| Dream on Cream on Cocoa
If there is anywhere on earth that conjures pure paradise for me then it has to be the Maldives. It would be a sad omission not to include a Maldivian peach when writing about romance and dream breaks.
So here it is, a place or places that came about by little creatures that rejoice in the name of coral polyps. We have a lot to thank these fervent aquatic animals for, particularly when you consider that due to all their hard work small picturesque islands are now dotted randomly in the middle of the smouldering Indian Ocean. Not only are they THE most exquisite white beaches with swaying palm trees and a sea that is, quite literally, like an endless pastel turquoise swimming pool, but also, most have coral reefs inhabited by goggle-boggling-beauty. Beneath the waters, it's certainly comparable to the Red Sea and the Great Barrier reef; yet the amazing thing is that you only need to swim out a few yards to view your very own private and exotic aquarium.
The islands of the Maldives are coralline and so typically flat with a maximum height of 3 metres above sea level. Most islands occur near an atoll enclosure reef and vary in size from a patch of sand to a tropically developed island.
Even if a storm blows up on the horizon the effect is quite staggeringly beautiful. Nothing God, or polyp given, could possibly disappoint you here. What you need though is to strike the 'bull's' eye with your choice of island style. In our opinion, The one to turn your wildest dreams into a deeply memorable real life holiday, is Cocoa Island; otherwise known as Makunufushi by the locals.
Climate Control
The Maldives is an ideal holiday destination throughout the year, though the most popular time to visit is during the dry monsoon, between November and April. However we went during the low season and adored the tropical showers that brought with them the most beautiful skies. It is generally hot, fairly humid and the temperature rarely drops below 25 �C with water temperatures steady at between 25 �C and 30 �C. Perfect for prolific coral growth.
Location of Love-Nest
Conveniently situated just thirty minutes by speedboat from Male, the main island, Cocoa Island is also in the opposite direction from most of the islands popular with tourists. This makes it quieter and deeply tranquil. Outside Male there is little infrastructure so no traffic to cause noise and pollution. The only visitors are fisherman in their pretty wooden boats dropping in and out of the horizon.
The resort's island is long and thin surrounded by the hypnotically translucent sea below a cerulean sky. The unspoilt landscape with palms, screwpine, vines, wild sea grapes, ylang ylang, and red hibiscus buzzing with tiny humming birds, has sand forming a perfect bank, which, by night, is covered by the gentle tide. A house reef creating a calm, pristine lagoon for gentle bathing and spotting rays, encircles the island. The reef is rich with life and a truly awesome experience, akin to floating above a magical sea-world. You really don't need aqualungs here, although many enjoy diving farther out.
Vital Statistics
Rooms here are inspired by local dhoni boats, adjoined by simple walkways above the shallow and clear Indian Ocean. Suites are cool, uncluttered and ocean-facing. From your soft bed, you walk out onto a private terrace and, from here, you step into the gentle waters.
Attention to slumber out here is inspirational at Cocoa. You sleep under natural ylang-ylang roofing in beds cocooned in smooth cream cotton and the bathrooms are large, whitewashed and airy.
The COMO Shambhala Retreat
Described as 'your holistic haven' the spa offers a variety of nurturing treatments as well as yoga on call. Menus have been created for those who want to maintain the holistic approach with their diet, which is inspired by South Indian cuisines. At intervals throughout the day, you can relax in the pretty lip pool which merges languidly into the sea.
Diving
There is a team on hand here to teach beginners and challenge the experienced. Boats, followed by man's most famous sea friend, the dolphin, will take you out to sites including the dramatic Kandooma Channel, flanking Cocoa.
There is a genuine care here, from the harmonious staff, to instil inner peace in the oft-weary traveller, and to induce feelings of pure passion.
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