With approximately 1,200 islands and close to 190 resorts (a figure that is endlessly growing) how do you choose where to reside for your stay? The Sybarite’s vote goes to Cora Cora.
The Maldives has long been a bucket list destination for many. Merely utter the words and it conjures dreamlike images of natural beauty in abundance: from the impossibly blue ocean, clusters of blooming coral reefs teaming with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, and pristine beaches reminiscent of powdered sugar.
Opening in 2021 it is one of The Maldives only premium all-inclusive resorts, truly taking the stress out of your travels, living up to the hotel’s signature ‘freedom time’ mantra.
Situated in the Raa Atoll, surrounded by a natural lagoon, your Maldivian experience begins even before you step foot on the azure shores of Cora Cora, formally known as Maamigili island. Guests are invited to download an App on their phones ahead of arriving to explore the island, book dinners and experience, which only fuels the anticipation of what’s to come…
THE JOURNEY IS ALL PART OF THE EXPERIENCE
The 45 minute seaplane from Malé airport is nothing short of mesmerising as you watch the various shades of topaz, turquoise and azure waters interspersed by islands encircled with vibrant rings of sand. As we touch down at Cora Cora, we get the first glimpse of the staff in an array of colourful linen shirts, ready to greet us with fragrant floral garlands — it’s all very The White Lotus. This is the first glimpse of the warm Maldivian hospitality that will dominate your stay.
With a total of 100 rooms stretched across the island, Cora Cora just slips into the boutique hotel category. There are 45 beautifully appointed beach villas, tucked away into the lush foliage at the heart of the island. These villas boast spacious king-size beds and al fresco bathrooms complete with bathtubs and showers. The lagoon villas, found off of a purpose-built jetty (cleverly adding more space to the small island) are a true Maldivian signature. Decorated in a joy-exuding palette of bright white, enhanced by oceanic blue accents and natural rattan, with walls peppered with the works of local artists, these villas are true havens of seclusion. The open shower, cavernous bath and generously sized terrace give endless unspoiled views of the water beyond your room. The over-water hammock proves the perfect vantage point to watch black-tipped reef sharks and stingrays swooping through the water below. Each villa has a ladder down into the lagoon should you wish to get closer to the action.
The villas are so enchanting you may need convincing to step away from your personal slice of paradise, but there’s plenty to occupy your time at Cora Cora. You could easily spend a week horizontal reclining on the beach, but it’s easy to be active here. The aforementioned natural reef is perfect for a spot of snorkelling. Each guest receives a pair of fins and goggles for their stay from the dive centre. Swim off from the shore and a subterranean world awaits with swarms of coral and tropical fish. There are also complementary watersports — from stand-up paddleboarding to windsurfing — and bikes readily available for a cycle to explore more of the island on two wheels.
Be sure to also book onto the sunset cruise. This romantic excursion allows you to view the island from a new perspective while enjoying glasses of fizz and local Maldivian canapés as you watch the sky burst into hues of pink and orange.
DESTINATION: WELLNESS
Wellbeing is central to the Cora Cora experience and the MOKSHA Spa is the perfect afternoon pitstop. This temple to wellness further aids relaxation through immersive rituals centred around Asian-inspired remedies. There is an extensive spa menu: from facials, and massages to cooling body wraps to soothe skin after baking under the Maldivian sun. I opted for the Signature Massage which took place in one of the overwater huts. This deeply lulling sixty-minute ritual used a detoxifying lemon massage oil to mollify areas of tension on the shoulders, limbs and scalp while I watched swarms of fish darting below, making for a truly enchanting experience. Alongside treatments guests can partake in workshops from calming yoga to mind-stilling sound baths – a transportative ritual enhanced by the melody of lapping waves to leave you in a meditative state.
‘Freedom Time’ is more than just a marketing tool, it’s a central pillar of the Cora Cora experience, most acutely felt through the culinary offering. Cora Cora is one of the only premium all inclusive resorts in the Maldives, ensuring guests truly have the freedom to enjoy the whole stratosphere of gourmet delights on offer, with no shock bill at the end of their stay. With four restaurants, two bars, and a lively fusion of cuisines, no matter how long your stay, you will be spoiled for choice. Aquapazza brings the essence of la dolce vita to the Maldivian shores with a relaxed menu of Italian classics. Guests can feast on hearty pizzas, delectable charcuterie and must save room for the most featherlight of tiramisu. Meanwhile Tazäa offers up a melting pot of flavours with an east-meets-west menu. Expect punchy curries, Maldivian fish dishes and fresh salads. Ginger Moon sees an all female team take over a theatrical open plan kitchen, serving the best dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Think street market favourites from chicken satay to nasi goreng and pad thai. The air is thick with the sizzle and bustle of dishes delivered to your table to share over endless ocean views.
Teien specialises in elegant Japanese cuisine, selecting local fish from Raa Atoll. Expect a colourful array of sashimi, rolls and nigiri almost too pretty to eat, and flavourful bowls of ramen. Make My Coffee your first point of call for your morning iced latte, it also serves gelato 24/7 and wellness shots for those feeling virtuous. Alongside a diverse dining offering, Cora Cora offers an all-inclusive premium beverage list. Connoisseurs will delight in the extensive global wine list (including plenty of Champagne) and a lengthy cocktail list to cater to every palate. Partake in an interactive cocktail-making class with the lively bar team and take your creation to the beach to watch the ginormous fruit bats zip through the trees. The perfect sundowner.
A CULTURAL DISCOVERY
Cora Cora’s true point of difference from the surrounding resorts is its connection to heritage and culture. In fact, it houses the second official museum outside of Malé. The island’s history is rich, frequented by travellers dating back 900 years — including ships sailing the Spice Routes — and the Dutch Onion museum pays homage to this. Excavations of Maamigili island when the hotel build began revealed more than 60 remarkable artefacts, this was supplemented by more than 400 relics from across the Maldives which are proudly displayed in the on-site museum. Guests can marvel at such treasures as an ancient yet impeccably preserved Qur’an, shards of Chinese porcelain, cowrie shells and semi-precious stones among others. Alongside the museum, hotel guests can explore the charming 120-year-old traditional Maldivian house, which has been retained for educational purposes, allowing guests a taste of life on Maamigili in the early 20th century.
It seems you truly can have it all at Cora Cora: style and substance, staggering beauty and a rich tapestry of history, a virtuous health retreat or hedonistic indulgence. One thing is for certain, unfettered freedom has truly been found on a tiny island in the Indian Ocean.
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