From mangrove kayaking in Turks and Caicos to surf-guided atolls in the Maldives, this restored COMO travel note captures a 2016 snapshot of active luxury. We have preserved every substantive destination story while separating the archive material from current planning information.
Archive note
Originally distributed as COMO Travel Notes in May 2016
This article was later published by The Spa Traveller in 2022. Expired package prices, email-tracking links and broken newsletter artwork have been removed. Current links and facilities were checked in August 2026.
The great outdoors, COMO style
The original newsletter ranged across COMO hotels in London, Bangkok, Miami Beach, Perth, Bhutan, Bali, Phuket, the Maldives and Turks and Caicos. Its central idea still feels relevant: combine considered hospitality with time outside, whether that means kayaking through wetlands, surfing quiet reef breaks, walking a Western Australian coastline or moving through the mountains of Bhutan.
“A memorable wellness journey need not cocoon you from a destination; the landscape can be part of the restoration.”
Paddle the wetlands: COMO Parrot Cay
The 2016 note introduced the Bonny Creek kayaking waterway at COMO Parrot Cay, following a route through the private island’s wetlands. The creek was linked in the story to Anne Bonny, the eighteenth-century pirate, while the wildlife included turtles, fish, nurse sharks and brown pelicans.
Mangrove kayaking remains a current guided experience. COMO now describes a two-hour, moderate-level journey through the island’s back waterways, with kayaks and a guide included and a minimum age of 12. Conditions and water levels affect availability, so it should be reserved directly before travel.
Check the current COMO Parrot Cay mangrove experience.
Tasting Thailand: Point Yamu and Bangkok
The archive suggested pairing diving and kayaking at COMO Point Yamu in Phuket with a Bangkok stop and dinner at nahm, then led by chef David Thompson. Its quoted two-person price and 2016 ranking are historical and are not presented as a current offer.
Point Yamu remains positioned on Phuket’s quieter east coast overlooking Phang Nga Bay. Its current COMO Shambhala facilities include eight treatment rooms, four massage alcoves, a gym, yoga studio, sauna, steam rooms and an infinity pool. Treatment menus and wellness programmes change, so check the official schedule rather than relying on the archive promotion.
Explore current wellness at COMO Point Yamu.
Editor’s planning notes
- Treat all 2016 prices and restaurant rankings as archive context.
- Reserve specialist activities and treatments directly before arrival.
- Check seasonal closures, weather and minimum-age rules.
- Compare booking and cancellation terms independently.
Ride the wave: COMO Maalifushi
COMO Maalifushi was described as “deliciously remote” in the southern Maldives, with a full-time Tropicsurf guide during the main April-to-October surf season. The newsletter highlighted access to more than a dozen breaks and one-to-one tuition for beginners and families.
That partnership remains current. COMO continues to list guided surf adventures and coaching for beginner through advanced surfers, with its resident Tropicsurf guide operating from April to October. Conditions vary substantially by month: lighter winds can suit less experienced surfers, while peak-season swells demand stronger ability.
View current surfing at COMO Maalifushi.
A treasury of surf and sand: Western Australia
The original notes used COMO The Treasury in Perth as a base for exploring Western Australia, from Cottesloe Beach close to the city to the celebrated surf coastline around Margaret River. It recommended swimming, snorkelling, watching the Indian Ocean sunset and walking the coast towards views of Rottnest Island.
For a recovery day, COMO Shambhala at The Treasury currently offers four treatment rooms, a 20-metre heated indoor pool and rooftop fitness facilities within Perth’s restored State Buildings. External guests can book treatments, subject to current access terms.
See current COMO Shambhala facilities in Perth.
The pleasure of eating well
The newsletter closed with The Pleasures of Eating Well: Nourishing Favourites from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen, a collection of 147 recipes adapted for home cooks. It ranged from juices and raw salads to dinner-party dishes. The publication reference is retained for completeness, but availability and edition details should be checked with the publisher or a bookseller before ordering.
Our conclusion
Read today, these notes are most useful as a route map: choose the landscape first, then add the spa. Parrot Cay suits quiet nature and paddling; Point Yamu combines bay views with a substantial wellness centre; Maalifushi is the clearest fit for surf-led travel; and The Treasury provides an urban base for Western Australian coast and recovery.
Continue planning
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Frequently asked questions
Are the offers in the original COMO newsletter still available?
No current availability should be inferred. The article preserves a May 2016 newsletter, and its quoted packages and prices have expired. Use the official property links for current information.
Can guests still kayak at COMO Parrot Cay?
Yes. COMO currently lists a guided two-hour mangrove kayaking experience, subject to conditions, water levels and a minimum age of 12.
Does COMO Maalifushi still work with Tropicsurf?
Yes. COMO currently lists Tropicsurf guidance and coaching for different ability levels, with a resident guide during the April-to-October surf season.
Which destination is best for a spa-focused city stay?
COMO The Treasury is the strongest urban option in this group, with treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool and fitness facilities in central Perth.
Wellbeing note: Treatments, heat experiences and wellness programmes are not medical care. Check suitability with the provider and seek individual clinical advice where health conditions, pregnancy or medication may affect participation.