Cocoa Island

This luxurious 5 star resort looks out towards calm cerulean waters. The island is long and thin - about 350 metres long - with sand snaking out into a perfect spit that disappears with the evening tide. The natural landscape has not been interfered with and the island features palms; wild sea grapes and hibiscus. The house reef which encircles Cocoa delineates a gin-clear lagoon that is rich with sealife; including ray and baby sharks. It is a sea without currents making Cocoa Island an ideal choice for families. The resort aesthetic is by Singaporean architect Cheong Yew Kuan. The style of Cocoa is deliberately restrained; a simple yet sophisticated mix of the contemporary and indigenous. Each of these 33 rooms - sit offshore on the southern side of Cocoa; overhanging the lagoon. They are reached by planked walkways. Structures combine New Zealand pine with Kajan thatched roofs. Natural materials are carried through to the interiors with high raftered ceilings and glossy teak flooring. The inside/outside space merges on the horizon-side with floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening up to a substantial deck for slipping in and out of the water. These same decks provide privacy for lounging in the sun or a place for quiet al fresco dining. The islands serenity is reflected in the clean-lined and airy interiors combining whites and blues - more Hamptons beach hut than the usual rough-rustic aesthetic favoured by other Maldivian hotels. The restaurant is called Ufaa meaning happy in Maldivian. The Cheong-designed foot-in-the-sand space - seating 60 both covered and uncovered - flanks the resorts infinity-edged pool in natural wood and Kajan thatch. Ufaa serves breakfast lunch and dinner. This peaceful location is also host to a COMO Shambhala Retreat designed for guests seeking greater health through Yoga and related treatments.