Cocoa Island
Barefoot luxury with a serious wellness spine. The vibe is restrained, intimate, and deliberately low-key — bleached teak, kajan thatch roofs, white interiors. Couples and honeymooners dominate, but it also pulls in solo wellness travelers and repeat guests who come back specifically for the reef and the spa.
Book direct on the official website to get US$150 resort credit — the Best Rate Guarantee makes this a no-brainer
Why It Matters
One of the most accessible private-island resorts in the Maldives (speedboat-only, no seaplane required). The dhoni boat villa architecture is genuinely distinctive. The COMO Shambhala Retreat occupies a full third of the island and claims one of the only hydrotherapy pools in the Maldives. Winner of World Travel Awards 2024: Indian Ocean's Leading Boutique Resort.
COMO Cocoa Island sits on Makunufushi — a private island in South Malé Atoll that takes about ten minutes to walk end to end and two minutes across. There is nothing on it but the resort. All 33 villas float above a turquoise lagoon on wooden walkways, each one shaped like a traditional Maldivian dhoni fishing boat. And unlike most of the Maldives, you get here by a 40-minute speedboat from Malé — no seaplane, no small-prop anxiety.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Dhoni Loft Water Villa
At 110 sqm, this is significantly roomier than the standard Dhoni. The master bedroom sits on the mezzanine level, and below it is an expansive living area — making it a better choice for families or anyone who wants serious space. Same dhoni-shaped design, same private overwater terrace with direct lagoon access. Fits up to 4 guests including 2 children.
1 King Bed · 110 sqmDhoni Water Villa
The entry-level villa but far from basic. Shaped like a traditional Maldivian dhoni fishing boat, the split-level design gives you a generous living and lounge area, a private overwater terrace with loungers and a dining table, and a direct staircase into the lagoon. Bleached wood finishes, kajan thatched roof, floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Accommodates up to 3 guests including up to 2 children. An extra bed can be added.
1 King Bed · 75 sqmLoft Water Villa
The Loft Water Villas deliver a more conventional (non-dhoni) design but with serious size at 123 sqm. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the horizon feel like it extends forever. The en suite master bedroom sits on the mezzanine, and the private sundeck leads directly to the ocean. Handles up to 4 guests including 3 children. Extra bed available.
1 King Bed · 123 sqmOne-Bedroom Water Villa with Pool
Positioned on the eastern end of the resort, these pool villas step things up considerably. You get a private plunge pool (4.8m x 2.8m, 1m deep) on a large sundeck surrounded by ocean. Dedicated butler service is included. Up to 4 guests including 3 children. These are the entry point for guests who want their own pool and dedicated service.
1 King Bed · 125 sqmTwo-Bedroom COMO Sunrise Villa
A serious jump in scale at 300 sqm. Two separate wings with en suite bedrooms in each, connected by an interconnected living space. A private pool (8.3m x 3.4m) sits directly above the ocean. Named for its sunrise orientation — morning light is exceptional. Good for families or two couples traveling together. Accommodates up to 6 guests including 4 children.
1 King and 2 Twin Beds · 300 sqmTwo/Three-Bedroom COMO Sunset Villa
The largest accommodation on the island at 590 sqm — essentially two villas (a standalone one-bedroom and a two-bedroom) connected by a private wooden walkway. Can be booked as a two-bedroom or full three-bedroom. Two private pools (9.6m x 2m and 8.2m x 3.4m), panoramic sunset views, private gym. Up to 9 guests including 5 children. The go-to option for the island buyout or extended family stays.
1 King and 2 Twin Beds OR 2 King and 2 Twin Beds · 590 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Open-air movie screening under the night sky, with bean bags and popcorn. A favourite for families.
Sponsor a coral propagating frame and help the resident marine biologist plant it on the seabed at the resort's coral garden.
The resort has its own PADI-certified dive centre. The South Malé Atoll offers prime sites including the dramatic Kandooma Caves and the shark cleaning station at Cocoa Thila. Dive courses available for beginners and certification dives.
A guided kayak tour across the clear lagoon to discover the island's coastline from the water.
Complimentary self-guided use of kayaks and SUPs for guests throughout their stay.
Learn to sail on TOPCAT K1 and K3 catamarans. The lagoon's gentle sea breezes make it a good setting for beginners. Qualified instructors on hand.
Lessons in windsurfing with qualified instructors. Pace is tailored to the individual.
A complimentary guided snorkel at the resort's own house reef. Expect Kashmir snapper, oriental sweetlips, needlefish, and the occasional reef shark. Gear is provided free of charge.
A guided excursion to two different reef sites near the resort with vibrant coral and abundant marine life.
An after-dark snorkel at the house reef using special UV torches and mask lenses. Coral fluoresces in vivid greens, yellows, reds, and oranges. One of the most unusual experiences on offer at any Maldives resort.
Weekly talks in Faru Bar by the resident marine biologist covering marine life, the environment, and the local ecosystem. Complimentary.
A guided walk along the island's paths and shoreline at dusk, led by the resident marine biologist.
A romantic spread of oysters at sunset, set up with beanbags and lanterns.
Meals set up on the private eastern sandbank with a personal butler, Champagne, and a fruit platter. One of the most-requested experiences.
Dinner under a canvas tent lit by lanterns and tiki torches on a private stretch of beach. À la carte dinner menu.
Hands-on PADI specialty course focused on protecting and preserving coral reefs. No prior dive experience required.
The resort's own COMO luxury yacht with three cabin rooms, lower and upper sundecks, indoor and al fresco dining spaces, and a sea-level platform for water sports. Good for island-hopping or day trips further afield.
Learn to prepare a dish from the restaurant menu or from the COMO Shambhala Cuisine repertoire directly with the resort's chefs.
Snorkel alongside white tip and blacktip reef sharks at reefs 15 minutes by boat from the resort.
A dedicated snorkelling excursion to Vaavu Atoll to swim alongside nurse sharks. Guided by resort staff. One of the signature 'iconic' experiences listed on the COMO Compass.
A 20-minute boat ride to pristine reefs where green turtles are frequently spotted.
Traditional Maldivian reef bottom fishing as the sun goes down. A genuine local pastime that guests can try for themselves.
A child-focused marine experience led by the resident marine biologist. Good for nurturing kids' curiosity about reef ecosystems.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout all villas and resort common areas.
A resident marine biologist leads weekly talks, guided reef snorkels, and conservation activities throughout the year.
Family-friendly resort with children's activities including family yoga, young marine explorers, and coral propagation. Children of all ages are welcome.
Lower floor of the two-storey COMO Shambhala wellness facility. Modern cardio and strength equipment. Complimentary access.
Fully equipped with a reformer, cadillac, ladder barrel, and combo chair. One of few such setups in Maldives resorts.
Selected minibar items and bottled water replenished daily as a standard inclusion.
Premium proprietary toiletries from the COMO Shambhala range in all villas.
Shared infinity pool adjacent to Ufaa Restaurant and Faru Bar, overlooking the ocean.
Dedicated butler service is included for pool villa categories and above.
The resort holds EarthCheck Silver certification for environmental performance, including on-site water bottling, coral restoration, waste reduction, and refillable amenities.
Full on-site PADI dive centre with certified instructors for lessons, certification dives, and guided dive excursions.
Located within the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Complimentary access for all guests.
Elevated position on the upper floor of the wellness building with 360-degree views of the island and lagoon. Daily complimentary group yoga classes.
Located within the COMO Shambhala Retreat, one of the only hydrotherapy pools in the Maldives. High-pressure jets. Complimentary for all guests.
Each villa includes a yoga mat and access to meditation videos via the in-room TV.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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