Cocoa Island Resort, Maldives

There is little wonder why photographer Eric Klemm fell in love with and built a B&B on the then-deserted island in the eighties; stretching a mere 10-minute walk long and two-minute walk wide, Cocoa Island is all about pristine castor sugar-fine sand, sparkling aquamarine  waters, snorkelling wonderlands and a globally renowned chic boutique to match. Sitting somewhere between NY loft Meets Maldivian boathouse style, the interiors scream understated class, glamour and a good measure of romance thrown in. Expect sleek teak finishes, high thread count baby-soft linens, culinary treats and reliably inviting waters.

Known locally as Makunufushi, Cocoa Island is located among South Malé’s coral atolls. From the international airport at Malé it is just a 40-minute speedboat ride

With an abundance of azure warm waters and powdery white sand around there are plenty of spot to pitch a quiet spot for the day. And for surf seekers, the outer reef offers clean waves and are best
between February and October, peaking between March and August

For a side of man-made decadence, take a dip in the white pebbled edged freshwater infinity pool complete with poolside bar service and parasol shaded recliners; all you need is a little sunblock and a berry banana cinnamon scented smoothie and a cocktail in between

Pool, spa with steam room and hydrotherapy pool, yoga pavilion, free Wi-Fi internet access throughout the resort, gym, complimentary use of non-motorised water sports equipment, boutique, CD, DVD and book library, foreign exchange, concierge service, accredited PADI dive centre

A total of 33 suites and villas (Dhoni Suites, Dhoni Loft Suites, Loft Villas, One Bedroom Villas, COMO Villas)
In all suites (king or twin beds with handmade Italian linen, private sundeck with loungers and dining table, bathtub and separate shower, air conditioning and antique colonial ceiling fan, mini bar and snacks, coffee/tea making facilities, Lavazza Espresso machine, bottled water and fresh fruit daily, 42” LCD/plasma satellite TV, DVD player, IDD telephone, COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities, hairdryer, electronic in-room safe, WiFi and high speed Internet access, umbrella, beach bag and flip-flops, iPod docks)

0200PM / NOON

Ufaa – meaning happy in Divehi, offers heritage Malabar Coast tandoor flavours and Southeast Asian inspired numbers in an effortlessly chic open-air thatched setting. With options like exotic fruit with home-made yoghurt, home-made banana bread, waffles, crispy bacon pancakes at sunrise and masala spiced freshly caught whole lobster cooked in the tandoor with lemon pickle, mint raita and lacha salad at sundown, what’s not to be happy about?  Of course, signature COMO Shambhala Spa Cuisine is also available. 
In-suite and villa dining – also available should you be feeling a tad languorous
Faru – stirs and blends refreshing island inspired cocktails and energy powered organic juices all day

Personalised butlers (COMO villas only)

Experience the calm-inducing philosophy of COMO Shambhala Retreat through Yoga, Ayurveda and various holistic therapies. There are daily complimentary sundown (except Monday) Yoga sessions in the peaceful open-air Yoga pavilion. If you haven’t tried an Ayurvedic massage now is the time for a Shirodhara, a relaxing all oil body massage finished with a gentle flowing stream of oil over the forehead - sublime! There are also steam rooms and hydrotherapy pools

If we didn’t know better this resort must have been with honeymooners and couples only in mind

The resort and its heavenly island offers perfect sunset settings for a ceremonial wedding; just remember the nuptial isn’t  recognised under Maldivian law so you will need to complete the formal paper work back at home

Children are welcome and children menus are available but no kids’ club; babysitting (on request with 24 hour notice)

The resort actively collaborates with the Marine Research Centre, Maldives to ensure the natural legacy of local marine life is maintained and conserved. This involves continued monitoring and sharing data that is collected on fish and coral species, their size, numbers and the depth they are found.