Kanuhura

Long a favourite destination for travellers seeking the ultimate escape, the enchanting ambience of  Kanuhura is captivating. Famed for its Maldivian charm and casual barefoot-chic elegance, this all-villa private island hideaway (approximately one kilometre long and 200 metres wide) is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, in the northeast of the Maldives. Following a 40 minute seaplane flight from Male’, you will be greeted by the warm smiles and attentive service of a staff who are undeniably proud of their little piece of paradise.

A long wooden bridge leads to the 18 romantic Water Villas, set on stilts over the lagoon. Each boasts an enlarged outdoor deck and sensuous overwater bathroom, semi-open to the sky. Closer to the shoreline, the 68 Beach Villas are cool and stylish with gorgeous ocean views. Flat-screen televisions, DVD players and broadband internet access bring modern technology to your fingertips – should you feel the need to connect with the outside world!

The five Duplex Beach Villas (which consist of two individual adjoining Beach Villas) and the two Grand Beach Villas (each with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms) are ideal for families – whilst indulgent couples may well be seduced by one of the sumptuous Grand Water Villas which have a spacious bedroom, living area and expansive sundeck. Every villa, of course, has a personal Villa Host.

Being close to some of the world’s finest dive sites, snorkelling and scuba enthusiasts will no doubt make use of the excellent facilities at the PADI Dive Centre (awarded the prestigious PADI Gold Palm status). Lovers of watersports can enjoy an array of activities – and not surprisingly, Kanuhura’s huge, protected coral-free lagoon offers superb wind-surfing and catamaran sailing. There are also two floodlit tennis courts, a squash court, a large freshwater swimming pool and a children’s pool. Kids aged from 4 - 11 years will be kept busy and entertained with the kids programme.

Those in search of sheer relaxation will fall into a state of bliss at the spa, renowned for its Southeast Asian-influenced treatments. The Spa also has a fully-equipped gym and aerobics studio. Private yoga lessons are also available.

Another jewel in Kanuhura’s crown is its uninhabited neighbouring islet – Jenuhura – where by day, guests can find peace and tranquillity Robinson Crusoe-style – whilst at night, romance comes alive as magical dinners are served under the stars.

The resort’s cuisine is an imaginative affair –comprising themed buffet-style breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant, wood-fired pizzas by the pool and of course – intimate candlelit dining on the shores of the ocean in the evening.

PRICES Prices per person for 7 nights in a Beach Villa range from £936 in low season (£107 per person per night) to £1216 in high season (£147 per person per night) including breakfast and the return seaplane transfer. A minimum 7 night stay applies over Christmas and New Year. Flights from the UK from £493 (including £140 tax) with Qatar Air