COMO COCOA ISLAND
OVERVIEW
COMO Cocoa Island is an understated private island resort in the Maldives, with 34 overwater villas allowing you to slip from your balcony into the turquoise lagoon to explore the sealife-rich house reef. We promise what few luxury Maldivian resorts can truly provide: peacefulness, privacy and the opportunity to do very little – very little, that is, aside from stroll on silk-soft sand, snorkel in a world of colourful marine life and simply relax, whether that’s on a massage table or on a daybed staring out at the hypnotic azure ocean.
AT A GLANCE
COMO Cocoa Island is located in the Maldives’ South Malé atoll. Diving is some of the best in the world with two private house reefs. Rooms are inspired by local dhoni boats in bleached wood with kajan roofs. They are reached via planked walkways stretching out into the warm lagoon. There is a COMO Shambhala Retreat dedicated to renewing body and soul. The restaurant, Ufaa, honours nature, featuring seafood and organic vegetables in exciting, healthful combinations showcasing a blend of European and Indian flavours.
Diving Equipment
YES ($)
Free WiFi
YES
Distance
30.8 km from Airport
Swimming Pool
YES
Transfer Type
Speed boat
Beach Access
YES
DHONI WATER VILLAS
DHONI WATER VILLAS
Our split-level Dhoni Water Villas stand out for their unusual design: shaped like a traditional Maldivian ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, they make you feel like you’re floating on the ocean. The generous living room is a calming space to relax, while the overwater private terrace has a staircase that leads to the lagoon’s warm waters.
Key Features:
- 75sqm / 807sqft
- Private sundeck with loungers and dining table
- Bathtub and separate shower stall
- Private bar and snacks
DHONI LOFT WATER VILLAS
DHONI LOFT WATER VILLAS
Shaped like a traditional ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, our Dhoni Loft Water Villas have an expansive lower level living area and a master bedroom on the mezzanine, making them great for families. The design is about bringing the outside space in, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, and a private terrace touching the ocean.
Key Features:
- 110sqm / 1184sqft
- Private sundeck with loungers and dining table
- Bathtub and separate shower stall with second mezzanine-level ensuite facility
- Private bar and snacks
LOFT WATER VILLAS
LOFT WATER VILLAS
In these villas, the horizon feels like it extends forever as you look out from your private sundeck or watch the ocean roll past the floor-to-ceiling windows. The elevated loft features a king-sized en suite master bedroom, while the lower deck’s large and airy sitting area doubles up as a sleeping space for families. There is also a secluded outdoor rain shower with steps directly into the ocean.
Key Features:
- 123sqm / 1324sqft
- Private sundeck with loungers and dining table
- Bathtub and separate shower stall
- Private bar and snacks
ONE BEDROOM WATER VILLA WITH POOL
ONE BEDROOM WATER VILLA WITH POOL
These light-filled villas sit on their own secluded jetty, each with a private entrance deck, surrounded by the aquamarine ocean. Outside, there’s a new private pool and a balcony with a daybed, where you can relax as the sun rises and sets on the ocean. Inside, the spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling windows provides plenty of space to unwind.
Key Features:
- 125sqm / 1345sqft
- Private sundeck with loungers and dining table
- Bathtub and separate shower stall
- Private bar and snacks
COMO WATER VILLAS
COMO WATER VILLAS
Situated on either side of the island, COMO Cocoa Island’s two COMO Water Villas – Sunset and Sunrise – are arranged with two separate wings, both featuring an en suite bedroom and a private terrace directly above the ocean. The wings are connected by the living and dining areas, with balconies on either side that let you step directly off the deck into the turquoise lagoon. There’s also a secluded deck, with a new private pool that almost touches the edge of the ocean.
Key Features:
- 300sqm / 3229sqft
- Private sundeck with loungers and dining table
- Bathtub and separate shower stall
- Private bar and snacks
- Butler Service
COCOA WATER VILLA WITH POOL
COCOA WATER VILLA WITH POOL
This new overwater villa features a large terrace with a 10-metre private swimming pool, offering some of the island’s best views of the iconic Maldivian sunset. The villa was designed with space in mind: there’s a living room, an en suite master bedroom, a private study and a gym. The villa can be connected to the COMO Sunset Water Villa via an overwater wooden walkway, or closed off for complete privacy.
Key Features:
- 290sqm / 3122sqft
- Private sundeck with loungers and Pool
- Bathtub and separate shower stall
- Private bar and snacks
DINING
PRIVATE DINING
COMO Cocoa Island offers a range of dining options at both our open-sided Ufaa restaurant and our foot-in-the-sand Faru Bar. For those who want a little extra privacy – whether a romantic meal for two or an intimate gathering with friends and family – our private dining experiences provide the seclusion you’re looking for, in dramatic spots around the island.
SANDBANK SUNRISE BREAKFAST
Enjoy a gourmet breakfast and a bottle of vintage Champagne as the first rays of morning sunlight appear over COMO Cocoa Island. Your breakfast will be set up on your own private sandbank surrounded by turquoise waters, with a dedicated butler on hand.
UFAA
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with flexible dining to suit guests’ preferences. Cuisine features European dishes in addition to a blend of Indian and Mediterranean traditions with an emphasis on locally caught seafood, fresh produce and COMO Shambhala healthful eating options.
FARU BAR
Faru Bar is an easy-going, foot-in-the-sand resort bar where our inventive bartenders put together refreshing cocktails (and mocktails). Fine wines, classic cigars and light snacks also feature, alongside some easy beats at sunset. Faru Bar is open from 10am until late, adjacent to the infinity pool and leading directly to the beach.
TENTED DINNER
Dine from our daily à la carte dinner menu, beneath a canvas tent lit by lanterns and traditional tiki torches on your own private swathe of sand. A dedicated butler will be on hand throughout the meal, which will be accompanied by a bottle of Champagne.
IN-ROOM DINING
In-room dining at COMO Cocoa Island includes salads, pastas and refreshing juices and is available from 7am until 11pm daily.
COMO SHAMBHALA CUISINE
COMO Shambhala Cuisine is a unique nutritional concept that incorporates organic ingredients rich in living enzymes, vitamins and sea minerals while still delivering on flavor. Food is raw, steamed or grilled for maximum health benefits. Chefs also make ample use of the tandoor, a type of Indian oven that allows for the fat-free cooking of meats and fish whilst introducing a wonderful charcoal flavor. COMO Shambhala Cuisine is served at Ufaa and is also available via in-room dining.
SANDBANK DINNER
Enjoy an intimate evening beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean and gentle sea breezes. You will dine at a private table, set up along COMO Cocoa Island’s eastern sandbank, where your personal butler will serve a five-course meal accompanied by a bottle of chilled Champagne.
Price: US$599 per couple
Notes: Please make your reservations at least a day in advance, since private dining options are very limited we suggest booking this experience when you book your room.
Price: US$599 per couple
Notes: Please make your reservations at least a day in advance, since private dining options are very limited we suggest booking this experience when you book your room.
ACTIVITIES
GAME FISHING
Set out on COMO Cocoa Island’s sports fishing boat to put your fishing skills to the test. Travel between reefs accompanied by our experienced Maldivian crew and experience the thrill of fighting bluefin trevally, snappers and dog tooth tuna. Your catch can also be cooked by our chefs for lunch or dinner the next day.
COMPLIMENTARY EQUIPMENT RENTAL
COMO Cocoa Island offers a range of snorkelling, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and windsurfing equipment for guests to use. These are available at the Marine Sports Centre on a first come, first served basis.
SUNSET FISHING
Reef bottom fishing is a traditional activity in the Maldives, which guests can try for themselves while the sun sets over the island. Potential catches such as humpback snapper and groupers can also be cooked by our chefs for lunch or dinner the next day.
SAILING LESSONS
The consistent sea breezes along COMO Cocoa Island’s lagoon make it an ideal location for learning to sail in our TOPCAT K1 and K3 catamarans. Our one-hour lessons are led by qualified instructors and tailored to your ability level.
DIVING
Located at Maldives’ South Malé Atoll, COMO Cocoa Island enjoys a marine-rich lagoon full of pristine dive sites, such as the dramatic Kandooma Caves and the ever-popular shark cleaning station at Cocoa Thila.
CATAMARAN SAILING
Discover the Indian Ocean’s finest panoramas with a relaxing sail around the COMO Cocoa Island lagoon, on a catamaran piloted by one of our expert guides.
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS
Private boat charters can be tailored to a vast array of waterborne interests. Speak to the Marine Sports Centre for more information on our private charters.
NIGHT SNORKELLING
See a different side of our stunning house reef after the sun has set. Armed with bright, underwater torches, our guides will help you glimpse the reef’s shy, nocturnal creatures, including lionfish, lobsters and moray eels.
WINDSURFING LESSONS
Windsurfing is a thrilling blend of sailing and surfing. Each lesson with our qualified instructors moves at your own pace, covering the fundamental techniques of balance, before progressing onto more advanced moves.
HOUSE REEF SNORKELING
Snorkelling the resort’s bustling house reef is an essential experience for guests of COMO Cocoa Island. You will discover a diverse array of marine life during this complimentary guided excursion, from schools of Kashmir snapper and oriental sweetlips, to needlefish and the occasional (harmless) reef shark.
REEF EXPLORER
This guided excursion takes you to two different reef sites near COMO Cocoa Island where you will discover vibrant coral colours and abundant marine life. Our knowledgeable guides will swim with you through these luscious seafloor landscapes, helping you spot and identify the Indian Ocean’s flora and fauna.
CORAL PROPAGATION
Sponsor a coral propagating frame and help our resident marine biologist plant it on the seabed at COMO Cocoa Island’s coral garden. You will receive photographs and updates every six months after you have planted the frame, so you can watch your contribution to the Maldives’ ecosystem flourish.
LOCAL ISLAND EXCURSION
Our two-hour cultural excursion to the local island of Guraidhoo is an insight into a lifestyle that has existed on the Maldives’ islands for hundreds of years. You will stroll through sandy streets while your guide explains how the community is run, then stop at a local café for a traditional Maldivian snack.
TURTLE EXPEDITION SNORKEL
A 20-minute boat ride will take you to the pristine reefs where green turtles are frequently spotted near COMO Cocoa Island. Here you can swim alongside these gentle creatures, and other reef fish, in their natural habitat.
MARINE TALK
Our resident marine biologist gives weekly talks in Faru Bar on a range of topics concerning marine life, the environment and our local ecosystem. You are encouraged to ask questions at the end of the presentation, regarding anything you have seen or found in the ocean while at COMO Cocoa Island.
SHARK ADVENTURE SNORKELLING TRIPS
Guests of COMO Cocoa Island can snorkel with some of the ocean’s sleekest predators – white tip and blacktip reef sharks, on reefs just a 15-minute boat ride from the resort. Reef sharks are harmless to humans, but their long agile bodies and lightning-quick reflexes make them a feared predator to smaller fish. There will be a short talk on shark conservation in the local area, after which guests will depart for the reef. Private excursions can also be arranged by speaking to the Marine Sports Centre.
UV NIGHT SNORKELLING
Experience an underwater light show at COMO Cocoa Island’s house reef. Special UV torches and mask lenses will reveal the stunning hues of fluorescent greens, yellows, reds and oranges emitted at night by various coral species, such as tube coral and brain coral. You may also catch flashes of marine animals including lobsters and lionfish, which also appear to glow under ultraviolet lights.
WHALE SHARK EXPEDITION AND PICNIC
This exciting trip begins with a speed boat ride across to the Ari Atoll, where our search for the largest shark in the ocean will begin. Once a whale shark has been spotted, guests are invited to snorkel alongside this gentle sea giant. At lunchtime we will stop on an uninhabited island to enjoy a picnic, before heading back out to continue the hunt.
SUNSET CRUISE
Wild dolphins migrate through the waters of South of Malé in pods of between 10 and 30. This excursion sets out in the evening, to where the dolphins swim playfully and jump out of the water to showcase their acrobatic skills spins. They may also come up close to surf the boat’s bow waves. On the way back to COMO Cocoa Island you can enjoy the sunset while sipping sparkling wine and nibbling on gourmet canapés.
CATAMARAN SNORKELLING TRIP
This private, two-hour sailing and snorkelling trip through the Indian Ocean is ideal for couples. You can feel the tropical Maldivian breeze on your cheeks as our catamaran is steered through the ocean by one of our expert guides, to some of nearby islands, atolls and sandbanks where you will find some of the best snorkelling sites in the Maldives.