Just as fashionable with the cognoscenti as its sister hotel, Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos, Cocoa Island is the centrepiece of an island that takes about 10-minutes to circumnavigate. To the south lies one of the world’s best dive sites, whilst on the other side is a tranquil reef tailor-made for snorkelling. Indeed, Cocoa Island is all about living life close to the water, even its architecture a truly creative reflection of its island setting.
Guests stay in contemporary water villas called ‘dhonis’, each one modelled after local fishing craft and featuring private verandahs with steps into the Indian Ocean. Stylish, yet simple, they have drawn their inspiration from colonial themes, yet are equipped with every modern comfort. The choice lies primarily between standard suites with step-down living areas; more spacious loft suites with their bedrooms upstairs; expansive loft villas with outdoor showers and one and two-bedroom villas for those requiring even more space.
Water-based activities here include diving, fishing, sailing and an ‘infinity’ pool, but for a change you can head straight for the COMO Shambhala Retreat. If you really want to like a castaway you can depend upon room service, or you may prefer to step ashore and dine on the Indian or Sri Lankan specialities and fresh seafood of the main restaurant. Don’t blame us if you feel a little guilty tucking into the latter after your snorkelling safaris and dolphin viewing tours!
Accommodation: 8 ‘dhoni’ suites, 9 ‘dhoni’ loft suites, 10 loft villas, 4 one-bedroom villas & 2 two-bedroom villas.
Access: 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport.
Children: accepted year-round.
Thatched dining and sitting/bar areas have beautiful open views of the beach and spectacular coral reefs beyond. Baskets of fresh fruit, fish and lobsters are brought by traditional outriggers to Mnemba's shore, to be prepared as exquisite and exotic delicacies.
A short walk from your doorstep lies 1,100 feet of crystalline white sand - one of the largest and most beautiful private beaches in The Florida Keys. From the beach you can experience the thrill of wind surfing or the serenity of kayaking across the aquamarine waters of the Atlantic. While watching these waters you may catch a glimpse of the elusive grey ghost, known as the Bonefish, tailing across the flats tempting you to cast a fly his way. Islamorada, known as “The Sportfishing Capital of the World” offers two distinctly different types of fishing. If it’s the Bonefish or Tarpon you’re after, the back country or Gulf is for you, whereas if you’re looking for Sailfish, Marlin or perhaps Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), deep sea fishing might be more your style. If you prefer to be in the water rather than on top of it, the area has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Keys, offering everything from shallow or mid-range reefs to steep wall and numerous wrecks.
If it’s on-land activities you are looking for, you will find a tennis court and a 25-metre lap pool nestled among the colorful bougainvillea and over 700 coconut palms on the property.
The beachfront homes could have had a nicer “ocean view” like those so prized by many resorts. However their building philosophy was to stay under the tree canopy in order to be as discrete as possible from boating or ocean approach and to give guests ample privacy on the beach.
