Overwater wellness retreat
Wooden boardwalks curve across shallow lagoon waters, connecting a discreet private island to thirty-three standalone overwater retreats.
“Often hotel spas can feel like an afterthought, but Cocoa’s Shambhala Retreat, like the one at Parrot Cay, is a dominant force...”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Thirty-three overwater suites shaped like traditional Maldivian dhoni fishing boats, finished in teak and whitewashed timber.
Remarkable
Open-air lagoon yoga deck, heated hydrotherapy pool, Ayurvedic bodywork pavilions, and raw-food Shambhala menus.
Notable
In-villa check-ins, custom private sandbank dining, and dedicated staff tailoring daily itineraries around the lagoon.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Indian Ocean
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
All of Cocoa Island’s suites and villas are over the water in the form of a dhoni, a traditional fishing boat
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Ringed by living coral reefs in the South Malé Atoll, the island sits a forty-minute speedboat ride from Malé.
The rooms
Shaped like traditional curved dhoni fishing boats, whitewashed suites feature private sun decks with direct staircases into the lagoon.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 25-meter infinity pool sits along the beach, shaded by thatched cabanas that look straight out to sea.
The spa
Treatment pavilions open onto garden bathtubs and lush greenery for Asian-inspired therapies and Ayurvedic bodywork.
At the table
Ufaa prepares fresh seafood and raw wellness menus beside the water, and Faru Bar pours cocktails along the beach.
How it began
Originally developed by a German photographer in the 1970s, the private island was later reimagined by COMO founder Christina Ong.
Good to know
Stay here
COMO Cocoa Island
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.