Every island in the Maldives has its own personality.
One of the things we love most about the Maldives is that no two islands are the same.
After a week of surf in Laamu, we drifted north with two spectacular seaplane flights to Six Senses Kanuhura in Lhaviyani Atoll. The change of pace was immediate.
There’s no surf here. Instead, you’re greeted by one of the biggest, whitest beaches we’ve seen anywhere in the Maldives, wrapped around a vast turquoise lagoon with soft sand underfoot. It’s the sort of place where time slows down without you even noticing.
The water is almost impossibly clear. Perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking or simply floating around doing very little. Beneath the surface, though, it’s a different story. Turtles glide through the lagoon, while Lhaviyani’s 40-plus dive sites are home to grey reef sharks, colourful coral gardens and an endless parade of tropical fish.
Like Rottnest Island, everyone gets around on bikes. Thankfully, the Maldives also happens to be the lowest-lying country on Earth, so there’s not a hill in sight. No e-bike required.
We’ve also been lucky with a constant sea breeze. Thirty-degree tropical days could feel pretty oppressive without it, but the trade winds keep everything surprisingly comfortable.
One of the highlights was escaping by boat for lunch on a deserted island. Just the four of us, blinding white sand, crystal-clear water and not another soul in sight. Those are the moments that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags.
What continues to impress us about Six Senses is their genuine commitment to sustainability. Organic gardens and a hydroponic farm supply much of the produce served across the resort, while a new solar and battery system is being installed that will reduce diesel consumption by around 60 per cent. Like their sister properties, environmental initiatives here feel thoughtful and woven into everyday life rather than simply ticking a box.
This is now our third year returning to the Maldives, and it keeps drawing us back. The water really is this blue. The people really are this welcoming. And escaping an Australian winter for bath-warm water never gets old.
See more photos and reels from our stay at Six Senses Kanuhura on Instagram here, here and here.
