Six Senses Kanuhura, Maldives

Kanuhura has long been an iconic luxury resort in the Maldives. The island's recent re-branding and renovation by Six Senses aimed to breathe new life into this beloved property, but the transition has had some growing pains.

The expansive island still retains much of its natural beauty, with stunning beaches, lush interior greenery and an impressive lagoon. However, the construction of the ultra-modern Retreats and The Point on the Northern part of the island has disrupted some of the established landscaping, leaving portions feeling stark as the new vegetation matures.

The contrasting accommodation types highlight the stylistic shift underway. The original beach villas and suites maintain their traditional Maldivian flair that repeaters will find comfortingly familiar. We especially loved the sprawling two-bedroom options - perfect for families and friends.

In contrast, the new Retreats showcase a stunning yet severe modern architectural style aimed squarely at European sensibilities. The sleek, brutalist geometry is a bold departure from Six Senses' typical organic aesthetic. Curiously, only the overwater villas position beds to actually face the ocean views.

The dining scene was still very much a work in progress on our visit. Highlights included the excellent Spanish cuisine at The Point under chef Manuel's direction, and a superb casual lunch on the idyllic sandbank island Drift, but limitations and inconsistency persisted elsewhere. Overall, the culinary experience has not yet reached the lofty standards expected of Six Senses.

The recreational amenities largely deliver as anticipated. The chic rooftop bar and pool at The Point provide an ultra-luxe social centre. And the diverse land/water offerings - updated fitness areas, spacious boutiques, quality water sports, tennis/squash courts, and elaborate kids clubs - cover all the requisite luxury resort bases. The spa was the primary facility that felt somewhat dated and underwhelming compared to the heavy investments made elsewhere. The Earth Lab showcases Six Senses' sustainability ethos.

Unifying the contrasting design aesthetics and resolving the operational inefficiencies across the resort will be key priorities as Kanuhura fully embraces the Six Senses brand philosophy. The fundamentals are there, but the iconic island has not quite recaptured its luxury aura and distinctive sense of place. Yet.

For loyal guests and newcomers alike, Kanuhura represents an intriguing glimpse at an acclaimed brand rejuvenating one of the Maldives' most storied resort destinations. While not a complete remodel just yet, the promise is visible behind the transition still in progress.

To read more detailed assessments see our trip review blog post.