Description
Set on a lush tropical atoll in the Maldives, amongst soft white beaches and crystal clear lagoons, Cocoa Island is the epitome of barefoot chic, yet sophisticated in its luxury. 17 converted dhonis or local fishing boats and 16 villas, all built over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, have been decorated using bleached woods and natural fabrics. This is complemented by sublime cuisine, cooked in a Keralan and international style, and an award winning Shambhala Spa. In our opinion, this is a small and intimate resort, ideal for getting away from it all.
Guide price
£2,990 Per person
£2,990 pr person for 7 nights, based on 2 people sharing a Dhoni Suite on a bed and breakfast basis, including international flights and speedboat transfers.
Accommodation
Cocoa Island has 33 rooms most of which are uniquely inspired by dhoni boats, the style of vessel used by local fishermen. Adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon with a private terrace and steps into a warm Maldivian sea.
There are range of villas to choose from, some with two bed rooms more suited to families.
Childcare
Children are accepted but generally very young children are not encouraged. It is always possible to tailor food and meal times to suit the younger guest and babysitting can also be arranged.
Facilities
Cocoa beach has a well equiped gym, a luxurious spa offering a range of relaxing treatments as well as the dive centre and swimming pool.
Activities
The diving is exceptional here and Cocoa Island has a team of instructors available to teach beginners and challenge the experienced. Its also possible to go deep-sea fishing, partake in watersports off the beach, like windsurfing or catamaran sailing. Beach drop-offs, dolphin and sunset cruises or guided snorkelling are also on offer.
Services
Cocoa Island provides personalised butlers for the one and two-bedroom villas, and all villas have the luxury of in-room dining.
When to travel
The Maldives has a tropical climate distinguished by two seasons, or monsoons: the dry northeast monsoon from December to March, and the wet southwestern monsoon from May to November, with more strong winds and rain. April is a transitional period noted for clear water and heat. The temperature remains remarkably consistent at around 30°C.
February to April is the hottest period and resorts are almost all operating at capacity during this period. Mid-December to early January comes at even more of a premium due to Christmas and New Year and prices are even higher. Easter and the Italian holiday week in August also attract peak prices at most resorts.
Storms are more likely from May to November, though it’s still warm, skies can be cloudy and the humidity is higher. This is the low season, with fewer people and lower prices, with the exception of August.
Diving is good year-round, although a basic rule is that life on the reef is more varied and visibility better on the western side of any atoll from May to November and from the eastern side of any atoll December to April.
The surfing season runs from March to October, which is when resorts are cheapest.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Male Atoll, Maldives
Cocoa Island, known locally as Makunufushi, is located among South Malé’s coral atolls in the Maldives.
How to get there
10.5-hour direct flight to Male International Airport, followed by a 40-minute speedboat transfer to Cocoa Island.
Additional notes
Minimum stay of 7 nightsFrom 20th December to 10th January
