Inge Moore and her team at Muza Lab has completed the redesign of the Kanuhura in the Maldives, a private island retreat, taking her inspiration from the ‘gypset’ – a lifestyle that combines the unconventionality of the gypsy fused with the sophistication and speed of the jet set.
Muza Lab has redesigned the entire resort, including the 1,035sq m (11,141sq ft) Kokaa Spa, named after a local butterfly and designed to be a space of “grace and elegance.”
“In order to create a laid-back space that feels distinctly different from the predominantly Asian-styled Maldivian resorts, we designed Kanuhura to have a less-tailored atmosphere,” Moore told
Spa Opportunities. “The kokaa, an all-white butterfly native to the region, embodies the bohemian nature of ‘gypsetters’ as free-spirited nomads who roam the world and are familiar with the best of life.”
Moore used fluid fabrics and graceful shapes in the spas design, along with a calming palette of whites, soft lilacs, silvers and aged gold, which are carried through the furniture, fittings and even the therapists’ uniforms, which are linen sarongs in muted colours. The spa is built from a wood structure, which has been lime-washed along with the floors to create a light, fresh, atmosphere, along with sporadic displays of butterflies.
The spa includes nine treatment rooms and has a large reception area with retail shop, male and female changing facilities with steam and sauna, and male and female hot and cold whirlpool plunge pools with garden views.
A central relaxation zone has individual and double pods enclosed with soft curtains and a layer of sculptural butterfly screens hanging from the ceiling, as well as armchair relaxation overlooking the gardens.
Muza Lab continues the bohemian-chic vibe throughout the rest of the resort, with the arrival space taking its cue from the black-and-white sarong of the local Boduberu performers and filled with organic forms, natural materials and playful elements, along with views of the Indian Ocean.
“We found inspiration in the legends, culture and natural world of the islands – their stories, colours and sculptural forms,” said Moore. “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 two-bedroom Palm Houses, Shell Houses and suites have all been redesigned as well, along with a new Iru Beach Lounge, kids club, Dagas restaurant, Bottega Italian restaurant, Cowry Club and A Mano island kitchen.
“The concept of luxury is changing,” said Moore. “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.”
