The Maldives are made up of tiny islands which look like dots strung out like turquoise ink spots, in the Indian Ocean. But one island stands head and shoulders above its neighbours, the private paradise that is Cocoa Island.

Cocoa Island, known locally as Makunufushi, is located among South Malé’s coral atolls. Again it distinguishes itself from its contemporaries because it doesn’t require a seaplane to reach its magical shores. After a quick 30 minute speedboat ride from the airport you arrive at your very own desert island, far far away from the busy tourist ridden Northern end of the Maldives.

Once get there, you settle into you new home the minute you feet touches the powder white sand. Gone are the stresses of the journey, and the months leading up to this moment. It all just melts away, like a distant memory, and you’re faced with all that matters in the here and now; you’re married and virtually alone in your own secret paradise.

The resort looks out towards calm waters and as you explore the island you soon realise that its only 350 metres long, with sand snaking out into a perfect spit that disappears with the evening tide. There’s a faint smell of hibiscus and ylang-ylang in there air, drifting along from the natural landscaping in the cool Indian Ocean breeze.

ACCOMODATION
For such a small island there is a remarkable quality of accommodation. All 33 rooms are posted in the sea on stilts, accessible only via a wooden walkway that has crystal waters underneath it.

Depending on how generous you’re feeling you can either splash some cash on a Loft Villa, with gorgeous chic interiors. It has a huge amount of space and best of all, a bathroom that opens into a private outdoor shower area with the sea visible below. Or if the wedding budget has taken it out of you, then ease your financial worries and stay in the Dhoni Suites, which are just as amazing. Designed in the style of fishing boats, they’re still quite luxurious.

All styles of room do have one thing in common, the amazing view. Perfectly framed in the floor to ceiling glass windows, the ocean is the first sight you seen through when you wake in the morning. You can relax on your own decking above the ocean, or walk casually into the sea from your own personal steps.

THINGS TO DO
If you can manage to drag yourself away from your room, then there are many things to do. You can relax by the infinity pool, which gazes into the aqua waters, or sit on the quiet beach on your own little spot, watching the incredibly calm sea gently lapping at the shore.

If you can resist not being hypnotised by its beauty then indulge in one of the many amazing treatments the on-site spa has to offer. In recognition of Cocoa Island’s unusually peaceful location, the resort has developed a substantial Como Shambhala Retreat, which offers a range of therapies and massages to indulge in by yourself or together with your partner. We defy anyone to resist the signature Como Shambala massage that uses the scents of the island in its oils and lulls you into the sweetest and deepest state of relaxation imaginable. Or if that’s not enough you can precede it with a Cocoa Island bath. A gorgeous cleansing exfoliating treatment that is followed by a petal strewn bath.

If you’re really feeling adventurous then make the most of the waters around you and go snorkelling or diving. You’ll discover an ocean of colour and magic beneath you, and beyond Cocoa, there are a number of private excursions available. Island hop and enjoy beachside picnics or follow dolphins from luxury of your own boat, sipping champagne as the sun sets above you.

FOOD
All this activity is bound to make you hungry. Instead of hunting around for restaurants, which are least likely to spoil your holiday, Cocoa does what it can only do best – provide you with your very own restaurant on the beach. Ufaa, which means happy in Maldivian, is a foot in the sand kind of place, where you can eat beneath the stars. It serves the most gorgeous food you have ever had by staff, which are more like friends. If you have any dietary requirements, just let them know in advance and they’ll be happy to create a menu that will have you drooling onto the wooden floors.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR…
By the end of your week in dreamland, you’ll be stuffed, pampered and so relaxed you’ll
have forgotten that reality exists. Anyone for the flight home…nah, didn’t think so.