Maldives
Como Cocoa Island
COMO Cocoa Island’s white-sand private island escape in the Maldives is an intimate, romantic resort with 33 overwater villas above a turquoise lagoon.
Located in the South Male’ Atoll, just a 40-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, but secluded enough to feel as though you’ve landed on a remote island getaway. The resort is surrounded by a number of quality surf breaks for all levels. World-class diving, snorkelling, fishing and island picnics on the silk-soft sand are all on offer.
What we Love
accommodation
Amazing one-, two- or three-bedroom overwater villas.
AMAZING OCEAN
World-class diving, snorkelling, fishing and island picnics on the silk-soft sand.
DINING
COMO Cocoa menus are steeped in the nuances of South Indian cuisine with light curries, seafood and salads. They also offer contemporary interpretations of other Asian and Mediterranean classics.
“Relax all day, share in great music, dance long into the evenings!”
COMO Cocoa Island offers an unbeatable holiday experience for those searching for that extra special touch! Located on a private island in the South Male Atoll, the resort features spectacular architecture inspired by sea barnacles and exudes a tropical island atmosphere, lush tropical greenery, white sand beaches and turquoise waters are more than enough paradise for guests to enjoy relaxed seclusion and privacy.
All the accommodation has been built around the edge of or on the water. Each villa type is fresh and contemporary in appearance, with clean lines and minimal clutter, incorporating all modern amenities, whilst retaining the warmth of natural wood finishes. Large windows mean that you are only a glance away from the great blue outdoors. Choose from:
Platinum Experience: Dhoni Water Villa
These amazing split-level Dhoni Water Villas stand out for their unique design: shaped like a traditional Maldivian ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, they make you feel like you’re floating on the ocean. The generous living room is a calming space to relax, while the overwater private terrace has a staircase that leads into the lagoon’s warm waters. View Floor Plan Here.
- View of the Indian Ocean
- Generous living and lounge area
- Private overwater terrace with loungers and dining table
- One king bed
Platinum Experience: Dhoni Loft Water Villa
Shaped like a traditional ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, Dhoni Loft Water Villas have an expansive lower level living area and a master bedroom on the mezzanine, making them great for families. The design is about bringing the outside space in, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, and a private terrace touching the ocean. View Floor Plan Here
- View of the Indian Ocean
- Generous living and lounge area
- Private overwater terrace with loungers and dining table
- One king bed
Platinum Experience: Loft Water Villa
In these villas, the horizon feels like it extends forever as you look out from your private sundeck, or watch the ocean roll past the floor-to-ceiling windows. The elevated loft features an en suite master bedroom, while the lower deck’s large and airy sitting area doubles up as a sleeping space for families. There is also a secluded outdoor rain shower with steps directly into the ocean. View Floor Plan Here.
- En suite master bedroom on the mezzanine
- Secluded outdoor rain shower
- Private overwater terrace with loungers and dining table
- One king bed
MORE INFORMATION
We strongly recommend you keep yourself informed and updated about current conditions at your holiday destinations. Register your trip at: www.smartraveller.gov.au or by calling DFAT on: (02) 6261 3305.
VISA AND PASSPORTS
A 30 day tourist visa is granted on arrival for most nationals, including citizens of Australia, NZ, UK and the USA. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity as most countries will not let you
in if you have any less.
BAGGAGE
For most international airlines, a limit of 20kgs for economy and 30kgs for business class is allowed, as well as an in-flight cabin bag, normally not more than 5kgs. Low cost carriers may be less, so please always check direct with your airline or your consultant if you are unsure. With Singapore Airlines, 1 surfboard bag may be included in your free baggage allowance, but excess baggage of surfboards up to 15kgs will be charged at AUD$30 per kg ex Australia. Airlines only accept excess baggage according to space availability, so if you think you will be over your limit, check in early!
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
New Liquid, Aerosol and Gel restrictions apply to your carry-on luggage on all flights. Each container of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on baggage must be 100ml or less. They must all be sealed in a transparent, one-liter plastic bag. You are only allowed one bag. Any resealable bag of one litre capacity or less is allowed. You may still carry through the screening point prescription medicines. Baby products and non-prescription medicines that you need for the flight are also allowed, but proof of need may be required. Purchases of Tax and Duty free goods bought after security screening at the airport can be taken on flights as carry-on.
IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS
No alcohol, pornography (which may cover a wide range of publications), pork, drugs, dogs, firearms, spear guns or “idols of worship” may be brought into the country. All baggage is X-rayed. The Maldives is a strict Muslim country and drinking is only allowed in resorts or on boats. This is the only place you can buy alcohol.
HEALTH
The Maldives is generally a healthy destination with no malaria and little risk of tropical diseases. Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are advised, specially if time is spent away from a resort island. Over-exposure to the sun and infection from coral cuts are the two main hazards for surfers. Booties and helmets are recommended. In an emergency an injured surfer may require a speedboat or seaplane to get to Male, the only place with modern medical facilities. For very serious injuries, evacuation to Colombo or Singapore may be necessary. It is essential to have adequate travel insurance to cover these possibilities.
POLICE
If any possessions are stolen, report the incident to the local police and obtain a report for insurance purposes.
TRAVELLER HEALTH DECLARATION
In accordance to health requirements all travellers travelling to and from Maldives are required to submit a self-declarative health declaration within 48 hours prior their departure to Maldives. Make your application here.
The airport you fly into is Velana International Airport in Male (MLE) in the Maldives.
If you are travelling from Australia, we recommend flying with Singapore Airlines who have flights daily from all major cities in Australia, with a short transit in Singapore before arriving into Male (MLE).
Being an Australian Wholesale Agent for Singapore Airlines, we can guarantee the best prices on most flights from Australia. Please contact us directly if you would like a flight quote.
If you are located outside of Australia, you are welcome to book your own flights to Male (MLE).
Once you arrive into Velana International Airport in Male (MLE), you will be met on arrival at the airport by a representative from the resort.
You will then be transported by a speed boat to the resort, which is approximately a 45 minute boat ride from the airport.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICITY AND COMMUNICATIONS LIKE IN THE MALDIVES?
Power is 220–240 volt at most resorts & boats. Electric sockets are UK type. Most places supply adapters, but we recommend you always take at least one of your own. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common. If you need to be contactable while you’re away, then make sure you get international roaming setup with your service provider before you go. Coverage is excellent throughout the islands and handsets can also be hired by the day. Sim Cards are bought at the Airport. The country code for the Maldives is: +960
WHAT IS THE TIMEZONE?
GMT + 5 Hours
AEST – 5 Hours
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY USED?
The currency of the Maldives is Rufiyaa, however as a visitor, USD are the currency of choice. Local ATMs only provide local currency, so are not much use to you. Everywhere in the Maldives you can pay with USD. Once you are in Maldives, you cannot exchange foreign currency for USD – so bring USD with you. All major credit cards are accepted at most resorts so you can pay your bill on checkout without a problem. Boats will also run a tab for drinks while on board and you can pay at the end. Most boats don’t have card facilities – they accept USD cash only.
WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE?
The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the south west brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature Rarely falls below 25°C.
DRESS AND ETIQUETTE?
In Male and on other inhabited islands, men should always wear a shirt and women should wear skirts or shorts that cover the thighs, and avoid wearing low-cut tops.
DO I LEAVE A TIP?
It is customary to tip in the Maldives as the wages are not high and staff don’t get a lot of money to support their families. The Perfect Wave recommends that if you are happy with the service you received and had a great experience, you should leave a small tip.
Experiences
World-class diving, snorkelling, fishing and island picnics on the silk-soft sand are all on offer.
COMO Shambhala Retreat offers Treatment rooms that overlook the lagoon and lush foliage. Como offers daily yoga and Pilates classes and has one of the only hydrotherapy pools in the Maldives, where high-pressure jets massage the body — a safe and powerful therapy.
Surfing
You can access 7 waves in the area, including Kandooma Right, Riptides, Foxeys & Tuckey Joes. You will have access to surf Kandooma Right daily: it’s a very short transfer from the resort and provided each day, as requested. You will also have access to surf one of the other 6 breaks closeby via a surf transfer boat. Each trip is guided, and a scheduled transfer will be available at least 1-2 times per day. Quarters is an easy and long right-hander. Twin Peaks a fun left and right. Tuckey Joes is a perfect, long, hollow left. Riptides is a super fun and consistent right, Foxys a fast, punchy left.
Wellness
The tranquil COMO Shambhala Retreat in the Maldives is a deeply restorative destination. Treatment rooms overlook the lagoon and lush foliage. They also have one of the only hydrotherapy pools in the Maldives, where high-pressure jets massage the body — a safe and powerful therapy.
COMO Shambhala Retreat is a two-storey centre with four massage pavilions (including three for couples). There is a yoga pavilion on the top floor, and a fully equipped gym on the lower floor.
Dining
COMO Cocoa menus are steeped in the nuances of South Indian cuisine with light curries, seafood and salads. They also offer contemporary interpretations of other Asian and Mediterranean classics. The healthful COMO Shambhala Cuisine remains a favourite with regulars, from morning juices to evening broths.
The Konro Grill and Bar – Japan meets the Maldives in this remarkable beachside dining.
Ufaa – inside-outside, pool- and beach-side restaurant. It serves modern interpretations of Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. See a sample menu here.
Faru Bar is an easygoing poolside bar with direct beach access. See a sample menu here.
Private Dining – a variety of private dining experiences in unforgettable locations across the island, with menus for special events devised in consulation with our chefs.