COMO Cocoa Island vs. Maalifushi: All You Must Know Before You Go

Location & Accessibility:

• COMO Cocoa Island: Situated in the South Malé Atoll, a 40-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. Ideal for quick transfers and proximity to the capital.
• COMO Maalifushi: Remote diving haven in the Thaa Atoll, the only resort in this area. Requires a 1-hour seaplane transfer, offering scenic views and greater seclusion.

Accommodation:

• Cocoa Island: Features multi-bedroom Dhoni Villas inspired by traditional Maldivian fishing boats. Compact, clean, intimate, and ideal for couples and group of friends. Overwater villas prioritize privacy and direct lagoon access.
• Maalifushi: Offers a mix of spacious overwater and beachfront villas and suites, including family-friendly options. Very clean, all accommodation comes with private pools, suitable for families or groups.

Dining:

• Cocoa Island: Focuses on fresh seafood, healthy, wellness-focused cuisine with a Maldivian twist, and Indian Ocean flavors at Ufaa Restaurant. Limited but curated dining options, emphasizing romantic, intimate settings. Private dining options, such as beachside candlelit dinners, enhance the romantic vibe.
• Maalifushi: Multiple dining venues, including Madi Restaurant (international cuisine), Japanes and Thai cuisine at Thila. Greater variety, catering to diverse tastes and families. Also features COMO’s wellness menus.

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Activities:

• Cocoa Island: Renowned for its pristine house reef (excellent snorkeling/diving). Tailored for couples and solo travelers, activities include water sports, kitesurfing, yoga, wellness programs, and cultural excursions. The lack of child-centric facilities reinforces its adults-only appeal.

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• Maalifushi: Prime for surfing (nearby breaks like "Castaways"), big-game fishing, and exploring untouched dive sites. Family-friendly activities like dolphin cruises and kids’ clubs. More adventurous and activity-rich, making it ideal for multi-generational stays.

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Spa & Wellness:

Both resorts feature COMO Shambhala Retreats. Cocoa Island’s spa is smaller with personalized treatments, wellness cuisine and hydrotherapy, while Maalifushi’s larger spa includes overwater treatment rooms and holistic wellness programs focus extends to family-friendly wellness.

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Atmosphere & Clientele:

• Cocoa Island: Intimate, adults-oriented, and romantic—perfect for honeymooners, wellness enthusiasts and couples seeking tranquility. With individuality, privacy, unspoiled nature combined with luxury, Cocoa Island offers very personal and extremely friendly service.
• Maalifushi: Balances seclusion with family-friendly amenities. Offers privacy for couples but also accommodates families with children. There is a "can-do" approach to service, so whatever you ask for will be done.

Best Time to Visit:

• Cocoa Island: Year-round, but optimal diving November–April.
• Maalifushi: Surfing season (April–October), with year-round diving and calm seas December–March.

Price Range:

Maalifushi is more affordable upfront; Cocoa Island justifies its cost with exclusivity and privacy, best for shorter stays.

Unique features:

• Cocoa Island: Proximity to Malé, iconic Dhoni architecture, exceptional house reef and adults-only exclusivity. The beaches on the island are exceptional covered with the finest sand. Sunset walk on one of the longest sandbank in Maldives connected to a resort is something the guests love.

• Maalifushi: Exclusive remote location in Thaa Atoll, more wild than some other islands with access to world-class diving/surfing, and versatile accommodations for families or adventurers. Because of the barrier reef, the sands is not as powdery.

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Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose Cocoa Island if: You prioritize romance, value convenience most of all, and world-class snorkeling/diving in a compact, adults-focused setting close to Malé with quick airport transfers and iconic overwater villas.

  Guests unanimously praise their appreciation of the luxurious amenities, top-notch food, attentive, personalized service that enhances the hotel's value, alongside the spacious, well-maintained rooms that ensure a comfortable, private retreat.

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• Choose Maalifushi if: You seek adventure (scuba diving, surfing, fishing), secluded experience, traveling with family or want a mix of beach/water villas, or remote luxury in a pristine atoll. Don’t mind paying more for remoteness and diverse experiences.

  The service at Como Maalifushi is often described as attentive and personalized, with the spacious and well-appointed rooms, ensuring comfort for family stays even during rainy weather.

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Is it worth splitting a week between the two resorts in order to see different islands?

Not sure if you’d rather visit COMO Cocoa Island or COMO Maalifushi? You can easily travel between the two with 'Two Private Islands Experience' offer if you’re interested in bundling both into your Maldives itinerary.

The package includes access to both private island resorts (minimum 3 nights stay) with exclusive rates, daily half board dining and complimentary inter-resort seaplane transfer.

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