COMO COCOA ISLAND

Fresh from a renovation, COMO Cocoa Island is an easy speedboat ride from the capital Malé. One of the Maldives’ original luxury resorts, this much-loved and idyllic little island packs in a wealth of wellness amenities, two wonderful house reefs and a spread of truly sophisticated, beautifully understated timber-framed overwater villas.

LOCATION

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The resort, a 40-minute speedboat ride from the airport, occupies a diminutive island abutted by a sandbank that stretches to 800 metres at low tide. Alongside the customary colourful fish, its two house reefs house squid, eagle rays and (harmless) blacktip sharks; over 20 dive sites are within 30 minutes of the resort.

ACCOMMODATION

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Remodelled by Singapore’s Lekker Architects, Cocoa Island’s 34 overwater villas extend from cute Dhoni Water Villa cabins shaped like traditional Maldivian boats to expansive retreats with private pools. Constructed almost completely of wood, soothingly finished in whites and enlivened perhaps with simple bouquets of greenery, they are understated, sophisticated and, in my opinion, among the most beautiful villas in the Maldives.

Beds are comfortable, linen top quality, bathtubs are freestanding. 

FACILITIES

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There's just 1 restaurant and 1 bar here at Cocoa Island - and that is part of the allure of the resort. All is very low key and intimate and the quality is extraordinary. The COMO Shambhala Spa is one of the best in Maldives.