In the turquoise waters of the Maldives, COMO Cocoa Island, known locally as Makunufushi, is located among South Malé’s beautiful coral atolls. It offers an intimate escape, perfect for couples and honeymooners seeking a blend of serene luxury and romance. Known for its understated elegance, gorgeous beaches, and peaceful charm, this resort promises an unforgettable experience. Lisa Curtiss, LLM’s own Maldives expert, travelled there recently to discover more.
Hotel
Located just a 40-minute luxury speedboat ride from the international airport, guests benefit from not having to wait for hours for a seaplane – a most welcome benefit when you’ve been travelling all night and more. As the boat approaches, the island’s pristine beaches and lush greenery come into view, hinting at the serene experience that awaits.
The island is very small compared to many Maldives resorts, which gives it a calm, intimate, and peaceful vibe. You can walk around the whole resort in just 15 to 20 minutes – everything is conveniently close to hand. There are no bikes tearing around, no buggies even, just friendly and attentive staff passing by, always with the traditional Maldivian greeting of a hand over the heart and a warm and genuine smile.
COMO Cocoa Island specialises in is its attentive and thoughtful service. The staff, discreet yet attentive, are dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and well cared for. From personalised wellness consultations to bespoke excursions, the team at COMO Cocoa Island goes above and beyond to create a memorable and fulfilling experience.
Room
COMO Cocoa Island offers a variety of accommodations designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each villa and suite exudes a sense of refined simplicity, with clean lines, neutral tones, and high-quality materials.
The loft-style overwater villas are the epitome of romantic luxury. These spacious villas feature a split-level design with a living area on the lower level and a bedroom on the mezzanine. Large windows and glass doors allow natural light to flood the space, providing stunning views of the lagoon from every angle. The private sundecks, equipped with loungers and direct access to the ocean, offer the perfect spot for sunbathing or enjoying the sunset. They are so gorgeously designed you’ll want to recreate the layout and design back home in the UK.
Inspired by traditional Maldivian fishing boats, overwater retreats Dhoni loft suites feature private sundecks, plunge pools, and direct access to the ocean. The interiors are designed with relaxation in mind, offering a comfortable seating area, a king-size bed, and a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower.
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the COMO villas offer unparalleled privacy and space. These expansive villas include multiple bedrooms, a large living area, a private pool, and direct beach access. The design is both practical and stylish, with a focus on comfort and convenience.
Food and drink
Dining at COMO Cocoa Island is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and innovative techniques.
The resort’s restaurant, Ufaa, serves a mix of Maldivian, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes. The menu changes daily, ensuring a variety of flavours and fresh ingredients. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating that overlooks the pool area.
Located next to Ufaa by the pool, Faru Bar offers a more casual dining experience. Here, guests can enjoy light lunchtime bites, refreshing cocktails, and stunning sunset views. The bar’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a popular spot for relaxing after a blissful day spent diving, snorkelling, enjoying the spa, or walking on the pretty sandbank spotting baby sharks and turtles swim by.
For those seeking a personalised dining experience, COMO Cocoa Island offers private dining options. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner on the beach or a romantic meal in the privacy of your villa, the resort’s team can arrange a bespoke dining experience tailored to your preferences.
To do
COMO Cocoa Island may be tiny, but it is still a haven for both relaxation and adventure. The island’s house reef, teeming with vibrant marine life, is perfect for snorkelling and diving. The resort’s PADI-certified dive centre offers a range of courses and guided dives, allowing guests to explore some of the best dive sites in the Maldives.
For those who prefer to stay above the water, the resort offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Guests can also enjoy a sunset cruise with canapés and champagne.
The resort’s COMO Shambhala Retreat provides a tranquil setting for holistic therapies, including massages, facials, and body treatments. The retreat also offers daily yoga and meditation classes, allowing guests to find their inner peace amidst the island’s natural beauty. There’s an amazing, not to mention, stunning, huge hydro pool, perfect to relax in after snorkelling or diving all day, or to take some time out of the strong Maldives sun and relax in the shade here and daydream away.
For those seeking to stay active, the resort features a fully equipped gym and a range of fitness classes. Guests can also enjoy guided nature walks and cultural excursions, providing a well-rounded experience of the Maldives.
In a nutshell
Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, or a serene retreat, COMO Cocoa Island is a perfect choice. It is a place where luxury meets romance, and where every moment is designed to create lasting memories. It really is a most special place.
Factbox
Address: COMO Cocoa Island, Makunufushi, South Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Phone: +960 664 1818
Email: cocoaisland@comohotels.com
Website: comohotels.com
