Review of COMO Cocoa Island

COMO Cocoa Island stands out as one of the Maldives’ most exclusive and intimate luxury resorts, offering just 33 overwater villas set amidst the pristine serenity of South Malé Atoll. Conceived by acclaimed Singaporean architect Cheong Yew Kuan and thoughtfully refurbished in 2019, this boutique escape epitomizes the barefoot luxury for which the Maldives is celebrated. Guests are greeted by a vibrant house reef, immaculate white sand beaches lined with palms, and the signature azure waters that have made this destination legendary. For those yearning for tranquility and seclusion, COMO Cocoa Island delivers an unparalleled sanctuary.

Facilities on the island are sophisticated yet understated. The all-day Ufaa Restaurant showcases refined Indian and Mediterranean flavors, crafted from the freshest regional ingredients, while Faru Bar provides a relaxed atmosphere for sunset cocktails with sand between your toes. Amenities include a 25-meter infinity pool, a welcoming lounge with internet access, a well-stocked library with printing services, and COMO The Shop offering curated essentials and gifts. Wellness is at the heart of the experience, with the COMO Shambhala Retreat delivering holistic therapies in tranquil garden pavilions. The double-level spa complex features an open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the ocean, a state-of-the-art gym, a TRX hydrotherapy pool, gender-specific steam rooms, and a fully equipped Cadilla-Reformer Pilates Studio.

Water enthusiasts will find the PADI-certified Dive Centre ideal for divers of all abilities, complemented by a water sports center with snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and private yacht charters aboard the COMO Princess. Whether seeking marine adventure or pure relaxation, the resort’s bespoke experiences are tailored to discerning travelers.

As the original Maldivian outpost of COMO Hotels and Resorts, COMO Cocoa Island enjoys a privileged setting in South Malé Atoll. Open since 2002, the resort is conveniently reached via a scenic 40-minute speedboat transfer from Malé International Airport. Its sister property, COMO Maalifushi, is located on the more remote Thaa Atoll, offering a contrasting experience for loyal COMO guests.

Known locally as Makunufushi, the island is a slender ribbon of land stretching approximately 350 meters. Tucked away from the busier North Malé atoll, it offers a sense of untouched wilderness, with swaying palms, wild sea grape, and hibiscus dotting its landscape. The surrounding house reef teems with vibrant marine life, including playful rays and juvenile reef sharks, creating an idyllic environment for both snorkeling and mindful relaxation.

Each of the 33 overwater villas at COMO Cocoa Island blends contemporary Maldivian architecture with understated elegance, channeling a coastal-chic sensibility reminiscent of the Hamptons. The accommodations range from distinctive Dhoni-shaped water villas—modeled after traditional Maldivian boats—to spacious loft-style and pool villas strategically oriented for sunrise or sunset vistas. Natural materials abound: New Zealand pine, Kajan thatched roofs, soaring ceilings, and teak floors create an ambiance of relaxed sophistication.

The villas fan out along two curved walkways over the lagoon, with pool-equipped suites on one side and non-pool options on the other, ensuring privacy and panoramic sea views.

Every villa is thoughtfully appointed with bespoke Italian linens, expansive private sundecks with lounging and dining spaces, luxurious bathrooms featuring separate soaking tubs and showers, premium COMO Shambhala amenities, air conditioning, and elegant ceiling fans. Additional touches include in-villa bars, Nespresso machines, daily replenished fruit and water, 107-cm LCD TVs with satellite channels, Bose sound systems with Bluetooth, yoga mats, and complimentary beach bags and flip-flops.

The Dhoni Water Villas (75 sqm) are split-level, echoing the lines of a Maldivian dhoni with sleek interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and direct ocean access. Dhoni Loft Water Villas (110 sqm) are ideal for families, with generous living space downstairs and a master bedroom upstairs.

The Loft Water Villas (123 sqm) emphasize seamless indoor-outdoor living, featuring a secluded outdoor rain shower and open-plan interiors. One Bedroom Water Villas with Pools (125 sqm) are perched on private jetties, providing an immersive aquatic experience.

For the ultimate in luxury, the Two Bedroom COMO Sunrise Villa (300 sqm) offers dual wings with en-suite bathrooms and balconies, while the flagship Three Bedroom COMO Sunset Villa (590 sqm) connects two overwater villas with a wooden walkway, each with its own infinity pool, a private gym, and 24-hour butler service.

At the heart of COMO Cocoa Island’s guest experience is the signature COMO Shambhala Retreat, a haven for holistic wellness. The spa features two double, one single, and a couple’s pavilion, each offering open-air bathing spaces in lush, private gardens. The resort boasts the Maldives’ pioneering TRX hydrotherapy pool, utilizing targeted water jets for deep muscle therapy. The expansive wellness complex includes an ocean-view yoga pavilion, a modern gym equipped with the latest cardio and strength machines, a steam room with gender-separated facilities, and a Cadilla-Reformer Pilates Studio. Daily classes cover yoga, Pilates, meditation, and hydrotherapy circuits, and guests can participate in massage workshops led by expert therapists.

Additional amenities include a 25-meter infinity pool, a comfortable lounge with internet access, a library with printing facilities, and COMO The Shop for curated retail therapy.

For outdoor pursuits, the PADI Dive Centre caters to both novice and experienced divers, while the water sports center provides complimentary use of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, catamarans, and windsurfing gear. Guests can enjoy sunset fishing, sailing or windsurfing lessons, guided snorkeling excursions—including UV night snorkeling and turtle safaris—or venture to nearby reefs to swim with blacktip and whitetip sharks. Customized private boat charters offer dolphin watching and sunset cruises tailored to guest preferences.

Environmental stewardship is woven into the guest journey. A resident marine biologist hosts twice-weekly talks on local marine ecosystems, and guests are invited to support reef regeneration through coral frame sponsorships, directly contributing to the health of COMO Cocoa Island’s vibrant house reef.

COMO Cocoa Island embodies the brand’s signature aesthetic—sophisticated simplicity with an unmistakable sense of place. Interiors are defined by a calming monochromatic palette, ensuring the vivid blues and greens of the Indian Ocean remain the focal point from every vantage. Accommodations are deliberately uncluttered, fostering a peaceful atmosphere ideal for guests seeking restorative calm.

The property’s design ethos is one of understated elegance, allowing guests to curate their own pace—whether that means indulging in a myriad of wellness and aquatic activities or simply savoring the gentle rhythms of island life. This intentional restraint honors the island’s legacy, tracing back to photographer Eric Klemm, who first established a boutique hotel here in the 1970s. COMO Hotels & Resorts have elevated his original vision, blending contemporary luxury with authentic Maldivian character to create a destination with genuine soul.

Ufaa, COMO Cocoa Island’s signature restaurant, delivers a culinary journey with panoramic views of the pool, beach, and lagoon. The menu weaves together contemporary Indian and Mediterranean influences, highlighting organic produce and the freshest daily catch from local fishermen. Flavors are inspired by the Malabar Coast, with vibrant notes of coriander, ginger, tamarind, and green chili. Health-conscious guests can select from COMO Shambhala’s renowned wellness cuisine—a nutritional approach that never compromises on taste or presentation.

Faru Bar, open from mid-morning until late, offers a breezy, toes-in-the-sand setting for inventive cocktails, fine wines, premium cigars, and gourmet snacks. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, ideal for unwinding after a day on the water.

Bespoke dining experiences are a highlight: enjoy a private Sandbank Dinner under the stars with a dedicated butler, a Tented Dinner amid lantern-lit seclusion on a quiet stretch of beach, or a Sandbank Sunrise Breakfast to greet the day’s first light. For adventurous gourmands, the resort’s Whale Shark Expedition pairs a day of snorkeling with these gentle giants with a gourmet picnic on a deserted island—an unforgettable Maldivian moment.

COMO Hotels & Resorts lead the way in sustainable hospitality, championing local culture, supporting the Maldivian economy, and minimizing environmental impact. At COMO Cocoa Island, resource management is a priority, with advanced systems in place for water and energy efficiency, and a strong emphasis on guest and staff engagement in conservation efforts—such as reusing linens and mindful energy use.

The property prioritizes local sourcing, collaborating with nearby producers, social enterprises, and NGOs to bolster sustainable economic growth. Supplier selection goes beyond quality, focusing on partners who drive positive change within their communities. Cultural and ecological preservation initiatives are ongoing, with partnerships designed to protect local traditions and biodiversity.

Key programs at COMO Cocoa Island include educational collaborations with secondary schools on Maafushi and Guraidhoo, in-house bottling of water in reusable glass, and a coral propagation initiative to restore the reef’s health. The resort’s commitment to responsible luxury is evident in every aspect of the guest experience.

• Iconic Overwater Villas: COMO Cocoa Island was the first COMO property in the Maldives, and its 33 overwater suites remain a benchmark for privacy and design. The Dhoni Loft Water Villas, in particular, offer a unique duplex layout—perfect for families or couples seeking space and style.
• Renowned COMO Shambhala Spa: The resort’s boutique spa is a highlight, consistently delivering some of the Maldives’ most sought-after wellness treatments. With only a handful of villas, it’s easy to secure a coveted time slot for a personalized ritual.
• Makunufushi’s Tranquil Setting: The compact, 350-meter-long island provides a rare sense of intimacy and calm. Its proximity to Malé International Airport—just a short 40-minute speedboat ride—means guests transition effortlessly from arrival to relaxation.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• Attentive, Personalized Service: With just 33 villas, COMO Cocoa Island is able to offer exceptional, individualized attention. Many staff members have been with the resort for years, fostering a warm, inviting environment where guests feel truly at home.
• Authentic Culinary Excellence: The culinary team is dedicated to freshness and authenticity, with menus that evolve daily. The executive chef is always available to accommodate personal preferences and create bespoke dishes for guests.
• Pioneering Wellness: COMO’s reputation as a global wellness innovator is well earned. The COMO Shambhala Retreat at Cocoa Island was among the first in the Maldives to introduce hydrotherapy pools, and recent enhancements include a reformer Pilates studio, yoga pavilion, and fully outfitted gym. Daily group and private wellness sessions are led by a team of seasoned professionals.Vincent DurierGeneral ManagerCOMO Cocoa Island