COCO BODU HITHI – GETTING THERE
As a traveling parent, you tend to consider and scrutinize the most straightforward aspects of your journey. Will the flight be lengthy? Will there be a significant drive following the flight? Is the airport accommodating so that the children can stretch their legs? These considerations made our 4-hour flight from Singapore with our 6-month-old and 3-year-old much more manageable. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the Coco Bodu Hithi liaison, whose friendly demeanor alleviated our concerns, allowing for a seamless transfer from the departure lounge to the luxury boat that awaited us.
Following a delightful 45-minute boat ride, we reached our destination, Coco Bodu Hithi. This is, indeed, the Maldives, and our expectations were more than fulfilled.
COCO BODU HITHI – THE RESORT
Coco Bodu Hithi offers everything one could dream of, featuring 100 villas that include both enchanting over-water villas and secluded jungle villas. The accommodations are exquisitely designed with open layouts that entice you towards the shore, where you are greeted by azure waters and the softest white sand. It felt akin to stepping onto an elegant dining space, leaving us reluctant to disturb the pristine surroundings. The resort’s design provides 360-degree ocean views, creating a sense of privacy that allows you to feel as if you were the only guests on the island, even amidst the bustling atmosphere.
The island features six restaurants where one can indulge in diverse cuisines, and it is particularly known for having the most spectacular infinity pool in the Maldives. This impressive glass pool, situated in front of the LATITUDE lounge bar, rivals that of the ocean’s blues, making the decision to either immerse oneself in the pool or the sea a challenging yet delightful dilemma. The pool is perfectly positioned to capture the vibrant colors of the setting sun, transforming the atmosphere into a canvas of breathtaking hues. We captured some of the most enchanting sunset photographs while enjoying live music with cocktails in hand.
COCO BODU HITHI – THE BREAKFASTS
The breakfast buffet was delightful, featuring an extensive selection designed to appease even the most discerning of palates. The fresh fruit offerings were particularly exceptional, complemented by mouth-watering pastries and quality coffee to invigorate us. COCO BODU HITHI offers two breakfast venues, so should the AIR buffet not appeal to you, the STARS restaurant, which overlooks the water, provides an a la carte version of the best buffet selections. STARS offers an ambiance of tranquility situated over the water and is rarely crowded; thus, if you have ample time to commence your day, enjoying breakfast while sitting over gentle waves is the ultimate way to start.
COCO BODU HITHI – THE DINNERS
On our first evening, we elected to dine at the STARS restaurant, which serves the same a la carte options offered at breakfast. The experience was stunning, featuring the soothing sound of waves, a refreshing breeze, tropical fish dancing in the illuminated waters, and a sky filled with stars illuminated by a full moon. A telescope was even prepared for us, inviting us to explore the cosmos. The cuisine was exceptional; while we selected items from the Western menu, there were numerous options catering to all preferences, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and local Maldivian specialties. The seafood was as fresh as one could imagine, and we believe we even spotted a fishing line being cast from the kitchen.
Additional dining establishments include the commendable (yet markedly excellent) five-star resort buffet at the main restaurant AIR, fresh Japanese dishes at the smaller upstairs restaurant TSUKI, and casual dining at the LATITUDE lounge featuring live music. Guests also have the pleasure of the weekly BREEZE seafood barbecue or may request special private dinners on the beach or while enjoying a boat cruise at sunset.
We were fortunate to have renowned Michelin-star chef Philipp Stein from Germany visiting during our stay, affording us the opportunity to experience his exclusive degustation menu at AQUA restaurant – recognized as the “Winner of Best Luxury Seafood Restaurant in Maldives 2016.” Each dish was quite simply…incredible! Our favorites included the “Short Fried Tuna with Ratatouille Salad, Aioli, Basil and Garlic Chips” and “Curry of Rock Lobster with Paste Pierre, Mango, Cashew and Lemon Grass”, each paired with exquisite wines from France, encapsulating a culinary fantasy.
The following day, we attended a masterclass with the esteemed chef, learning to prepare his signature “Involtini Maldivian Tuna Tartar and popped Quinoa and Avocado Carpaccio.” The resulting dish melted in our mouths, offering an explosion of flavor!
COCO BODU HITHI – COCO SPA
The spa settings are nothing short of breathtaking, featuring an over-water entrance leading to the resort’s gem, COCO SPA. Upon arrival, we were greeted like royalty, receiving refreshing beverages along with a form to specify our preferences for pressure and treatments. We were then escorted to the most picturesque treatment room, overlooking a private infinity pool. The 1-hour Balinese massage was a heavenly experience, followed by a rejuvenating dip in the serene over-water pool.
COCO BODU HITHI FOR CHILDREN
After enjoying breakfast at the restaurants each morning, it was time to embark on activities suitable for both us and our children. Unfortunately, we had to forgo the scuba diving experience as it was not appropriate for our 3-year-old, and sailing did not appeal to us due to the strong winds farther out at sea. Consequently, we chose to enjoy snorkeling at a nearby reef, with the enticing prospect of encountering turtles. Admittedly, parents are often cautioned against making promises of rare animal sightings to their children, but luck was on our side as we spotted two turtles within the first five minutes of snorkeling. Our 3-year-old, equipped with a buoyancy jacket provided by the resort, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Witnessing her joy as she excitedly proclaimed that she had found Dory, Gill, and Nemo was undoubtedly a highlight of our trip, bringing together three generations (3 years, 33 years, and 63 years) for a truly unforgettable moment.
Guided by the resort’s marine biologist, Lisa, whose fervor for marine life was contagious, we gained insight into the resort’s sea turtle conservation efforts alongside the Olive Ridley Project, which aims to safeguard and preserve these remarkable marine creatures.
After an exciting morning of snorkeling, we took a leisurely walk through the island’s verdant jungle towards lunch. During the brief two-minute journey, our daughter spotted and collected no fewer than 25 hermit crabs, keeping her entertained. The dining area was welcoming, bolstered by the friendly staff and the stunning infinity pool overlooking the deep blue waters. As we chose to enjoy a casual lunch in the lounge area at LATITUDE, we found peace and quiet, as our daughter was so enamored with the glass infinity pool that she was reluctant to leave.
The afternoon was spent lounging on what felt like our private beach, with lounge chairs and umbrellas conveniently set up. We laid our 6-month-old down with toys, while our 3-year-old faced the delightful dilemma of choosing between chasing hermit crabs, constructing sandcastles, gathering tropical flowers, trailing the blacktip reef sharks along the sandbanks, or snorkeling at the small reef located just five meters from the shore. Meanwhile, we enjoyed relaxation under the sun, with enticing refreshments sourced from the well-stocked minibar, contemplating the evening’s dining decisions.
The babysitting service exceeded expectations, with staff exhibiting genuine affection for our children, allowing us the comfort to leave them in capable hands while we explored the island’s many restaurants and activities.
OUR COCO BODU HITHI EXPERIENCE
The days, activities, and dining experiences fluidly transitioned, leading to a gradual decline in our stress levels. The staff proved to be remarkable, exhibiting a remarkable eagerness to accommodate our desires. If you can envision it, they can facilitate it; we did not encounter a single guest without a broad smile.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of our stay at Coco Bodu Hithi was saying farewell. We bid adieu to the snorkeling and vibrant underwater life, the softest and whitest sand we had ever experienced, the playful hermit crabs, and the sandcastles crafted with joy. We parted ways with the warm staff and the chefs who elevated our dining experiences to celestial heights. Ultimately, the farewell extended to the very island that had captured our hearts.
As we comfortably settled onto the boat, we absorbed the island scenery while heading toward Male. The staff deftly managed our transit from the island to the boat and subsequently to the plane, making our journey home feel like an ethereal dream.
This family review of Coco Bodu Hithi Maldives was written and photographed by James and @kelly_beckwith of GoTravelDaily.
