COMO Cocoa Island, The Maldives

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.

My partner and I had the most wonderful stay at COMO Cocoa Island! From the moment we landed in Malé, everything was seamless. Nasha, the airport representative, took great care of us while we waited for our transfer. The boat ride to the island was faster than expected — in just 30 minutes, we were already in paradise! Even though we arrived late at night, the welcome was smooth and warm. Azwan gave us the perfect orientation and explained everything clearly. Throughout our stay, everyone was extremely caring yet never intrusive. A special mention goes to Ibrahim (Assistant Front Office Manager), who was truly a gem and made us feel so welcome. Even though there’s only one restaurant on the island, we never got bored — the menu changes daily and differs for each mealtime, so every meal felt new and exciting. The food was always fresh and beautifully presented. The resort itself is perfect if you’re looking to rest and unwind. The sea is breathtaking, the rooms are spacious and private, and with only 30 villas, you never feel the crowd. There are also plenty of activities for all interests! We chose a candlelight dinner, which was beautifully romantic without being over the top, and the staff organized everything perfectly. We also went on the sunset cruise, which I absolutely recommend — we even saw dolphins! The crew was fantastic and spoiled us with drinks and bites throughout the trip. The spa deserves a special mention — COMO never disappoints! The treatments were amazing, and I highly recommend the classic COMO Shambhala massage. We were also pleasantly surprised by the small boutique on the island — it had such cute items and dresses, all at very reasonable prices! On our last day, we had the pleasure of meeting Wisam, the Assistant Manager of Rooms, who was also incredibly kind and welcoming. Honestly, we left the island already dreaming of coming back. It was a perfect stay for both of us — peaceful, romantic, and unforgettable. Thank you to the entire COMO Cocoa Island team for making our trip so special! 💙