Following Virgin Atlantic’s recent announcement of two new flight routes to Maldives and Turks & Caicos, we have rounded up some of the best hotels to make the most of these new flight paths to two breathtaking destinations. From ultimate privacy at COMO Cocoa Island and low-key luxury at COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives, to your own island at COMO Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos.
MALDIVES
COMO Cocoa Island Slip into the turquoise lagoon from your over-water villa
Located in the Maldives’ South Male atoll, just a 40-minute speedboat transfer from the airport, Como Cocoa Island is positioned in one of the quietest and most undisturbed areas of the Maldives. The island houses 34 recently renovated over-water villas and suites, uniquely inspired by Dhoni boats, traditionally used by local fishermen, many of which have private pools and each have their own terrace, with steps down to the inviting, pristine Indian Ocean. The villas are connected by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon and all have floor to ceiling windows which gives the feel as if the ocean is your own.
Offering some of the best dining in the Maldives, menus are modern, light and steeped in the nuances of South Indian cuisine. When it comes to wellbeing the Como Shamhabala retreat is the embodiment of healthy living. Home to one of the only hydrotherapy pools in the Maldives, this nurturing island retreat offers Asian inspired therapies, yoga and Pilates alongside a range of other wellness pursuits. The experiences available at COMO Cocoa Island are truly life-changing, with highly qualified instructors and guides, guests can embark on a whale-shark expedition, night snorkelling, sailing lessons, and turtle exploration – just to name a few. And to top off an extraordinary day, guests can reflect on their experience with a private sandbank dinner beneath a canopy of stars.
COMO Maalifushi Low-Key Luxury
As the only resort in the Maldives’ Thaa Atoll, in the archipelago’s tranquil southern reaches, COMO Maalifushi is entirely surrounded by a thriving house reef. Under the waves, find a circus of branching corals, butterflyfish, parrotfish and octopus, while on land, life is more refined. Elegant, understated and pared back, the 65 villas range from Garden Rooms in the island’s leafy heart, to one, two and three-bedroom overwater lodgings, each with sun-soaked deck, infinity pools and waterside cabins. Warm oak floor, limed-light furniture and white-netted beds don’t detract from the pure azure ocean, taking centre stage in floor-to-ceiling windows.
The tranquillity of the island lends itself to wellbeing, and relaxation-seekers can escape to the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Practice sunrise yoga in the open-air yoga pavilion or indulge in an Asian-inspired treatment, from Thai Massage to Taksu and Guinot Aromatic Facials. Adventurous guests can embark on a snorkelling experience in the verdant house reef, kayak the lagoon, visit the Whale Shark hangout or stand-up paddle board, before taking to a traditional Dhoni for a splash-net dolphin-spotting cruise. Tai is the sleek Japanese restaurant, while Madi takes inspiration from the region’s fresh, topical produce and abundant seafood. The fish is served fresh-from-the-ocean across the island’s eateries, whether sushi and sashimi at Tai, or on the nutritious COMO Shambhala menus.
TURKS & CAICOS
Experience Exclusivity Like Never Before COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Positioned on one of the Caribbean’s finest private islands, what once was a deserted isle is now a shimmering wellness haven home to COMO Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos. The luxury oasis promises to offer a truly exclusive getaway, prioritizing privacy with a vast array of accommodation, from spacious ocean facing rooms, to lavish beach villas and some of the region’s prime private estates available to rent, each with their own unique design and amenities, that lend themselves to physical distancing.
Epitomizing breezy island living, guests of the island are encouraged to take advantage of the world-class facilities including the award-winning wellness sanctuary COMO Shambhala Retreat, much favored COMO Beach Club, complete with adults-only pool, and delectable Thai and Italian restaurants, all of which are within a short walking distance from the resort’s residences. Welcoming kids from age 4 and their families, Play by COMO delivers personalized family experiences and is far more than just a children’s space, from a Catch & Release fishing programme to tours of the island’s banana plantation, activities are designed to educate tiny travellers on the local culture and their surroundings. Not forgetting the sliver of heavenly private beach where guests may bask in the Caribbean sun totally undisturbed or try their hand at the numerous water sports on offer, there truly is no better destination for sun-seeking wellness-worshipers looking for a castaway experience with a side of luxury.
For more information and to book, please see here: https://www.comohotels.com
