Inge Moore's Muza Lab designs a ‘paradise for free spirits’ at Kanuhura Maldives
– Inge Moore
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’ – people who enjoy the unconventionality of a nomadic lifestyle "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 CLAD. “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.”
Inge Moore Muza Lab Kanuhura Maldives spa design gypset
Inge Moore: Let's make spa and gym design more fun
Inge Moore and The Gallery create glamorous new interiors for JW Marriott's Grosvenor House
Inge Moore completes magical, nature-inspired safari lodge in Botswana
FEATURE: Spa people – Inge Moore
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
