It only takes 15 minutes to walk the length of the tiny but lush Coco Bodu Hithi resort island in the North Male Atoll in the Maldives. Part of the Coco collection and owned by four locally based brothers, the resort it is just 18 miles from the capital by speed boat.
It’s a totally tropical approach; met by gorgeous white sands dotted with palm trees followed by a walk along a pathway that takes you into the dense canopy of the forest. Herons, lizards, bats and the adorably big-footed white-breasted waterhen are dotted around, doing their own thing.
A heron looks over her kingdom while sitting on the edge of the infinity pool (c) Lucy Woods
Wherever you are at Coco Bodu Hithi you are never far away from the view of the water; imagine running on a treadmill inside a gym that’s suspended over the ocean.
The hotel has top notch sustainability credentials with a regime of monthly coastal clearups ensuring a plastic-free zone and a clean environment.
Also read ⇒ Sustainable travel in the Maldives
Who for
Coco Bodu Hithi is idyllic and romantic and peaceful and so perfect for couples and honeymooners. Villas have twin sinks and a bath big enough for two as well as direct access to the Indian Ocean and coral reefs.
Accommodation
There are four tiers of accommodation at Coco Bodu Hithi including the very private 44 island villas offering a generous 188 square metres of space. Nestled amongst the dense canopy of the forest, each has a private pool on one side and private access to the beach on the other.
As you walk through the entrance you are greeted by a huge, circular bathtub in middle of the room. There’s a huge bed (large enough to fit Henry VIII and all his wives), a private freshwater pool and outdoor shower, and outdoor shaded loungers, outdoor bed, and entrance to the beach. A large swirling light feature hangs from the ceiling in the centre of the room to complete the look.
Amenities include a separate indoor shower and loo, coffee making facilities, Green Tea bath products and large, fluffy towels. My only niggle was the challenge of working out how to turn off all the lights, as there isn’t a central switch to turn everything off.
Circular bathtub in the Island Villa (c) Lucy Woods
There are water villas too, which stand on stilts above the water. The basic water villas are 109 square meters and include a large bathtub and alfresco dining. The “Escape” water villas also have private infinity pool.
Water villas at Coco Bodu Hithi (c) Lucy Woods
For the height of luxury you can also stay in one of 24 water villas at the Coco Residence. set apart from the rest of the island. These villas have a four-poster bed, huge picture windows a private wine cellar, their own reception, library and restaurant. The Coco Residence villas are discreet and sit above one of the best snorkelling spots on the island.
Facilities
Coco Bodu Hithi has perhaps one of the most picturesque gyms in the Maldives, located on stilts with panoramic views of the ocean. The air-conditioned gym includes cardio machines, weight machines and a set of dumbbells. At sunset yoga classes are held outside.
Spa and gym at Coco Bodu Hithi (c) Lucy Woods
Nearby is the Coco Spa and has eight different rooms offering a range of relaxing treatments and massages. A small shop sells Thalgo and Coco products which are made in the Maldives.
Guests also have free use of the steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and cold plunge pool between 9am and 9pm.
Food and drink
Coco Bodu Hithi has six restaurants as well as options for private dining and beach BBQs. The service is friendly and you are welcomed like an old friend everywhere you go.
The main restaurant, Air, has a different buffet theme every night of the week. We enjoyed a selection of Maldivian curries including lentil dahl, beef curry and coconut taro (starchy potato like food).
Breakfast also takes place in Air and presents a sumptuous spread of hot and cold dishes, an omelette bar, noodle bar and the most delicious freshly squeezed orange juice.
Another highlight is Aqua, the resort’s fish restaurant which offers al fresco dining over the water. Make sure you try the tuna: a Maldivian specialty.
There’s evening entertainment, at the cocktail bar, Latitude, where you can sip a piña colada while enjoying some live music.
Is WiFi available
WiFi is free to use on the open network, but it is not the most effective.
What’s nearby
Most people remain on the island for the duration of their stay, relaxing, enjoying water sports and making the most of the wellness facilities.
However, you can take a speedboat with one of the island’s marine biologists to Sandbanks for the chance to snorkel with turtles, reef sharks and rays, and learn about the ecology of the coral reefs.
Relaxing on the beach (c) Lucy Woods
The sunset cruise is a lovely experience sailing around the island while sitting on comfy beanbags on the roof of the boat, sipping champagne and enjoying the stunning views.
The resort also offers organised trips to local islands to learn more about the Maldivian way of life.
Room rates
Overnight accommodation in an Island Villa at Coco Bodu Hithi on a half board basis costs from £652 per night.
Getting there
The nearest international airport to Coco Bodu Hithi is Malé International Airport (also known as Valena). It takes just two minutes to walk from the airport to the speedboat that will take you to the island, and it takes around 40 minutes.
For more information visit: https://visitmaldives.com