From the turquoise flats of the Maldives to the wild rivers of the Himalayas and the bonefish-rich shallows of the Caribbean, COMO Hotels and Resorts invites to experience fly fishing as an immersive way to connect with the natural world.
There is a moment, just before the cast, when everything else falls away. The water settles, the light shifts, and the smallest movement beneath the surface becomes a world of possibility. Then comes the cast itself: a study in patience and precision, followed by the anticipation of what might lie beneath. Fly fishing is as much about reading the landscape as it is about the catch – an invitation to slow down, sharpen the senses and experience a destination from an entirely different perspective.
Across its global portfolio, COMO Hotels and Resorts offers a distinctive take on this centuries-old pursuit, bringing together exceptional fishing grounds, expert local knowledge and stays that place guests at the heart of their surroundings. Whether embarking on a dedicated angling expedition or adding a day on the water to an island escape, guests can discover fly fishing as an experience shaped by the rhythm of nature, the thrill of the unknown and a deeper connection to place.
A Journey Through the Heart of the Himalayas with COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha Paro, Punakha, Bhutan
In Bhutan, where the journey to the water is as extraordinary as the fishing itself, COMO introduces The Southern Waters Quest – a nine or ten-night adventure, combining stays at COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha with four nights of expedition into Bhutan’s subtropical southern foothills. The journey begins in Paro, before leading through the capital, Thimphu, and across the scenic Dochu La Pass to Punakha. Here, days are spent exploring the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, walking through farmland to Chimmi Lhakhang and hiking to the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Back at COMO Uma Punakha, guests have time to unwind with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, followed by a restorative COMO Shambhala Massage. The adventure then shifts to the rivers, where guests raft downstream with expert guides, stopping at prime fishing spots to pursue Golden and Chocolate Mahseer and wild trout through ethical catch-and-release. Each day brings new stretches of river and remote landscapes, while evenings unfold at comfortable riverside camps with freshly prepared meals and bonfires beneath the stars. Returning to COMO Uma Paro, guests can discover the Paro Valley’s cultural landmarks, including Rinpung Dzong and the Ta Dzong National Museum, before hiking to the iconic Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery, perched above the valley.
Reading the Water at COMO Maalifushi Thaa Atoll, Maldives
In the southern reaches of the Maldives, where translucent lagoons give way to coral reefs and deeper channels, the art of fly fishing begins with learning to spot the subtle signs of life beneath the surface. At COMO Maalifushi, the expansive flats of Thaa Atoll offer an exceptional setting for saltwater fly fishing, with the chance to spot and pursue species including Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally and Triggerfish. Here, the water itself becomes a map, with shifting tides, currents and changing light guiding each expedition. Sight-fishing demands a particular kind of attentiveness. Guests scan the shallows for movement, watch for the telltale signs of a fish and wait for the right moment to cast. When a Giant Trevally takes the fly, the stillness can give way to an explosive fight – a rush of power that makes every second of anticipation worthwhile. Beyond the flats, deeper waters offer further opportunities to explore the atoll’s diverse marine life. The experience is enriched by the knowledge of two guides whose expertise spans both international fishing grounds and the waters of the Maldives. Fly-fishing consultant Craig Richardson, a competitive fly angler and international guide, first developed his passion for the sport in South Africa before travelling to renowned fisheries across Idaho, Florida, St Brandon’s Atoll and the Seychelles. Having spent five years guiding at COMO Maalifushi, he continues to support the resort’s fly-fishing programme. Joining the team is fishing guide Mohamed Naish Ilyas, known as Nacho, who grew up in Thaa Guraidhoo and has spent years exploring the atoll’s reefs, flats and channels. His understanding of local conditions helps guests read the water and make the most of every opportunity.
On the Trail of the Silver Bonefish with COMO Parrot Cay Parrot Cay, Turcs & Caicos
In the Caribbean, the appeal of fly fishing lies in the quiet beauty of the shallows and the challenge of spotting one of the ocean’s most elusive inhabitants. Set on a private island surrounded by pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters, COMO Parrot Cay provides access to the expansive, unspoilt flats of the Turks and Caicos Islands, where anglers can test their skills in pursuit of the silver bonefish. Often concealed by the shifting patterns of light across the seabed, bonefish are prized for their speed and their ability to challenge even experienced anglers. Success depends on observation, timing and a precise cast – a pursuit that turns an apparently tranquil stretch of water into a study in concentration. Accompanied by seasoned fishing guides, guests can explore the flats on half-day or full-day excursions, following the conditions in search of these elusive fish. The experience offers a compelling contrast to the pace of island life at COMO Parrot Cay. Days can begin on the water, with the early light revealing the subtle contours of the flats, before giving way to the pleasures of the resort: time spent along its white-sand beaches, restorative treatments at COMO Shambhala and leisurely dining inspired by Caribbean flavours. Fishing excursions become part of a broader island escape, balancing the anticipation of the catch with the freedom to simply be by the sea. At COMO Parrot Cay, fly fishing reveals another dimension of the Caribbean – one that rewards patience and curiosity, while bringing guests closer to the remarkable marine environment surrounding the island.
For further information on COMO Hotels & Resorts visit www.comohotels.com
