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South Male Atoll, Maldives

Cocoa Island

This resort gets consistent great reviews. All rooms are over water, the swimming and snorkeling are exciting and the food is excellent.  — Mango's view

Cocoa Island is located in the Maldive Islands, each a perfect smudge of white. Here, in the quiet waters of the Indian Ocean the strongest winds are gentle breezes, and the highest points, leaning palm fronds. Each lagoon is a point of stillness, but the encircling reefs bristle with life. This private island resort is found in the less developed South Malé Atoll, a 30-minute speedboat ride from the international airport.

On the west side lies the Kandooma Channel, considered to be one of the best dive sites in the Maldives; on the other side is a quiet reef for snorkeling flanked by a curl of rockless beach which tapers into a spit of sand. This is as long as the island, disappearing with the advance of the Maldivian tide.

Rooms are inspired by dhoni boats, as used by local fishermen, adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow ocean. Each is its own discreet fiefdom. The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the watery expanse. And the bathrooms, all with double sinks, a bath and shower, share the horizon views. Room styles include 8 Dhoni Standard Suites, 9 Dhoni Loft Suites, 10 Lost Villas, 1 One-Bedroom Villa, and 2 Two-Bedroom Villas. All rooms include beds with handmade Italian linen, private sun decks with loungers and dining table, bathtub and separate shower stall, air conditioning, ceiling fan, mini-bar and snacks, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary bottled water and fresh fruit daily, satellite TV and CD player with DVDs, IDD telephone with modem port, COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities, hair dryer, private safe, resort bag, and flip flops.

At Cocoa Island, eat like a castaway - fresh lobster, caught locally, cooked in the Keralan style. Dine feet-in-the-sand at the main restaurant, Ufaa, beneath an alang-alang pavilion and huge Maldivian sky. Menus change daily, blending Indian and Sri Lankan traditions with an emphasis on seafood, tandoor and organic, locally-sourced produce. Spicing is used with a lightness of touch. Choice is always tantalizing, promising simplicity in the tropics, and sophistication for the more demanding gourmand. There is also a hotel bar, Faru, serving fine wines, exotic cocktails and energizing juices.

At Cocoa Island, recreation activities are endless, from dust-white sand between idle toes, to a warm blue sea that turns blush-pink with the falling light. Some guests find their own stretch of beach; others prefer to relax in privacy on their suite's hidden terrace, or lounge beside the resort's main swimming pool. There is a water sports center, a fully equipped Dive Center, gym with yoga facilities, and a COMO Shambhala Spa retreat offering a full range of treatments including massages, Ayurveda and facials.

The library features an extensive book collection; games are also available, which can be delivered to your suite. A hotel boutique sells a carefully edited selection of gifts as well as holiday necessities like hats and sun lotion. There is also a 24-hour concierge.

Includes: Bed & Breakfast