Discovering Como Cocoa Island: Maldives Resort Review

When Pascal Languillon, the CEO of Arabiandiaries, shared his couple’s holiday at Como Cocoa Island in the Maldives, he described it as a serene cocoon of authentic calm and well-being. Just 40 minutes from Malé, this hotel offers the best of the Maldives a turquoise blue lagoon, dazzling seabeds, and playful dolphins. Guests can enjoy excellent massages, unlimited yoga, and dietetic cuisine by the large hydrotherapy pool, making it a wellness retreat that truly promises a successful vacation.

A paradise island with an unspoilt seabed

Floating in the Maldives, Como Cocoa Island feels like stepping into another world — a blend of luxury, wellness, and authentic island life. The resort features 33 villas built on stilts over a turquoise lagoon, connected by a wooden pontoon bridge that gives a boutique and rustic chic charm. From the moment I arrived after a 40-minute speedboat journey from Malé airport, the calm waters and bright blue horizon made me forget every crisis and feel fully relaxed.

Each villa offers complete privacy, surrounded by multicolored fish, sea turtles, and sharks gliding beneath the floor. The 1 km-long sandbar, reefs, and breathtaking marine life attract people from Europe and beyond who want to stay close to nature yet enjoy world-class luxury. I once joined a marine biologist on a snorkeling trip to learn how El Niño and warming waters affect coral—a moment that deepened my respect for the Maldivian atolls and their delicate ecosystem.

Evenings unfold beautifully here — dolphin watching during sunset, flying fish skipping across the sea, and champagne bubbles glistening under fading lights. The restaurant and bar serve adventurous flavours inspired by international travel, and the staff’s professionalism, kindness, and my friendly butler chats made every day and night feel effortless. Como Cocoa Island isn’t just a destination; it’s a living dream that promises a bright future for the hotel industry in these serene waters.

Villas set above the lagoon

Staying in the Maldives feels magical, and the villas at Como Cocoa Island highlight that charm with a unique design that sits on stilts above the turquoise-blue sea. I still remember stepping into my bungalow and feeling a sense of simplicity and rustic chic—like nature and comfort were part of the DNA of this dreamy destination.

Each villa is crafted with natural wood and modern touches that keep only the basics of what true travel luxury should be. The rooms are spacious, with bathrooms offering an indoor shower, bathtub, and even an outdoor shower that made me feel connected to the earth.

Inside, it felt like a small home with a cozy living room, soft sofas, a large TV, and a well-stocked mini-bar for quiet evenings over the water. The private terrace was my favorite spot—I could dive straight into the lagoon or watch the coral reef just fifty meters away shimmer beneath the sun.

Unlike other luxury hotels, this isn’t about showing off; it’s about pure comfort and that simple island happiness. If you’ve ever visited Joali Being, the vibe is different—Como is calmer, softer, and more personal, making the stay feel like a private chapter in your travel story.

Como Shambhala: wellness as we like it

At Como Cocoa Island in the Maldives, I found a wellness destination that balances charm and quality better than Joali Being for those who love a small island feel. The spa offers treatments that felt truly exceptional, especially the duo massage where skilled therapists used their hands in a beautiful treatment room with an open-air bathroom—a real highlight.

For a small establishment, the facilities are impressive, from the hydrotherapy pool (a rare rarity in the region) to the pilates studio, fitness room, and sea-facing yoga pavilion with daily classes like sunrise yoga on a sandbar by the ocean and lagoon. After each session, stepping into the air-conditioning of my suite felt refreshing, making the experience wonderfully well rounded.