One Week Holiday to the Maldives for a Special Celebration

The Perfect Surprise

Cocoa Island by Como? It was a special celebration for my significant other and I thought what can I do to make it truly memorable? I wanted it to be big and something totally unexpected. Should I arrange a party, buy a symbolic present, organise a lovely lunch or just arrange a holiday,

Quite honestly, it didn’t take too long to narrow it down. Let’s face it, with my love for travel, it just had to be jetting away! Who doesn’t love a holiday!

A Holiday Wins Everytime

Now I’d pinpointed what we were going to do, the big question was where to? Unlike, many of my trips, this had to be a shorter, one week getaway. I knew it had to be a warm weather destination . These precious few days were about total relaxation, blue skies, warm waters, luxury and something a little different.

When I put it on paper like this, metaphorically speaking of course, it sounds as if this treat is quite possibly a treat for yours truly! Mmmm! However, isn’t that often the reality of giving a present. It’s actually more than likely something you also really like.

After all, the receiver has no say in the surprise so ultimately it’s your choice. And on this occasion, I’m going on the surprise holiday too. Win, win!

After scouring through the different holiday resources to see what may fit the bill, it came to me. A holiday to the Maldives. Idyllic, sunny, relaxing and bursting with luxury accommodation. A perfect destination for 6 nights and also a reasonable fight time for us. He would love it and naturally so would I!

The Biggest Dilemma was Choosing the Best Resort for our Holiday in the Maldives

How do you possibly choose a hotel on an archipelago bursting with uber luxury resorts. Each one you’ll look at has its own charm and attraction. This challenge actually took longer than choosing the overall surprise destination. A holiday to the Maldives is not as simple as you think!

The Correct Fit for us on this Special Celebration

If you look at my Destination guide on The Maldives, you will see I have set out some key drivers for choosing the correct resort for your trip. Therefore, using this helpful guide I knew what would be the best fit for us on this particular trip. My drivers were:

• Small island
• Resort island eg just the hotel on the entire island
• Over water accommodation
• No motorised sports – no jet skies whizzing by on our retreat
• No organised entertainment eg nightly bands, water aerobics
• Gym, spa and snorkelling equipment
• Serenity

Having highlighted all of the above in my search criteria, my list of beautiful islands was at last getting slightly smaller.

A Plethora of Luxury Resorts to Entice You on a Holiday to the Maldives

I defy anyone to find their luxury resort easily with the stellar choice before you. The Maldives has successfully grown to be a luxury destination offering quite exceptional accommodation. A holiday to the Maldives has so very much to offer. However, that said the resort island that was shouting out at me was Como Cocoa Island.

I have been fortunate to enjoy their first class hospitality in other locations, namely in Italy, Thailand and Bhutan and I was a fan. I therefore delved deeper into this particular Maldives resort to ensure that it ticked all our boxes and the rest is history.

The Surprise is Booked and Imminent for this Special Celebration

Once booked, it was simply a matter of containing my excitement. He knew he was going away to warmer climes but The Maldives would definitely not be on his radar. One week’s holiday to the Maldives was a trek, a good 10 hours from London, but with our business class seats waiting for us it was more than comfortable.

Please don’t be put off by the extra travelling hours particularly if you’re fortunate enough to enjoy a touch of luxury en route. After all, being pampered on your journey is all part and parcel of your holiday. That first glass of bubbly at the airport is where the holiday starts….or is that just me?!

Travelling to The Maldives Made Easy

As I mentioned above, I had booked us into business class with Qatar Air which flew via Doha. Personally, I have always found their flights to be excellent. A very manageable 6 hour flight took us to Doha where we had a connecting flight onto Male. Doha Business Class Lounge also makes for a very acceptable interlude and breaks the journey up rather nicely.

Direct flights do go to Male, the capital of The Maldives. Both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways offer a regular service from London. In just over 10 hours, you can be in your very own slice of paradise.

Arriving in Paradise

After perhaps partaking in a little too much in-flight service, we landed at Male International Airport. A representative from Cocoa Island by COMO welcomed us at the airport and walked us over to the waiting speedboat adjacent to the airport.

NOTE: This particular island doesn’t have motorised sports and deemed a quiet island. Consequently, seaplanes do not come to Cocoa Island and the island is only accessed by speedboat .

On board, cold towels and drinks offered, we were soon speeding across the sparkling turquoise waters of the stunning Maldives. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes.

I felt a wave of excitement and tranquility wash over me as Cocoa Island appeared in the distance — like stepping into a postcard. This hidden gem is nestled in the South Malé Atoll and has unparalleled luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.

Overwater Accommodation

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the warm staff with refreshing coconut water and a traditional Maldivian welcome.

The resort’s accommodations are inspired by the traditional Maldivian dhoni boats, offering overwater suites and villas that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. I had opted for the dhoni boat accommodation for our stay.

It was a dream — spacious, sunlit, and tastefully decorated with natural tones and textures that brought the outside in. A private sundeck led directly to the shimmering waters below, making it impossible to resist an early-morning dip.

The highlight? The floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the endless ocean. Watching the sunrise from bed felt like a scene out of a movie.

Paradise on a Plate for this Holiday to the Maldives

Cocoa Island’s culinary offerings are a treat for the senses too. The food at Ufaa, the island’s restaurant, is a delightful fusion of international flavours with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether it was a vibrant seafood platter or a refreshing tropical smoothie bowl, each dish was crafted with care and creativity.

On the anniversary of our special occasion, we dined under the stars with our toes in the sand. The gentle sound of the waves, the flickering lanterns, and the incredible food created a magical, unforgettable experience.

Leisure and Activities

Cocoa Island offers the best of both worlds: fun activities and peaceful relaxation. The lagoon is a playground for snorkeling enthusiasts, teeming with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. I spotted graceful manta rays, playful dolphins, and schools of colourful fish. For those looking to be above the water, kayaking and paddle boarding are equally great ways to explore the waters.

Believe it or not, I also managed to squeeze into my gym kit and enjoy (get through) a workout or two whilst on the island.

But the real magic of Cocoa Island lies in its serene moments. The COMO Shambhala Retreat is a sanctuary for the soul, offering holistic wellness treatments and yoga sessions with panoramic ocean views. A Balinese massage at the spa left us feeling rejuvenated and blissfully at peace.

A Special Trip to Remember

As the sun dipped below the horizon on our final evening, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, I realized Cocoa Island is more than a destination—it’s an experience. Its unspoiled beauty, impeccable hospitality, and sense of calm make it a place you’ll never want to leave.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, an island escape, or simply a chance to disconnect and recharge, Cocoa Island by COMO is the ultimate island retreat. As the speedboat pulled away from the dock, I promised myself I’d return one day to this little slice of paradise.

Incidentally , this surprise trip was everything I could have hoped for and, of course, absolutely loved by the very appreciative recipient. Maybe, the credit card statement didn’t look too appealing upon our return but that’s another story! The memories made were worth every penny!