An Essex Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 88)

kite-surfing event. One evening, we take a 15-minute speedboat ride across to Embudhoo. A private deserted island owned by the Coco Collection, newlyweds can channel their inner Robinson Crusoe and spend a secluded night here in a traditional hut. Chefs will come to the island to prepare your meals, but they leave you to spend the night with just each other for company. It sounds like honeymoon perfection, and how many couples can say they’ve spent the night alone on a tropical island? Not quite brave enough to stay entirely on my own, I linger for an hour or so and enjoy cocktails (try the Beach Bubbles concoction – divine!) while spotting baby sharks in the shallows. Delighted by yet another animal to tick off my must-see list, back at the resort, I spot these little sharks’ big brother. It was an altogether more eerie encounter but an incredible moment that’ll stay with me. After spending a morning lazing on the beach, sipping fresh juice straight from the coconut, I thought I might as well get even further into relaxation mode with a trip to the spa. The Balinese massage was performed in an open-sided treatment room, and I slipped into a meditative state to the sounds of the island’s feathered residents chirping in the background. EAT The main restaurant, Cowrie, offers live cooking stations and a mouth-watering choice of dishes, including some Maldivian favourites. The staff can’t do enough for you; after finding out I’m a vegetarian, the head chef would bring me a delicious vegetable curry for each meal – even though I could’ve easily gorged myself on the buffet offering. À la carte-wise, Cornus brings some Asian-style spice to the island. Sitting toes-in-sand while feasting on an incredible Thai curry was too good to only have once, so I enjoyed my last meal here too. You can also chill out at the Beach Bar or Conch Bar as the sun sets to soak in the atmosphere and take a moment to pinch yourself that you’re really there. For me, the ultimate dining option was the beach barbecue. Held once a week, it’s an absolute must for honeymooners, and I’m struggling to picture a more romantic scene. Festoon lights hang across the beach, illuminating a string of intimate tables for two, which are curved across the sand. A chef prepares the most incredible delicacies and the freshest seafood in front of your eyes. Pure magic. LOVE After a week of absorbing everything this incredible place has to offer, I can’t help but think this is the honeymoon to end all honeymoons. Time spent here will provide you with endless memories beyond your wildest dreams. What more could you want than cherished shared experiences you can draw upon for the rest of your lives? For more information, and to book your stay, visit cococollection.com or email reservations@cococollection.com HONEYMOON 123