Coco Bodu Hithi Maldives: Kicking back in Adwoa Aboa's preferred paradise

Forget the other OTT Maldivian resorts you see all over Instagram, simple sophistication is the order of the day at Coco Bodu Hithi.

The Lowdown

Pristine palm-fringed white sandy beaches and knock out cerulean waters make up this tiny speck of a gem in the North Malé Atoll.

Hiding just 40 minutes away via private speed boat from Malé International Airport, the resort is a deluxe playground for honeymooners, rich kids, influencers and celebs.

Speaking of A-Listers, Coco Bodu Hithi has had its fair share. Model and Vogue cover star Adwoah Aboah, footballer John Terry, rapper Ludacris and comedian Kevin Hart have all trod its rustic boardwalks and glittering shores, along with some others we can't name. Damn privacy laws, but think BIG.

From the moment you arrive, the island's beauty will blow you away. Dense jungle foliage, zigzagging timber walkways and the odd infinity pool lead down to ultra-private over-water villas that look out onto the never-ending horizon.

Thatched cottages, colourful shirts and some interesting sandal choices instantly establish an ever so appropriate laid back island vibe, while everything else just looks effortlessly luxe and polished.

The Villas

At first glance, all the villas look as though they're stuck in a time warp. Don't expect anything up-to-the-minute - there are no USB ports, iPads, Alexas or triple filtered water dispensers.

There are three villa styles to choose from: Over the water, Island (perfect for total solitude and privacy) and the Residences.

The Coco Residences are the best. Made for the Instagram generation, each comes with an outdoor terrace with direct access to the water, infinity pools, large living rooms complete with wine chillers and flat screens as well as roomy bedrooms with soft feather pillows.

The major plus is the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom! Deep soaking tubs look out onto the ocean, the his and her sinks (appropriately stocked with Aqua di Parma toiletries) will make you feel like an old-school Hollywood star, and the outdoor facing shower will encourage things you never imagined. Wink. Wink. And yes, your residence does of course come with a 24-hour butler who will attend to all your needs.

The highlight? The ocean view sunbed. I sat there for hours fully naked one night looking at all the constellations and clouds swooping in from the Indian Ocean. I highly recommend it.

Food & Drink

There are no less than six restaurants and bars on Coco Bodu Hithi. An intimidating buffet breakfast is served in Air, the all day dining restaurant. Expect everything from local Maldivian delicacies to Chinese favourites and British classics. Tsuki dishes out fresh sushi from an open kitchen from lunchtime, and then there's Aqua, the over-water al fresco affair which rustles up a host of South East Asian seafood plates. Do not, we repeat, do not turn down the lobster. For drinks, head to Latitude for a glass of champs paired with a cocktail or three before sunset.

To really splash the moolah though, head to Stars for a six-course menu (think Pan Fried Jackfish Lasagnette and a local catch of the day served with French cream sauce and handmade saffron pasta) with wine pairings and post meal balcony piss ups.

Things to Do

There's an almost unreasonable amount to do for a small island. Jet skiing for adrenaline junkies, coral reef diving for the marine biologist in you, and sunset cruises and a movie under the stars for all the honeymooners.

If you want to be especially romantic, you can even have yourself marooned on a sandbank all day to spend some quality time together, as well as an early morning champagne breakfast.

Guided trips to Malé, as well as a private seaplane around the islands, pergola dinner, parasailing, big game fishing, and wake and knee boarding are also up for grabs.

The spa

Access to the spa requires a rather long walk over the boards (don't worry, if you're feeling very lazy you can request a buggy), but once you arrive, you're greeted by the site of an enormous villa hosting a vast number of treatments inspired by ancient Indonesian, Thai and Indian techniques.

The mani-pedi is worth it, as is the full body massage. Other indulgences come in the form of an ocean-view Jacuzzi, plunge pool, sauna and steam room.

Sunrise and sunset yoga sessions lead by the resident yogi is everything the peace hands emoji was made for.

What wildlife will I see?

Reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, a plethora of reef fish (including Nemo and Dory) and if you go further out, fleets of skipping dolphins.

The Highs

It's the Maldives - everyone lives on a high, but if we had to choose one thing, it would be the service. Personal, professional and extremely discreet - everything you'd expect for the cash you're forking out on a five-star sea palace.

The Lows

The decor is a little dated, but insiders tell us the entire resort is about to have a rather glam, and much needed makeover, one to suit its paradisical location.

Best for... loved up couples, honeymooners and people who need to escape the pressures of modern life.