COMO Cocoa Island

Built in the '80s, Cocoa Island by COMO is one of the quieter resorts in the Maldives, with just 33 water bungalows. The tiny island felt nearly empty during our visit, despite being at 70-percent capacity. 

Upon arrival, we were served coconut water (out of a real coconut) and escorted to a small lobby to complete check-in paperwork. Decorated in an eco-chic style, the lobby has a stone reception desk and a traditional palm leaf roof that’s propped up by pillars of raw wood. The sleek-yet-rustic island aesthetic continues in the spa, bar, and restaurant, which are constructed almost entirely of hardwood and palm leaves.

The atmosphere is romantic and upscale, with an underlying theme of holistic wellness. Many guests pamper themselves with expensive spa treatments during the day and dress up for gourmet dinners at night. The majority of guests are honeymooners and couples.

One of the more accessible resorts in the Maldives, Cocoa Island is situated on its own private island in Kaafu Atoll, only 35 minutes from the airport by speedboat. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk across the small island at its widest point. Some guests have complained that views of nearby islands are less than idyllic, but we hardly noticed them during our visit. A staff of 150 live and work on the island year-round.

Cocoa Island has five types of water bungalows: Loft Villas, One Bedroom Villas, Dhoni Suites, Dhoni Loft Suites, and giant Como Villas with two bedrooms. The Dhoni rooms are built in the shape of dhoni boats -- the traditional vessels used by local fishermen. Every unit features a private deck with direct ocean access, a soaking tub, two showers (indoor and outdoor), iPod stereo, Nespresso machine, fully stocked minibar, and sunset views over the ocean. Freebies include Wi-Fi, bottled water, and tea. Design-wise, the rooms are tastefully simple with high ceilings, hardwood floors, white walls, colorful throw pillows, and minimal artwork.

Cocoa Island may be small, but it still offers a solid range of amenities. Highlights include a pricey spa, impressive hydrotherapy pool, fitness center, and a beachside infinity pool with drink service. The pool is long and narrow, and there are plenty of wood loungers nearby under palapas or umbrellas. An on-site reef (wading distance from the beach) is also a main attraction for snorkelers and divers. For those who don’t like to get wet, a daily fish feeding show provides ample opportunity to view aquatic life up close. Other features include a gift shop, dive center, volleyball court, badminton court, and small library with multilingual books.

Plenty of perks are available for those willing to pay extra. Guests can arrange private beach dinners, in-room spa treatments, or choose from a number of excursions (such as parasailing, snorkeling tours, or culinary trips to a local island). Freebies include twice-daily yoga classes and unlimited access to non-motorized water sports gear like snorkels, kayaks, and windsurf boards. Room service is available, but it’s not 24 hours.

It may only have four treatment rooms, but the spa at Cocoa Island still has a big wow factor thanks to a huge hydrotherapy pool, which is free for all guests. Each treatment room is located in its own hut, offering plenty of privacy. The pricey treatments are inspired by Ayurvedic Indian therapies, and guests can order everything from couple’s massages to facials.  Free yoga classes are offered twice daily in an open pavilion.

The resort has one gourmet restaurant with optional outdoor seating overlooking the infinity pool and beach.  Free breakfast is included for all guests, and upgrades to half-board (dinner) or full-board (lunch and dinner) packages are available. The restaurant has an expensive and varied menu that changes daily, and plenty of organic and vegetarian options are available. A cozy bar offers food and drink service poolside or on the beach.

Soft white sand, a shallow lagoon, and clear turquoise water make Cocoa Island’s beaches especially beautiful -- even for the Maldives. Guests can take their pick from a number of cushioned lounge chairs, and staff will keep the food and drinks flowing (for those who stay on the recliners near the pool bar). An on-site reef is a quick swim from the beach. The water temperature was perfect during our November visit -- cool enough to feel refreshing, yet warm enough to slip into without a chill. We couldn’t find a speck of trash anywhere.