Cocoa Island beach
Cocoa Island is a small, picturesque island hotel nestled within the Maldives archipelago. It is situated in the equatorial region of the Indian Ocean, on the South Malé Atoll. From Malé International Airport, guests can reach the island by speedboat or seaplane; the transfer takes no more than forty minutes.
In the early '80s, Cocoa Island belonged to the renowned artist and photographer Eric Klemm. He discovered this island during one of his photo shoots and was captivated by its beauty at first sight. Klemm was inspired to create an eco-friendly resort for those seeking solitude and tranquility amidst pristine nature. He constructed four wooden bungalows featuring natural furniture and roofs crafted from palm leaves, laying the foundation for what would become the future hotel. Two decades later, when the lease expired, Klemm returned to the mainland, and the island was acquired by COMO Hotels & Resorts, which upheld his vision.
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Beach description
An island is a tiny piece of land (360m long and 84m wide), surrounded by a turquoise clear sea and a giant coral reef. Around the perimeter stretch beautiful beaches covered with white sand and framed by emerald greens. In the east of the island, there is a stunning sand spit, which extends far into the sea, while the northern beaches are wild and almost deserted. In the western part, you'll find a large view pool with a luxurious lounge area, surrounded by majestic palm trees.
The sea in the lagoon is calm and crystal clear, boasting a fantastic turquoise hue that allows for diving and snorkeling all year round. The home reef, encircling the island, is unbelievably picturesque and densely populated by a variety of tropical marine fauna. Here, tourists can encounter giant sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, rhinoceros fish, and other exotic underwater creatures. The water temperature remains stable at around 28-30 degrees Celsius, which is the optimal condition for the growth and life of corals. These corals are fascinating in their beauty and resemble a fabulous underwater forest.
Scuba diving equipment is available for a fee, and experienced instructors are on hand to arrange master classes and provide accompaniment. For the more adventurous divers, excursions to nearby reefs and islands are available, as well as special tours organized to explore underwater caves and sunken objects.
When is the best time to go?
The Maldives, with its idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit for a beach vacation is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period is characterized by lower humidity, less rainfall, and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving.
- November to April: This is the peak tourist season, with perfect weather conditions for beach activities. The sea is calm, offering excellent visibility for underwater adventures.
- May to October: Known as the monsoon season, this period sees more rain and stronger winds. However, it's also a time when the islands are less crowded, and resorts may offer lower rates.
For those seeking the ultimate beach vacation, timing your visit during the dry season ensures the most comfortable and enjoyable experience. However, if you're looking to avoid crowds and don't mind occasional showers, the off-peak months can also be a great time to explore the Maldives' natural beauty.
Video: Beach Cocoa Island
Infrastructure
From the south, the island is embraced by 36 detached bungalows designed in the form of traditional fishing boats, perched above the water on sturdy piles. Each is connected by slender wooden bridges, evoking the charm of a fishing pier with moored vessels. These quaint huts house secluded luxury apartments, each adorned in a colonial style. The wooden furniture complements the use of only natural materials for upholstery and decor. Every room is equipped with complimentary internet, air conditioning, a large-screen TV, and a bathroom stocked with a full array of essential hygiene products. From each "boat," a special ladder allows visitors to descend directly into the water, while the open deck offers a breathtaking view of the ocean.
The hotel's grounds boast the luxurious Ufaa restaurant, where guests can indulge in South Indian and European cuisines all day, prepared with fresh, eco-friendly ingredients. A dedicated menu caters to vegetarians. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Faru Bar, renowned for its exquisite cocktails.
At Cocoa Island, wellness and yoga classes are available daily, complemented by a gym and spa. As the sun sets, guests can partake in a variety of entertainment events and traditional Maldivian parties on the beach or in the lush garden.
Hotel guests consistently praise the exceptional level of service and the attentive nature of the staff. This, perhaps, justifies the considerable room rate, which starts at $1,000 per day.
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The best time for the holiday on Maldives is dry winter, when the amount of precipitation is minimal, and the water and air temperature doesn't exceed 26-28 degrees.
Tourists, comming here for no more than 30 days, don't need visa. Visitors only need to fill out a migration card, present a passport, tourist voucher and return ticket, and confirm the availability of the necessary financial resources.