Makunufushi, South Male Atoll, Maldives
There are Instagrammable destinations, then there are places that will have you saying “what internet?” – where the pleasure is in the real world, spread out in all its laid back glory. It’s a simple life here. Sand. Sea. Spa. Repeat. Even the choice of rooms is a (balmy) breeze as they’re all perched over water, and all with an indescribable rustic charisma. No wheels, no big deal – you’ll want to walk anyway with sand this fine. The spa therapies are possibly the best you will come across in the world, online and off.
Best time to visit : December to April
What we absolutely love about the property and feel sure will dazzle you too.
Check-in 14.00 / Check-out 12.00
The split-level Dhoni Water Villas stand out for their unusual design: shaped like a traditional Maldivian ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, they make you feel like you’re floating on the ocean. The generous living room is a calming space to relax, while the overwater private terrace has a staircase that leads to the lagoon’s warm waters.
Shaped like a traditional ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, the Dhoni Loft Water Villas have an expansive lower level living area and a master bedroom on the mezzanine, making them great for families. The design is about bringing the outside space in, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, and a private terrace touching the ocean.
In these villas, the horizon feels like it extends forever as you look out from your private sundeck or watch the ocean roll past the floor-to-ceiling windows. The elevated loft features a king-sized en suite master bedroom, while the lower deck’s large and airy sitting area doubles up as a sleeping space for families. There is also a secluded outdoor rain shower with steps directly into the ocean.
These light-filled villas sit on their own secluded jetty, each with a private entrance deck, surrounded by the aquamarine ocean. Outside, there’s a new private pool and a balcony with a daybed, where you can relax as the sun rises and sets on the ocean. Inside, the spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling windows provides plenty of space to unwind.
Situated on either side of the island, COMO Cocoa Island’s two COMO Water Villas – Sunset and Sunrise – are arranged with two separate wings, both featuring an en suite bedroom and a private terrace directly above the ocean. The wings are connected by the living and dining areas, with balconies on either side that let you step directly off the deck into the turquoise lagoon. There’s also a secluded deck, with a new private pool that almost touches the edge of the ocean.
This new overwater villa features a large terrace with a 10-meter private swimming pool, offering some of the island’s best views of the iconic Maldivian sunset. The villa was designed with space in mind: there’s a living room, an en suite master bedroom, a private study and a gym. The villa can be connected to the COMO Sunset Water Villa via an overwater wooden walkway, or closed off for complete privacy.
COMO Cocoa Island, known locally as Makunufushi, is located among South Malé’s coral atolls. Importantly, guests do not need seaplanes to access the island; it is just a 40-minute speedboat transfer from the international airport on Malé (the main island). In addition, COMO Cocoa Island is located in the opposite direction to the majority of resorts (concentrated in the North Malé atoll) and occupies a quieter, undisturbed area.
Makunufushi, South Male Atoll, Maldives
