Bodu Hithi island, in North Malé Atoll, is the Maldivian home where the rhythm of life is serene. The essential tropical mood stimulates and refreshes the senses, and the mystery of the House Reef meets the open elegance of pristine palm-fringed beaches. Coco Bodu has won both 2021 and 2022 members’ choice awards from ‘I Prefer Hotel Rewards’.
Coco Bodu Hithi shimmers on the horizon as you see the lush green trees fringed by white luxurious sand. As your speedboat draws closer, you notice lines of thatched overwater villas arcing out into the Indian Ocean, and around them a peaceful turquoise lagoon.
Location
On a small private island in the North Malé Atoll, Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives is a 40-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. The resort is surrounded by palm trees, white sand beaches, a placid lagoon, and a swimmable reef.
The Villas
Choose from 100 thatched villas in four categories, all with private pools and ocean or island views. These villas are beautifully presented, with refined natural wood and neutral tones to match the island scenery, deep designer bathtubs bigger than most you’ll have ever seen, and of course the comfiest king-size beds. For total seclusion, you can choose one of the large Island Villa, which is nestled amongst tropical greenery. In the morning, you can open your huge sliding doors, stroll down to the seafront and along your own private walkway with a book and watch the sunrise – phenomenally magical. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a peek at some of the incredible marine life that’s on offer.
Alternatively, pick a Water Villa or Island Villa for direct access to the ocean – these include steps down into the water for that romantic morning swim.
Every villa here is designed to showcase that natural beauty — you wake up surrounded by a palm forest or look out over crystal-clear water. Ahead of you is a day spent soaking in a private pool, being pampered in the award-winning Coco Spa, or exploring a menu of curated experiences that bring this magical island vividly to life.
Before coming to Coco Bodu, it’s great to know that they have UK plugs so you won’t need to bring this with you, the resort time was also one hour ahead of Male so you’ll have to set your phone ahead one hour to align with this. Some resorts run like this, and it’s quite common in the Maldives!
Wellness
When it comes to wellness, Coco Bodu knows best. You can choose to indulge in tranquil treatments from Indonesia, Thailand, and India in the Coco Spa. We had Balinese massages and they were the best that I’ve ever had in my life, from picking your chosen scent to the warmest welcome from the staff. What’s more wonderful than getting a massage next to your other half and looking down to see the ocean?
The spa is an award-winning wellness zone, it feels like a real sanctuary for the soul surrounded by the crashing waves of the ocean. You can even do yoga on the pavilion looking over the beach. Gym-goers, there’s even a gym with wall-to-wall glass, the perfect view for your holistic wellness time. You can even wind down in the jacuzzi, steam room or sauna.
Food and Drinks
Explore five alfresco dining options, from refined tasting menus of fresh-caught seafood to twice-weekly barbecues on Breeze beach. When it comes to the food, going all-inclusive is absolutely the way forward. The bar also does a 2-4-1 cocktail hour each day so make sure you get in and try the ones on offer for that day. They switch the cocktail that’s on offer up each day too.
Air – Air delivers refined fusion food in a blissful, yet casual setting by the infinity pool. Open daily for international buffet breakfasts, à la carte lunches, and themed buffet dinners, Air is the ideal spot to soak up the sun while you dine. Air was our favourite to get breakfast and lunch from, there’s such a huge selection on offer and the food was flavourful with friendly attentive staff. Litton was brilliant, apparently, he’s a fan favourite to all who stay at Coco Bodu.
Aqua – The menu at this elegant alfresco seafood restaurant changes according to what is in season and what local fishermen have caught during the day. Choose platters of grilled lobster, fish, and squid, or opt for the tasting menu with wine pairings to experience this award-winning kitchen at its most creative.
Stars – Located in the Coco Residences area, Stars offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a beautiful setting over the lagoon. Lunch and dinner menus focus on Mediterranean-Asian fusion — pan-fried jackfish is a favourite — and the bar area is an ideal spot to sip a cocktail while the sun sets and the stars come out.
Latitude – This relaxed spot by the pool boasts panoramic views of the lagoon and serves delicious, light fare that will keep you energised for your daily activities. It’s a good choice for relaxed brunches.
Wine Loft – There are more than 200 wines available at Wine Loft, ranging from rare vintages to modern biodynamic selections. Experienced sommeliers are on hand to guide you through the list and regular sampling dinners offer a masterclass in food pairing.
Tsuki – The light and authentic Japanese cuisine at Tsuki include fresh sushi, sashimi, and makimono rolls. Take a table overlooking the ocean or sit indoors at the sushi bar to watch highly trained chefs at work.
Every Friday there is a ‘management cocktail’ invitation where all the managers come and greet the guests – and then the visibility of all the management team during your stay gives you complete reassurance of being totally looked after.
Marine Life
Blessed with one of the best House Reefs in North Malé Atoll, the over-water villas have been build with a conscious approach not to disrupt the healthy House Reel, which is home to an abundance of colour reef fish, resident Hawksbill sea turtle, eagle rays, octopus and reef sharks. Just 15 minutes away is another reef dubbed Turtle Point; one of the most loved snorkelling sites in the region where Hawksbill turtles are often spotted. Large nurse sharks and Stingrays inhabit the waters at Shark Point, just 10 minutes away from Bodu Hithi. The marine life here is second to none, you’ll also see hermit crabs wherever you go which is very fun for families!
Overall
Coco Bodu brings contemporary and tropical elements together for an incredible sustainable romantic and fun stay for loved ones and families. From lagoon views to diving with PADI instructors at the house reel, you’ll leave with one of the most memorable experiences of your life. What are you waiting for?
Book now via Preferred Hotels & Resorts here
Find out more about Coco Bodu Hithi here
Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International
