The Cocoon Collection appoints new UK partners

Sussex based representation company Travel Promoters has been appointed as the UK Sales & Marketing representative for The Cocoon Collection, effective immediately, expanding its portfolio into the Indian Ocean Islands including the magnificent Maldives archipelago and the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar, just off the coast of Tanzania. Umlingo Travel PR will also work in close collaboration with Ailsa Tavares and her team, supporting their efforts with both consumer and trade PR to further elevate the brand.

“We look forward to working with Ailsa and her Travel Promoters team as well as Claire Roadley from Umlingo Travel PR to showcase our collection to a broader audience in the UK and beyond. Their expertise and reputation within the travel industry, together with our shared commitment to sustainable tourism, makes for a perfect partnership. We look forward to building new and nurturing our current relationships with the trade,” said Attilio Azzola, Founder and Corporate Sales Director for the Cocoon Collection.

The Cocoon Collection boasts six stunning resorts, each offering unique experiences that blend contemporary design and warm hospitality with local culture and natural beauty.

• Cocoon Maldives: The first design hotel in the Maldives. The resort offers 60 Overwater Villas & Suites, 90 Beach Villas, three restaurants and two bars, with décor by LAGO, an award-winning Italian designer.
• You & Me Maldives: A private, naturally chic Adults Only destination, perfect for couples seeking a secluded and romantic island getaway. The resort offers 99 Overwater Villas and 10 Beach Suites with a choice of 5 restaurants including the renowned H2O Underwater Michelin Star Chef branded Restaurant.
• Joy Island: A fitting name for this fun-focussed island, particularly popular with young couples and families looking for a wide range of activities and entertainment. Featuring 91 rooms on the beach and a further 60 rooms Overwater in the lagoon, just 40 minutes by speedboat from Velana Airport. A fully supervised kids club ensures parents can enjoy some down time, as well as enjoy a bit of diving, padel tennis or pampering in the Oasis spa!
• Pongwe Island is an Adult Only private island off the coast of Zanzibar with just five villas (including the Luxury Sultan Villa) and a gourmet restaurant. It has a strong eco-focus and is fabulous for a detox escape.
• Gold Zanzibar: Located in the north-west side of Zanzibar, fringing the fine white sandy beach of Kendwa, this 5-star resort offers 64 rooms and suites, with 8 villas with private plunge pools and butler service. Kendwa beach is not affected by the tides and seaweed, allowing Gold guests to swim and enjoy nearby water sports all day. Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in East Africa, with sublime sunsets! Guests can enjoy a choice of two restaurants, two bars as well as a spa and gym.
• Bawe Island: Launched in July 2024, Bawe is the first “one island, one resort” in Zanzibar with four à la carte restaurants, with “dine around” concept. It has real “wow” factor, spanning over 30 hectares with 70 exclusive villas, each featuring a private pool and butler service, just 15 minutes by speed boat from ancient and fascinating Stone Town.

“Across our portfolio luxury is always a given! But what sets out partner properties apart is how they raise the bar when it comes to personalised service, authenticity, personality and a general ethos for sustainable tourism that supports both conservation and communities. Most of our properties are independent and family-owned, which is why The Cocoon Collection is such a seamless fit, with one of its key drawcards being the forty plus years of history and passion invested by the Azzola family,” said Ailsa Tavares.

The Azzola family is committed to giving back where its properties operate. The Sofia Luna Azzola Foundation was founded in Zanzibar in 2016 and works alongside other NGOs to support local schools and orphanages. Since 2019, the foundation, in collaboration with generous guests, supporters and volunteers, is proud to have built a new kindergarten, a primary school and a sporting centre in Kendwa village. In the Maldives, The Cocoon Foundation was also set up in 2022 to support neighbouring communities of the Lhaviyani and Raa atolls.