Hot Hotel: You & Me by Cocoon, Raa Atoll (Image: Handout)
atmosphere
Located in a secluded corner of the northern Maldives, this adults-only 5-star island resort is a super cool getaway perfect for couples looking for an upscale, rafting experience.
A 45-minute seaplane spin over a jewel-like atoll is enough to reset your headroom before drifting to life on this sweltering extremity.
Staff greet newcomers at the wooden dock, handing out cooling towels to freshen up. Complimentary champagne at check-in at the sand-covered reception ensures everyone is in high spirits, before slipping into a selection of beach bungalows and “floating” overwater suites.
style
Robinson Crusoe complements driftwood-inspired furniture, a stump table and a rustic palm thatch roof.
But while resting and recharging in a simple setting is the overarching theme here, there are some rather fascinating surprises.
The Green Carpet restaurant by Veuve Clicquot offers a shady retreat in a garden setting. Or take a speedboat to its unique underwater restaurant H20 and experience James Bond style.
The room is decorated with elegant rustic furniture (Image: Handout)
food and drink
Sink into The Sand is the main dining area on the palm-fringed beach, where international dishes are prepared at custom cooking stations.
For dinner, take a front-row seat at Rising Sun’s open-air grill, a Japanese teppanyaki bar where chefs prepare spicy Asian-inspired fare.
At the resort’s unique offshore underwater H20 restaurant, diners descend a spiral staircase down an extraordinary glass vault 20 feet below sea level. Tables face outward for a close-up view of the almost psychedelic sea life, while seafood delicacies such as prawn soup and local lobster are served. Book an early evening at 6.15pm to experience the transition of the seabed from day to night.
Back in the drylands, Cheers Bar is a great place to relax day or night with live music, DJ performances, cultural performances and themed parties under the stars.
Underwater H20 Restaurant (Image: Handout)
Activity
Start your day with a sunrise yoga class, or if you can get away from a recliner, water aerobics, Pilates, or volleyball. Learn to dive at a PADI-certified dive school that offers classes for all abilities, or try out a flyboard and jet ski.
The hotel features a well-equipped gym and a well-stocked water sports center with free snorkeling equipment, paddle boards and kayaks. The hotel also offers a free boat trip to the nearby reef for snorkeling or opt for a private snorkeling trip by speedboat.
Cheers Bar is a great place to host a themed star party at night (Image: Handout)
spa
Located on the water’s boardwalk, the resort’s Elizabeth Arden Spa features four double suites with glass floors designed for marine life viewing.
During my morning full body massage, I spotted a ray and watched two baby sharks slide by, and I ended up falling asleep.
You can choose from a wide range of facial and body treatments tailored to your individual needs.
Private dining table perfect for watching the sunset from the beach (Image: Handout)
Attractions
A simple stroll on this partially man-made island will take you to the dazzling white sands dotted with cozy beach pods for sunbathing, napping or relaxing with a book.
A swimming and floating paradise, the surrounding warm, clear waters are home to harmless reef sharks, manta rays and the occasional sea turtle.
A hidden gem worth a visit is the Orchid House near the spa, where a trail loops around a dizzying display of spectacular varieties.
However, one of our highlights was the afternoon boat ride in search of interesting dolphins. After seeing these happy creatures leap from the waves, we follow their graceful journey towards the golden sunset.
Outdoor hot tub for those seeking relaxation (Image: Handout)
Room
The 99 overwater villas and suites are spread across seven room categories along three piers facing either sunrise or sunset. Bungalows on the beach feature private pools and separate egg-shaped bathtubs for couples.
In my Dolphin Villa with Pool, modern amenities such as USB ports and Smart TVs blend beautifully with rustic style. Flanked by knotted rope lights, driftwood king-top sliding doors lead to a deck with private pool and direct access to the water via wooden steps.
Couples looking for a more luxurious experience can opt for a larger overwater suite with a private infinity pool. The most expensive villa is the You and Me Suite, which has a large swimming pool, gym, massage beds and open plan lounge and dining room.
Bungalows on the beach with private pools (Image: Handout)
• Knowledge: Prices at You & Me by Cocoon Resort at Raa Atoll, Maldives start from $375 (about £287) per room per night, based on a two-person B&B. Half-board, full-board and all-inclusive rates are also available (youandmemaldives.com). Qatar Airways flights from London to Male via Doha cost £892 return (qatarairways.com). Seaplane transfers are available for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.visitmaldives.com
