Lights line the dock at Cocoa Island Resort. Photos by mostamazingpicturesever.com
While Maldives has its share of luxurious beach front resorts, none compare to the beauty and serenity you enjoy while staying at the Cocoa Island Resort in the Maldives. Part of Christina Ong’s luxury hotel brand, COMO, Cocoa Island has an emphasis on relaxation, and many of its guests include honeymooners looking to escape the noise of the city. Consistently rated as one of the best resorts in Maldives, Cocoa Island is perfect for those who want to escape reality completely and indulge in the carefree lifestyle that this resort provides.
Staying at the Cocoa Island Resort in the Maldives
Beautiful day after day Photo by Andrea Zaros, flickr
Built on the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean, the rooms are inspired by local dhoni boats, adjoined by simple wooden walkways. Guests can wander along the island to find their own stretch of beach, or relax in privacy on their suite’s hidden terrace. Each of these suites has their own staircase leading into the warm waters that are shallow enough to sit down and relax in. Guests can also venture out by the spa to find some deeper water or visit the spectacular pool, and first-class spa with signature treatments that people travel far and wide to experience.
A number of rooms are available at the resort, including one bedroom villas, loft villas, dhoni suites, and dhoni loft suites. All the rooms include breakfast for guests, private terrace with direct access to the lagoon, and a separate balcony. Children are also catered for at the resort, with babysitting and kids’ menus available.
What to do in the Maldives
Crystal clear waters at Cocoa Island Resort. Photo by mostamazingpicturesever
If the relaxation lifestyle doesn’t sound appealing, the resort may still have something for you. With a number of water sports available such as scuba diving, boating, fishing, jet skiing, and sailing, you’re sure to find plenty to do. The scuba diving in particular has been rated among the best in the world due to its quiet, undisturbed waters, ensuring amazing colour close to hand. Night diving can also be experienced, where guests can encounter octopus, the bizarre frog fish, batfish, and many other sea creatures. An on-site dive centre caters to every level of experience, and gives you more than 20 dive sites to choose from. Guests can also enjoy a champagne sunset cruise while watching dolphins swim by, or head to the waterfront Como Shambhala Retreat Spa.
Where to eat
Inside one of the lofty overwater bungalows. Photo by omkararetreats.com
Guests will love the fine dining on the island at Ufaa, which includes a menu that changes daily and a range of fresh seafood and international cuisines. Dine with your feet in the sand at the main restaurant, or head to the bar for a number of fine wines, exotic cocktails, and refreshing juices. Guests can also enjoy room service and dining on their own private balcony. If all this isn’t enough, visitors can venture to the neighbouring island resort of Anantara and enjoy the Thai cuisine of Baan Huraa restaurant.
When to go and how to get there
Magical sunset over the Cocoa Islands. Photo by emai, flickr
The climate of Maldives is tropical, meaning hot, humid, and dry. However, it also has monsoon seasons. If you want to enjoy the sun as much as possible, head over between December and April, which are dry seasons. Flights are available from many major cities to Malé International Airport. The resort itself is located 40 minutes from the Malé airport by speedboat over beautiful, clear waters.
