COMO Cocoa Island, The Maldives

COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate private island in the Maldives, located among South Malé’s sandy atolls, 40 minutes by speedboat transfer from the international airport. The resort possesses an impressive house reef wrapped in white beaches and turquoise waters, with a long sandbank extending into the ocean. The lagoon is crystal-clear near the villas, and rich with sea-life. The easygoing spirit is enhanced by natural lolling palms, and the elegance of COMO Cocoa Island’s individual villas which are reached by wooden walkways. Natural materials permeate the clean-lined, airy interiors, with high raftered ceilings and glossy teak flooring. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening up to a private deck for slipping in and out of the water, interior and exterior beauty merge. Ufaa, the resort’s restaurant, serves Mediterranean and Indian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local produce and seafood, while Faru Bar is one of the best places to watch the famous Maldivian sunset. Guests can also benefit from Shambhala Cuisine, designed to maximise energy and wellbeing with raw, unprocessed foods brought together in lively, flavourful combinations. The spa and wellness retreat also offers rebalancing treatments, massages and facials, delivered in rustic treatment bales with ocean views. Diving is also available with an on-site dive centre offering PADI certification, as well as sunset cruises, fishing and island hopping. For guests content with doing very little, just snorkelling the lagoon is full of new encounters — and proves especially popular with children and honeymooning couples. Also at guests' disposal are a fully equipped gym, hydrotherapy pool, Pilates studio, and yoga pavilion.