Can we please take a bow and say thank you to this amazing gentleman who discovered this paradise? Discovered 30 years ago by German Playboy photographer Eric Klemm, Cocoa Island by COMO was literally a deserted island before it was transformed into the unique haven it is today.
Located in the South Male Atoll, it is owned by Christina Ong who's behind many prestigious hotels such as London's Metropolitan and Halkin hotels. In fact, word is that the likes of Bruce Willis, Matt Damon and Donna Karan love holidaying here.
And here's why: The best in barefoot luxury, hiding among groves of palms and dotted with hammocks beside the Indian Ocean, this resort somehow manages to merge modern comforts with nature and all that is natural.
The villas inspired by local dhoni boats in bleached wood with kajan roofs are moored to a long wooden walkway stretching out into the lagoon. The dhoni-boat accommodation is firmly planted to the ocean floor so that the waves gently lap at your balcony, lulling and soothing as you recline with a book or sip a drink on the private deck. From Dhoni Suites to Loft Suites and COMO Villas, each has a spacious living area and direct access to the lagoon and sea. It's no wonder that this resort was named among the Top 25 hotels in the world by TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards.
How would you like to master the art of doing nothing? Sounds like exactly what you need right now to get away from it all? Well this might just be the place for you and yours. Picture-perfect and private; not a place for screaming kids, but children are certainly welcome. It's the best honeymoon and romance destination you will find. There's nothing to do here, but rest, we know it sounds like heaven on earth and it almost is...
Cocoa Island's diving is amongst the best in world. It lays claim to two private House Reefs and the Dive Centre gives you access to 25 dive sites nearby. Enjoy House Reef Diving with a guide, Night Diving, Snorkeling and all the underwater pleasures imaginable.
Be amazed as Stingrays, Sharks and Turtles reveal themselves to you in one swim.... There's also Catamaran Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking and Sunset Fishing, besides.
Spark some romance with a private picnic on an island or sandbank, a sunset cruise to watch the dolphins or luxury sail that many can only dream of.
This is the reason that romance lives on in the Maldives...
European dishes, and a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan traditions with a focus on fresh local seafood and produce is what you will get at the "Ufaa" Restaurant. This is where you can indulge in exotic tastes to be remembered forever.
COMO Shambhala dining makes healthy eating a pleasure. Try their vegetarian selections for something different.
And for those terrific thirst quenchers, the Faru Bar adjacent to the pool and leading directly to the beach is the place to visit.
Then there's always the Private Dining option to wow that special someone. Be it a tented dinner, softly lit by lanterns, or a sandbank dinner orchestrated to perfection with a five-course menu and a personal butler, nothing could be more extraordinary...
And this is why Cocoa Island is romance-central. It's worry-free, luxurious and oh! so private. This is the place to be the celebrity you always wanted to be...
The food at Cocoa Island is "splendid" says many a guest. A mix of eclectic flavors makes its way to your table at this gorgeous destination.
The Spa Restaurant serves up healthy food inspired by South Indian Flavors. The best of Seafood and organic vegetables are to be found here. Eat healthy, live healthy and enjoy a healing holiday.
Cocoa Island is known for the COMO Shambhala Retreat dedicated to relaxation and recognized at the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Spa Awards 2012.
Experience healing traditions from Asia, with natural therapies sourced from the sea and earth. All this is coupled with yoga tuition for total mind and body relaxation.
