I have a bit of a crush on the Maldives – you see, it’s rare to see such crystal blue waters and such vast expanses of well, nothing. I think the romanticism of it all draws me in – especially on busy work days!

Cocoa Island, located on South Malé Atoll, is a highlight of the Maldives region. Part of the COMO group, Cocoa Island enjoys the COMO Shambhala program – the presence of this wellness retreat on the island not only means you can escape and restore your body and mind, but it even flavours the menu which is packed full of beautiful, fresh foods. Perfect for post wedding bliss.

There is a wide range of accommodation  on the resort – 33 rooms, all luxurious, to select from. They start with the Dhoni Suites with private sun decks, split levels and direct access to the lagoon to the Como Villa – the largest style of accommodation at 300 square feet which includes a king sized bed, outdoor shower, private sun deck, double vanity and private bale accessible via a walkway.

All rooms are also provided with complimentary espresso machines, beach bags and thongs, ipod docking station, fresh fruit and bottled water delivered daily, 42″ LCD TV and DVD player. WiFi Internet connection and the finest of Italian linens.

As a bit of a self confessed foodie – making sure my destination has amazing food is always a priority and Cocoa Island has “Ufaa Restaurant” which serves fine cuisine prepared with traditional Indian and Sri Lankan techniques. The resort makes the most of the fresh produce available serving up locally caught seafood delights and fruits and vegetables. The menu is flexible,  catering to your whims and the additional “Faru” bar is adjacent to the pool leading straight onto the beach. Cocoa Island also provides in room dining and private dining. The resort also offers a COMO Shambhala menu which focuses on Vegetarian cuisine, highlighting raw and organic foods rich in minerals and vitamins.

Relaxation is key on Cocoa Island – the resort has it’s own beautiful day spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat. Based on traditional Asian healing techniques, the day spa provides everything from a stunning hydrotherapy pool, to treatment areas on the beach. The retreat also contains an open air yoga pavilion, gym, double massage pavilion and plenty of Asian-inspired holistic therapies developed by COMO Shambhala including reflexology, Ayurveda, massage and facials.

The hotel amenities don’t end there. Guests can enjoy a number of activities on and around the resort at Cocoa Island. The facilities include a dive centre, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, dolphin & sunset cruises, snorkeling and island tours. The resort can also arrange plenty of excursions for you – private island picnics, visits to local townships, fishing & snorkeling trips and  even a day of luxury sailing.

Of course if you don’t want to leave the comfort of the resort, then Cocoa Island has you covered! From their 25 metre infinity pool which overlooks the crystal blue waters of the lagoon, (close to the beach-side bar too – cocktails anyone?) and of course with the endless facilities at the resort, including their CD, DVD and book library, WiFi and all day dining – why, you might never have a reason to move!


For destination weddings – even though the marriages are not legal, the resort can accommodate families and arrange the entire day for you – what a beautiful excuse for a picture perfect destination wedding!

Photos from Cocoa Island