Travelling to the Maldives during the shoulder season is a hidden gem for savvy travellers seeking the perfect balance of weather, peacefulness, and value. While the high season draws large crowds, the shoulder season—typically from April to October—offers pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and more personalised service at the resorts. This was my first time experiencing the Cocoon Collection, and I couldn’t have picked a better time to visit. The gentler pace of the shoulder season made it ideal to truly unwind and soak in everything Cocoon Maldives has to offer, from its serene beaches to its luxurious amenities, without the usual rush.
Getting to Cocoon Maldives
Getting to Cocoon Maldives is an adventure in itself, beginning with a scenic seaplane journey operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA). Departing from Velana International Airport in Malé, the 40-minute flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Maldives' turquoise waters and coral islands. Guests travelling to Cocoon are treated to exclusive access to the resort’s dedicated VIP lounge at the TMA seaplane terminal, ensuring a relaxing pre-flight experience. The seaplane journey is a unique mode of travel, giving visitors a bird’s-eye view of the idyllic landscape and a taste of the tranquillity that awaits them at the resort.
First Impressions & Setting
Our first impression of Cocoon Maldives was one of warmth and excitement, as we were welcomed with a grand entrance featuring beating drums that set the tone for our stay. The staff, embodying the island’s laidback charm, were both attentive and friendly, instantly making us feel at home. The atmosphere is distinctly “barefoot luxury”—a refreshing contrast to more formal resorts. With its relaxed vibe and unpretentious elegance, Cocoon strikes the perfect balance between high-end luxury and a down-to-earth, island-style experience.
Cocoon Maldives blends the best of Italian design with the Maldives’ stunning natural beauty, all set against the backdrop of the azure Indian Ocean.
The resort itself is set on the picturesque island of Ookolhufinolhu in the unspoilt Lhaviyani Atoll, a region renowned for its abundant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. The resort, thoughtfully designed to blend contemporary style with the island’s natural beauty, is spacious yet intimate, offering 150 villas that stretch across the white sandy beaches and over the turquoise lagoon. Lhaviyani Atoll is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, excellent dive sites, and seasonal sightings of manta rays, making Cocoon Maldives an ideal destination for nature lovers and underwater explorers alike.
Rooms
Cocoon Maldives offers a diverse range of rooms, from stylish beach villas to luxurious overwater suites, each thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of island living. During our stay, we chose a Sunset Beach Villa, nestled under the shade of tropical trees with direct access to a pristine stretch of sandy beach. The villa’s interior is modern and spacious, featuring an open-air bathroom with a secluded outdoor shower, creating a unique blend of comfort and nature. For those seeking a touch of fun, the resort now offers overwater villas complete with slides that plunge directly into the lagoon, as well as private pool water villas for added luxury and privacy. We were welcomed with a chilled bottle of champagne and a vibrant tropical fruit basket, setting the perfect tone for a truly indulgent experience.
Dining
Octopus: Set in a spacious, open-air pavilion, Octopus is the heart of dining at Cocoon Maldives. With its relaxed, island-chic décor and live cooking stations, it offers an immersive culinary experience. Guests can indulge in an extensive buffet featuring a mix of international dishes, Maldivian favourites,
and live grill options, all while enjoying panoramic views of the pool and the turquoise lagoon beyond.
Manta: Nestled right along the water’s edge, Manta is the perfect spot for a romantic meal under the stars. The serene setting, with soft lighting and the gentle sound of waves, complements its exquisite à la carte menu that focuses on fresh seafood and local flavours. Dining here feels intimate and refined, as each dish is carefully crafted and served with a touch of Maldivian elegance.
Kata: This vibrant restaurant offers a unique Teppanyaki experience, where guests can enjoy delicious Japanese and Thai dishes prepared right before their eyes. With its contemporary décor and inviting atmosphere, Kata not only serves mouthwatering food but also provides an entertaining culinary performance, making each meal a memorable event filled with skilful tricks and playful interactions.
Experiences
Scuba Diving: Our favourite experience in the Maldives! Jamal, our instructor, put us at ease, guiding us through the stunning underwater world filled with vibrant marine life and breathtaking coral reefs.
Snorkelling: This guided activity caters to all levels, allowing everyone to explore the vibrant coral gardens and diverse fish species in crystal-clear waters, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise: We were treated to a magical evening where we spotted over 60 dolphins gracefully swimming alongside our boat. It was a relaxing way to end a hectic day, with refreshments available to enhance our experience.
Spa & Wellness: We indulged in a rejuvenating deep tissue massage, surrounded by a tranquil ambience that enhanced our relaxation and allowed us to fully unwind and recharge. Tip: order the cooling peach tea for after your treatment!
Watersports: Cocoon Maldives offers a variety of complimentary non-motorised watersports, perfect for adventure seekers. We also tried jet skiing, which added an exciting twist to our stay while enjoying the stunning lagoon views.
Final Thoughts As our stay at Cocoon Maldives comes to a close, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible memories we’ve created here. Hassan, our attentive host, played a significant role in making our experience truly memorable, checking in regularly to ensure our every need was met. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Chilie, the F&B manager, whose expertise crafted the best dining experiences we could have hoped for.
The Cocoon Collection, with its other stunning resorts like Joy Island and You & Me, offers diverse options that cater to all types of travellers and stages of life, ensuring that every guest can find their perfect getaway. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or romance, Cocoon Maldives and its sister resorts have something special to offer everyone.
Book your next stay at Cocoon Maldives by visiting: cocoonmaldives.com
This stay was gently offered by The Cocoon Collection. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.
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