Cocoa Island by COMO South Male atoll

A small, intimate island owned for the last 15 years by COMO (Singaporean billionaire Ong Beng Seng’s hotel venture) and a 45 minute speedboat ride from Male.

All 33 suites lead directly into the water and their design is inspired by the traditional Maldivian ‘Dhoni’ boat. Cocoa has for a long time been in the Top Ten Maldives resorts, based on its uber-cool reputation, understated barefoot luxury, attention to detail and great service. The rooms are simple and well done, and you can easily circumnavigate the island in 15 minutes.

All dining is a la carte. The main restaurant Ufaa caters for the most discerning palate whilst being unpretentious, featuring seafood and organic vegetables in exciting and healthy combinations. The spa within the COMO Shambhala Retreat is everything you’d expect from a top class resort and the dive school caters for all levels with friendly and professional service.

Cocoa is expensive, but you get what you pay for. Watch out for the low season specials, when you can get some great deals.

The resort has undergone an extensive upgrade programme which covered the villas, public areas, including Ufaa Restaurant and Faru Bar, and the COMO Shambhala Retreat wellness centre.