COMO Cocoa Island, The Maldives

While contemplating a trip for my 40th bday, I received an email from VIP Traveler for this resort. I think Overwater Bungalow Vacation is probably a bucket list item for just about everyone (sure was for me), so I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to make it happen. I researched this resort extensively to make sure it wasn’t a cut rate resort offering specials to fill beds and I paid close attention to accommodations, food, air conditioning, all inclusive options, avoidance of hidden add-on fees (like transport to the resort from airport), and friendly staff. Let me tell you…Como Cocoa Island absolutely knocked it out of the park! We were greeted immediately at the airport and made an instant friend. The transport boat arrived almost instantly and was an enjoyable trip to the island. We were welcomed on the dock by a whole team line up and waving and felt like we were coming home to Downtown Abbey! Our bungalow was even better than the picture depicted and our luggage was brought to us quickly. The AC was blissfully cold, the views were incredible, and every single person that we had contact with made our day. I can see why people come back here again and again, because it truly is the most welcoming place I’ve ever been. The food selection was outstanding and service in the dining area/restaurant was 5 Star worthy. Special shout out to Muru and Phoo who knew our drink orders, our favorite table, our breakfast order…man, just top tier. Our vacation went by so quickly with great excursions options, beautiful snorkeling, and lazy days without a care in the world. We practically lived at the spa and felt like the prices were very reasonable and therapists were very skilled. There is not a single thing that could be improved. We just adored the small family feel where everyone knew everyone and had a smile on their face. 10/10, would recommend without hesitation!

We wanted a quiet, down to earth, no-party, rusticrustic island experience and COMO Cocoa was everything we wished for and more. The island is small but every corner was beautiful and well looked after. The house reef was magical - we saw thousands of fish, a stingray, and several baby sharks! There is only one restaurant but the food was fantastic - every single meal we had was excellent. The coconut sorbet was truly addictive. We are currently on our second island - a “fancier” resort if you may, but to be honest, my husband and I both agree COMO Cocoa Island was more of the serene & intimate vibe we are looking for.

We first came to Cocoa Island in 2007 and returned in 2013. I recall saying in my last review that we wouldn’t leave it so long until we returned, but work and life and the pandemic all conspired to get in the way. There is a worry when you return somewhere; will it be as good as I remember? Will I enjoy it as much? I shouldn’t have worried. So much has happened since our last visit and world is definitely a crazier place. The Maldives are definitely busier than when we were last there and the Government needs to carefully manage the significant development in its tourism industry, but Cocoa Island felt so calming and familiar and yet also better. The villas and restaurant and bar have had a refresh and there is a new, really fantastic gym and a Pilates studio, but otherwise it was just as we remembered - barefoot luxury on an island hideaway where time slows down and you can take pleasure in the small things. Interspersed with that are the fabulous staff, the amazing food, great cocktails, the camera-defying blue waters, the breathtaking snorkelling, incredible treatments and yoga, and, and, and… Much of what makes Cocoa Island is the staff. They come from all over the world are genuinely care about what they are doing. There were too many great members of staff to mention by name, but if we were to single out one person, it would be Nok. She was a fantastic yoga teacher, interspersing her excellent instruction and patience with humour. We love the COMO way of doing things. I know there are no plans to change, but my one encouragement would be to stick with it and not be coaxed into the gimmicks that many other hotels have introduced (no water slides, please!). This was our sixth COMO visit and there are already three more in the planning (to Perth, Bali and Bhutan). I definitely want to return to Cocoa Island, but with so many other tempting properties in the COMO group, I don’t know how confident I can be that it won’t be more than a couple of years. Whenever it is, please look after the place until we return.

Back of a unplanned visit to Cocoa booked and travelled on the same day, Despite 16 hours notice from booking the room was ready, met at the airport on arrival in and a personal transfer across to Cocoa Island. Check in was quick, welcoming and taken to the room to settle in. Cocoa has a very unique feel. Despite the 33 rooms you can feel like the only guests on the island at times a true escape to luxury. Staff went out of the way to welcome you but felt normal and personable without pressure. Service in all areas was amazing. You would go for breakfast and comeback and the room had been cleaned while you were gone. The team in the restaurant would remember your personal choices like drink choices, food choices make recommendations that they knew you would like. They anticipated what you needed before your needed. This is a very special place to stay with great service which has resulted in us returning 3 times and having the same feeling of an amazing place to come. We have always said if you have an amazing stay don't repeat as it may not happen again but Cocoa island has always been amazing on each stay. You can just relax, unwind, detox and enjoy the beauty of the island, the rooms and the unique service that they offer at Cocoa. The staff have been there years with staff knowing us from our first visit on 2012 still there to new staff. You have to go to experience the island, the service and tranquility that Como can offer here it is different to any other island you may have, there is no water slides no over the top service what you get which is amazing service, a relaxed atmosphere from the moment they pick you up at the airport and a holiday that makes you unwind and relax. I am sure we will be back to Como Cocoa Island as this has become the place we want to return to.

Experience on COMO Cocoa Island is so wonderful. We had snorkeling twice, during which we saw turtles and sharks. Sunset and sunrise view are very beautiful, you may view sunset on the long sand bank, and sunset on the platform in your villa. Foods are delicious, I tried different sets everyday. Staffs in Cocoa restaurant are very nice, especially Phoo and Fanny. Cocoa worth the second time for me, and Phoo said she will always waiting for me there. I love this island very much, indeed.