There’s a certain kind of ease at Cora Cora. Foregoing the usual pomp of long-established luxury island resorts, instead, Cora Cora offers guests a vibrant, joyful, and, of course, paradisical, escape and isn’t afraid to do things a little differently.
Located in the island of Raa Maamigilli, Cora Cora is a premium all-inclusive resort ideal for sunseekers who want a worry-free Maldivian holiday.
The Vibe
The tagline at Cora Cora Maldives is: “flip-flops, not formalwear.” With a footloose and fancy-free philosophy, guests can easily transition from snorkelling to sunset cocktails, followed by a romantic meal without worrying about dressing for dinner.
The Rooms
Cora Cora embraces all things colourful and the Lagoon Villas, which are the resort’s version of the quintessential Maldivian water villa, are vibrant reflections of this ethos. Opening out into the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, these prosperities are designed to express the ever-changing blue hues of the sea. A large four-poster bed is the focal point of the space, whilst abstract paintings by a local Maldivian artist give the villa’s white and blue scheme some welcome punches of colour.
Not afraid to take design risks, the bathroom at the Lagoon Villa is open to the elements, with a large glassless window opening to the sea. There is also a hammock which hangs directly above the water. It is the perfect spot to read a book while observing the fishes (and sharks) swimming underneath.
The entry-level room at Cora Cora is the beach villa. On the opposite end of the price spectrum, there is the Duplex Lagoon Villa and the Two Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa for larger families or groups. Unlike some other luxury destinations in the Maldives, the price difference between each villa category is very reasonable, with some upgrades costing as little as £100 a night.
The Little Extras
Cora Cora Maldives takes the concept of premium all-inclusive to a new level. A complimentary bottle of bubbles as well as a lovely plate of fruits greet you on arrival, whilst the minibar, stocked with organic red wine, snacks, and a variety of other drinks, is refilled daily and offered completely free of charge.
A complimentary 45-minute massage treatment at the Moksha Spa, as well as a wide range of non-motorised water sports are also included in the premium all-inclusive package, so you can enjoy island life without having to worry about being surprised by a large supplementary bill at the end of your stay.
The Food + Drink
There are four fantastic restaurants at Cora Cora; Acquapazza, Ginger Moon, Tazäa, and Teien. The resort also has its own casual café called My Coffee, which transforms into a kind of party lounge in the evenings.
Acquapazza is the resort’s main bar and beach club. It serves a small but satisfying menu of classic Italian dishes with a Maldivian twist. The ‘Coco Crush’ mocktail was an easy favourite during our stay; the beach club’s stone-baked pizzas and Italian salads proved equally popular.
Breakfast is served at Tazäa, which offers a comprehensive buffet that blends classic Western breakfast options with exotic dishes inspired by the Spice Route. Ginger Moon, which is the restaurant’s Pan-Asian restaurant, was a standout among Cora Cora’s already impressive food offering. The restaurant is fully managed by female staff, with female chefs hailing from all corners of South-East Asia. It is little wonder why each of the Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes look and taste incredibly authentic.
Finally, Teien is Cora Cora’s Teppanyaki restaurant. While not part of the premium all-inclusive package, Teien is definitely worth the additional charge. Led by Teppanyaki Chef (and total showman) Pindi, this fiery, Japanese restaurant is sure to add both flavour and drama to your evenings at Cora Cora.
The To-Do List
Cora Cora is a playground for holidaymakers and the all-inclusive concept means that guests can enjoy all these activities as part of their package. Snorkelling around the resort’s house reef is an absolute must-do. Here, you can swim surrounded by a vast array of marine life unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The reef is magical and leads out to a dramatic drop, where you can spy colourful clown fishes, dolphins, and even manta rays.
A swim in the Cora Cora pool also offers its own surprises – once underwater, guests can enjoy a majestic symphony of classical music. Glass-bottomed kayaks, foil boards, speedboats, and even jet-skis are also available on-site, though the motorised water sports do come with an extra fee.
As a special treat, guests can create their own renditions of Cora Cora’s beautiful tropical landscapes. The same local artist who created all the hotel’s artworks is on-site to help would-be Van Gogh’s make their own personal masterpiece whilst on the Island.
History buffs will also enjoy The Dutch Onion, the hotels’ newly renovated on-site museum. The museum features more than 400 historical artefacts, which were excavated from Raa Maamigilli. Cora Cora is also the only resort in the Maldives to have its own heritage site. Let the resort’s charming and well-informed archaeologist Wifag guide you through the ruins of what was once a mosque compound on the island.
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