun dances overhead. There’s something hypnotic about it.

We stayed in a Beach Retreat Villa, just a few barefoot steps from the sea, with a private pool that felt like it melted directly into the shoreline. Every experience here was curated with a quiet, effortless elegance — from swimming alongside nurse sharks to a serene spa ritual and a private lunch on a secluded island. Kanuhura has mastered the balance between raw nature and refined simplicity, creating a kind of barefoot luxury that feels intimate, not staged.

And yet, it's not just the natural setting that impresses. The details matter here — like the dedicated Six Senses lounge at Malé airport, where we could relax with food, drinks, and full-body calm before the 40-minute seaplane flight. Or the second-floor sunset pool, where golden hour felt like it lasted forever. It’s clear that this resort is designed for those who appreciate both beauty and soul.

This is the kind of place that whispers to you — not shouts. And after just a few days, it left a mark that felt deep and lasting.

SOMETHING ABOUT Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Tucked away in the northern reaches of the Maldives, the Lhaviyani Atoll offers a slightly more off-the-radar experience compared to the popular central atolls — and that’s exactly why it feels so special. A short 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé delivers you straight into this tranquil pocket of paradise, where some of the clearest lagoons in the Indian Ocean stretch out endlessly in every direction

Lhaviyani is known for its vivid marine life, unspoiled reefs, and less crowded waters — making it a perfect setting for both serene escapes and underwater adventures. You won’t find overdeveloped islands here. Instead, think: expansive turquoise lagoons, sandbanks you can have entirely to yourself, and islands that feel like they were made for castaway fantasies (but with chilled rosé and butler service).

One of the highlights of staying at Six Senses Kanuhura is that it spans not just one, but three private islands, including a completely untouched "picnic island" and a dreamy castaway island used for private dining and day retreats. This multi-island setup creates a sense of movement and exploration that’s rare in the Maldives — you’re not just relaxing in one spot, but discovering different corners of your own private archipelago.

The region is also a diver’s paradise, with some of the Maldives’ best dive sites close by, including drift dives, coral gardens, and places where you’re likely to encounter turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Even for non-divers like us, snorkeling and swimming with nurse sharks was an unforgettable experience — equal parts exhilarating and deeply calming.

Ultimately, Lhaviyani Atoll strikes a beautiful balance: it’s remote enough to feel exclusive, yet accessible enough to reach in under an hour. For luxury travelers who’ve “seen” the Maldives but want to feel them differently, this atoll is a hidden gem.

What we liked most

The Most Unique Shades of BlueThe sea here has a color palette I’ve never seen before in the Maldives — electric turquoise, deep indigo, soft teal — shifting constantly with the light. You can honestly lose hours just watching it change.
Private Pool Just Steps from the SandOur Beach Retreat Villa had a private pool literally a few barefoot steps from the shoreline. It felt like the pool, beach, and ocean were all one seamless, peaceful horizon.
Swimming with Nurse SharksA thrilling and surreal moment — these gentle giants glided calmly beside us in crystal-clear water. It was a reminder of how vibrant and alive this atoll truly is.
Private Lunch on a Castaway IslandImagine arriving barefoot to a deserted island where your table is set in the sand under palms, waves lapping nearby, and no one else in sight. A magical way to disconnect and be fully present.
The Rooftop Sunset PoolOne of the hidden gems of the resort: a scenic second-floor pool perfect for golden hour. Watching the sky melt into the ocean from up here felt like a movie scene.
No Shoes Policy from the StartFrom the moment you arrive, shoes come off — and don’t go back on until you leave. It’s a small detail, but it shifts your entire mindset into slow-living, grounded, effortless luxury.
The Six Senses Lounge at Malé AirportBefore even reaching the island, we were welcomed into a stylish private lounge with gourmet snacks, drinks, and space to unwind. It sets the tone for the entire stay — relaxed, well-thought, and completely taken care of.

Villas

Our home at Six Senses Kanuhura was the Beach Retreat with Pool — a sanctuary of barefoot luxury set just a few steps from the shoreline. From the moment we walked in, it was clear this villa was designed to blend natural beauty with effortless elegance. Spacious, open, and surrounded by tropical foliage, it felt like our own private hideaway on the edge of the world.

The layout is incredibly generous, with over 300 square meters of space thoughtfully divided between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity. Inside, the villa features high ceilings with exposed timber beams, calming neutral tones, and plenty of natural textures — polished wood, linen, bamboo, and soft lighting that shifts with the time of day. It’s designed to make you feel the environment, not block it out.

The bedroom faced directly toward the sea, with oversized sliding doors that let the ocean breeze and morning light flood in. Waking up to the sound of gentle waves and the sight of endless turquoise was a ritual we never got tired of. The king-sized bed was dreamy — ultra-comfortable and dressed in the softest organic cotton sheets, as expected from the Six Senses ethos.

The outdoor space was the heart of the experience. Our private pool was just a few steps from the powdery white sand and surrounded by swaying palms. Most of our downtime was spent either lounging by the pool, taking a quick dip in the ocean, or reading under the shade of the thatched gazebo. The seamless transition from villa to beach to water made it feel like the island was entirely ours.

The bathroom was another standout — oversized and indulgent, with a deep soaking tub, double vanities, and a lush garden-style outdoor shower. Showering under the open sky with the sounds of nature all around you is the kind of detail that leaves a lasting impression.

Every part of the villa emphasized privacy, comfort, and a deep connection to the natural world — exactly what you want from a Maldivian escape. But it’s the little touches — fresh coconuts waiting in the fridge, recycled glass bottles instead of plastic, a commitment to sustainability throughout — that truly elevate the Six Senses experience. It’s luxury without excess, beauty without noise.

Food and Drink

Dining at Six Senses Kanuhura is a multi-sensory journey, rooted in the resort’s sustainable philosophy but elevated with an unmistakable flair for creativity and place. Whether it was breakfast under the palms or our private lunch on a deserted island, every meal felt intentional — designed to connect us to the Maldives not just visually, but through flavor, scent, and feeling.

We started each morning barefoot at The Point, one of the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired beachfront restaurants. The breakfast spread was a celebration of freshness — tropical fruits bursting with flavor, creamy coconut yogurt, just-baked sourdough, and made-to-order egg dishes (even though I don’t eat eggs, the presentation looked beautiful). The staff always remembered our preferences after the first day, and somehow had the perfect iced latte waiting for me before I even asked.

For lunch and dinner, Six Senses offers a mix of global cuisines with a local twist, all made with fresh, organic ingredients — many of them harvested from the resort’s own garden. Their commitment to sustainability isn’t just a slogan here — it shows up on your plate, and you can taste the difference. Dishes were vibrant, colorful, and never too heavy — ideal for tropical weather.

Our most unforgettable meal was the private island lunch. The setting alone was worth the memory — a table for two shaded by palms, with white sand under our feet and the bluest water stretching in every direction. The team had prepared a bespoke seafood-focused menu: think fresh grilled fish, local vegetables, and a mango dessert that tasted like sunshine. The simplicity of the meal matched the purity of the setting, and we lingered there for hours.

There’s also a sundown tapas ritual at the Point’s rooftop bar, where we enjoyed light bites with panoramic views of the lagoon. It’s the perfect spot to watch the light change over the water, cocktail in hand, as the stars slowly start to appear.

Overall, the dining here never felt repetitive or overly formal. It was relaxed, intentional, and full of flavor. Six Senses understands that food is memory — and at Kanuhura, every bite added something to the story we were living.

Services and facilities

What truly sets Six Senses Kanuhura apart isn’t just the natural beauty of the islands — it’s the way the resort orchestrates your entire experience. From the moment you land in Malé to the final barefoot goodbye, everything feels seamless, elevated, and soulfully curated.

Arrival Experience & Lounge at Malé AirportEven before arriving at the resort, we were greeted at Malé’s international terminal and escorted to the exclusive Six Senses lounge. It's more than just a waiting area — think deep sofas, calming earth tones, healthy snacks, smoothies, Wi-Fi, and everything you need to unwind pre-seaplane. It immediately sets the tone for the barefoot luxury ahead. The 40-minute seaplane ride to Kanuhura itself is stunning — offering aerial views of the atolls, lagoons, and the stunning coral reefs below.

No Shoes, No News PhilosophyThe moment we stepped onto the island, we were invited to remove our shoes — and we didn’t put them back on until we left. This is more than just a cute policy; it changes everything. You begin to slow down, to notice textures under your feet, to feel connected to the earth and the environment in a way that only Six Senses seems to understand so deeply.

The SpaThe Six Senses Spa here is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Hidden among lush foliage, the treatment rooms are designed to feel like part of nature — open, airy, and peaceful. We chose a couples’ ritual that began with a grounding foot ceremony, followed by a full-body massage using botanical oils, and ended with a herbal tea ritual by the water. Every touch felt intentional. The therapists were incredibly skilled and intuitive — we walked out lighter, softer, and fully reset.

Pools: Besides the pool in our Beach Retreat Villa, the resort features two main pools: one at sea level near the beach, and a more scenic, elevated rooftop pool that stole the show. It became our sunset spot — watching the sky turn amber and the ocean reflect its hues from above. The view, the silence, and the perspective from this perch were unforgettable.

Water Sports & Marine ActivitiesThe diving and snorkeling opportunities here are among the best in the Maldives. But for us, the highlight was the guided swim with nurse sharks — an experience that felt surprisingly peaceful and intimate. The guides were reassuring and knowledgeable, making the encounter feel both safe and sacred.

Sustainability & Conscious LivingSix Senses always integrates sustainability in a real, visible way. From glass water bottles and composting programs, to their on-site organic garden and Earth Lab that showcases their environmental initiatives, the resort reminds you that luxury and responsibility can coexist beautifully.

Butler ServiceWe had our own GEM (Guest Experience Maker) — think of it as your personal host, concierge, and magic-maker in one. Ours was intuitive, proactive, and made everything — from surprise in-villa treats to last-minute dinner changes — completely frictionless.

Our experience

Our time at Six Senses Kanuhura felt like more than just a luxury escape — it felt like a reset. A rare kind of stay where the days unfold slowly, barefoot, with the ocean always just a few steps away. It’s the kind of place where silence isn’t empty — it’s full of meaning. Full of sky, salt, stars, and that unforgettable shade of blue that only this part of the Maldives seems to know.

What made this stay so memorable wasn’t just the design or the food or even the experiences — though all of that was exceptional. It was how the resort made us feel. Present. Grounded. Reconnected to each other, and to nature. The Beach Retreat Villa gave us privacy and calm in perfect harmony. The private island lunch felt like a scene from a dream. And swimming with nurse sharks reminded us just how magical the underwater world is when approached with respect and wonder.

Six Senses knows how to do luxury in a way that doesn’t feel heavy or overdone. It's thoughtful. Quietly polished. Intentional. There were no over-the-top gimmicks here — just real moments, created in beautiful spaces, with a team that truly understands what it means to host with heart.

Would I return? In a heartbeat.Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.For couples looking for romance, for ocean lovers chasing new blues, and for anyone in need of a beautiful pause — this is your place.

Click here to see our full experience