Following a seven-month renovation, COMO Cocoa Island will be re-opening next week on 9th January. Conveniently located 40 minutes by speedboat from Male international airport, Cocoa Island is one of the most convenient Maldivian islands to access. This is an island better suited to couples in our opinion; facilities are low-key but perfectly orchestrated; a new, state-of-the-art Gym, a yoga studio with 360 degree views of the island, a dive centre, and the Como SHAMBHALA spa, which takes up one third of the island, is a destination in its own right. We love the calm, mInimalist style of all of the newly renovated rooms; in particular, the Loft Water villas, with their mezzanine bedroom overlooking the living area, are superbly spacious. Their fabulous ‘reopening package’, valid until mid- March, saves you quite a few pennies; speedboat transfers, usually US$350 pp, breakfast & a daily 3-course dinner.
Nikoi is, hands-down, our favourite family island escape. Why? Well, the staff on Nikoi genuinely adore getting to know each child. The creative activities on offer each day inspire kids of all ages to try something new…whether it be jetty jumping, snorkelling, catch-the-flag, flying dragon (code name for their zip wire), treasure hunts, or woodcraft. Paddle-boarding, kayaking and diving are popular past-times amongst the teenagers and as the sun sets over the South China Sea, a beach bonfire is lit, BFG-proportioned marshmallow sticks appear and a movie under the stars ensues. Add to this peanut-butter cookies & bananas on the bar for that essential morning snack on-the-go, a kids menu which brings local dishes to their radar without shocking young taste buds, and giant monitor lizards lazily sloping around the resort & you've got a pretty spectacular family holiday. Easter is our favourite time here but you’ll need to book ahead as it’s popular with local expat families.
For pure escapism and an authentic slice of Sicilian paradise, head to the Egadi islands off the west coast of Sicily. The largest of the three islands, Favignana, is ideal cycling terrain so ease into laid-back island living by exploring the island's secluded coves, quiet sandy beaches and savouring the freshest of seafood in one of the island's two piazzas. Pick up a picnic and hop on a ferry or charter a yacht to the nearby island of Levanzo - home to paleolithic cave paintings. Always leaving the best to last, spend your final days exploring the most remote and our favourite of the three Egadi islands, Marettimo. Accommodation here is low-key but stylish; choose between renovated fishmerman’s self-catering cottages or boutique hotels with lots of local character. May half-term is idyllic here or late August/early September for warmer seas.
Nestled between Vancouver Island and the west coast of Canada is Sonora Island. If the idea of sitting on a beach doesn’t rock your world, perhaps the pristine forests & clear, still waters surrounding the Sonora Resort might appeal more. Activities on offer include: world-famous salmon fishing, guided eco-tours by rib boat, close-up views of grizzly bears, orcas, sea lions and dolphins, remote glacier tours by helicopter, and riding ocean rapids. There are some brilliant mountain-bike tracks and hikes directly from the hotel for more independent exploring. The resort is also Relais-Chateaux so foodies will be immensely happy.
If one island is just not enough for you, consider a week at the Legian Bali with a 7-night cruise of the Indonesian Komodo National Park and Gili islands. Aqua Blu is equipped with diving and snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and two zodiacs so plenty to keep you entertained between stops. There are 25 crew members for 30 guests, interconnecting cabins for families (note that there is a minimum age of 7 years old) and Indonesia-inspired cuisine including the freshest seafood and alfresco barbecues. Our summer months are the best time to visit and there is still some availability for July & August.