COMO Hotels and Resorts is to open a secluded island retreat - Maalifushi by COMO - in the Maldives next October.

The resort will be located on a 20-acre private island in south Thaa Atoll and will be the company's second resort in the Maldives.

Designed by Japanese architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, the 66-room property will be the first luxury resort on the unspoilt Thaa Atoll and will offer a range of underwater experiences.

The resort will offer a range of overwater suites and villas that are built off wooden walkways that stand above the shallow lagoon including 17 suites with private pools, 13 villas with private pools and three two bedroom villas.

On land there will also be 33 suites and villas on offer.

COMO Shambhala Retreat spa will house eight overwater double treatment rooms.

The spa is positioned overwater so guests can be cooled by the ocean breeze. Holisitic treatments will be on offer including a range of signature facials, massages and body treatments.

An open-air yoga pavilion offering daily classes, a large pool, relaxation area and spa shop selling COMO Shambhala's bodycare products and Active Living Collection. Other features include steam facilities, a 44m swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Dining options will include Madi' restaurant featuring all-day international, and Maldivian cuisine, while an overwater 'Tai' restaurant will serve Japanese-inspired cuisine incorporating fresh, locally-sourced fish and seafood.

There is also another island belonging to the resort that can be booked for picnics and private dining.

Maalifushi by COMO's sister property, Cocoa Island by COMO, located further north in the South Malé atoll, opened in 2002.