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 SETTING
World-class diving, snorkelling, fishing and island picnics on the silk-soft sand.
DINING
Luxury dining. Contemporary interpretations of Asian and Mediterranean classics. The healthful COMO Shambhala Cuisine remains a favourite with regulars, from morning juices to evening broths.
perfect waves
Great variety of surf spots just a short dhoni ride away.
5* Luxury
COMO’s white-sand private island escape in the Maldives is an intimate, romantic resort with 33 overwater villas above a turquoise lagoon. At its heart? The spirit of ease — and an exceptional COMO Shambhala wellness retreat.
The resort is instantly recognisable by overwater villas shaped like the gently curving wooden forms of the local ‘dhoni’ fishing boats. Each bungalow sits above the lagoon, connected by planked walkways. All are built with high rafters, glossy teak floors, New Zealand pine and Kajan-thatched roofs. Interiors reflect accents of sea, sand and sky, while floor-to-ceiling windows and large decks evoke openness while maintaining complete privacy.
Platinum Experience: Dhoni Water Villa
The semi-detached beach villas come with large windows that positively invite the outdoors inside. Whitewashed floor boards evoke a sense of fresh coolness, yet feel warm and textured to bare feet. They feature light summer duvets and massive bath towels, flat screen televisions, a place to plug in your mp3/iPod, indoor out-door showers and wifi broadband. The beach villas are 36 square metres in size.
MORE INFORMATION
We strongly recommend checking current travel advice before departure and subscribing to Smartraveller updates for the Maldives. Australian travellers no longer need to register their trip with Smartraveller, but should review the latest destination advice before travel.
VISA AND PASSPORTS
Tourist visas are granted on arrival in the Maldives for eligible visitors, provided all current entry requirements are met. Travellers should hold a machine-readable passport, confirmed accommodation, return or onward travel, and sufficient funds for their stay.
Maldives Immigration currently requires visitors to hold a passport with at least 1 month validity. However, we strongly recommend travelling with at least 6 months passport validity to avoid airline, transit, or onward-destination issues. Entry requirements can change, so please check current Maldives Immigration requirements before travel.
TRAVELLER DECLARATION
All travellers must complete the Maldives Traveller Declaration online before travel. The declaration can currently be submitted within 96 hours before arrival in the Maldives and is free of charge.
Complete your Traveller Declaration here.
BAGGAGE
Baggage allowances vary by airline, fare type, route and aircraft. Please check your airline’s current baggage and sports equipment policy before departure, especially if travelling with surfboards, musical equipment or additional luggage.
Airlines may only accept surfboards and excess baggage subject to space availability, so we recommend confirming your allowance before travel and arriving early for check-in if carrying oversized items.
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
Standard liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions usually apply on international flights. Containers in carry-on baggage should generally be 100ml or less and carried in a clear resealable plastic bag. Prescription medication, baby products and essential non-prescription medication may be permitted, but travellers should check airline and airport rules before departure.
IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS
Travellers must not bring alcohol, pork products, pornography, firearms, illegal drugs or idols of worship into the Maldives. Baggage may be screened on arrival.
The Maldives is a Muslim country. Alcohol is generally only available at resort islands, liveaboards and licensed tourist facilities. It is not available on local inhabited islands.
HEALTH
The Maldives is generally a safe destination for resort travellers, but travellers should seek current medical advice before departure. Routine vaccinations should be up to date, and vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and typhoid may be recommended depending on the traveller and itinerary.
Mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, chikungunya and Zika, can occur in the Maldives. Use tropical-strength insect repellent and consider wearing light-coloured clothing that covers arms and legs, especially around dawn and dusk.
For surfers, the main practical risks are sun exposure, reef cuts and infection. Reef booties and appropriate protection may be useful depending on the surf location. Travel insurance is essential and should cover surfing, medical treatment, emergency transfers and evacuation if required.
Medical facilities are more limited outside Greater Malé. Serious illness or injury may require transfer by speedboat, seaplane or medical evacuation.
POLICE
If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the incident to the local police and obtain a written report for insurance purposes.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICITY AND COMMUNICATIONS LIKE IN THE MALDIVES?
The Maldives uses 230V/50Hz electricity. UK-style Type G plugs are common, although plug types can vary between resorts and boats, so we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor.
Mobile coverage is generally available around populated islands and resort areas. If you need to stay contactable while travelling, check international roaming with your provider before departure or purchase a local SIM card on arrival. The country code for the Maldives is +960.
WHAT IS THE TIMEZONE?
The Maldives operates on Maldives Time, UTC/GMT +5.
The Maldives is 5 hours behind AEST, or 6 hours behind AEDT during Australian daylight saving time.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY USED?
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. For visitors staying at resorts or travelling on liveaboards, US dollars are widely accepted and are often the preferred currency for tourism-related payments.
Credit cards are accepted at most resorts and major tourist facilities. Smaller islands, local areas and some boats may require cash, so check payment options before travel. If travelling on a boat, confirm in advance whether card payments are accepted or whether USD cash is required.
WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE?
The Maldives has a hot tropical climate year-round. The southwest monsoon generally runs from May to October and can bring more wind and rain, especially around June and July. The northeast monsoon generally runs from November to April and is often drier.
Temperatures rarely fall below 25°C.
DRESS AND ETIQUETTE
Dress standards are conservative in Greater Malé and on inhabited local islands. Men should wear a shirt, and women should avoid revealing clothing. Resorts are generally more relaxed, but modest dress is recommended when visiting local islands or public areas.
DO I LEAVE A TIP?
Tipping is appreciated in the Maldives but not compulsory. If you are happy with the service you receive, a small tip for resort, boat or service staff is a thoughtful gesture.
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.
When do I need to pay the balance?
To make a booking, a deposit of $1000 per person for Platinum Packages or any single share package.
A second deposit of $1000 per person is due 180 days before travel.
The final balance is due 120 days before travel.
Don’t worry, we will send you reminders along the way.
Are airfares included in the above packages?
No, airfares are not included.
However, Music In Paradise is a one-stop-shop being a wholesale agent for Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines & Malaysian Airlines so once your package is booked just let us know what Australian city you are flying from and we can organise a quote, and book these for you.
Email [email protected] for a flight quote.
Will the airport transfers pick me up the same evening if my flight arrives late?
They sure will. This includes the flight arriving at 22.10 from Singapore into Male.
I am traveling on my own, do you offer Single Share Packages?
Absolutely! If you prefer to travel on your own or not share a villa, we offer a limited number of single-share packages.
These can be found on the Pricing and Packages spot via a link.
Are you still unsure? Reach out! We are happy to answer any questions
[email protected] or +61 02 9939 0890
Is the event family-friendly?
We are proud to confirm that all our events are family-friendly!
Generally, performances kick off at Sunset and don’t end too late. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids to the joy of live music and enjoy it as a family.
Experiences
This private island sits in spectacularly clear waters, encircled by live coral reefs and serene sandbars… a dreamy Maldives experience where you can dive, fish, or watch dolphins play while you explore the atoll on a sunset cruise.
Surfing, Yoga and Diving
The surf breaks around COMO Cocoa Island Maldives have something for everyone – from beginners that want to move to an intermediate level to experienced surfers wanting fast barrels and rippable walls. Learn from the experienced resident surf guides and surf instructors, qualified by the Surf Guide Association and run by the Perfect Wave team. Surfing of the world class break is exclusive to guests and capped at maximum 40 surfers, so you must pre-register for the surf program.
Spa
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.
Dining
COMO menus are steeped in the nuances of South Indian cuisine with light curries, seafood and salads. They also offer contemportary interpretations of other Asian and Mediterranean classics. COMO Shambhala Kitchen remains a favourite with regulars, from morning juices to evening broths.
COMO offer a variety of private dining experiences in unforgettable locations across the island, with menus for special events devised in consulation with the chefs. You can also discuss a specific set-up, for a proposal or family celebration. Or just order in-room dining to your private villa deck.
COMO Shambhala Kitchen is a healthful cuisine concept full of flavour. In the Maldives, the chefs make ample use of the tandoor for fat-free cooking. COMO Shambhala Kitchen is served at Ufaa, and is available on in-room dining menus. Soups, salads and broths are among the classics.