One Week Holiday to the Maldives for a Special Celebration
The Perfect Surprise
At Glamorous Gallivant, we believe every chapter in life deserves a little magic. So if you’re planning a special getaway and wondering if the Maldives is “worth it”. Let me assure you: it’s unforgettable.
It was a special celebration for my significant other. 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, it sounds quite interesting. Metaphorically speaking, it sounds as if this treat is quite possibly a treat for yours truly! Mmmm! Still, 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 Resort for this Special Celebration
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 Best Fit for us on this Special Celebration
If you check my Destination guide on The Maldives, you’ll find some key drivers to help you decide your fit. These will help you choose the correct resort for your trip. I used this same guide to help find my resort. 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
I highlighted all of the above in my search criteria. My list of beautiful islands was finally getting shorter.
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. Nevertheless, that said the resort island that was shouting out at me was Cocoa Island by Como Hotels.
I’ve been fortunate to enjoy their wonderful hospitality in other locations. Namely in Italy, Thailand, and Bhutan. I knew I was a fan. Nonetheless, I needed to look deeper into this particular Maldives resort. I wanted to make sure that it ticked all our boxes. The rest is history.
The Maldives have so many first-class luxury resorts that you really are spoilt for choice. However, because of the vast choice, you really need to do your. homework. More information on choosing the correct resort for your holiday is found in my Destination page on the Maldives.
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. It was a good 10 hours from London. But, with our business class seats waiting for us, it was more than comfortable.
Don’t be put off by the extra travelling hours. This is especially true 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 a Special Paradise
After partaking in a little too much in-flight service, we landed at Male International Airport. A representative from Cocoa Island by COMO met us at the airport. They guided us to the waiting speedboat next to the airport.
NOTE: This particular island doesn’t have motorised sports and deemed a quiet island. As a result, 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.
A wave of excitement washed over me. Tranquility accompanied it as Cocoa Island appeared in the distance. It was like stepping into a postcard. This hidden gem is nestled in the South Malé Atoll and has unparalleled luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.
Luxury 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. They offer overwater suites and villas. These 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.
Choice of Accommodation
Read my Guide to the Maldives for detailed information on choosing the right resort for you.
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, offers a delightful fusion of international flavours. The dishes focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish was crafted with care. Whether it was a vibrant seafood platter or a refreshing tropical smoothie bowl, every meal showcased 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 in this Luxury Destination
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 managed to squeeze into my gym kit. I enjoyed (got 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. It offers holistic wellness treatments. There are yoga sessions with panoramic ocean views. A Balinese massage at the spa left me feeling rejuvenated and blissfully at peace.
A Special Trip to Remember in this Holiday to the Maldives
The sun dipped below the horizon on our final evening. It painted the sky in shades of pink and gold. I realised 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.
You might be seeking a romantic getaway. Perhaps you want an island escape. Or you could simply want 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. The very appreciative recipient absolutely loved it. 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!
Find further information and resort recommendations on the Maldives, make sure you look at my page on the Maldives.
