Cocoa Island, Maldives

Overview

Cocoa knows how to indulge its guests: the COMO Shambhala Retreat is dedicated to renewing the body’s energies, overseen by master therapists and a resident yoga teacher. Suites are inspired by local dhoni boats, reached via walkways stretching out into the lagoon, and each with foot-in-the-sea sundecks; their clean-lined, and white interiors reminiscent of a Hamptons beach house. Activities include scuba diving, canoeing and fishing, although those seeking nothing more than sun can head straight for the infinity-edge swimming pool or white-sand beach. Dine feet-in-the-sand at the main restaurant, Ufaa, beneath a Kajan pavilion and Maldivian sky.

Accommodation: 33 Suites and Villas.

Prices from £2,795 per person

Price for 7 nights, Dhoni Suite, breakfast. Includes Economy flights and transfers. Flight and room upgrades available on request. Transfer-40 minutes by speedboat from Male Airport.

Accommodation

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. From your room, walk out on to a private terrace; from your terrace, slip into the warm Maldivian sea.

The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the watery expanse. The bathrooms, all with double sinks, a bath and shower, share the horizon views.

Restaurants & Bars

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 tantalising, promising simplicity in the tropics, and sophistication for the more demanding gourmand. A vast vegetarian choice is always available. Even babies are well catered for with freshly prepared, delectable purees and mini-meals.

There is also a hotel bar, Faru, serving fine wines, exotic cocktails and energising juices, as well as a healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine.

Recreation

Diving in the Maldives is rated among the best in the world. Cocoa Island is located in a quiet atoll where the waters are undisturbed, ensuring extraordinary colour close to hand. There is an on-site dive centre staffed by PADI certified instructors catering to every level of experience. You can rent equipment, enrol on PADI sanctioned diving courses, visit the house reef or take part in night dives. Boat dives visit more than 20 different dive sites in the area.

You can also go deep-sea fishing, or partake in watersports off the beach, such as windsurfing or catamaran sailing.

Others will prefer to find their own stretch of beach, relax in privacy on their suite's hidden terrace or lounge beside the resort’s main swimming pool.

COMO Shambala Spa

On offer at COMO Shambhala are healing traditions from Asia with natural therapies from the sea and earth, honed by international health consultants, in a place where wellness is nurtured in simple wooden beach houses.

This holistic approach is coupled with expert yoga tuition, which includes week-long retreat weeks led by world-renowned specialists. Coupled with the signature health-giving cuisine, you will feel the benefit of a complete return to real wellbeing.

Perfect For...

• Luxury Spa holidays
• Watersports
• Beach Holidays
• Fishing
• Diving