Cocoa Island Maldives Holiday

Introduction

Just as fashionable with the cognoscenti as its sister hotel, Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos, Cocoa Island is the centrepiece of an island that takes about 10-minutes to circumnavigate. To the south lies one of the world’s best dive sites, whilst on the other side is a tranquil reef tailor-made for snorkelling. Indeed, Cocoa Island is all about living life close to the water, even its architecture a truly creative reflection of its island setting.

Cocoa Island is located in South Male atoll in the Maldive Islands. This is the undisturbed archipelago where centuries of tides have sifted porcelain-fine sands into a dazzling, cushion-soft white.

On Cocoa’s fringe grow wild sea grapes, hibiscus and palms. Diving is among the best here in the world with two private house reefs.

Rooms are inspired by local dhoni boats in bleached wood with alang-alang roofs. They are reached via planked walkways stretching out into the lagoon. From your platform bed, watch fishermen traverse the cerulean sea.

There is a COMO Shambhala Retreat offering yoga and Asian-inspired treatments, dedicated to renewing body and soul.

Images courtesy of COMO Hotels 

Overview

Accommodation

Dhoni Suites feature a split level bedroom with a King-size or Twin beds. The spacious living area leads onto a private sundeck with 2 chaise lounges and a dining table. From your sundeck you can enjoy direct access to the lagoon. The bathroom contains a single vanity unit with separate bathtub, shower stall and WC. Exclusive in-room features include complimentary WiFi, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary beach bag with flip flops and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities.

Dhoni Loft Suites have an expansive living area with vaulted ceilings surrounded by full length glass windows on three sides, offering unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean. A staircase leads to the loft, fitted with a King-sized bed and ensuite WC. A larger bathroom can be found on the lower level containing a double vanity unit, separate bathtub, shower stall and WC. From your private sundeck you have direct access to the turquoise lagoon. Exclusive in-room features include complimentary WiFi, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary beach bag with flip flops and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities.

Featuring Cocoa Island’s restrained yet elegant style, created by Singaporean architect Cheong Yew Kwan, Loft Villas offer a spacious living area with full-length windows overlooking the magnificent Indian ocean. From the living area you have access to the private sundeck. The loft is fitted with a King-sized bed and ensuite WC. The main bathroom features a double vanity unit, separate bathtub, shower stall, WC and a secluded outdoor shower with steps into the sea. Exclusive in-room features include complimentary WiFi, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary beach bag with flip flops and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities.

The One Bedroom Villa is reached via a private entrance deck. Inside the villa Cheong Yew Kwan’s design creates a calming space of simple elegance. Furnishings and materials are of the highest standard, including handmade Italian linen. The bedroom features a comfortable King-sized bed and an ensuite bathroom with double vanity unit, WC, island bath, separate walk-in shower and outdoor shower. The spacious living room leads to the private sundeck and bale, from where you have direct access to the ocean. Exclusive in-room features include complimentary WiFi, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary beach bag with flip flops and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities.

The Two Bedroom Villas offer utmost privacy and seclusion. Designed by Cheong Yew Kwan, villas feature clean-lined, airy interiors in a sophisticated, contemporary style. A King-size and a Twin bedded room each have an ensuite bathroom with double vanity unit, WC, island bath, separate walk-in shower, outdoor shower and private sundeck. The spacious living room offers stunning views of the turquoise lagoon through full-length windows. A private bale can be reached via a planked walkway and is ideal for private dining or relaxing. Exclusive in-room features include complimentary WiFi, satellite TV and DVD player, complimentary beach bag with flip flops and COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities.

Restaurants and Bars

As with all COMO Hotels and Resorts, cuisine is considered a crucial element of the guest experience.

The restaurant is called Ufaa, meaning 'happy' in Maldivian. Ufaa serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. An All day dining menu is also available.

Guests can benefit from COMO Shambhala cuisine, designed to maximise energy and wellbeing with the use of organic foods rich in living enzyme, vitamins and sea minerals.

Recreation

Diving in the Maldives is rated among the best in the world. Cocoa Island is located in a quiet atoll where the waters are undisturbed, ensuring extraordinary colour close to hand. The team of staff – all PADI instructors, who can teach courses for all levels, from beginner to specialty certifications up to Divemaster  in English, Japanese, German & French – have in-depth knowledge of local waters, the coral reefs, wrecks and seasonal highlights.

All divers are required to hold an International SCUBA diving license. It is recommended to bring along the logbook as well.  In addition, divers may have to take part in an orientation dive as part of Maldivian regulations. Safety at Cocoa is considered absolutely paramount.

Fishing has traditionally been carried out from every inhabited island of the Maldives, with fish being an integral part of Maldivian diet; it is also their heritage, and for many, their current livelihood. Working the reefs that adorn the atolls, large reef fish such as, Grouper, Wahoo, Giant & Bluefin Trevally, Red Snapper and Dog Tooth Tuna are the prize catches in both Trolling and Casting. Experience the thrill or frustration of fighting true champion of the reef, but don’t always expect to be a winner.

Alternatively, cruise around the water of the South Malé atoll on a speedboat, watching dolphins at play and flying fish skirt across the water. Your dedicated crew will be pleased to serve you wine or champagne and a gourmet antipasto platter at around sunset.

Spa

COMO Shambhala Retreat at Cocoa Island is a dedicated centre of renewal for guests of this private island resort in the Maldives. The location is perfectly peaceful, where the quiet Maldivian sea washes over sand, massaging the mind and soothing the spirit.

There is an open-air yoga pavilion located on the sunrise side of the island’s powder-white beach. Treatment rooms are simple wooden beach houses with private shower gardens and Jacuzzis. They include a pavilion designed for couples.

There is a comprehensive relaxation area with day beds, and swings and hammocks in the shadow of palms. Steam areas are available for men and women, and there is a substantial hydrotherapy pool. Treatments are based on Asian traditions.

In the Maldives, the Ayurvedic system of health so dominant in South India, is keenly felt, with therapeutic massage rituals long forming a key part of daily life. The Retreat also offers more conventional beauty treatments, including Guinot facials and deluxe manicures and pedicures. The gym is fully stocked with weights and cardio equipment.

In addition, all menus at Cocoa Island feature the energising and highly nutritious options developed by COMO Shambhala to complement the physical and mental experience of this infinitely private haven for peace, solitude and increased wellbeing.

Essential Information

Weather

The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoon seasons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F).

Passports and Visas

If you are a British tourist, you are eligible to obtain a tourist visa for up to 30 days on arrival in Maldives, provided you hold a valid ticket to continue your journey out of Maldives and have enough funds to cover your stay. Staying longer than 30 days without the proper authority is an offence.

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Health

For up-to-date health advice for Maldives, please consult your GP.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.

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