By Paul Rubio

Straddling the equator in the Maldives archipelago, the understated luxury of Cocoa Island discreetly rises from the ocean shallows, thirty-four marine chic villas and suites anchored to the sandy underworld of the Indian Ocean. Exclusively over water, suites take the form of spacious, traditional Dhoni boats while the more expansive thatched roofed villas offer penthouse and sub-penthouse equivalents. The suites and villas are spaced a minimum of 24 feet apart at well positioned angles and noise cancelling distances to maintain privacy. Each private deck begins with Balinese style day beds, adjacent to the sumptuous outdoor shower, and ending with a series of steps that lead directly into the island’s placid waters. Design interiors champion the concept of rustic luxury, where a juxtaposition of dark and light woods alongside white accessories complement elements of natural light and the oceanic surroundings. Simple wooden foot bridges lead to the resorts “common areas” – the signature Balinese inspired COMO Shambala spa, the avant garde hammocks propelled to towering palms, the action-packed dive center, and the resort’s single restaurant, Ufaa. On a daily basis, Ufaa presents an evolving menu of gourmet South Indian cuisine, Asian specialties and Mediterranean staples coupled with vegetarian and low calorie options.

With a maximum of seventy-two guests at any given time, the ubiquitous intimacy remains uninterrupted throughout Cocoa Island, whether exploring the island’s perimeter, encountering a sea turtle on a morning snorkel or relishing in a liberating outdoor shower.  The non-intrusive Cocoa Island team stands at your beckon call - but at your discretion, avoiding the alternative sycophant style of most high-end resorts. 

Indeed, the island’s soul resides in its amazing staff yet its pride rests on unparalleled natural endowments. Cocoa Island’s reef and marine life are truly exceptional. Within seconds of lowering from the main pier, an intense and ever-changing panorama ambushes your senses. Moray eels, schools of Oriental Sweetfish, and Blue Surgeonfish perform their latest synchronized swimming routines. About faced, a Titan Triggerfish chases a baby black tipped reef shark.

Entering another dimension, time becomes irrelevant and the hours pass without notice. The marine diversity and richness straddling the edge of Cocoa Island’s 120-foot reef wall allows snorkelers to experience the underwater rhapsody achieved only through deep water diving in other parts of the globe.  Not to say that divers will not be handsomely rewarded for strapping on their wet suits in one of the world’s top dive spots. On a night dive to nearby Waggiri, darkness unveils the clandestine world of the over intelligent octopus, the bizarre Frog fish, and other-worldly batfish. During dry season from December to March, the water achieves peak clarity, facilitating encounters with schools of docile banner fish and the five-foot plus Napoleon fish of Guraidhoo Corner. As the (moderately) rainy season gets into full swing by June, the mega mantas return for their seasonal cameo, congregating around Cocoa Island and allowing personal interaction with the giant beasts.

Year round, energetic spinner dolphins perform spontaneous tricks in the Maldives open ocean. A champagne sunset and dolphin cruise combines an early evening of natural dolphin acrobatics with a bit of bubbly on a private yacht and arguably the most spectacular sunset of your life.

For more information on reaching paradise, visit Cocoa Island’s website www.cocoaisland.como.bz.