Unforgettable Family Trip to the Maldives

This was our inaugural visit to the Maldives. Our family has traveled extensively to wonderful places, but this tiny island in the Maldives captured our hearts. From stepping off the plane in Male, we were welcomed by Cocoon staff who eased our journey. They guided us through the airport, removing all stress and hassle. The seaplane transfer was remarkable, followed by a warm reception at Cocoon. We were instantly struck by the beauty of this paradise. Our host Nauf made check-in seamless and showed us around the island. As a family of four with two daughters, aged 10 and 15, we enjoyed a balance between relaxing and exploring. We embarked on a dolphin trip and witnessed hundreds of dolphins, swam with turtles and nurse sharks, and marveled at sunsets at sea. These are unforgettable memories my daughters cherish. Since returning to the UK, they haven't stopped talking about it. I went on two fishing trips, which were expensive but the best I've experienced while on holiday. The trips were tailored to my preferences, and they worked hard to find fish. I dislike trolling, so they diversified, using poppers near reefs and jigging for tuna. On my first trip, I caught a huge wahoo and GT, and missed a few big ones. The second trip, I caught 50 tuna on light gear; it was exhilarating! We even glimpsed giant marlins and a whale shark. Watching locals fish sustainably was impressive. The hotel prepared my fresh catch for my family at a cost of $20, an expense well worth it for the delicious meal. Moving to the food, we thought the options were outstanding—varied nightly and at a high standard. The fresh fish was remarkable, and my daughters loved the pasta, becoming friends with the "pasta man." Restaurant staff was thorough, welcoming us by name and ensuring we were well-served. We stayed in a beach suite initially, which was spacious and opened onto the beach. The outdoor bathroom was a lovely feature. We upgraded to a water villa with a pool, which had incredible views and was worth the extra cost. We enjoyed seeing various marine life from our room. What makes this place truly special is the staff. Their friendliness and dedication enhanced our holiday experience. Special thanks to our host Nauf, who was always available and helpful. Vikkor, our favorite waiter, made our meals enjoyable with great football chats. Bar staff like Nagoor made excellent cocktails and were a joy to be around. Many thanks to Jamal at the dive center for organizing our trips and to the fishing crew for the great times. Thank you, Cocoon, for the most wonderful 10 nights. We're truly grateful.