PEAKLIFE

By Vidhi Gupta

Basking in the splendour of magical sunsets from my room, savouring the freshest catch of the day, snorkelling with whale sharks at night, chasing dolphins on a cruise, and even having a private island all to myself for an entire day, I spent my days realising the true luxury of nature with COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi in Maldives.

The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean with bustling reefs beneath crystalline waters, and white beaches fringed with palms. COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi sit on private islands: the former is a more intimate and authentic Maldivian resort, the latter is larger and caters to families with ease.

COMO COCOA ISLAND

Dear COMO Cocoa Island, I think about you all the time.

Nestled among the sandy atolls of South Malé, the intimate sanctuary of COMO Cocoa Island is the best tropical getaway I ever had. Just a swift 40-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, this exclusive retreat boasts an impressive house reef embraced by chalk-white beaches and the shimmering turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

When the keys were handed to me, with delicate beads that added a charming local touch, I knew I was in for a unique experience. My Loft Water Villa, designed to resemble a traditional ‘dhoni’ fishing boat, welcomed me with an expansive lower-level living area and a master bedroom on the mezzanine. The private terrace, extending into the ocean, became my haven for the evenings, where I sipped champagne on the deck, watching the sun set and the sky change colours.

The property houses Ufaa, a culinary haven where modern interpretations of Indian and Mediterranean cuisine take centre stage, with a focus on fresh local produce, including delectable seafood and COMO Shambhala’s healthful eating options. I had a refreshing Como Colada, served in a coconut with an edible, sustainable straw. The seafood offerings were a delight, from succulent oysters to perfectly grilled tiger prawns, pasta, sushi, and Indian biryani—each dish a chef’s kiss. Desserts were a symphony of flavours, beautifully plated and always delightful. The house-made sorbets and chocolate mousse with ginger frangipane and honeycomb brittle are absolute must-tries. One evening, I enjoyed an enchanting dinner by the shore, lit only by candlelight, with my toes nestled in the sand, creating the most romantic ambiance.

Breakfast here was a celebration of taste and health, featuring delights like ‘Real Toast’ made with tomatoes, cucumber, parsley salad, and avocado crush, and the Quinoa Bowl, a vibrant mix of marinated grilled tofu, mushrooms, avocado, broccoli, house-made kimchi pickles, and nori sprinkle.

Faru Bar, just across from Ufaa, is an easy-going, foot-in-the-sand resort bar in an authentic hut and traditional bar stools. This is where the inventive bartenders put together refreshing drinks, along with fine wines, classic cigars, and light snacks.

One of the most enriching aspects of my stay was the deep dive into the fascinating world of coral reefs. Under the expert guidance of our sweetest instructor, Kai, taught me how to propagate corals by tying them onto a frame which is planted at the coral gardens of the resort. Kai’s passion for the environment was palpable as she patiently explained every aspect of coral ecosystems. She then escorted me on my maiden snorkelling adventure, where I unlocked a whole new world under the water. As I dipped my head beneath the surface, the world above faded away, leaving only the serene, silent beauty of the ocean’s depths. There were so many colourful corals, and schools of fishes. COMO Cocoa Island, blessed with abundant reefs just off its shores, offers an unparalleled snorkelling experience. Simply gear up, plunge into the crystal-clear waters, and discover the breathtaking wonders that lie beneath the sea.

Another aquatic adventure whisked me away on a sunset cruise with dolphins. They were easy to spot, joyfully swimming alongside our boat with grace. The sight was nothing short of magical, as numerous dolphins danced in the water, occasionally leaping into the air. The experience of spotting them in their natural habitat was simply unforgettable.

For the ultimate indulgence in relaxation, I ventured to the COMO Shambhala Retreat for their renowned COMO Shambhala Massage. Unlike traditional spas confined to closed rooms, this spas room seamlessly blended the indoors with the outdoors. Even the bathroom, discreetly nestled under the shade of trees with the sea as its backdrop, offered an open-air experience that simply made me so happy. With the sight of white sheer curtains billowing gently against the lush greens and blues outside, I climbed onto my massage bed and the soothing strokes of the massage lulled me into a blissful slumber. The spa has a hydrotherapy pool, ingeniously designed with various stations that provide different water pressures, each targeting specific areas of the body.

COMO MAALIFUSHI

It just took a quick scenic seaplane ride from COMO Cocoa Island to reach the sister property, COMO Maalifushi. Surrounded by uninhabited islands, world-class surf breaks, and thriving marine life, it is located in the turquoise waters of the Maldives’ southerly Thaa Atoll.

As I strolled towards my overwater haven, I wandered past a sprawling garden teeming with vibrant corals, convenient cycle stations, and lush foliage. My room was too good to be true! The overwater suite was located above the water, with spectacular views of the Maldivian sky. It features a large bedroom with a living area and wide doors that open to a terrace with a plunge pool and direct access to the turquoise lagoon. The bathroom was a sanctuary with its sunken bath and open-air shower. Each morning greeted me with endless blue skies and shimmering waters, while my days were spent clicking pictures on my sundeck. Evenings became a ritual of watching sunsets from my private pool, and nights were a blissful retreat in the sunken bathtub. My suite had transformed into a personal paradise, a mini-resort where every moment felt like a dream come true!

Menu at Madi are light and flavourful, with a range of local, Mediterranean, Indonesian and Thai-influenced dishes served from breakfast to late evening. I had the most refreshing summer rolls here with poached tiger prawn, along with Crab Tostone consisting of jumbo lump crab, avocado smash, and Sweet Potato Fries. For drinks, my favourites were Dhoni, a mocktail made for Maldivian summers with rocket leaves, parsley, mint, lettuce, basil, fresh mango, fresh pineapple and honey, and Doctor Coco- Pandan and coconut shaken with fresh lime juice, Martini Bianco and Grey Goose vodka.

COMO Maalifushi’s Japanese restaurant, Tai, offers sushi and sashimi in an overwater setting. My culinary journey loved the Shrimp Tempura and Toothfish Teriyaki, complemented by rosemary anticucho teriyaki, gyoza, and a delightful finale of Matcha green tea paired with berries and lychee sorbet. The standout, however, was the Shizuka cocktail—a symphony of sake intertwined with chamomile flower syrup, shaken with fresh mint and orange blossom water—an absolute revelation. Dining in Tai transcended mere meals; it was an immersion in sensory delight—a symphony of cool breezes and the gentle serenade of surrounding waters; it was just something else.

The most thrilling experience was a day on a private island! A boat takes you to Lavadhoo island, beyond the confines of the resort, where land upon pristine shores and untouched nature. Beach beds awaited me in an idyllic arrangement, alongside a perfectly set picnic table, promising a day of seclusion. Here you are given a discreet phone for any required communication from the island to the hotel- no Wi-Fi. Nap, snack, or swim, the entire island is only yours! Stretching out upon the soft sands, I saw swaying trees in the gentle breeze, clouds drifting lazily across a flawless sky, and the rhythmic lapping of waves upon the shore. Tiny crabs scuttled along the sands, adding to the tableau of natural luxury that surrounded me.

Apart from COMO Shambhala Retreat, which has overwater treatment rooms, a huge common pool overlooking the beach, and a kids’ activity centre, the resort has a Marine Sports Centre where you can book an experience to be up close with whale sharks at night. Snorkel alongside these incredible creatures, illuminated by the moonlight. Or, if you prefer, marvel at their graceful presence from the deck. Once signed up, the resort calls you when there has been a whale shark sighting – anytime between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm – and the boat will whisk you 20 minutes north. The Maldives’ clear waters allow for an aquarium-like view of these gentle giants. The whale sharks usually ignore snorkelers while feeding, allowing you the time to admire them as they swim majestically and slowly around you.

As the curtain fell on my enchanting tropical retreat, the inevitable moment arrived to bid farewell and embark on the seaplane journey back to the airport. Yet, reminiscing about the days spent at COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi, has made my heart beat again for the sun and the sand, longing for a return soon.