Our opinion
The islands that surround Cocoa island offer the solitude of empty beaches
Hotel description
An unspoilt island in the South Male Atoll, Cocoa Island lies about forty minutes by speedboat from Male and is the Indian Ocean resort of the people who own Parrot Cay in the Caribbean. The island is flanked on one side by shallow waters and a quiet reef, and on the other side by the Kandoma Channel, which is considered to be one of the best dive sites in the world. The island itself has a gently shelving white sand beach and is covered with sea grapes, palms and hibiscus, and is dedicated to providing guests with ample space to relax in privacy. The excellent COMO Shambhala Retreat reflects the importance of relaxation to the resort, with its dedication to renewing the body’s energies. Located at the heart of the island, the treatment rooms have glorious views of the ocean, and couples can enjoy the double treatment room, which has an outdoor shower garden. The spa’s treatments draw upon healing traditions from Asia, using natural products from the sea and the earth, and the simple wooden buildings beautifully complement the scenery that surrounds. Cocoa Island is ideally placed for guests to enjoy some exceptional diving, and other water sports such as windsurfing and catamaran sailing are also offered. The islands that surround the hotel offer the solitude of empty beaches and can be explored by a number of trips, including beach drop-offs, dolphin and sunset cruises. Cuisine at Cocoa Island draws upon the island’s position, with an emphasis on seafood and locally-produced organic produce. Menus change daily and the food is sophisticated and exciting, blending together Indian and Sri Lankan traditions. The hotel’s main restaurant, Ufaa, has a wonderful ambience, serving meals in a charming pavilion and out in the open air, with sand beneath your feet. After dinner, you can enjoy fine wines and cocktails in the bar, to the sound of the waves crashing in the distance. Inspired by the traditional dhoni boats used by local fishermen, the suites and villas are very much in keeping with the setting and local traditions, and are built out of bleached wood. Sitting above the water, they are connected to the island by simple wooden walkways, and all have direct access to the beautiful waters of the lagoon. Cocoa Island offers serene and beautiful surroundings for a true retreat.
Location
Makunufushi, Maldives
Official star rating
no rating
Distance from airport
About 40 minutes by speedboat from Malé.
Closest airport
Malé airport.
Room types
All rooms have private bathroom with bath and shower, balcony or terrace, veranda with steps leading into the sea, air conditioning, ceiling fan, television, stereo, telephone, minibar, safe, modem port, complimentary WiFi access, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, CD/DVD player.
Type A Dhoni Suite with living area, sundeck and daybed.
Type B Dhoni Loft Suite with living area, sundeck, daybed, dining table and desk.
Type C Loft Villa with living area and outdoor shower.
Type D One-Bedroom Villa with living room, separate walk-in and outdoor showers, living room and tiki hut.
Type E Two-Bedroom Villa with two bathrooms, separate walk-in and outdoor showers, daybeds, desk, walk-in wardrobe, sitting room, tiki hut and 24-hour butler service.
Hotel facilities and services
33 rooms and villas, infinity-edge swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool facilities, gym, COMO Shambhala Retreat, library, internet access, boutique, 24-hour room service, laundry, babysitting, CD/DVD library, All-day guest lounge for early arrivals and late departures.
Water sports
Complimentary: Snorkelling equipment, windsurfing, catamarans, canoes.
Chargeable: PADI scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, boat excursions, dolphin viewing, snorkel safaris.
Land sports
Complimentary: Use of gym, daily yoga classes.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Children
Children of all ages are very welcome but you must feel comfortable with overwater accommodation. Reductions available.