Cora Cora Maldives Review: The Art of Takumi Relaxation & Wellness

I’ve visited my fair share of Maldivian islands in the name of work (someone has to do it), but I’ve finally found the one I’d happily call home.

Cora Cora Maldives strikes the perfect balance between castaway beauty and relaxed luxury — it’s that effortlessly barefoot, beachside elegance that doesn’t try too hard. Add to that a truly premium all-inclusive offering, with no sneaky extras or surprise bills at checkout, and you’ve got an island escape that feels as easy as it is exceptional.

Cora Cora 5-Star Luxury with a Side of Flip-Flops

Set in the sparkling Raa Atoll, just 178 km (and a dreamy seaplane ride) from Malé, Cora Cora Maldives offers contemporary 5-star style and a Premium All-Inclusive – Gourmet Meal Plan® that’s basically a passport to indulgence. The island may only be 750 by 250 metres, but with four restaurants, two bars, and more fresh seafood than you can shake a snorkel at, you won’t be going hungry — or leaving any time soon. Whether you arrive by seaplane or take the domestic flight and speedboat combo, paradise is waiting… and it’s wearing sunglasses.

Cora Cora Maldives boasts 100 stylish and supremely comfortable villas across nine categories, including five spacious 2-Bedroom Family Beach Villas — some with private pools, some without (you know, for those who prefer their dips strictly ocean-based). But the real showstopper? The one-of-a-kind 2-Bedroom Lagoon Pool Villa… with a slide. Yes, an actual slide from your deck straight into the shimmering turquoise sea. It’s like your childhood pool dreams met luxury travel and decided to raise the stakes — needless to say, you’ll want to book that one early before it’s gone.

Of course, the magic begins before you even arrive. The seaplane transfer is half the fun and fully the moment you realise you’ve officially left reality behind. Impeccably uniformed pilots (barefoot, naturally — this is the Maldives) fly you low over a patchwork of lagoons and reefs until your private island paradise appears below like a mirage.

My Beach Villa at Cora Cora Maldives

I stayed in Beach Villa 110, just a coconut’s throw from reception and conveniently opposite the island’s museum — ideal for those of us who like a little culture with our cocktails. The walk to the villa is pure tropical theatre: a sandy path winding through swaying palms, the soft flutter of fruit bats overhead, and the soothing soundtrack of waves politely lapping the shore.

The villa itself sits right on the beach, with a four-poster bed facing the sea like something out of a romance novel (minus the poorly imitated Jilly Cooper sex scenes). Step outside and you’re greeted by an enormous open-air bathroom, complete with a luxurious soaking tub, a supersized power shower, and a positively operatic waterfall shower — all shaded by rustling palms that make you feel like a shampoo advert come to life. There are twin sinks inside too, elegantly dressed in marble and mirrors, ideal for my rigorous evening beauty regime.

Inside, an immaculate welcome of petal art, a bottle of bubbly, and a triple-tiered box of chocolates and fruit treats awaited. Through the leafy frame of palms and bushes, I kept catching glimpses of the sea – that impossibly clear, impossibly turquoise Laccadive lagoon, just five metres away. I didn’t even unpack. I charged straight in, letting the warm, 30-degree water dissolve my stress like a forgotten spa voucher. The beach stretches in both directions, empty and pristine. Were it not for the seaplane pier in the distance, I could easily believe I’d been marooned — albeit with better snacks.

Speaking of which, the minibar is entirely complimentary and perilously well-stocked. From premium spirits and chilled wines to local treats and rather addictive chocolate-chilli coffee (practically medicinal after a night at the bar), it’s enough to keep you happily villa-bound. There’s even Haribo, ensuring that any children present remain just as blissfully quiet as the scenery.

Cora Cora Maldives: Restaurants and Bars

Here’s a decadent deep dive into the island’s most delectable dining spots. The only real disappointment? The overwhelming abundance of culinary temptation. You may find yourself departing with a touch of gastronomic regret — not from a lack of options, but from the sheer impossibility of sampling every last bite without acquiring a second stomach or extending your stay indefinitely

Aquapazza: Your Italian Culinary Escape

Aquapazza, situated beside a sparkling pool and a second majestic water fountain–turned–infinity pool, with a charming wooden bridge gracefully connecting the two, offers an unparalleled dining experience overlooking the pristine beach. Whether you choose a table indoors or prefer the sand between your toes, the ambience is set for memorable meals. Many an evening was happily spent at the bar, where the fantastic barman, Sam, crafted an endless array of new and delicious cocktails — his mastery transforming each sip into a delightful adventure.
 

Prepare your palate for an Italian feast where fresh, seasonal ingredients are the true stars. Dive into a sensational Tuna Tartare, brightened with crisp Granny Smith apple and zesty pesto, or savour the succulent Angus Beef Carpaccio, a thinly sliced marvel with crunchy greens and a hint of pink peppercorn. Seafood lovers will rejoice in the aromatic Acquapazza saffron seafood soup, while pasta aficionados can twirl their forks into delectable Tagliatelle with tiger prawns and zucchini. For the main event, surrender to the perfectly grilled beef striploin or the flaky, fresh grilled reef fish. And for those who can't decide, the bountiful grilled seafood platter promises a scrumptious medley of prawns, calamari, and reef fish – a true underwater symphony! And, of course, to keep even the pickiest little eaters (and perhaps some grown-ups!) grinning, there's every imaginable, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pizza you could ever dream of.

They place great importance on your freedom to choose, pick what you like, and the chef will arrange it. And of course finish with the dessert of your choice, but I always went for the incredible homemade ice cream, particularly the stracciatella, which was as delicious as it was hard to pronounce. And it is amazing, take my word for it, I am an ice cream expert.

Ginger Moon: Asian Restaurant

Ginger Moon offers a delightful array of authentic Asian dishes, primarily showcasing the vibrant and aromatic flavours of Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cooking, with tasteful sprinklings of Korean and Filipino influences. Guests can indulge in tantalising appetisers like crispy Pung Goong prawn toast, golden Lumpia spring rolls, and savoury chicken or beef Satay skewers served with rich peanut sauce. Refreshing salads include the fiery Labb Tuna, a Thai-style spicy raw tuna with mint and shallot, and the zesty Som Tam, a classic green papaya salad with chillies, dried shrimps, peanuts, tomatoes, and long beans in a sharp lime dressing.

Soups are equally tempting, with the famous Tom Yum Goong and fragrant Bakso Indonesian meatball soup offering warming comfort. Mains feature rich coconut-based curries such as Kari Ayam, tender grilled seafood like Ikan Bakar, and standouts like Kupang Masak Lemak, green-lipped mussels simmered in coconut milk with kaffir lime leaves. Noodle and rice lovers will rejoice in classics like Pad Thai, Pineapple Fried Rice, and spicy Mee Goreng.

For a sweet ending, there are delectable desserts such as Mango Sticky Rice, Sago Gula Melaka, and a rotating selection of homemade dairy-free tropical sorbets—perfectly light yet indulgent.

A Culinary Journey Through Time at Tazäa

This blissful island once moonlighted as a medieval pit stop for spice traders—and Tazäa pays delicious homage to that exotic heritage with a vibrant fusion of East-meets-West. You can tuck into historically-inspired mezze and richly spiced curries that feel like a love letter to the ancient Spice Route. Think Sri Lankan Fish Curry—today’s catch simmered in coconut milk and drumstick leaf—or the indulgent Butter Chicken, all creamy tomato, cashew and warming spices.

For those with more modern cravings, there’s a glorious Steak Sandwich, stacked high with grilled beef fillet, caramelised onion, tomato relish, cheese and BBQ mayo on toasted ciabatta, or the succulent Shish Taouk, a perfectly spiced chicken breast served with grilled tomato, garlic mayo and a fresh mixed green salad. And yes, should the mood strike, you can still opt for that thoroughly modern classic—the burger—because nothing says ancient trade routes like a juicy patty with fries on the side.

Then, just when you think you’ve had enough history, the sun melts into the horizon, the island music starts up, and you’re left sipping a cocktail under the stars, feeling rather smug about how cultured and well-fed you’ve become.

My Favourite Island Eatery: A Culinary Choose-Your-Own-Adventure at Teien

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for good sushi—and let me tell you, Teien is an absolute standout.

Feeling adventurous? Pull up a seat at the raw bar, where the fish is so fresh it practically swims onto your plate. The reef fish used for sushi and sashimi comes directly from Dhuvaafaru Island fishermen in the south of Raa Atoll—so when they say “local catch,” they really mean it. Choose from an array of gleaming slices: Maguro (Tuna), Sake (Salmon), Tai (Snapper), Tako (Octopus), Kuruma Ebi (Tiger Prawn), Shiira (Mahi Mahi), Hamachi (Yellow-tail Tuna), Unagi (Smoked Eel), and even Tamago (sweet omelette) for a perfectly balanced bite.

Prefer your fish with a bit more fire? Settle in at a table and enjoy a parade of expertly grilled skewers—meat, seafood, and veggies—each cooked to tender perfection. Or, for the ultimate dinner and a show, grab a front-row seat at the teppanyaki table, where the chefs dazzle with high-flying spatulas, flaming onions, and enough culinary acrobatics to earn a standing ovation. You’ll be entertained, slightly singed, and very well-fed.

Teien is a fantastic spot that consistently delivers, which is why it’s firmly my favourite on the island. Come for the sushi, stay for the tiger prawn, and leave with the smug glow of someone who knows they’ve chosen wisely.

An Extremely Luxurious Drinks List All Included

The included international wine list is superb, offering a diverse selection of sparkling, white, and red wines, catering to various preferences and regions, from classic French Champagnes to New World Chardonnays and robust Malbecs. Beyond the extensive wine offerings, the list also highlights an intriguing range of Asian spirits like sake and shōchū, alongside a broad collection of whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, the USA, and Japan. Though apart from the odd foray into the sake, I stuck mostly to the French wines, Tattinger champagne, with possibly the odd whisky.

Ice Cream Lounge Heaven: MYCOFFEE

Having said that about Teien, MYCOFFEE was the place I visited the most—pigging out there four or five times a day in between various extremely strenuous water sports activities that gave me ample excuse to eat ice cream and cake as part of my five a day. I make no apologies. I neither lost nor gained weight, which, considering how delicious the food was and that I ate constantly, is surely a tribute to the healthiness of the offerings. Except the ice cream, of course—though they refrained from using refined sugar in any of the dishes on the island. You’d never know from the taste of the ice cream.

This open-air lounge probably best represents the island’s ethos. You sit in convivial surroundings, just a few metres from the beach, admiring the sand, sea, bobbing boats, and the occasional seaplane taking off—all from barstools or deep cane armchairs. I know what you’re thinking now: yes, there is no better place on earth.

The Art of Takumi Relaxation

One sun-soaked afternoon, the Japanese barista at MYCOFFEE gave us a little masterclass — roasting beans, sharing coffee’s global tale, and diagnosing our caffeine personalities. This was no ordinary barista; this was Takumi, a true craftsman of his art. And that word — Takumi — runs through the island like a golden thread. The investors hail from Japan, the Netherlands, and Mauritius, and that mix explains everything: elegant precision, relaxed cool, and warm-hearted hospitality. They aim for perfection, not to impress you, but so you don’t have to think about a thing. It’s luxury at its most effortless — and that, perhaps, is the true magic of Cora Cora Maldives.

My Water Sports Adventures at Cora Cora Maldives with the Best PADI Dive Centre – TGI Maldives

See here for my full TGI Diving at Cora Cora Maldives review with all the gritty details of my water sports exploits, but suffice to say that on my very first morning—bleary-eyed and jet-lagged—I was up at 7 am for a Nitrox dive at 8.30. That’s commitment, or possibly madness. My dive buddy, Pius, was excellent company, and we set off on the boat to explore two spectacular reefs. At Magic Reef, I had the rare joy of spotting not one, but two majestic manta rays, a pair of sharks, and an assortment of moray eels doing their best impression of sinister sock puppets. At Nadi Reef, we were treated to sightings of eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, and the ever-suave trumpetfish. Our dive captain, Modu, led our fearless aquatic crew like the seasoned adventurer he clearly is.

The sports centre is, in a word, superb. Muaz had me up on a mono ski within minutes, despite the long-haul flight and my general air of mild exhaustion. Waterskiing, as any enthusiast will tell you, is all about the boat driver. They hold your success or failure quite literally in their throttle hand—and Muaz was, without question, the best I’ve had. This is my personal litmus test for water sports centres: if they can nail the ski launch without dragging me face-first through the lagoon like a soggy mop, they know what they’re doing. Full marks to Cora Cora’s dive team.

Naturally, I leapt onto a Yamaha VXC for a high-speed safari tour around the island with one of the guides. Having just reviewed the latest 2025 Yamaha models in Portimão, I was feeling especially qualified to behave like a complete maniac. TGI Dive Centre offers jet ski tours of up to three hours, zipping out to neighbouring reefs for dolphin-spotting and snorkelling with manta rays and turtles. They know all the best secret spots—just follow their lead and try not to get too distracted by the flying fish or the scenery.

Picture this: cruising across aquamarine waves on your jet ski, a postcard-perfect island to your left, endless open sea to your right, and a seaplane majestically taking off above your head. Paradise? No—better.

Old-school windsurfing is still one of my greatest joys. Even with a gentle breeze, I managed a graceful (read: occasionally wobbly) glide across the bay, all the while watching seaplanes take off and land like giant mechanical seabirds. Then there’s the flyboarding. It looks fiendishly difficult but is surprisingly achievable—within a few minutes you’ll be rising out of the water like Iron Man’s aquatic cousin. Tricks like diving in and out of the sea like a dolphin take a bit longer (and a bruised ego or two), but they’re well within reach.

Snorkelling on the Live House Reef at Cora Cora Maldives

The house reef at Cora Cora is truly exceptional—and the best part is how ridiculously easy it is to access. Just wade out and start exploring. While I adore scuba diving, the reef here is so good, I often opted to simply don my snorkel and fins and float straight out from the beach. The drop-off point is where all the action is: schools of fish of every imaginable shape and shade swirling in the current, larger fish loitering like bouncers near a coral nightclub, and the occasional passing shark (grey or white-tipped, both elegant and just the right amount of thrilling).

This drop zone is also prime real estate for spotting manta rays, stingrays, and, if you’re very lucky, the loveliest locals of all—Maldivian sea turtles, gliding past with a serenity I aspire to and will never achieve. Keep your eyes peeled for the Green and hawksbill varieties that are common to the area.

Top tip: Do remember to apply sunscreen to your ankles. Nothing ruins your graceful underwater ballet quite like the sensation of your legs being lightly flambéed while you snorkel.

Health and Wellness: Tibetan Singing Bowls Out to Sea

In addition to the usual Asian-inspired massages, beauty treatments, yoga, meditation, fitness centres and breathwork, Cora Cora offers something delightfully unexpected: sound healing. This involves the strenuous task of lying motionless on a platform that juts out over the cerulean sea, while the waves gently lap at the wooden posts below and a deserted beach shimmers nearby.

Enter: a lovely, serene guru with a collection of Tibetan singing bowls and an uncanny ability to harmonise your chakras without so much as a downward dog. It’s both mesmerising and absurdly relaxing. You drift into a dreamlike state—neither awake nor asleep—floating somewhere just above your own body, suspended over the ocean, as if your soul decided to take a quick holiday of its own.

Every natural sound—wave, breeze, birdcall—slips between the deep resonant bongs of the bowls and somehow becomes part of the experience. It’s all weirdly musical, strangely profound, and deeply calming, in a way you can’t quite explain but are absolutely on board with.

It takes a few minutes to sink into, and considerably longer to come back from. You emerge blinking into the sunlight, unsure what just happened but feeling slightly taller, more aligned and unreasonably pleased with life. Enlightenment may be a stretch, but mild transcendence? Entirely possible.

Giulia Morello: The Penelope Cruz of Marine Biology & Coral Restoration

At Cora Cora Maldives, the real stars aren’t just on the beach loungers — they’re under the sea, welded to metal frames and growing coral at a heroic pace. Leading this underwater renaissance is Giulia Morello, the island’s resident marine biologist and proud “Coral Mama.” Trained in Malaysia as a certified Ocean Quest Global Field Instructor and MARRS Field Trainer (basically coral’s answer to David Attenborough with scuba gear), Giulia has turned science into spectacle.

The Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS), developed by Mars Global, uses specially designed hexagonal steel frames — charmingly called Reef Stars — to encourage coral fragments to grow into thriving mini-reefs. With 2,940 coral fragments already planted and hundreds of Reef Stars deployed across multiple restoration sites, Giulia and her team are aiming to hit 1,000 frames by the end of 2025. It’s one of the largest reef restoration efforts in the region — and it’s happening right off the shores of a luxury resort.

Giulia gave us a fabulous talk and tour of the project, sharing how even a 1–2°C rise in ocean temperatures can bleach coral and leave it vulnerable. But this isn’t just about saving the reef — it’s about reimagining what conservation can look like. “Marine science doesn’t belong only in labs — it can thrive at the heart of a resort,” she says. “We can dream big, act fast, and create real, lasting change.” And with Reef Stars twinkling on the seabed, it looks like she’s doing just that.

Cora Cora Cultural Museum & Heritage Site – Featuring a 15th-Century Illuminated Koran

When this was first explained to me, I was a little “meh”. I mean, I don’t exactly come to the Maldives for the museums. But—surprise twist—it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.

The resort is home to the Dutch Onion Museum (I know, the name alone deserves a moment), which houses over 400 fascinating relics. These include a beautifully preserved 15th-century illuminated Koran, 17th-century Chinese porcelain from the Qing dynasty, a Byzantine oil lamp estimated to be around 1,500 years old, and an impressive collection of cowrie shells that once passed as currency back in the 17th century. Makes contactless payment feel a bit soulless, doesn’t it?

But it was the heritage site that truly captured my imagination. Situated in the heart of the island and originally built as a trading post along the ancient Spice Route, it invites you to explore an open-air slice of history. Meander through the outdoor site and you’ll come across ancient memorials dating back 500 years, as well as what might just be the island’s most extraordinary discovery—two temple tanks believed to be around 900 years old. These shallow wells, used for ceremonial bathing, are astonishingly well preserved, giving a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the spiritual past of the island.

And then there’s the traditional Maldivian house—120 years old and still standing strong. Inside, you’ll find displays of island life as it was in the early 1900s. It’s quite moving, really. The whole experience gives you a rare sense of unfiltered authenticity. No crowds. No ticket booths. Just history, preserved in situ, untouched by mass tourism.

My Eureka Moment at Cora Cora Maldives

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve taken a steaming hot bubble bath in an open-air bathroom during a tropical downpour—while being observed, with intense curiosity, by a bat dangling upside down from a palm tree overhead.

I peered over my Bill Bryson book as he (the bat, not Bill) scratched himself with great enthusiasm and shuffled vampirically to a new position, clearly angling for a better view. Fifteen minutes of this curious standoff ensued, with me soaking in bliss, admiring the view: giant palm leaves swaying gently in the breeze, framed by a moody, rain-streaked azure sky. It was oddly profound. And unforgettable.

For those who enjoy a bit of theatrical flair with their luxury, Cora Cora also offers some glorious extras: a Floating Breakfast in your private pool (because nothing says “holiday” like lobster thermidor bobbing gently beside you), a Lagoon Lunch with your table actually in the water, and a Picnic on the Beach—perfect for romantic gestures, anniversaries, or simply impressing your mates when you return home with tales of barefoot decadence.

Star Gazing Tower: 360 Dîner à Deux Amongst the Stars… and the Bats

A unique and rather enchanting feature of the island is the bamboo Star Gazing Tower, which offers a 360-degree dining experience like no other. Here, you can dine à deux above the palm trees, gazing out over the entire island like a benevolent monarch surveying your tropical kingdom.

As you sip something chilled and delicious, the sea shimmers on all sides and the lush green canopy stretches out beneath you, with the island beyond melting into an endless horizon. It’s quite the scene—romantic, cinematic, and mildly thrilling when the occasional bat swoops past, clearly unimpressed by your wine pairing.

Why I Loved Cora Cora Maldives That Much: It’s Takumi

Cora Cora Maldives gets absolutely everything right. It’s the dream desert island, effortlessly blending barefoot luxury with just the right amount of indulgence—without a single gimmicky ice rink or artificial attraction in sight.

What they do have is a perfect balance: top-tier restaurants covering everything from sushi (my personal kryptonite) to Italian, Turkish, French, American—you name it, they’ve nailed it. Just glorious, fresh, exquisitely prepared food, whenever you want it. And you get the beaches all to yourself, so your selfies are perfect.

There’s also a handy app, meaning you can book yoga, dinner, or even your next massage while reclining on a lounger and pretending to read something intellectual. And then there’s the MYCOFFEE lounge—a haven of homemade ice cream and barista-crafted coffee brewed by an actual Japanese coffee master. I nearly moved in.

And here’s the kicker—it’s genuinely all-inclusive. You won’t be stung with surprise bills for mineral water or forced to remortgage your house for a glass of bubbles. You can sip Taittinger champagne until it’s coming out of your snorkel, and somehow balance it all with the sublimely healthy food and a quick paddleboard session. Even the non-motorised water sports are included, which means you can paddle, sail, windsurf and float your way to wellness without once touching your wallet.

Wellness isn’t an afterthought here—it’s woven into the fabric of the island. From the sound healing sessions to the fresh, nutritious meals, and the sheer natural beauty that resets your nervous system the minute you step barefoot onto the sand. After a few days, I felt clearer, lighter, and mildly convinced I could live on coconut water and joy forever.

It’s the best Maldivian island I’ve visited—and I’ve stayed on ones costing four times as much. Enough said.

https://www.coracoraresorts.com/