Only open since November 2006, the new Maldivian resort of Coco Palm Bodu Hithi sits on its own private island a 40-minute speedboat ride from Malé. And whilst this 100-room sanctuary invites its pleasure-seeking guests to chillout in contemporary luxury, thankfully the high modern design also comes with plenty of authentic local craftsmanship.

Nowhere is this better expressed than in the luxurious villas, just under half of them nestled amidst the island’s lush vegetation and the remainder stilted over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The Island Villas are not only distinguished by their chic neutral colour schemes and private swimming pools, for example, but also by their timber
flooring and thatched roofs. And although their central ‘feature’ bathtubs are very 21st century, their breathtaking views are definitely of the tropical variety.

Of course you may want to stay right over the lagoon, the thatched Water Villas and Residences boasting anything from kingsize beds and designer bathrooms to spacious outdoor decks with their own pools. The Escape Water Villas are positioned further out in the water and feature direct lagoon access, whilst the expansive Escape Water Residences offer maximum privacy, 24-hour butlers and exclusive access to an Asian-themed restaurant and bar.

Other dining options here includes the fusion cuisine of Air, the buffets and à la carte choices served either indoors or out on the deck overlooking the island-studded ocean. The beach-set Breeze is where guests are invited to cook their own lunchtime snacks, whilst Aqua is an over-water venue showcasing freshly-caught seafood with a touch of Asia. Showstoppers include private dining platforms designed for romantic meals à deux and the glass-walled wine bar where you can enjoy old and new world wines accompanied by pink-tinged sunsets.

And when it comes to leisure activities, anything from a PADI dive centre and full range of water sports are available, as well as a tennis court, infinity-edge swimming pool and over-water fitness space. The Asian-inspired Coco Spa combines with the Yoga and Tai Chi Pavilions to emphasise the resort’s emphasis on living as well, yet as healthily as possible! A well-deserved member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’.

ACCOMMODATION: 44 ISLAND VILLAS, 16 WATER VILLAS, 16 ESCAPE WATER VILLAS & 24 ESCAPE WATER RESIDENCES.
ACCESS: 40 MINUTES BY SPEEDBOAT FROM MALÉ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
CHILDREN: ACCEPTED YEAR-ROUND.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £2,095 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£190 P.P.P.N.) & £1,480 P.P. IN THE LOW-SEASON (£140 P.P.P.N.).
MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST INCLUDED. VARIOUS MEAL PLANS AVAILABLE.
SPECIAL OFFERS: HONEYMOON, FREE NIGHTS, FAMILY.