Cocoa Island

This gorgeous private island is located in the South Malé Atoll of the Maldives. Another fashionable creation of the Christina Ong hotel empire – COMO Hotels and Resorts – Cocoa Island is every bit as ‘in vogue’ as her sister property, Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos.

A gloriously stylish Indian Ocean outpost, Cocoa Island blends effortless cool with designer chic to offer an extraordinary island escape! Pristine castor sugar sand and swaying palms surround this tiny island refuge which can be circumnavigated on foot in only 10 minutes. To the west of the island lies the Kandooma Channel, widely regarded as one of the best dive sites in the Maldives, whilst opposite, a pristine reef entices those who favour a gentle snorkel.

Cocoa’s contemporary timber water villas have been modelled on the traditional Maldivian fishing boats – ‘dhonis’ – and as such, they wholly embrace the idea of living as close to the water as possible. Each dhoni hovers impressively above the shallow ocean and boasts a private verandah with steps leading directly to the turquoise waters. They are adjoined by simple wooden walkways. ‘New England beach hut meets South India’ best describes the interiors where tongue-in-groove white walls merge with lightweight cottons, colonial furniture and delicate Indian embroidery.

The 8 standard Dhoni Suites feature a split-level bedroom and living area which spills out onto a private sundeck – whilst the 9 spacious Dhoni Loft Suites have an expansive downstairs living area and an ensuite bedroom on the mezzanine-level. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows create a light and airy feel, bringing the Indian Ocean into every room! The 10 Loft Villas are even more spacious and they too offer a mezzanine level with ensuite bedroom.

Cocoa Island’s pièce de résistance are its four one-bedroom villas and two stunning two-bedroom villas – one of which is located on the sunrise end of the island, whilst the other is strikingly positioned on the sunset side. Palatial in size, these villas enjoy absolute privacy and seclusion. The two bedroom villas also enjoy the added benefit of 24 hour butler service.

The castaway cuisine of freshly caught seafood and organic, locally sourced produce is a fusion of Indian and Pacific Rim. Dine 'sand-between-toes' style at the main restaurant or enjoy romantic meals in the privacy of your room.

The infinity swimming pool overlooks the sea and there is also a gymnasium, a Dive Centre and a Watersports Pavilion. Those in search of pampering can escape to the COMO Shambhala Retreat which offers a holistic approach to wellness with regular yoga workshops, meditation and a range of relaxing treatments.

Cocoa Island is accessed via a 40-minute boat transfer from Malé International Airport.

PRICES Prices per person for 7 nights in a Dhoni Suite range from £865 in low season (£108 per person per night) to £1407 in high season (£186 per person per night) including breakfast and the return boat transfer. A minimum 7 night stay applies over Christmas and New Year. Flights from the UK from £493 (including £140 tax) with Qatar Air