Most Beautiful Islands: Maldives

Cocoa Private Island

Experience gentle cosseting in a blissful wilderness,a contemporary resort which reflects the Maldives soul. Cocoa island,a private island resort,is found in the less developed South Kaafu Atoll.On the west side lies the Kandooma Channel,considered to be one of the best dive sites in the Maldives; on the other side is quiet reef for snorkeling flanked by a curl of rockless beach wich tapers in to a spit of sand.This is as long as the island,disappearing with the advance of the Maldivian tide.Here,in the quiet waters of the Indian Ocean the strongest winds are gentle breezes,and the hightes points, leaning palm fronts.Each lagoon is a point of stillness,but the encircling reefs bristle with life.Cocoa island combines the perfect mixture of modern and traditional, with luxury villas sharing space with docks dotted with local fisherman. The warm azure waters are perfect for diving and dolphine watching.

Activities

Cocoa Island is a small, private island resort designed for those seeking an easygoing, foot-in-the-sand experience. The rich, warm waters and bountiful coral also promise some of the world's best beaches, snorkelling and diving. Wake up to an empty horizon from your over-water bungalow. As evening approaches, watch a tiny fishing boat ply the cobalt ocean. Cocoa Island offers indulgent therapies,Yoga, diving, gourmet cuisine and exciting excursions. Here is a place to discover escapism,or sweet serenity under a reliable sun.It is a special place,at one remove from the noise of modern living,where they nurture every need,attend to every detail,and soothe away the stresses wich belong to another life.

Resorts

Cocoa Island is the Indian Ocean outpost from Como Hotels and Resorts,the company behind Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. A stay at Cocoa Island is about discovering the essence of beach living – the power of quiet and nature. All the rooms here are individual at-sea dwellings sited off a snake-like wooden pier, with private sundecks, vintage-style ceiling fans, walk-in showers and roll-top bathtubs. It'll be love at first sight whichever one you choose, but we fell particularly hard for the split-level Dhoni Loft Suites, and the ultra-private one-bedroom Villas, with dining bales and outdoor showers.

Most of Cocoa Island’s rooms are uniquely inspired by dhoni boats, the style of vessel used by local fishermen. They are adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon. From your room, walk out on to a private terrace and slip into a warm Maldivian sea. The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the watery expanse. The bathrooms, a bath and shower, share the horizon views. Interiors are quietly contemporary with a nod to local rusticity in Maldivian kajan roofing.

Rates: In low season, $680-$2,760; in high season, $880-$3,450, including breakfast but excluding 10 per cent service and government tax at $8 a person a night.

Enjoy beautiful photos from Cocoa Island Private Resorts: