Review: Our Perfect Honeymoon At Coco Bodu Hithi Maldives

I’d been saving the Maldives for something special. I’m very lucky that in my line of work chances to travel to the Maldives had come up in the past but I decided to wait. I sensed that the turquoise atolls, tropical marine life and shimmering slithers of white sand were worthy of a very special occasion. I was right.

As we arrived late at night, neither the view from the plane window or speedboat that lay waiting for us just outside Male Airport gave much away. Although it was close to 1am local time when we arrived at Coco Bodu Hithi our immaculately dressed and mannered Lifestyle Host, Mohan, was waiting on the pier with the keys to our overwater villa. He whizzed us in a golf buggy (slightly faster than I was prepared for!) through the middle of the island and over the wooden walkways to the oval that houses the Coco Residences, the resort’s most exclusive type of accommodation.

Thus begun our honeymoon.

We were going to be spending our honeymoon in villa number 618, Mohan told us, as he led us along the gently-lit, stilted platform to a residence far larger than we were expecting. Stepping into the air conditioning after the balmy night air was a relief but as my eyes adjusted to the light it was the rooms (yes, plural!) I saw before me that made me want to do a little happy dance.

“May I help unpack your bags?” asked Mohan, who I was already feeling bad about keeping up so late.

“We’re good,” I replied, thinking how I wanted to photograph every inch of the residence before we started unloading our items all over it.

“The kitchen will be up until 1.45am if you would like to order room service. Apart from that I shall leave you in peace and we can go over your plans for the next few days at breakfast. I recommend you eat at The Stars Restaurant, which serves a la carte breakfast for guests of the Residences until 12 midday.”

Handing us a map and some details about the resort, Mohan stepped quietly out the door and left Justin and I standing in the living room speechless.

The Coco Residences are a secluded cluster of spacious villas located at the northern tip of the island. Each overwater villa has a living area, with incredibly well stocked minibar and private wine cellar, an incense-scented bedroom, separate dressing area and massive bathroom with a sunken, marble bath tub plus both indoor and outdoor showers. The decor, whilst obviously luxurious, also felt rustic and Maldivian; the high ceilings, exposed beams and local art were some of the features we were hoping to find when we arranged to stay at this independently-owned Maldivian property.

Of course, we couldn’t see it at this point but one of the best features of this residence was just outside the living quarters. Double doors from all 3 rooms – living, bedroom and bathroom – led onto the terrace that boasted a plunge pool (large enough for a few strokes), 4-poster day bed, sun loungers, dining area and, of course, a ladder that led down into the reef-filled lagoon.

As Mohan had shown us the nifty remote control for the curtains before leaving the night before, the first thing we did upon waking in the morning was press the button with an ‘open sesame’ flourish. Propped between pillows we watched as the curtains peeled back and revealed this piece de resistance terrace and fifty shades of blue Maldivian view.

If you followed this trip on social media you’ll know Justin and I spent our honeymoon mostly being pampered at the spa, meeting the local marine life and eating excellent cuisine whilst being surrounded by pinch me it’s too beautiful to be real scenery.

Over the coming weeks I’ll be sharing with you all the romantic activities we took part in at Coco Bodu Hithi as well as my tips for packing for a Maldives honeymoon and lots of pictures from our incredible experience of snorkelling the house reef with the resort’s marine biologist, Lisa. If you have any questions about Coco Collection or honeymooning in the Maldives let me know in the comments below.

About Coco Bodu Hithi

Coco Bodu Hithi is a luxury five-star resort in the North Male Atoll, just 40 minutes by speedboat from the airport. Comprising 100 villas, the resort also boasts seven restaurants and bars, an international diving school offering PADI and SSI courses, an award winning Coco Spa and first-class land and water-sport facilities.

Room Rates at Coco Bodu Hithi

Rates from $1,553/ £1,095 per night for a Coco Residence and from $910 / £642 per night for an Island Villa. Rates are per villa on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two people sharing. Villa rates, meal supplements and transfer charges are subject to applicable GST tax, Green tax and 10% Service Charge. The GST will also be applicable to all goods and services provided at the resort.

I was a guest of Coco Collection but all opinions, indulgent spa treatments and sun burn in random places remain my own.

Further reading:

The best things to do on a Maldives honeymoon

What to wear on honeymoon (or holiday) in the Maldives

30 photos that will make you want to honeymoon in the Maldives

Plus find our full 4 day honeymoon itinerary on Skyscanner.