© Coco Collection
The Maldives, unchanged. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu pairs the charm of pristine nature with modern comfort — and is home to the country’s first sea turtle rescue center.
By Catherina Marie Lugmayr
Discover unfiltered luxury in the Maldives at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, which recently marked its 25th anniversary. Ringed by white sand beaches and turquoise water, this sustainable eco-resort and its exclusive villas sit in quiet harmony with the landscape around them. Here, paradise and exclusivity meet — a place where luxury and untouched nature coexist.
A Jewel in the Indian Ocean
The Coco Collection opened its doors in 1998 as one of the first luxury resorts in the Maldives. The resort sits on an island in the southern waters of Baa Atoll, reachable by seaplane — and the flight itself offers a first glimpse of the island’s beauty from above, setting the tone for just how secluded this place really is.
Part of the renowned Coco Collection, which also includes Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It shelters a remarkable range of marine life and plant species, and the resort has built its identity around capturing the authentic character of the Maldives. Its style pairs rustic charm with understated luxury, giving guests the chance to reconnect fully with nature — a concept the resort aptly calls barefoot luxury, one it has leaned into further to mark its 25th year.
A Singular Way to Stay
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The resort offers a range of accommodations that blend seamlessly into the untouched landscape while reflecting local culture. Its 98 villas are built in classic Maldivian style, with pointed thatched roofs and minimalist design. Six villa types cater to every kind of stay, whether on land or over water. Each villa spans 87 square meters and comes with its own sun terrace. A particular highlight are the lagoon villas, suspended above turquoise water and reached via wooden walkways. Every villa carries the authentic character of the Maldives, fusing luxury with traditional Maldivian culture.
Sustainable Luxury in Paradise
Sustainability sits at the heart of this resort. An on-site garden reduces the need for imports, while biodegradable cleaning products and natural materials are used throughout. An active tree-planting program further underscores the resort’s commitment to protecting the surrounding environment. Through its “Coco Dreams Green” initiative, the resort has taken a firm stand against single-use plastic, aiming to eliminate it entirely — including its own facility for producing and bottling drinking water in glass. Paper straws and wooden toothbrushes round out the effort to cut down on plastic waste throughout the property.
The resort also invests in local talent and community, prioritizing jobs and internships for local residents and sourcing fresh, local produce. Skilled local artisans are regularly invited to showcase their craft. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive sustainability commitment built around protecting both nature and community.
The Maldives’ First Sea Turtle Rescue Center
Many new jobs have been created at the resort’s sea turtle rescue center, which plays a key role in protecting and rehabilitating marine wildlife. Since 2013, the resort has partnered with the Olive Ridley Project, an organization dedicated to turtle conservation and the fight against ghost nets. In February 2017, the Maldives’ first sea turtle rescue center opened at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, where injured turtles are cared for in dedicated pools and undergo surgery when needed.
To involve the local community and raise awareness around marine conservation, the resort regularly hosts school visits from neighboring islands, and the Coco Collection works closely with several marine protection programs.
At Coco Palm, both locals and guests take an active role in conservation. Turtle nests on the island are monitored, for instance, to help hatchlings make their way safely to the sea. These efforts have already earned Coco Palm several accolades, including the Matato Maldives Travel Award for Best Eco Resort in the Maldives.
Activities and Relaxation at the Resort
The resort offers guests a wide range of activities and excursions. Water sports enthusiasts can try sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing, while tennis and yoga round out the offering on land. Exclusive “Uniquely Coco Experiences” — champagne breakfasts on the beach, snorkeling alongside dolphins, manta rays, and turtles, and open-air movie nights under the stars — create moments guests won’t forget. On the untouched island of Embudhoo, the “Robinson Crusoe Experience” offers an authentic barefoot getaway, with romantic overnight stays or picnics in an idyllic setting. Divers, meanwhile, can explore spectacular underwater worlds with experienced guides suited to every skill level, including the coral paradise of Maavaru Kandu in Baa Atoll.
At Coco Spa, a haven of calm and wellbeing, guests can indulge in bespoke treatments inspired by traditional Indonesian, Thai, and Indian Ayurvedic techniques. A fully equipped fitness studio and yoga pavilion round out the offering — a resort built to appeal equally to adventurers and those simply seeking rest.
A Culinary Journey
The resort also draws guests in with an outstanding range of local cuisine. Two restaurants and bars invite you to linger, serving up a variety of international, Thai, Indian, and Maldivian dishes alongside refreshing drinks and delicious snacks — each with its own unforgettable atmosphere. Paired with its many activities and luxurious setting, the resort delivers a truly singular experience in the Maldives.
For more on the eco-barefoot resort Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, visit: https://www.cococollection.com/
