COMO Cocoa Island, The Maldives

This was our 7th visit to Como Cocoa Island. The review will be written principally for repeat visitors rather than first time guests. Since our last visit in 2022 Male has a new international airport. While a huge upgrade on the old building I’m unclear how well the Maldives delicate eco- system will respond to the significantly increased tourist traffic. Planes appear to be now flying in from everywhere. One of the great joys of cocoa is its staff. Many of whom have worked here for a number of years. We saw a large number of familiar faces in the restaurant, dive shop & spa - many of whom recognised us. It feels like the staff (especially in the restaurant) are the magic glue / secret sauce. Hats off to John who appears to running things smoothly/effortlessly. There’s a new executive chief - Federico. Please try the taste of Sardinia menu, or the risotto or crab linguine. Absolute heaven and worth the trip to the island alone. Like many others Cocoa has embraced what’s app as a means of sharing island information. This improves communication considerably as questions can be raised / concerns shared via the app. Less positive was the sheer volume of island building around us. 19 miles from Male Cocoa often appeared untouched by industry. Sadly no more. While we were there there seemed to be several new venues under construction. The previous perfect sea view is no more (not the fault of Cocoa but a reality nonetheless). In the past there was an abundance of sea life by our villa and jetty (sharks / sting ray etc). Now - very little. It could be the change of monsoon but I worry it’s more the increased building impacting upon the local environment. Since our last visit GST has increased to 17.5%. This means (with the added 10% service charge) for every dollar spent you need to add on almost 30%. This does sting & I strongly suggest keeping a running tally to avoid any unnecessary breathlessness when asking for the final bill. As they say the Maldives is reassuringly expensive but with this increase /island construction +++ how much of the future is sustainable?

We stayed at Como Cocoa Island for a week and really enjoyed our stay. The location is beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing island getaway. The room was clean and nice, and we loved the snorkeling experience with its beautiful marine life. The restaurant food was good and well prepared. A special mention to Phoo, the hostess, for her lovely smiles, excellent service, and delicious coffees every morning during our stay. She made us feel welcome from the start. Overall, it was a relaxing and enjoyable week in a stunning location, and we would be happy to return.

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.