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COMO Cocoa Island to close during May-November 2019 for major upgrade
COMO Hotels and Resorts has announced a major renovation at its COMO Cocoa Island resort in the Maldives.
In an announcement, COMO Hotels said its private island resort will be closed for an extensive upgrade programme from May 1, 2019 to November 1, 2019. This keenly anticipated renovation project covers the resort’s villas and public areas including Ufaa Restaurant and Faru Bar, as well as the COMO Shambhala Retreat wellness centre, it added.
“During this time, we regret that we will be unable to accommodate any bookings. Should you still wish to travel to the Maldives, the team at our sister property COMO Maalifushi will be more than happy to accommodate you,” the announcement read.
“Simply write to us at res.maalifushi@comohotels.com to discuss a booking.”
First opened in 2002 on the tiny island of Makunufushi in South Male Atoll, the boutique island resort of COMO Cocoa Island is a sliver of sandy perfection, washed by warm seas in every shade of blue. It is a place to leave shoes and cares behind, enjoy caster sugar sand between your toes, sun on your back and tropical fish through your mask. Common stuff in the Maldives, perhaps; but what sets this luxury island retreat apart are the location (40 minutes by speedboat from the main Velana International Airport), the world-class spa (courtesy of COMO Shambhala) and the friendly, laid-back atmosphere. There is also a stunning sandbank which is an Instagram heaven.
Moored on stilts above a vast turquoise lagoon, the 33 villas and suites have authentic minimalist style: think NY loft combined with beach-shack-chic and you are close. The rooms resemble local dhoni fishing boats and feature direct access to the shallow lagoon. All have a private outdoor sun deck, as well as spacious living and sleeping areas decorated in flowing white muslin.
A fantastic restaurant next to an infinity edge pool, which blends seamlessly with the sea beyond. Through the trees: a beautiful spa, an open-air yoga pavilion and massuesses who read your body like a book. This is five-course bliss served on a plate; you need hardly move. But you should. Shuffle barefoot around the island to find a private stretch of beach; slip into crystalline waters to snorkel or dive amongst turtles and reef fish; book a sunset cruise or a day’s deep-sea fishing.
During the closure of COMO Cocoa Island, guests can choose to stay at its sister property in the Maldives, COMO Maalifushi.
COMO Maalifushi is the only resort in the pristine Thaa atoll — a 60-minute seaplane journey from the Maldives main international airport. This makes it the ultimate away-from-it-all destination with white strands of beach, inland tropical greenery and a safe, cobalt lagoon flanked by a healthy house reef.
The resort provides numerous opportunities to explore the region with instruction in sailing, diving and seasonal surfing, using a fleet of boats for fishing and a nearby white-sand island where guests can enjoy a private island picnic experience.
But while activities are numerous, this is a luxurious resort designed with relaxation front of mind. Each room’s décor is designed to bring the colours of sea, sand and sky into the heart of the residence, be it an overwater villa or a beach house set among garden palms.
COMO Maalifushi has three restaurants: Thila, for easygoing food such as wood-fired pizzas and salads; Madi, which serves a mix of local, regional and Mediterranean cuisine; and Tai, which ranks amongst the finest Japanese restaurants in the Maldives, featuring a sushi bar serving freshly caught seafood and an enviable, overwater location.
Guests can fully embrace the range of holistic Asian therapies available at the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat at COMO Maalifushi, which also offers yoga, a fully-equipped gym and a range of holistic wellness therapies. The guest experience at COMO Maalifushi is defined from beginning to end by COMO’s exacting, passionate service.
ELE|NA has been named Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the Maldives-based wellness brand’s contributions to the hospitality and wellness industry across the region.
The recognition comes as wellness continues to become an integral part of luxury hospitality, with ELE|NA working alongside resort partners to develop and operate wellness facilities that combine therapeutic experiences, trained professionals and operational expertise.
Guided by its Wellness Your Way™ philosophy, ELE|NA incorporates wellness into different aspects of the guest experience. Its six Pillars of Vitality – TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight – encompass therapeutic treatments, physical activity, emotional wellbeing, restorative sleep and nutrition. The framework allows individual resorts to develop wellness programmes tailored to their locations and guest preferences.
In addition to providing wellness experiences, ELE|NA works with hospitality partners on concept development, spa operations, therapist training and service delivery. Its operational model combines the individual characteristics of each resort with standardised systems and procedures aimed at maintaining service consistency across its properties.
Sustainability also forms part of the brand’s operations. All ELE|NA properties in the Maldives have received Platinum Sustainable Wellness Accreditation, recognising their approach to responsible spa operations, environmental management and community wellbeing.
The brand also invests in professional development through the ELE|NA Wellness Academy, which provides training programmes for therapists and wellness professionals. The academy combines traditional therapeutic practices, practical training and contemporary wellness knowledge to support professional development and strengthen service standards across the industry.
The recognition at SATA 2026 comes as ELE|NA continues to expand its operations beyond the Maldives, extending its wellness concepts and services into India, Nepal and other emerging hospitality destinations.
With wellness increasingly influencing travellers’ accommodation choices and holiday experiences, ELE|NA continues to focus on integrating wellness services into resort operations while supporting the development of trained professionals and sustainable practices within the hospitality sector.
Milaidhoo Maldives is set to welcome award-winning chef James Knight-Paccheco, widely known as Chef JKP, on 11 and 12 December 2026 for two culinary events focusing on cooking techniques, culinary experiences and the exploration of new flavours.
On 11 December, Chef JKP will conduct a culinary workshop, offering guests the opportunity to cook alongside him, learn professional techniques and exchange ideas in the kitchen. The following evening, he will host a wine-pairing dinner featuring dishes prepared in his signature style, accompanied by wines selected by the resort’s resident sommelier to complement each course.
With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef JKP has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and restaurant projects across the UK and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside renowned chefs including Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay and Michael Caines. He is also the creator and host of The Chef JKP Podcast, which has recorded more than 6.5 million downloads.
At Milaidhoo Maldives, the culinary experience draws inspiration from the island’s surroundings, Maldivian flavours and traditional cooking methods, combined with international influences introduced by the resort’s team of chefs. This approach encourages the exchange of culinary knowledge and techniques, allowing guests to explore local dishes, learn new cooking methods and engage with the chefs responsible for their dining experiences.
Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo offers a setting where dining experiences focus on personalised service and interaction between guests and culinary professionals. Chef JKP’s visit is intended to provide guests with opportunities to engage directly with the visiting chef, gain insights into his approach to cooking and experience his culinary creations.
The culinary workshop will take place on 11 December 2026, followed by the wine-pairing dinner on 12 December 2026.
Reethi Faru Resort has welcomed the festive season with its annual Fruit Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of a programme of celebrations, activities and experiences for guests visiting the resort during the Christmas and New Year period.
The resort has prepared a series of festive events and activities catering to guests of different ages and interests. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Christmas tree decorating, creative workshops and gingerbread house making, while couples can enjoy evening walks along beaches decorated with festive lights.
The festive programme will include a Christmas dinner and a New Year’s Eve gala, followed by a DJ party to welcome 2027. Guests will also be able to participate in coral planting activities alongside a marine biologist, providing an opportunity to learn about the island’s marine ecosystem and contribute to conservation efforts.
For guests seeking relaxation, the resort will offer yoga sessions and spa treatments, while those interested in outdoor activities can participate in water sports, island excursions, sports challenges and PADI diving experiences conducted by certified instructors.
Other events scheduled during the festive period include Reethi Faru Resort’s anniversary celebration, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa Claus. The programme will also feature live music, Maldivian cultural performances, outdoor movie nights and a selection of dining experiences.
According to the resort, the festive programme has been designed to bring together traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations with activities that highlight the Maldives’ natural environment and cultural heritage.
Through its combination of festive events, recreational activities, marine conservation initiatives and dining experiences, Reethi Faru Resort aims to provide guests with opportunities to celebrate the holiday season while experiencing island life in the Maldives.
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