Need to know
Rooms
34 dhoni-style suites and villas.
Check–Out
Noon, and check-in is at 2pm. Both are flexible, on request and subject to availability.
More details
Rates include breakfast but exclude tax.
Also
The Como Shambhala Retreat is beyond good, and offers tempting treatments in its spa suites or in the privacy of your room. The focus is on holistic and Ayurvedic therapy: book in for a 'wellness path' course of treatments.
At the hotel
Gardens, beach, spa, Pilates studio, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, gym, yoga pavilion, watersports centre, dive centre, library, boutique, free WiFi. In rooms: minibar, LCD TV, DVD/CD player, iPod dock, coffee maker.
Our favourite rooms
All the rooms here – Dhoni Water Villas, Dhoni Loft Water Villas, Loft Water Villas and Villas – are individual at-sea dwellings sited off a snake-like wooden pier, with private sun-decks, vintage-style ceiling fans, walk-in showers and roll-top bathtubs. It'll be love at first sight whichever one you choose, but we fell particularly hard for the split-level Dhoni Loft Water Villas, and the ultra-private one-bedroom Villas, with dining bales and outdoor showers. Try to get Villa 1001 or 1003, as they face away from Cocoa Island and have the best straight-to-snorkelling sea access. The Dhoni Loft Water Villas all face directly onto the house reef – pick the higher numbers (from 830 down) at the end of the boardwalk for maximum privacy.
Poolside
You're not exactly short of places to swim here, but if you don't do saltwater, there's a beautiful beachside infinity pool to splash around in.
Spa
The Como Shambhala Retreat is a serene haven, and offers tempting treatments in its spa suites (including a couples pavilion amid tropical foliage) or in the privacy of your room. The focus is on holistic and Ayurvedic therapy: book in for a 'wellness path' course of treatments, one of many massages on offer, or a Sundãri facial There's also a Maldivian rarity: a hydrotherapy pool where jets pummels any aches and pains away. There's a mani-pedi station too and a gym, plus daily yoga, meditation and Pilates classes.
Packing tips
Footwear other than flip-flops won't leave your bag: you'll be barefoot most of the time and heels will just sink into the sand and between gaps in the decking. Snorkelling and diving kit is available to hire – just don't forget your certification.
Children
Under-12s can stay for free (you'll need to pay $6 tax a child, each day), just let the Smith24 team know if you're planning on bringing little Smiths. Babysitting (from $15 an hour) and kids' menus available (half-board is $100 a child, full-board $130).
Sustainability efforts
Cocoa Island has an comprehensive eco-policy and takes great care of its pristine natural environment and house reef, as well as working closely with local community projects and charities.